Jonathan H. Kim "Korean language education is most important for future generations"
For the second consecutive year, the Jin Duck & Kyung Sik Kim Foundation has donated $20,000 to support the Korean language class at Lowell High School, one of San Francisco’s most prestigious public high schools.
On March 12, Jonathan H. Kim, CEO of the foundation, and Soon-Ran Kim, the foundation’s Chair, presented the donation to Principal Jan Buatista at the San Franciscon & Bay Area Korea Center in San Francisco. The ceremony was attended by Korean language instructors Do-Yeon Kim and Eun-Mi Jo, as well as Consul General Jeong-Taek Lim and his spouse, and Hye-Jung Huh, Director of the Korean Education Center in San Francisco.
Jonathan H. Kim emphasized the significance of learning a language, stating, “To know a country’s language is to understand its history and culture. We hope that students at Lowell High School, who will grow into global leaders, will develop a deeper understanding of Korea through learning the Korean language. Furthermore, we hope this will strengthen their ties with the local Korean community and contribute to bolstering the U.S.-Korea alliance.”
Soon-Ran Kim expressed her delight in supporting the Korean language class again this year, saying, “It is our pleasure to contribute to the teaching and promotion of the Korean language and culture among the younger generation. We hope this initiative serves as an opportunity to expand students’ knowledge of Korea.”
Newly appointed Lowell High School Principal Jan Bautista shared her enthusiasm for Korean culture, stating, “I have a strong interest in Korean culture myself. I sincerely appreciate the generous support from the Jin Duck & Kyung Sik Kim Foundation, represented by CEO Dr. Jonathan H, Kim and Chairman Soon-Ran Kim.”
Lowell High School was the first public school in San Francisco to establish a formal Korean language class in 1993. For over 30 years, the school has been teaching students Korean language, history, and culture, helping shape future leaders in the community and beyond. Lowell students have demonstrated exceptional learning abilities, winning the gold prize at the K-POP competition hosted by the Korean Education Center in San Francisco this year and securing the grand prize in last year’s Korean Awareness UCC Contest.
However, due to budget constraints faced by the school and district last year, the Korean language program was at risk of being downsized. Thanks to the financial support of the Jin Duck & Kyung Sik Kim Foundation, the Korean language class was able to continue without reduction. Currently, six classes are offered, with a total of 156 students enrolled in the program.
Director Hye-Jung Huh, of the Korean Education Center expressed her gratitude, saying, “Securing a budget for Korean language classes is challenging, and I deeply appreciate the generous support provided by the Jin Duck & Kyung Sik Kim Foundation.”
Consul General of the Republic of Korea Jeong-Taek Lim also emphasized the growing global interest in Korean language and culture, stating, “With the expansion of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), interest in learning Korean is increasing. We will continue to actively support the expansion of Korean language classes in U.S. public schools.”
On March 12, Jonathan H. Kim, CEO of the foundation, and Soon-Ran Kim, the foundation’s Chair, presented the donation to Principal Jan Buatista at the San Franciscon & Bay Area Korea Center in San Francisco. The ceremony was attended by Korean language instructors Do-Yeon Kim and Eun-Mi Jo, as well as Consul General Jeong-Taek Lim and his spouse, and Hye-Jung Huh, Director of the Korean Education Center in San Francisco.
Jonathan H. Kim emphasized the significance of learning a language, stating, “To know a country’s language is to understand its history and culture. We hope that students at Lowell High School, who will grow into global leaders, will develop a deeper understanding of Korea through learning the Korean language. Furthermore, we hope this will strengthen their ties with the local Korean community and contribute to bolstering the U.S.-Korea alliance.”
Soon-Ran Kim expressed her delight in supporting the Korean language class again this year, saying, “It is our pleasure to contribute to the teaching and promotion of the Korean language and culture among the younger generation. We hope this initiative serves as an opportunity to expand students’ knowledge of Korea.”
Newly appointed Lowell High School Principal Jan Bautista shared her enthusiasm for Korean culture, stating, “I have a strong interest in Korean culture myself. I sincerely appreciate the generous support from the Jin Duck & Kyung Sik Kim Foundation, represented by CEO Dr. Jonathan H, Kim and Chairman Soon-Ran Kim.”
Lowell High School was the first public school in San Francisco to establish a formal Korean language class in 1993. For over 30 years, the school has been teaching students Korean language, history, and culture, helping shape future leaders in the community and beyond. Lowell students have demonstrated exceptional learning abilities, winning the gold prize at the K-POP competition hosted by the Korean Education Center in San Francisco this year and securing the grand prize in last year’s Korean Awareness UCC Contest.
However, due to budget constraints faced by the school and district last year, the Korean language program was at risk of being downsized. Thanks to the financial support of the Jin Duck & Kyung Sik Kim Foundation, the Korean language class was able to continue without reduction. Currently, six classes are offered, with a total of 156 students enrolled in the program.
Director Hye-Jung Huh, of the Korean Education Center expressed her gratitude, saying, “Securing a budget for Korean language classes is challenging, and I deeply appreciate the generous support provided by the Jin Duck & Kyung Sik Kim Foundation.”
Consul General of the Republic of Korea Jeong-Taek Lim also emphasized the growing global interest in Korean language and culture, stating, “With the expansion of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), interest in learning Korean is increasing. We will continue to actively support the expansion of Korean language classes in U.S. public schools.”
