Greetings

Dear Valued Members of the Chicago Forum,

It is with great honor and heartfelt gratitude that I introduce myself as your newly elected President, Grace Ryu. I am deeply humbled by your trust and excited to lead our vibrant community into an era of increased connection, growth, and shared success.

Our Forum has long served as a bridge—uniting Korean-American professionals, business leaders, and community members across the Chicago area. Together, we have fostered mentoring relationships, cultural enrichment, civic engagement, and valuable networking opportunities.

As President, my priorities are:

  • Fostering Connection – Hosting warm, welcoming events where old friends and new voices can connect and thrive.

  • Supporting Each Other – Providing platforms for mentorship, professional growth, and community empowerment.

  • Celebrating Our Culture – Honoring our roots with cultural gatherings, workshops, and opportunities to share and teach.

But this isn't "my" Forum— it's ours. Your talents, ideas, and passions make our community special. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on programming, events, or initiatives you'd like to see this year.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Together, we will deepen connections, elevate our Forum, and celebrate everything that makes our community exceptional.

Warmest regards,

President, Grace Ryu

존경하는 여러분,

시카고 한인연합포럼을 향한 관심과 응원에 깊은 감사를 드립니다.

2014년 창립 이래, 한인 리더들과 지역사회 구성원들이 뜻을 모아 정치·경제·교육·문화 등 다양한 분야의 전문가들과 함께 시대적 과제와 미래세대의 비전을 고민하며, 한인사회의 지속 가능한 발전과 글로벌 연대를 위한 실천적 발걸음을 이어가고 있습니다. 이는 단순한 활동을 넘어, 대한민국과 지역사회, 그리고 다음 세대를 잇는 의미 있는 연결의 과정이라 믿습니다.

포럼이 걸어온 길에는 언제나 함께해 주신 여러분의 지지와 헌신이 있었기에 가능했습니다. 앞으로도 시카고 포럼은 열린 마음과 책임 있는 자세로, 더 많은 이들과 연대하며 지속적인 변화를 만들어갈 것입니다. 미주 한인 커뮤니티의 미래를 이끌어갈 차세대에게 보다 튼튼한 뿌리를, 지역사회에는 희망의 씨앗을 심어가는 일에 여러분도 함께 동참해 주시길 바랍니다.

감사합니다.

시카고포럼 초대회장 & 현 이사장 김종갑

Dear Friends and Supporters,

On behalf of the Korean United Forum of Chicago, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued interest and support. Since our founding in 2014, we have brought together Korean leaders and members of the local community to address the pressing challenges of our time and envision a better future for the next generation. Through collaboration with professionals across politics, economics, education, and culture, we have taken meaningful steps toward sustainable progress within the Korean American community and building global connections. We believe these efforts go beyond simple activities—they are part of a deeper mission to bridge Korea, our local communities, and future generations.

Every step we have taken has been possible because of your unwavering support and dedication. As we move forward, the Chicago Forum will continue to embrace openness and responsibility, working in solidarity with others to create lasting change. We invite you to join us in planting seeds of hope in our communities and laying stronger foundations for the next generation who will lead Korean community in the United States into the future.

Sincerely,

Founder & 1st President, John Jonggab Kim