Congratulatory Remarks It is a profound honor to extend my warmest congratulations to the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State (KACCWA) on your 36th Inauguration Ceremony. This milestone provides a momentous occasion to welcome the visionary leadership of incoming President David Oh and Chairperson Shanon Yop while recognizing the dedicated service of outgoing President Shanon Yop and Chairperson Daniel Yoon. KACCWA stands as a cornerstone of the robust economic partnership between Korea and Washington State. For over four decades, the Chamber has not merely been a community hub, but a strategic catalyst for bilateral trade. By facilitating market entry for Korean enterprises and empowering Korean-American businesses within the Pacific Northwest, KACCWA has transformed our shared economic landscape into one of the most dynamic trade corridors in the world. Your new vision, “Growing Together as a Korean Economic Community,” perfectly aligns with our mission to deepen ties between Seoul and Olympia. Through your specialized focus on government contracting and the mentorship of next-generation entrepreneurs, KACCWA is bridging the gap between Korean innovation and Washington’s world-class industries in aerospace, technology, and clean energy. I believe that KACCWA is a practitioner of ‘K-Initiative’ —blending economic resilience with our rich cultural heritage, as demonstrated through WABA Korea Expo & Festival. Your businesses are the backbone of the local economy and the strongest bridge connecting Korea and Washington State. I applaud the Chamber for its tireless advocacy. As we usher in the 36th administration, I look forward to our continued collaboration in elevating Korea-Washington trade to new heights. I wish you a year of immense success, impactful growth, and enduring prosperity. Thank you.

Congratulations on the successful past leadership in representing and supporting the Korean American local businesses and economic development in general. I look forward to the new leadership representating businesses effectively and for your commitment to strengthening the professionalism of the organization. Let’s continue to work together, especially important through these difficult times. In the meantime, I wish everyone health and happiness in the New Year!

On behalf of the Port of Seattle, it is my distinct honor to extend my warmest congratulations to the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State (KACCWA) on your 36th Inauguration Ceremony. This celebration marks a significant milestone in a journey of excellence spanning more than four decades. Today, we gather not only to observe a change in leadership but to celebrate the enduring legacy of an organization that serves as a cornerstone of Washington’s economic landscape. I want to express my deepest gratitude to outgoing President Shanon Yop and Chairperson Daniel Yoon for their steadfast leadership. As we welcome the incoming leadership of President David Oh and Chairperson Shanon Yop, the Port of Seattle reaffirms its commitment to the Korean-American business community. Seattle thrives at the intersection of diversity and innovation, and we recognize that our region’s strength depends on the success of our local entrepreneurs. The Port of Seattle is dedicated to actively supporting Korean-American small businesses throughout Washington state by creating pathways, strengthening ties, and advancing equity. Your new vision, “Growing Together as a Korean Economic Community,” aligns perfectly with the Port’s mission to promote economic opportunities for all. By prioritizing the mentorship of next-generation leaders, you are building a foundation that will support Washington’s prosperity for generations to come. I applaud KACCWA for 40 years of advocacy, resilience, and community building. To the 36th administration: I wish you a year of immense success and visionary growth. We look forward to working alongside you. Thank you,

Dear members of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State! I sincerely congratulate the inauguration of the leadership team led by President Eun Ji-yeon and the Board of Directors led by Daniel Yoon of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State. The Korean Chamber of Commerce of Washington State is the founding organization of the World Korean Business Convention, which is active today. Thirty years ago, in 1993, when the APEC Summit was held here in Seattle, the Chamber successfully hosted the APEC eve event as a private organization, inviting consular corps from all participating nations as well as influential local figures. This demonstrated the event management capabilities of the Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce and the status of the Chambers Leaders Group. Furthermore, through the inauguration ceremony of the 35th young leadership team and the Presidents Board, the Chamber has set an example by successfully completing a smooth generational transition through outstanding leadership and activities. This involved sharing information via active networks with mainstream society and discovering the next generation of leaders. As the foundation of the World Korean Business Convention (Hansang Convention) for 30 years, we are proud of the Korean Chamber of Commerce of Washington State and wish for it to become a central force in the economic development of our community with its boundless potential.

