Running mate: Michelle Lee, former senior vice president of the Korean Association
“We will create a healthy and transparent Korean association that is trusted and supported by our fellow countrymen.”
“Willing to talk with Simon Lee at any time for inclusion and harmony”
Sean Park, chairman of GMC Blue, made a surprise announcement that he would run for the 36th Korean Association of the greater Atlanta Area (KAGAA) president election, opening the way for the sluggish KAGGA.
Candidate Sean Park held a press conference with his running mate, former Senior Vice President of KAGAA Michelle Lee, at a Korean restaurant in Duluth on the 8th and announced, “Today, I officially pronounce my candidacy for the 36th President of KAGGA in order to rebuild the collapsed KAGAA and build a healthy and transparent KAGAA that enjoys the trust and support of our fellow Korean-Americans.”
He also pointed out that “Although KAGAA has dedicated itself to the rights and welfare of our compatriots for the past 56 years, due to the financial corruption in 2023, the current KAGAA and its president have lost the trust of many compatriot organizations and Korean residents, and have become a ‘Transparent KAGAA’ that is unable to function properly,” and stated, “I have decided to run because I can no longer sit idly by and watch KAGAA become lethargic.”
Meanwhile, candidate Sean Park, following his announcement of his candidacy, also mentioned inclusion and harmony, saying, “I am willing to talk to Simon Lee andis people at any time.”
Former Senior Vice President of KAGAA, Michelle Lee, who is running for vice president as her running mate, said, “I have known Sean for 20 years, and I know well how much he has supported KAGAA and Korean community. We agreed to run together as running mates because we share the same goal of normalizing the Korean Association.”
Candidate Park announced five major pledges, saying, “The true owners of the Korean Association are our fellow countrymen.”
The five major pledges are, first, to establish financial transparency, second, to make the world’s largest Korean community center a cultural space, and third, to actively foster next-generation leaders. In addition, fourth, to take care of compatriots in welfare blind spots, and fifth, to actively promote cooperation with local communities such as the government and organizations.
To this end, Candidate Park stated that he would disclose monthly income and expenditure details on the Korean Association website and in the media, and that he would disclose them every second Monday of the week, revise KAGAA’s bylaws, strengthen operating regulations, and introduce an external audit system to submit a public audit report once a year.
He also mentioned that his main business is construction, and that he plans to renovate the Korean Community Center, which has been neglected for a long time, and turn it into a cultural center where all compatriots can enjoy various cultural events, and a multipurpose hall where community meetings and concerts can be held.
In addition, he said that he would prepare various programs and foster future talents so that the children of overseas Koreans can grow into global leaders through leadership education for youth and young adults, internships, scholarship support, and youth advisory groups. He also said that he would cooperate with local volunteer organizations to care for and support underprivileged Koreans who are in difficulty.
Candidate Sean Park concluded by saying, “I started out as one employee 26 years ago and built the current construction company,” and “I want to go back to the beginning and rebuild the collapsed KAGAA. I will not be a chairman who lords over my fellow countrymen, but a chairman who serves with a humble attitude.” He emphasized this and asked for “the trust and support of my fellow countrymen.”
Candidate Park founded GMC Blue in 2000 and grew it into a comprehensive construction company specializing in roofing and panels. His GMC Blue is also participating as a first-tier contractor in construction projects such as Kia Motors, Hyundai Meta Plant, and SK-Hyundai Battery Plant. He served as an advisory member of the Democratic Peace Unification Advisory Council and co-chairman of the 2024 Atlanta Korean Festival, and is currently a board member of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (Chairman Nick Masino).
Michelle, the Senior Vice President candidate, has served as the President of the Atlanta Korean Women’s Golf Association, Vice President of the Democratic Peace Unification Advisory Council, and Senior Vice President of KAGAA, and is currently the Secretary General of the Korean Festive Foundation.
On this day, the press conference was attended by Atlanta Georgia Korean Chamber of Commerce Chairman Shin P. Kang ,GA House candidate Michelle Kang, Korean Festival Fundation executive member Ho-il Park, and young supporters to show their support.
The 36th KAGAA President election will be held online on the 22nd.
<Eugene Lee,Reporter >
