JUNGKOO KANG
JungKoo Kang was born in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, and emigrated to Kansas in 1975 before settling with his family in Los Angeles, California. He worked in the apparel and manufacturing industry for several decades before becoming the President of the Korean Senior Citizens Association and the Samiljeol (March 1st) Memorial Project He also created the Hanmi Silver Club, a travel and community service organization for older adults in Koreatown.
I Needed To Help
Interview by Dale Lee
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. I lived in Korea for 33 years and attended Susung High School.
When did you immigrate to America, and was there any specific reason as to why?
I came to America in December 1975 for my children’s education.
What experiences did you have when you immigrated to America?
I suffered through many difficult times when I first came. In 1975, I had brought my three kids, who were 2, 4, and 7 years old at the time, and there weren’t many apartments that would accept me. Since there wasn’t a lot of work, I gained some experience working at a needle production factory. Then I ran my own factory and started my own clothing business in downtown Los Angeles.
Where did you first immigrate to in America?
When I first came to America, I had a relative who lived in Kansas, so I went there but couldn’t find any work. I considered going back to Korea, but the only way there was to take a flight from L.A. So I came to L.A. and met a friend while I was here [in Los Angeles], who then helped me find an apartment and taught me a bit about American culture.
When you first immigrated to America, was it hard to adapt to the American culture and language?
Since I came to America with my family, I didn’t have much time to learn English. I had to focus on working to provide for myself and my family.
Could you tell me a bit more about your clothing business?
I didn’t have any experience in the clothing business in Korea, but I needed work here, so I started at the factories. I hardly knew any English, but my business operated well, and my limited English did not add difficulties to my day-to-day life.
What type of work did you do in Korea?
I sold neckties at the Namdaemun Market.
Did you face any other hardships or racism when you immigrated to America?
I didn’t feel much racism. My English was poor, and it was a new environment for me, so I expected to have a harder time than others. However, I started from the bottom and climbed up, enduring a lot.
Do you currently live in Koreatown?
Yes, I currently live in Hancock Park.
How have you seen Koreatown change over the years?
I first came to Koreatown in 1976. At that time, there weren’t many stores on 4th Street and Olympic Boulevard, and the rent was very cheap. Now, the city is much more developed, rent is more expensive, and everything is livelier.
Koreatown is now full of diversity, but was it always like that?
There were many more non-Koreans back then. Now, I believe almost 60% of the population is Korean.
Are you still running your business?
No, I retired at age 65, about 15 years ago.
Did you have any fun or difficult experiences while working?
I couldn’t catch my breath when I was working, but I’ve gotten into community service since I retired. I was the President of the Korean Senior Citizens Association and the Samiljeol (March 1st) Memorial Project, and I worked for many different organizations, but I was still curious [to learn more]. I also created the Hanmi Silver Club, where we travel, do community service, and eat with other Korean Americans who have similar histories as mine. We are currently focusing on giving these members chances to travel.
How long have you been working with these organizations?
I’ve been working with these groups for about 10 to 11 years.
Did you face any hardships or have any enjoyable moments while working with these groups?
My son is a missionary, so I originally wanted to help him after retiring, but he said I was too old. The work would be uncomfortable and too difficult for me. I saw that many Korean elders were gathering only to drink, gamble, or wander the streets. I wanted to enlighten [them] and become a role model for these elderly people, so I joined the Korean Senior Citizens Association and started from the bottom up, all the way to becoming president. We clean up Olympic Boulevard and 8th Street about four times a year, provide social services, and choose about two to four people to volunteer for two years. After my two-year term was over, I gave the position to someone younger who was more fluent in English and had the power to help the organ- ization grow. I was then appointed to be the president of the Samiljeol (March 1st Movement) Memorial Project, but I now volunteer at the Hanmi Silver Club.
What is your religious belief?
I believe in Christianity.
How do you live your religious life?
I go to church every Sunday, and there are a lot of different types of people there. It has been difficult to attend church because of COVID-19, but I have recently been able to go back.