Greetings, fellow Koreans. Congratulations to President Eun Ji-yeon, Chairman Daniel Yoon, and all newly inaugurated executives and board members of the 35th Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce. I would also like to express my appreciation to the former president and all previous executives for their hard work and dedication. Over the past several years, our community has faced many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unstable international circumstances, and the global economic downturn. I would like to extend my sincere comfort and gratitude to all Korean compatriots who have wisely endured and overcome these difficult times. Although there were many challenges before the launch of the 35th Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce, I am deeply encouraged to see everyone come together through understanding and cooperation to overcome these difficulties. By placing younger and highly promising next-generation Korean American business leaders at the forefront, it feels as though a new era of hope and vision is beginning for the Chamber. In February 1993, shortly after the inauguration of President Kim Young-sam’s civilian government, I founded the World Federation of Overseas Korean Businesspersons with the vision of building a global Hansang network among overseas Korean businesspeople, economic organizations, and Korean associations around the world. The goal was to promote unity, mutual development, Korea’s economic growth, and its international standing, while enhancing the role of Koreans in the global economy under the banner of “Advancing toward a Great Korean Era in the 21st Century together with Hansang and 7.5 million overseas Koreans.” In the Americas, the Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce USA has continued its proud history for over 40 years, serving as a central pillar for the 7.5 million overseas Koreans and Korean business communities worldwide. Its role and significance are truly substantial. Among them, the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce has played an especially important and meaningful leadership role. In September 1993, the same year the World Federation of Overseas Korean Businesspersons was established, we held the very first World Hansang Convention in Seoul under the theme “Let Us Build a Korean Network.” The Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce USA served as a major driving force behind the event, and the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce participated enthusiastically, contributing greatly to its success. Later, in November 1993, the Federation of Korean American Chambers of Commerce USA hosted the eve reception for the APEC Summit held in Seattle, Washington. The event was a tremendous success, attended by approximately 800 diplomats, consular officials, and international delegates accompanying heads of state participating in the summit. Together with the Federation, the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce demonstrated its remarkable strength and capabilities, and I personally remember being there in Seattle at that time. Since then, we have continued to share a strong bond and lasting friendship. At the second World Hansang Convention held in Seoul in 1994, Korean American business leaders again participated in large numbers as a major force of the convention. Following the event, all participants visited the Blue House and met with President Kim Young-sam. I also recall that the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce played an active and significant role during that occasion as well. Since then, the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce has continuously worked alongside various Korean organizations and local community groups, dedicating itself to the advancement of the Korean American community, the development of Korean businesspeople, and the protection of the rights and interests of overseas Koreans. Moving forward, I hope the Chamber will continue to build upon the dedication and achievements of its predecessors, strengthen the Hansang network, and actively discover and nurture the next generation of Korean American business leaders. I also hope it will continue serving as a driving force for the Republic of Korea on the global stage with an even broader vision for the future. Once again, congratulations to President Eun Ji-yeon, Chairman Daniel Yoon, and all newly appointed executives and board members on your inauguration. I also wish continued success, good health, and prosperity to everyone associated with the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce. Thank you.

Hello, I am Ha Beom-jong, Vice Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and President of LG. I sincerely congratulate the inauguration ceremony of the leadership and board members of the 35th Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce. I also look forward to seeing the outstanding capabilities and leadership of President Eun Ji-yeon and Chairman Daniel Yoon continue to shine throughout their 2024–2025 term. This year, in particular, I sincerely hope that the Chamber will make a fresh leap forward as it begins a new chapter with the young and dynamic leadership of President Eun Ji-yeon, along with the newly appointed executives and board members. More than 140 years ago, the Chamber began as the Hanseong Chamber of Commerce with the mission of protecting the nation. Since then, it has contributed to the miracle of Korea’s economic growth, helping transform Korea into one of the world’s top seven exporting nations and a top ten global economy. The driving force behind this achievement has been our businesspeople and enterprises. Going forward, if our business communities continue to support one another, we will all gain greater hope and courage together. Once again, congratulations. I sincerely hope that the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce will continue to serve as a bridge connecting American and Korean businesses while creating new roadmaps for future business opportunities. With this, I conclude my remarks and wish the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce unlimited growth and prosperity. Thank you.

On behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources of the Republic of Korea, I am deeply honored to extend my warmest congratulations to the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State (KACCWA) on your 36th Inauguration Ceremony this February 1, 2026. Washington serves as a premier global business hub—home to titans like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks. In this high-growth environment, KACCWA has been an indispensable bridge for Korean-American enterprises and a vital partner in our regional economy for over forty years. We join you in celebrating the dedicated service of outgoing President Shanon Yop and Chairperson Daniel Yoon, whose leadership has strengthened the very fabric of our business community. This milestone marks your service and a profound impact on Washington’s economic infrastructure. As we look ahead, we enthusiastically welcome the incoming administration of President David Oh and Chairperson Shanon Yop. Your commitment to “Growing Together as a Korean Economic Community” resonates with the values of innovation and diversity that define our region. We honor your 40 years of advocacy and wish the new administration immense success in this historic “leap forward.”

As we welcome the Year of the Blue Dragon, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Eun Ji-yeon and Chairman Daniel Yoon on their inauguration as the leaders of the 35th Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce. I also sincerely welcome and thank all distinguished guests and members of the Korean community who have taken time from their busy schedules to attend and support the continued growth of the Chamber. The Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce has long worked diligently to promote unity and harmony within the Korean community, dedicating tremendous effort and care toward the advancement of our community through its exemplary and experienced leadership. As an important organization serving the rights and interests of Korean American businesspeople and community members residing in Washington State, the Chamber has elevated the standing of Korean American business leaders throughout the Pacific Northwest. Its meaningful efforts in helping community members obtain business support funding through the Washington State Department of Commerce will always be remembered with gratitude. I believe the reason the Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce has been able to fulfill its role as a central pillar of the Korean community and continue to grow is because of the generous advice, encouragement, and unwavering support provided by former presidents, executives, and fellow community members. Now, under the new leadership of President Eun Ji-yeon, I hope all members will unite together to further strengthen political influence, advance community rights and interests, and continue growing into an organization respected by Korean American business leaders throughout Washington State. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to 34th President Park Yong-guk, Chairwoman Lydia Lee, and all executives and board members for their hard work, passion, and outstanding leadership in guiding the Chamber’s continued growth despite many challenging circumstances. Once again, congratulations on the energetic new beginning of the young and dynamic 35th Washington State Korean American Chamber of Commerce. I sincerely wish continued success and boundless growth for the Chamber under the leadership of President Eun Ji-yeon and Attorney Daniel Yoon.