The mobile app operated by the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) will soon pause its services temporarily. With the impending suspension of the app service, which was launched to deliver various information, the organization plans to focus more on operating its website (kafla.org/en).
According to the organization, the app has been operational since February 2020 and will only be available until the end of this year. “After signing a mutual understanding with Sogang University in Korea and The Boms Co. in 2019, we have been receiving the service for free,” said Jeff Lee, Executive Director of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles. “Following the pandemic, the app management company, The Boms Co., decided to reduce the service due to operational difficulties, leading us to temporarily suspend the Korean American Federation app.”
The app has been in operation for nearly four years, serving as an information hub for Korean Americans. Particularly since the pandemic’s onset, it has provided real-time information on the status of infected people and vaccines. The app has also translated details of various coronavirus subsidies, unemployment benefits, and rent deferral documents provided by the government into Korean. Furthermore, it introduced a list of restaurants offering delivery and packaging services to Koreans during the coronavirus-related movement restrictions.
“When I was applying for unemployment benefits at the Employment Development Department during the pandemic, I faced many difficulties with the questions, and the app was a significant help,” said Junghoon Lee (43), a Los Angeles resident. “It made me reevaluate the role of the Korean American Federation positively.”
The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles reports that the app had about 8,000 users. It was accessible to anyone who signed up without providing personal information like phone numbers or addresses. It has been lauded for delivering accurate information to Koreans in need.
“When we signed the agreement, we also created apps for other local Korean American organizations, with the KAFLA app being the most active,” said Jeff Lee, KAFLA Executive Director. “During the pandemic, our staff translated various information in real-time and posted it on the app, greatly aiding many Koreans.”
For now, the KAFLA emphasizes that this is a “temporary pause.” If the operations of the app management company normalize again, the service may be resumed.
“The KAFLA’s website is currently very well organized, so users should not experience much inconvenience,” said Lee. “For any questions or information regarding government benefits, please reach out through our website or by phone.”
▶Inquiries: (323) 732-0192 Korean American Federation of Los Angeles
BY YEOL JANG, JUNHAN PARK [yeol.jang@koreadaily.com]
