Silent Protest Held at Korean Community Center on the 14th
A two-hour silent protest was held on the 14th at the Korean Community Center.
Simon Lee’s side called in four police cars in response, drawing criticism from the community.
The protest was supported by various Korean organizations, including the Southeastern Korean Associations, as well as local Korean residents.
On September 14, a two-hour silent protest took place in front of the Atlanta Korean Community Center, demanding the resignation of self-proclaimed the Korean Association of the greater Atlanta Area(KAGAA), President Simon Hong Lee. The protest, held in two separate sessions from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, was organized by the Emergency Task Force for the Normalization of KAGAA, led by Chairman Roger Kim.
Protesters condemned Simon Hong Lee for allegedly receiving $160,000 in insurance money for the Korean Community Center, concealing it for 10 months, and submitting false financial reports. They also accused him of embezzling $50,000 in public funds to pay the deposit for his candidacy in the presidential election, ultimately assuming the role under false pretenses.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, aimed at raising awareness of internal corruption and urging the restoration of integrity within the association, Simon Lee’s faction escalated the situation by calling four police cars to the scene, further intensifying public criticism.
Meanwhile, during the protest, members of the Southeastern Federal of Korean Associations, who were holding a separate event at the center, expressed strong support and encouragement for the demonstrators. In contrast, Dr. David Chu, who was leading a history lecture in the small auditorium, and Simon Hong Lee’s entourage avoided the protestors by taking a side path through the lawn to the parking lot.
This silent protest has drawn significant attention from the Korean community, with increasing focus on the potential consequences for Simon Hong Lee’s leadership and the actions that will follow.
— By Eugene Lee, Chief Reporter
