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On February 28, 2025, the KansasCity Korean School hosted a meaningful ceremony to commemorate the 106thanniversary of Korea's March 1st Independence Movement (Samil Movement).Members of the first, second, and third generations of the Korean American communitygathered together to reflect on the spirit of the 1919 independence movementand share the significance of Korea's struggle for freedom.
More than a formal ceremony,this multi-generational event served as a powerful reaffirmation of thecommunity's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by Korea's independencefighters — even from American soil. From young third-generation students tofirst-generation elders who have shaped the Korean immigrant experience overdecades, participants united under the Korean flag to shout 'Daehan DoklibManse!' in tribute to the courage and sacrifice of their ancestors.
The Kansas City Korean School,established through the dedication of first-generation immigrants, continues toplay a vital role in transmitting the Korean language and culture to the nextgeneration. This Samil commemoration was made possible through closecollaboration between the school and the Korean American Society.
Following the Samil celebration,the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City officially inaugurated itslong-awaited community center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This milestone isthe result of decades of dedicated fundraising by elder members of the Koreancommunity, whose tireless contributions made it possible to purchase theproperty last year.
Advisory Representative Mr.Kim Young-ryeol attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony as the representativeof the advisory board, offering words of encouragement to honor the generationsof community members whose efforts made this achievement possible. His presencestood as a living symbol of inter-generational unity and the enduring communityspirit that defines the Kansas City Korean American Society.
President Moon Kyung-hwanexpressed heartfelt gratitude at the ceremony, stating: "This communitycenter is a shared legacy, built by the sweat and love of every member of ourKorean American family. We are deeply grateful to all those who have workedbehind the scenes to make this day possible."
The ceremony also marked theofficial launch of the KASGKC 36th Executive Board. The new leadership team isled by a dynamic group of young professionals: President Kay Mun, Vice President Lee Ju-eun,Secretary-General Cho Su-jin, Director of External Affairs DoJung-hoon, and Director of Finance Lee Sang-geun. Together, theyrepresent a new generation of leadership ready to carry the community forward.
The 36th Executive Board hasannounced plans to utilize the new community center as a hub for KoreanAmerican cultural events, next-generation educational support, and expandedengagement with the broader Kansas City community. Building on the foundationlaid by their predecessors, the new leadership team has expressed a clearcommitment to fostering a more vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking KoreanAmerican community.