[Neglected Koreatown: 3]
The voices of residents in LA Koreatown often go unheard due to a lack of communication channels, leading to neglected issues and unaddressed complaints.
The Korea Daily previously highlighted the problem, shedding light on the concerns filed with the Wilshire Center-Koreatown Neighborhood Council (WCKNC) that seemed to fall on deaf ears.
One pressing issue is the surge in thefts during the pandemic, significantly impacting the town’s restaurant scene. Another long-standing problem is the neglected state of the sculptures symbolizing Koreatown on Olympic Boulevard, which have remained unrepaired for three years.
Residents have expressed their frustration, citing unsuccessful complaints filed with the 10th District Councilmember’s office, Korean American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles, and the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles.
Haley Park, a 29-year-old Koreatown resident, shared her experience, saying, “There are issues that I see every day when I go to work, such as homeless people, potholes, and damaged sidewalks, but I don’t know whom to talk to.”
While the city provides a complaint service called MYLA311, its accessibility is hindered by long wait times for calls. The Korea Daily tested the service by filing a complaint about the vandalized sculpture on Olympic Boulevard. The process, including requesting a Korean interpreter, took over 20 minutes, making it unrealistic for individuals to spend such time for a simple complaint and follow-up.
Moreover, reaching out to a local councilor’s office presents even higher barriers, particularly for the average Korean American who may require an interpreter but faces difficulties getting through. The frustration is evident as calls to the office went unanswered multiple times in one day.
This communication gap helps explain why the Olympic Boulevard sculpture, damaged for three years, remains unreconstructed.
The Korean American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles and the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles are often cited as organizations serving Koreatown residents. However, it’s crucial to clarify that the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles primarily focuses on the broader Korean community rather than Koreatown, while the Chamber of Commerce emphasizes the rights and interests of Korean American business owners in Los Angeles.
Addressing community concerns and resolving town issues optimally falls within the purview of WCKNC. However, trust in the organization has waned due to past internal conflicts, resulting in a lack of quorum and canceled meetings since the pandemic.
Acknowledging the need for change, WCKNC aims to rebuild as a reliable bridge between the community and the city of Los Angeles. With 23 new delegates on board, they aspire to tackle community issues proactively and achieve tangible results.
“We’re going to address community issues one by one and deliver outcomes,” stated WCKNC Chair Mark Lee. To encourage resident engagement, he has provided his personal number (213-216-5483) and email (Jmarklee43@gmail.com), welcoming complaints and issues from the community.
BY SUAH JANG [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
