Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC)

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  • 107th Anniversary of the March 1st Korean Independence Movement — Invitation Letter

    107th Anniversary of the March 1st Korean Independence Movement — Invitation Letter

    Dear Pioneers, Descendants, and Friends,

    The Korean American Pioneer Council respectfully invites you to attend the 107th Anniversary of the Korean Declaration of Independence and the March 1st Independence Movement (Samiljeol) Memorial Ceremony, held in partnership with the Friendship Bell Foundation at their kind invitation.

    This important memorial gathering honors the courage and sacrifices of the Korean patriots who stood against colonial rule and proclaimed Korea’s right to independence. Their bravery and enduring spirit continue to guide and inspire generations of Korean Americans.

    Event Information
    Samiljeol (March 1st Independence Movement) Memorial Ceremony
    Location: Korean Bell of Friendship
    Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
    Time: 10:30 AM

    We welcome pioneers, descendants, community leaders, elders, youth, and friends to join us in remembrance as we reflect on the historical significance of Samiljeol and reaffirm our shared responsibility to preserve and honor this legacy.

    Your presence would be deeply appreciated as we come together in unity, respect, and gratitude.

    Sincerely,
    Alex Chang
    President
    Korean American Pioneer Council

  • KAPC Press Release — Samiljeol Memorial Ceremony at the Korean Bell of Friendship

    KAPC Press Release — Samiljeol Memorial Ceremony at the Korean Bell of Friendship

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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Los Angeles, CA — January 31, 2026
    The Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC) was honored to participate,
    at the kind invitation of Ernest K. Lee, President of The Friendship Bell Foundation,
    in commemorating the 107th Anniversary of the Korean Declaration of Independence
    and the March 1st Independence Movement (Samiljeol) Memorial Ceremony.

    The Korean American Pioneer Council remains committed to preserving the legacy of the pioneers and honoring the historical significance of the March 1st Independence Movement for future generations.

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  • 107th Anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement (Samiljeol)

    107th Anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement (Samiljeol)

     

    The Korean American Pioneer Council is honored to participate,
    at the kind invitation of the
    Friendship Bell Foundation, in commemorating the 107th
    Anniversary of the Korean Declaration of Independence and the
    March 1st Independence Movement (Samiljeol).

    Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
    Time: 10:30 AM
    Location: Korean Bell of Friendship

    3601 S Gaffey Street

    San Pedro, CA 90731

    (Angels Gate Park)

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  • KAPC Reception – September 19, 2025 – Canceled

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    📬 2025 KAPC Community Announcement

    Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Korea’s Independence

    Greetings Friends, Families & Descendants of Korean American Pioneers,

    It is with great pride that we recognize the 80th Anniversary of Korea’s Independence — a moment to celebrate our shared heritage and honor the legacy of Korean American pioneers.

    While our originally planned in-person event at USC on September 19, 2025 has been canceled due to university-wide budget constraints, the Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC) is proud to carry forward the spirit of commemoration through the following community-driven projects:

    ⸻

    ✉️ 2025 Commemorative Newsletter – Coming August 2025

    This special edition will include:

    •Reflections from the Korean Consulate

    •Historical tributes from USC Korean Heritage Library leaders

    •Recognition of pioneer descendants and community supporters

    •Original artwork by Gary Green

    •A message of unity and remembrance from KAPC leadership

    ⸻

    👕 Limited-Edition Commemorative T-Shirts

    Featuring:

    •Colonel Young Oak Kim’s hand-drawn Koreatown map (pre-WWII)

    •80th Anniversary artwork created by Inglewood-based artist Gary Green

    Available for a $35  tax-deductible donation (plus postage).

    ⸻

    🌐 KAPC Website Refresh – Spring 2026

    Visit http://www.OfficialKAPC.org to:

    •View digital versions of the newsletter

    •Make donations

    •Learn more about our programs and legacy projects

    ⸻

    Although we are not gathering in person this year, we invite you to stay connected, share your stories, and celebrate with us through these collective efforts.

    For questions or to get involved:

    📧 info@OfficialKAPC.org

    📞 +1 323 515 2145

    With sincere appreciation,

    Alex S. Chang

    President & Chair

    Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC)

    🌐 http://www.OfficialKAPC.org

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  • Message from the President – July 2025

    🇰🇷 Message from the President

    An-yŏng-ha-se-yo,

    Hello and welcome to KAPC.

    In 2025, we commemorate a profound milestone: the 80th Anniversary of Korea’s Independence from colonial rule. This year is not only a time of remembrance and pride, but also a renewed call to preserve and share the stories of those who sacrificed for freedom and opportunity.

    At the Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC), our mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of the early Korean American pioneers—immigrants, independence fighters, and community builders—who worked from abroad to support Korea’s liberation and to establish new lives here in the United States.

