Seoung Ju Ryou, president of the Korean Society of Dallas, has approximately six months remaining in her term. Since assuming office in 2021, she has led the organization with a motto of communication and participation.
Currently, the Korean Society of Dallas has transformed into more than just an organization for Korean Americans; it has become an integral part of the larger Dallas community. In response to last month’s shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets, the organization established a memorial altar in their office.
“We wanted to express our condolences for all the victims, not just the Korean Americans,” Ryou said. “We wanted to demonstrate that the Korean American community is grieving and mourning this incident alongside the people of Dallas.”
The shooting at the Allen Outlets was a tragedy for the entire Dallas community. It required time for healing, not only for the families of the victims but for the entire Dallas community.
Following the shooting, Ryou and the other members of the Korean Society of Dallas wanted to ensure that the entire Korean American community knew they stood in solidarity, particularly with William Cho, the 6-year-old sole surviving member of the Korean American family.
“I hope that when he grows up, he will be able to reflect on his past and know that the Korean community supported him,” Ryou said. “I hope all Koreans will view this tragedy as their own and be a source of strength for him. And I hope that one day, he will be able to pay forward the love he received to the people around him.”
Over the years, the Korean Society of Dallas has experienced tremendous growth, and its role has become vital with the increasing number of Korean Americans migrating to Dallas from all over the country, as well as the rapid expansion of Korean American businesses.
“With the Korean American population in Dallas rapidly growing, there are numerous responsibilities for the Korean Society of Dallas,” Ryou stated. “One of them is to set an example for the next generation of Koreans, and we will do our best to serve as a bridge, enabling the Korean American community to further develop in the future.”
Ryou, a former nurse, arrived in the United States in 2000 and currently manages the Korean Home Health Care in Dallas. The medical clinic dispatches caregivers for seniors aged 65 and older and employs over 1,000 individuals.
BY YEOL JANG [support@koreadaily.com]
