The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), led by Director Ki-Tae Park, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korean National Association Memorial Foundation, chaired by Clara Won, to bring global attention to the history of Korean immigration and independence activism in the United States. The agreement was formalized on October 31, 2025 (local time), at the Korean National Association (KNA) Memorial Hall in Los Angeles. Both organizations pledged to promote the legacy of Korean-American independence activists at a time when the global popularity of Hallyu (the Korean Wave) continues to grow.
The partnership seeks to educate Korean-American communities, younger generations, and broader American audiences about the history of Korean immigration in the United States while fostering the spirit of the independence movement through cultural and educational initiatives.
Under the MOU, the two organizations will jointly pursue six key projects:
- Creating and promoting multimedia content highlighting the achievements and spirit of the KNA and Korean-American independence activists.
- Cultivating global K-culture ambassadors among Korean-Americans and second-generation youth by instilling the values of independence activism.
- Correcting historical inaccuracies related to Korea in U.S. generative AI systems, school textbooks, encyclopedias, and online media, and spreading accurate information.
- Promoting Korean history and culture through Hallyu expansion in North America, while strengthening identity education for younger Korean-Americans.
- Building networks among Korean-American organizations across the U.S. to advance the legacy of independence activists and strengthen solidarity within the global Korean community.
- Enhancing public diplomacy efforts and elevating Korea’s national brand image abroad.
Foundation Chair Clara Won emphasized that “the footsteps of Korean independence patriots in America are not only part of Korea’s struggle for independence but also a vital chapter of Korean-American and global history.” She announced plans to collaborate with VANK and major global digital platforms to establish a “Digital Memorial Hall for Korean-American Independence Activists,” allowing people around the world to commemorate and learn from this history. Won also noted that, unlike other Asian communities in the U.S., the Korean-American community lacks a dedicated platform to preserve and share its immigration story. Through VANK’s initiative, she said, the foundation plans to launch an online campaign in collaboration with 7.5 million overseas Koreans to create the digital memorial.
VANK Director Ki-Tae Park recalled the group’s successful campaign the previous year with the Korean American Community of San Francisco & Bay Area, which led to the designation of Korean independence activist Lee Dae-wi as an “Honorary Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States.” Park expressed confidence that the new partnership with the KNA Memorial Foundation would help bring wider recognition to the historical legacy preserved by the foundation. “By sharing the stories of Korean-American independence activists with the world, we can ensure that Korea’s independence movement becomes recognized as a vital part of both American and global history,” he said. Park added that Korea, now a “cultural powerhouse with 200 million Hallyu fans,” will work to transform the history of Korean-American independence into globally beloved cultural content—“as engaging as K-pop or the animation K-Pop Demon Hunters.”
So-Young Kwon, a researcher overlooking VANK’s national policy platform, pointed out that “while Japanese gardens and Chinese history museums can be found throughout the United States, there are still few cultural institutions introducing Korea.” She stressed that through collaboration with the KNA Memorial Foundation, VANK will work with the U.S. government and major digital platforms to establish Korean-American independence history as an integral part of both American and world history.
Seung-Hyun Koo, a researcher in charge of VANK’s strategic planning, highlighted the global influence of cultural media, citing the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, which recently debuted on Netflix. “That film helped introduce Korean culture and the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, to audiences around the world,” Koo said. “In the same way, we aim to bring the stories of Korean-American independence activists to global audiences—not just through government support but through partnerships with international media and tech platforms, transforming these historical figures into cultural icons celebrated by Hallyu fans worldwide.”
Meanwhile, as part of events marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, VANK is visiting Korean-American communities in San Francisco and Los Angeles at the invitation of the Korean American Community of San Francisco & Bay Area. The organization is conducting outreach programs to inspire Korean expatriates to become “independence activists of the 21st century.”
Looking ahead, VANK plans to connect 7.5 million overseas Koreans and 200 million Hallyu fans around the world, continuing the dream of Korea’s independence heroes by shaping a 21st-century Korea that stands as the heart of Asia, the gateway of Northeast Asia, and a vibrant nation that shares dreams and friendships with people everywhere.