    While our originally planned in-person celebration at USC will no longer take place due to university-wide constraints, our efforts to commemorate this historic anniversary remain strong:

    •Our 2025 Commemorative Newsletter, to be released in August, will share reflections, community tributes, and artwork honoring the lives and sacrifices of our pioneers.

    •We are also producing limited-edition T-shirts featuring powerful historical imagery and original artwork.

    •And through a refreshed KAPC website, we aim to expand digital access to our projects, stories, and educational resources.

    We are especially grateful to our partners at the USC Korean Heritage Library, whose dedication to preserving our history continues to inspire us.

    Whether you are a descendant of a pioneer, a family member, a friend, or someone newly exploring Korean American history—we’re honored to have you with us. Your support ensures that these stories live on and that the next generation grows up with pride in their heritage.

    Please explore our website, learn about our work, and consider supporting our mission. Together, we continue to honor the past, engage the present, and build a future rooted in remembrance and unity.

    With gratitude,

    Alex S. Chang

    President & Chair

    Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC)

    🌐 www.OfficialKAPC.org (http://www.officialkapc.org)

  • KAPC Press Release – July 12, 2025

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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Korean American Pioneer Council Honors 80th Anniversary of Korean Independence

    Commemorative Newsletter, Art, and Community Campaign Replace Canceled USC Event

    Los Angeles, CA – July 17, 2025 – The Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC) announces a meaningful alternative to its originally planned in-person program at USC, following notice from USC Libraries that event hosting has been suspended for the remainder of 2025 due to university-wide financial constraints.

    While the September 19, 2025 reception at Doheny Memorial Library will no longer take place, KAPC is proud to move forward with a series of impactful initiatives commemorating Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule and celebrating the legacy of Korean American pioneers and their descendants.

    ⸻

    📬 2025 COMMEMORATIVE PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

    •Printed Newsletter (Coming August 2025)

    A full-length commemorative issue featuring messages from Consul General Kim Youngwan, USC Korean Heritage Library contributors (Dr. Ken Klein, Joy Kim, Jungeun Hong), community tributes, and historical content.

    •Limited-Edition T-Shirts

    Two original designs available for a $35 donation (plus postage):

    • A pre-WWII Koreatown map hand-drawn by Colonel Young Oak Kim

    • Original 80th Anniversary artwork by Gary Green, an Inglewood-based Korean American artist

    The Gary Green piece will be offered on loan to the Korean Consulate General, with a later permanent home at the USC Korean Heritage Library.

    •Website Refresh

    Launching Spring 2026, the updated http://www.OfficialKAPC.org will feature digital access to the newsletter, donation options, and historical archives.

    ⸻

    “Although we’re unable to gather in person this year, our mission remains strong,” said Alex S. Chang, President of KAPC. “We’re proud to honor the sacrifices of Korean American pioneers and bring their stories to the public in meaningful, lasting ways.”

    ⸻

    📧 info@OfficialKAPC.org

    📞 +1 323 515 2145

    🌐 http://www.OfficialKAPC.org

    ⸻

    About the Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC):

    Founded in 1995, KAPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy and history of early Korean immigrants and independence activists. Through newsletters, oral history archives, public outreach, and educational programs, KAPC keeps the stories of the Korean American pioneer generation alive for future generations.

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  • Honoring Artist Gary Green of Inglewood, California

    Honoring Artist Gary Green of Inglewood, California

    [vc_row columns=”1″][vc_column][vc_column_text]🎨 Honoring Artist Gary Green of Inglewood, California

    Korean American Pioneer Council | 2025 Special Recognition

    The Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC) is honored to recognize and thank Gary Green, a talented and generous artist from Inglewood, California, whose original hand-drawn artwork now serves as the official visual centerpiece for our 80th Anniversary of Korean Independence commemoration.

    Gary’s drawing beautifully captures the core themes of our event—freedom, memory, identity, and heritage. His composition brings together powerful symbols: the Korean and American flags intertwined, portraits of independence heroes, and a gathering of proud Korean Americans holding historic placards. At the heart of the piece is a young Korean woman, symbolizing the enduring strength and future of our people.

    More than a creative contribution, this piece is a personal gift. As a longtime community ally with a deep appreciation for Korean American history, Gary poured care, empathy, and research into honoring the Korean Independence Movement and the journey of Korean immigrants in the United States.

    His inclusion of meaningful details—like the mugunghwa (Korea’s national flower) and depictions of historical pioneers—reflects his dedication to honoring their legacy with authenticity and depth. The artwork has already received praise from community members, pioneer descendants, and our partners at USC.

    In recognition of its cultural value, Gary’s original piece will be offered on loan to the Korean Consulate General, and will later find its permanent home in the USC Korean Heritage Library’s archives.

