On September 30, at the Helen J Gallery, the non-profit GYOPO held its 5th annual Benefit to honor accomplished Korean American actor, director, writer, and renowned producer, Randall Park. In addition to celebrating Randall Park, the benefit embraced the Korean Diaspora and community with a ‘Chuseok’ (Korean Thanksgiving) theme.
Between 150 to 200 attendees gathered at the benefit, coming together to express their dedication and passion for strengthening the Korean-based community. As an entity that champions the Korean diaspora and their unique contributions, the event featured food, drinks, and desserts in both traditional Korean and fusion styles.
At his acceptance speech, honoree Randall Park shared his joy through humorous remarks. Park commented, “In a world full of complexities, hypocrisies, corruption inside and outside, we get to reflect on ourselves. Just recently, I found out what GYOPO is and I realized how this organization is doing incredible work in very tenuous time in our history. It is a time when love and community and creative expression is very important. In that regard, it is heartening to be recognized by good people like yourselves.”
When the Korea Daily inquired about GYOPO and its impact on the community, Park responded, “I was introduced to GYOPO when they approached me to be this year’s honoree. The plethora of projects and community work GYOPO is involved in, especially their support for the arts, is truly inspiring not just to me but for the entire Korean diaspora community.”
The benefit was accentuated with food, drinks, and artwork from artists of Korean descent. It served as a platform for discussions on both immediate and future aspirations of enhancing the Korean diaspora community.
When talking with GYOPO’s Steering Committee member Kibum Kim on GYOPO’s thoughts on the Benefit and the message to Korean diaspora, Kim answered, “connecting arts, fashion, K-pop, and sociopolitical implications, we really try to share what is happening in the Korean diasporic cultural scene with the larger publics in a free and accessible way. Through the sense of community and togetherness, it is our hope to lend a hand and really strengthen our already strong community.”
Young Korean Americans organized GYOPO after the 2016 U.S. presidential election to empower Korean diaspora. GYOPO also welcomes volunteers from other marginalized groups. Los Angeles, home of the largest Korean American community in the United States, is the base for GYOPO. The volunteer organization of cultural producers and arts professionals focuses on educational programs that enhance understanding of the Korean diaspora, serving as a hub locally and internationally.
Apart from GYOPO’s annual benefit, they will host regular events to perpetuate their impact on spotlighting both local and international Korean diaspora within the community. For more details about GYOPO, please visit GYOPO’s website.
BY JUNHAN PARK [park.junhan@koreadaily.com]
