President Kim “We Will Develop Various Programs Centered Around the Newly Transformed Korean Community Center”
SF Mayor Daniel Lurie Urges Korean Community to Actively Support San Francisco’s Growth
First-Ever Attendance of a Sitting SF Mayor at a Korean American Association Event, Encouraging the Next Generation
On Feburary 22nd, Jonathan Kim, the 33rd President of the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center, officially began his second term with an inauguration ceremony at the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center Hall. The event was attended by over 200 Korean community members and distinguished guests, including San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. Notably, this marked the first time in the association’s 60-year history that a sitting mayor attended an inauguration ceremony, reflecting the growing influence of the Korean community in the region.
Re-elected as president after serving as the 32nd leader, Kim is the first in San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center history to secure consecutive terms. In his inaugural speech, he highlighted his accomplishments, stating, “During my last two-year term, we successfully renovated the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center Hall with over $4 million in funding. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all Korean community members who supported and contributed to this effort.” He further emphasized his commitment to expanding community services, introducing new health, leisure, and cultural programs, as well as meal programs for Korean seniors.
Kim also pledged to promote the 122-year history of Korean immigration to the U.S. and commemorate the contributions of early Korean immigrants in San Francisco, particularly during the Japanese occupation. Additionally, he aims to strengthen awareness of the Korea-U.S. alliance, which has surpassed 70 years.
Mayor Daniel Lurie, who began his speech in Korean with “Hello,” congratulated Kim on his inauguration. “This year marks the 49th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between San Francisco and Seoul. Over the years, our city has fostered economic and cultural exchanges with Korea, and I look forward to deepening this relationship for mutual prosperity,” said Lurie. He also encouraged the Korean community to actively participate in making San Francisco a more vibrant and thriving city.
The event was attended by prominent figures such as San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, Supervisor Connie Chan, Korean American Deputy District Attorney Myungjin Roland (Myeongjin Kang), and San Francisco Superior Court Judge Marisa Chun (Misun Chun). Other notable attendees included former Judge Lillian Sing, a co-founder of the Comfort Women Justice Coalition, and leaders from various Korean American organizations.
As a token of appreciation, Kim was presented with a certificate of recognition by David Chiu and Bilal Mahmood, while Sheriff Miyamoto honored him with an honorary sheriff’s badge. In addition, several Korean American leaders, including Silicon Valley Korean Federation President Woo Dong-ok, Oakland & East Bay Korean American Association President Jung Kyung-ae, Korean American Community Association of Greater Sacramento President Lee Mona, and Korean American Association Monterey President Park Hee-rye, attended the ceremony to offer their congratulations.
Although unable to attend in person, prominent figures such as South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, U.S. Congresswoman Young Kim, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and California State Senator Steve Choi sent video messages congratulating Kim on his re-election.
Following the inaugural speeches, Kim introduced the 33rd board members and executives, presenting appointment certificates to key figures, including Chairman Kim Ji-soo and various board members. The ceremony concluded with a festive Lunar New Year celebration, featuring traditional Korean performances such as “Pangut” (a folk percussion performance) by the Korean Culture Lovers Association and a dance performance by the Katouri Dance Group. The event was further enriched by a performance of “Arirang” by soprano Angelina Lee, drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Mayor Lurie also took time to interact with young members of the Korean community, taking photos and exchanging greetings with students from the “HANSAMO(San Ramon Korean Language Love Group),” and the youth volunteer group “Hwarang.” His presence underscored the increasing recognition of the Korean American community’s contributions to San Francisco’s cultural and civic landscape.
Re-elected as president after serving as the 32nd leader, Kim is the first in San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center history to secure consecutive terms. In his inaugural speech, he highlighted his accomplishments, stating, “During my last two-year term, we successfully renovated the San Francisco & Bay Area Korea Center Hall with over $4 million in funding. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all Korean community members who supported and contributed to this effort.” He further emphasized his commitment to expanding community services, introducing new health, leisure, and cultural programs, as well as meal programs for Korean seniors.
Kim also pledged to promote the 122-year history of Korean immigration to the U.S. and commemorate the contributions of early Korean immigrants in San Francisco, particularly during the Japanese occupation. Additionally, he aims to strengthen awareness of the Korea-U.S. alliance, which has surpassed 70 years.
Mayor Daniel Lurie, who began his speech in Korean with “Hello,” congratulated Kim on his inauguration. “This year marks the 49th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between San Francisco and Seoul. Over the years, our city has fostered economic and cultural exchanges with Korea, and I look forward to deepening this relationship for mutual prosperity,” said Lurie. He also encouraged the Korean community to actively participate in making San Francisco a more vibrant and thriving city.
The event was attended by prominent figures such as San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, Supervisor Connie Chan, Korean American Deputy District Attorney Myungjin Roland (Myeongjin Kang), and San Francisco Superior Court Judge Marisa Chun (Misun Chun). Other notable attendees included former Judge Lillian Sing, a co-founder of the Comfort Women Justice Coalition, and leaders from various Korean American organizations.
As a token of appreciation, Kim was presented with a certificate of recognition by David Chiu and Bilal Mahmood, while Sheriff Miyamoto honored him with an honorary sheriff’s badge. In addition, several Korean American leaders, including Silicon Valley Korean Federation President Woo Dong-ok, Oakland & East Bay Korean American Association President Jung Kyung-ae, Korean American Community Association of Greater Sacramento President Lee Mona, and Korean American Association Monterey President Park Hee-rye, attended the ceremony to offer their congratulations.
Although unable to attend in person, prominent figures such as South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, U.S. Congresswoman Young Kim, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and California State Senator Steve Choi sent video messages congratulating Kim on his re-election.
Following the inaugural speeches, Kim introduced the 33rd board members and executives, presenting appointment certificates to key figures, including Chairman Kim Ji-soo and various board members. The ceremony concluded with a festive Lunar New Year celebration, featuring traditional Korean performances such as “Pangut” (a folk percussion performance) by the Korean Culture Lovers Association and a dance performance by the Katouri Dance Group. The event was further enriched by a performance of “Arirang” by soprano Angelina Lee, drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Mayor Lurie also took time to interact with young members of the Korean community, taking photos and exchanging greetings with students from the “HANSAMO(San Ramon Korean Language Love Group),” and the youth volunteer group “Hwarang.” His presence underscored the increasing recognition of the Korean American community’s contributions to San Francisco’s cultural and civic landscape.
