Hyoungjae Kim

A legal case filed by a Korean-American woman against her company for wrongful termination after advocating against ageist language used by her coworkers reflected cultural attitudes and negative perceptions of older people in the work environment at some Korean companies. Experts emphasize the detrimental effects of age discrimination on mental health, causing feelings of inadequacy and identity loss.

Sevety-four-year-old Cha Seung-pyo volunteers at the LA Korean Community Center everyday from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. On average, he assists 20 individuals daily with their various needs. Volunteering has given Cha a sense of purpose and helps stave off loneliness and isolation.

Low income seniors struggle with unaffordable rents in densely populated Koreatown, in Los Angeles. Amid the high concentration of residents, there is a severe shortage of low-income and senior apartments with long waiting lists for government-assisted public housing.

For Korean seniors, finding their lunch meal in Koreatown is one of their biggest concerns. It is not just about having a simple, nutritious meal. Having a culturally appropriate lunch with others is also a precious time for socializing with friends and acquaintances.

In 2022, Father’s Table Mission Church built the Victorville healing center, costing about $650,000 at the time, with the help of church members, supporters, and benefactors. The church uses the facility to help rehabilitate and rebuild the lives of the homeless.

Father Yohan Kim, 68, a priest at St. James Episcopal Church, rented a house in the mid-2010s and began living with 16 Korean-American homeless people. Since then, Father Kim has provided food and shelter to more than 150 people. His church members and devotees are supportive of his efforts, but he hasn’t received any funding from the government including the city of Los Angeles.