What difficulties did you face during COVID-19?
Staying inside my home all day has been difficult. I was afraid of being infected, but I now travel about once a month with the Hanmi Silver Club, and it has gotten a lot better.
What were some of the advantages or disadvantages of COVID-19 for you?
COVID-19 has given me the opportunity to reflect on all the years that have passed. The bad thing is that it has been stifling to stay indoors, but the government has helped to pay rent, so nothing has been too difficult.
Do you have any hobbies or things you did in your free time during the pandemic?
While I was home, I read a lot of the newspaper and watched TV. I used my smartphone a lot because it was so much fun.
What do you think about eldercare in America?
Almost everyone has insurance, and in Koreatown, even if you don’t speak English fluently, there are many Korean workers, so visiting the hospital is easy and the service is good. When I lived in Korea, there wasn’t anything like that, but I’ve heard that Korea has improved in this aspect as well. During the 50 years I have lived here, I have been thankful and satisfied with the medical services.
Can you talk about some of the pros and cons of eldercare in America?
I think there are more pros than cons, but with my English not being good, the medical paperwork can be complicated.
What was your relationship like with your parents?
I came to America quite a while ago, and both my parents have passed away since then. They both opposed my immigrating to America, but I came anyway. They said it would be difficult for me to start a new life with three kids, but I had already submitted all my documents.
How are today’s elder healthcare policies different from the past?
As of a few years ago, I switched my healthcare insurance plan to an HMO. Different Korean organizations and other youngsters helped me, so the switch was fine. There are many benefits to the program, but many Korean Americans are still confused about the policies and aren’t taking advantage of the benefits.
What has changed as you have gotten older?
My memory isn’t as good as it used to be, I can’t be as physically active, and all the effects of aging are hitting me, but I am still grateful.
Do you have any concerns or wishes for Koreatown?
Bus wait times and public transportation can be improved. However, since I drive my own car, I haven’t faced too many difficulties.
What is your favorite restaurant or food in Koreatown?
When I first came to Koreatown, there weren’t many restaurants. Now there are restaurants on every street, and the food culture has evolved. Of all the places I’ve traveled to, L.A. has been the best. I’ve been to New York and Chicago, but the weather and food in L.A. are the best. The food in Korea is good too, but the portions are so small.
Where have you traveled?
Last month, 56 of us went to Zion Canyon for two nights and three days with one tour bus. On December 20, we will gather and go to Death Valley and the Saline Hot Springs. The people who go pay for the costs, sleep at the hotel, eat at the hotel buffet, and enjoy the hot springs.
Do you have any opinions on the current generation?
I think our generation has suffered a lot to make ends meet. There are so many wise younger folks now. Of course, our generation’s perspective on many things differs from that of the younger generation. I would say I see
the younger generation as playing by the rules and being wholesome. When I see such bright kids, I can imagine how much their parents must have suffered to raise their children. The kids who grew up here from an early age
have different lifestyles and habits than the ones [Korean Americans] who came to study abroad from Korea at a later age. Kids who grew up here are more politically involved.
Do you have any opinions on current politics?
All politicians start out charismatic, but most become corrupt, especially in Korea. I think America is a bit different. Though politicians may be from different parties, they will try to support each other for the benefit of the country. I think Korea’s politics are more centered around individual success.
How did you meet your first love?
In my time, most people would be introduced to each other, get married, and have children. Nowadays, many people believe there must be a connection between the two. When Korea was poor, continuing with life and surviving was the priority over feelings. But as life went on and I had kids, 60 years quickly passed.
Do you have good relationships with your children?
They are all married and live independently, but I meet with them frequently.
Do you have any grandkids?
I have three children, from whom I have eight grandchildren.
You’ve had a lot of experience volunteering for Korean organizations in Koreatown. What are some problems you’ve seen while volunteering, and what makes everything worthwhile?
Elders’ ways of thinking differ from those of the present, so as I interact with elders, it has been slightly difficult to convince them. Everything is worthwhile when I see these elders break away from their old ways of thinking and accept modern culture.
