The “50 Years Together, 50 Years Ahead” exhibition is being held to celebrate the Korea Daily’s 50th anniversary.
The exhibition is titled “LA Koreatown: Past, Present, and Future” and introduces concepts and designs for the future development of Koreatown by Korean-American architectural firm Andmore Partners.
At the opening ceremony, Yoonho Nahm, CEO of the Korea Daily, gave a welcome speech, followed by congratulatory remarks from Il Han Kang, Vice President of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, Dong Wan Chong, President of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, David Kim, candidate for the 34th Congressional District, Grace Yoo, candidate for the 10th LA City Council District, and Attorney Won Ki Lee.
In the welcoming remarks, Nahm explained the purpose of the exhibition, saying, “I would like it to be an opportunity to think about the future of Koreatown, not just an exhibition to watch.” He added, “I hope it results in us coming up with great ideas to revitalize Koreatown and change the neighborhood with the collective intelligence of Korean Americans.”
The co-founders of Andmore Partners then gave a presentation explaining the design plan. After the preview event, the two partners served as docents and explained the exhibits in person.
The most eye-catching part of the exhibition was the design proposal that would change the commercial district of 6th Street, which embodies the unconventional idea of making 6th Street a one-way street. The new design is in addition to the designs for the three buildings along Wilshire Boulevard that the two representatives previously introduced. The redesign of the six-story commercial district shows Andmore Partners’ vision to make Koreatown a more walkable neighborhood.
The exhibition, which provides a bird’s eye view of the future of Koreatown, was warmly received by visitors and special guests. “The Korea Daily has been a leader in the Korean-American community for 50 years, not just as a news organization,” said David Kim. “That’s why it’s so important to have an exhibition that shows the direction of Koreatown’s future developments
Grace Yoo said, “I agree with Andmore Partners that there is a lack of green space in Koreatown,” adding, “The future of Koreatown presented in the exhibition was amazing and beautiful.”
The exhibition will be on display at EK Gallery (1125 Crenshaw Blvd) in Koreatown until October 9. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the public with free admission.
BY WONHEE CHO, HOONSIK WOO [cho.wonhee@koreadaily.com]
