By UN Journal Kayla Lee

The Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation held its regular board meeting at the Oxford Palace Hotel on Dec. 17, 2024, electing director Kim Jun-bae as the new chairman of the board and beginning discussions to normalize the foundation.

The board meeting was presided over by Vice Chairman Choi Il-soon, and was attended by directors Kim Jun-bae and Park Yun-sook, fulfilling the quorum requirement.

Despite the absence of Chairman Bae Mu-han and his non-cooperation with the request to convene the board, the board meeting was convened in accordance with the articles of foundation.

The board agreed to form a new executive team with the priority of normalizing the foundation. Director Park Yoon-sook recommended director Kim Jun-bae as the new chairman, and Vice Chairman Choi Il-soon seconded the proposal, and Kim Jun-bae was unanimously elected as the new chairman.

“We will create a festival with the Korean diaspora for the next 50 years,” said new Chairman Kim, expressing his commitment to the development of the foundation and the unity of the Korean diaspora.

Following this, Vice Chairman Choi Il-soon was elected as Vice Chairman, and Director Park Yoon-sook was appointed as the General Chairman and Auditor of the 52nd Korean Festival. Park pledged to “faithfully fulfill the duties assigned to me.”

In preparation for the upcoming 52nd Korean Festival, the board decided to expedite administrative procedures such as reporting changes in executives to the state government and updating banking documents. In particular, they decided to conduct an internal and external audit of the past 51st festival to ensure transparency.

In addition, they have decided to work with lawyers to overhaul the foundation's office and financial structure, and step up media coverage and public relations activities to strengthen communication with the Korean community.

The meeting was an opportunity to elect a new chairman and form an executive team, laying the groundwork for the foundation's normalization and preparation for the festival. “We will do our best to regain the trust of the Korean community and raise the festival's status to the next level,” said new Chairman Kim Jun-bae.

Under the new leadership, the Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation plans to strengthen the cohesion of the Korean community and do its best to make the festival a success.