    On behalf of our entire Council and community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Gary Green. His artwork is not just an image—it is a bridge between generations, a testament to history, and a timeless contribution to our collective memory.

    Thank you, Gary, for marking this historic milestone with such meaning, generosity, and beauty.[/vc_column_text][us_image align=”center” image=”455″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • USC’s Korean Heritage Library – November 2024

    USC’s Korean Heritage Library – November 2024

    USC’s Korean Heritage Library / The University Club

    This meeting was held on Friday, November 8th at The University Club.
    USC's-Korean-Heritage-Library_1

    Alex Chang represented the KAPC at a dinner meeting held to discuss the value—past and future—of USC’s Korean Heritage Library and the Korean American Digital Archive (KADA). The meeting was called by the Dean of the USC Libraries, Melissa Just, and included the outgoing Korean Consul General , Kim  Youngwan, the Director of the Korea Foundation, Yoon Changsik, and Charles Kim and his wife, Congressional Representative Young Kim.

     

    USC's-Korean-Heritage-Library_2

    From Left to Right: Congresswoman Young Kim, Alex Chang, Consul General Kim, Youngwan

     

    USC's-Korean-Heritage-Library_3

    From Left to Right: Dean of the USC Libraries, Melissa Just, Alex Chang, Dr. Ken Kline

  • Message from the President – August 2024

    An-yŏng-ha-se-yo, hello!

    Greetings from Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC,).  I write this on the eve of our first get together since the coronavirus. If you are attending this event, I am guessing you are just as excited and looking forward to reconnecting with everyone, seeing old friends and making new ones! We are celebrating the end of 35 years of Japan’s colonial rule over Korea. We are now commemorating the 79th anniversary of Korea’s independence with the Pioneers descendants who took part in the Korean Independence Movement, and the Korean Independence Fighters who fought to help make this happen.

    This year we are paying tribute to Ralph Ahn and Rev. Lester Kim’s families. This year, our event will be the largest Pioneer gathering for the KAPC. Our event is being held at the Los Angeles Korean United Methodist Church, located at 7400 Osage Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045, and promises a day of celebration, reflection, and cultural pride.

    The Korean American Pioneer Council is a non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of preserving the legacy, record, and promoting the education, understanding and appreciation of the experiences and history of Generations of Pioneers in the Korean American community. Our organization recognizes the Korean Heritage Library of the University of Southern California as one of the primary repositories for the organized records of generations of our beloved Pioneers.

    Respectfully

    Alex Chang, KAPC President & Chair

  • KAPC Press Release – August 8, 2024

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    Korean American Pioneer Council Hosts Luncheon Celebrating 79 Years of Korean Independence 

    Los Angeles, CA – August 8, 2024 – The Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC) is thrilled to announce its first luncheon event since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, commemorating the 79th anniversary of Korea’s independence. This significant gathering will be held on Saturday, August 17th, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Los Angeles Korean United Methodist Church, located at 7400 Osage Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045. The event promises a day of celebration, reflection, and cultural pride. 

    Founded to honor and preserve the rich history of Korean Americans, the KAPC is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of the Korean American Pioneer Heritage to American society. The council works tirelessly to promote education, understanding, and appreciation of the experiences and history of the Pioneer Generation that first immigrated to the United States. 

    We have over 170 individuals and Pioneers confirmed that includes Pioneer elders over the age of 80-90 who are expected to participate in this celebration. 

    This luncheon, organized in collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC), will feature presentations and entertainment designed to enlighten and engage attendees. The USC Korean Heritage Library, the largest primary repository of organized recordings of our Pioneer generation, will be represented by Dr. Ken Klein, emeritus, who will provide insight into the preservation efforts of this invaluable history. 

    Event Highlights: 

    • Greetings & Welcome: Alex S. Chang, President & Chair of KAPC 
    • Opening & Closing Group Prayer: Rev. Warren Lee 
    • USC Korean Heritage Library Presentation: Dr. Ken Klein (emeritus) 

    Attendees will enjoy a delicious Korean buffet in a comfortable, casual setting. Parking is free, and the dress code is relaxed, encouraging guests to come as they are and immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the Korean American community. 

    This event is open to everyone with an interest in Korean American culture, history, and the enduring legacy of the Pioneer Generation. It is a perfect opportunity to connect with community members and celebrate the resilience and achievements of the Korean American community. 

    For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Roderick Uy, Board of Director, Media & Marketing for the KAPC: RodUy@LifePointWealth.com, (310) 678-6789

    About Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC): The Korean American Pioneer Council was established to preserve the legacy, record, and promote the education and appreciation of the experiences and history of the Pioneer Generation of Koreans who came to America. Through various initiatives, KAPC seeks to ensure that the contributions of these early immigrants are recognized and celebrated within the broader American cultural narrative.