What were your experiences during the L.A. riots?
During the L.A. riots, I was still running my business. At that time, Radio Korea contributed a lot to helping Koreans. They raised funds to provide compensation for damage to businesses. Thankfully, my business was located downtown, and my business wasn’t heavily affected, but it is still a painful history for the Korean community. There were some problems with fundraising, and I wish people were more aware of that.
What type of business did you run?
I ran a garment business in the downtown area.
What were some of the problems elders faced when switching to HMO healthcare insurance?
When HMO was introduced, many elders couldn’t speak English well, so there were some problems with that. Choosing hospitals within the HMO system was also confusing, and referrals weren’t easy to process. I do not struggle with any illnesses, so I personally did not experience too many issues with HMOs.
Do you have family in Korea?
My parents had eight children, and my seven brothers and sisters are all still in Korea. I’m the only one in America.
Are you still in contact with them?
Yes, of course. I call them often, and I visit them in Korea every three or four years.
What are some of the differences you see between Korea and America?
There are a lot of cultural differences. I think the U.S. is more utilitarian, and Korea focuses more on quality of life. For example, in Korea, even if you’re struggling financially, you have to carry around luxury items. In the U.S., you can be in public in work clothes.
Do you think there’s anything America can learn from Korea?
I think Korean people can learn from Americans. Korea’s formality culture is big, and saving face is very important, but there isn’t much of that in the U.S. The U.S. can also learn more about filial piety and emphasis on family from Korea, as I don’t see much of it here and individual life is so prioritized in the U.S. I think that’s one of the biggest differences between the two nations.
During COVID-19, was there anyone you knew who suffered from loneliness or depression?
There were a lot of people who faced depression, and about five or six people I knew passed away from COVID-19 or old age. I did struggle with depression a bit, only staying home to watch TV or the news. Now that COVID-19 has improved slightly, I believe I need to help elders, so I started the sightseeing program. The Hanmi Silver Club now has permits to travel, and we are going on our third trip soon.
Are all the Korean American organizations currently helping families?
Many groups are helping the Korean community. However, there are some groups that are using COVID-19 to gain profit, and that bothers me.
Are you doing anything for the Thanksgiving holiday?
In the past, churches and other religious organizations hosted Thanksgiving events. Since Thanksgiving Day falls on a weekday, we will mostly spend it together as a family. Most people celebrate Thanksgiving by having family gatherings, and I’ll be meeting with family as well.
Korea holds Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) events, but does Koreatown also do that?
There are usually events on Thanksgiving. There are also a couple of events for the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s seasons. Some people are getting ready for celebrations and travel as well. In Korea, there is Chuseok in August of the lunar calendar, which is essentially the same as Thanksgiving in the United States. While some Koreans used to celebrate both Thanksgiving and Chuseok, this practice is now fading.
You mentioned a third trip hosted by the Hanmi Silver Club. Where will you guys be heading?
Even though COVID-19 created a difficult year for everyone, we will be celebrating the holiday season and finishing the year to start the new year with a new heart. To commemorate these events, the club planned a trip to Las Vegas to start off the new year. We’ll also be visiting the hot springs, viewing the night sky, and being among the trees.
Are there differences between the current and past eldercare systems?
The benefits change little by little every year. It may be difficult for elders to adapt to some changes, but now I think everyone has adjusted.
Is there anything that can be changed to benefit the elders?
I’m not a medical professional, so I don’t know the exact details, but it is a bit difficult for elders to communicate in English, though I haven’t had much trouble.
Are there any big differences between the eldercare systems in Korea and the U.S.?
I don’t exactly know because I don’t live in Korea, but I think the system is set up well in the U.S. I have heard on the news that Korea’s medical system has developed and is even better than the U.S., but I don’t know the exact details.
Is there anything the government should have done or changed to help people throughout COVID-19?
I’m not sure, but I think it’s better to follow what the government tells you to do. If we quarantine too much, the economy becomes a problem. We should think about the economy and do as the government says.