Korean Community Events in New York

Welcome! My name is Dr. Cecile 혜원 Bhang (she/her/hers) and I am a licensed psychologist in California, U.S.A., and an Assistant Professor at Sonoma State University. I received my masters degree (M.A.) in psychology from Pepperdine University, and my doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in counseling psychology from Loyola University Chicago. I have worked with diverse individuals in various mental health settings including community mental health agencies, private practice, and university counseling centers with an emphasis on providing culturally sensitive mental health services including bilingual counseling in Korean and English. Currently, I am offering counseling services to clients in California and South Korea.

June (Ji Eun) Nam graduated from Harvard Law School in 2018. Through undergraduate Dual Degree Program, she received her bachelor of science from Indiana University Kelley School of Business with High Distinction and Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, Korea in Business major. During the law school, June Nam worked for American Bar Association, Washington, D.C.. While attending Harvard, she worked at Predatory Lending and Consumer Protection Clinic of Legal Service Center. She also served as a member of Harvard Journal of Law and Technology. June is an Associate at Kim & Chang and is fluent in Korean.

BoBi Ahn is a Partner at McCormick & O’Brien. She heads the Immigration and Nationality Law practice. Ms. Ahn’s career in Immigration and Nationality Law spans more than eighteen (18) years representing such premiere international organizations as Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas, The International Monetary Fund (IMF), P&O Nedlloyd, and The World Bank in all phases of the business and employment related immigration process. She has in-depth experience in all matters of immigration law, including EB-5 Investor filings, as well as employment-based and family-based immigration and visa processing. For over a decade, she also served as the Vice-President and Corporate Counsel for an Information Technology company headquartered in the U.S. with offices in Asia and Europe, as well as being the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Counsel for an immigration services company. Ms. Ahn’s expertise and practice focus exclusively on business immigration law. She represents multinational corporations and individuals with respect to doing business and working in the United States in a wide range of industries, including Information Technology, Financial Services, Hospitality, Entertainment, Digital Media, Education, Real Estate, and Health Care Services. Ms. Ahn has extensive experience representing corporate clients and their foreign national employees in all phases of the employment process and in the transfer of their foreign national executives, managers, professionals, investors, and performing artists to the United States. In addition, she represents foreign business owners who are immigrating to the United States to establish and manage U.S. operations and take their companies global. She also leads the practice in counseling individuals, who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in their field of endeavor seeking to immigrate to the United States. Her expertise also extends to representing clients on naturalization matters and in advising them regarding the retention or relinquishment of permanent resident status. Ms. Ahn received her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in Boston. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and is admitted to practice law before the Courts of the State of New York and Massachusetts. She is fluent in Korean.

Based in Syracuse, NY, the Korean Law Students Association represents a vibrant student-led community within Syracuse University's College of Law. This organization brings together aspiring lawyers who are passionate about Korean legal traditions and cultural heritage while pursuing their on-campus J.D. degrees. The association embodies the welcoming and inclusive environment that Syracuse University cultivates, recognizing the importance of affinity groups in supporting student success and belonging. Members of the Syracuse Korean Law Students Association join a community of peers who understand the intersection of cultural identity and legal profession. The organization fosters meaningful relationships among students and provides a supportive network for those navigating law school while maintaining connections to their Korean heritage and interests. Through collaborative engagement and shared experiences, the association enriches the overall law school community at Syracuse University in Syracuse. The group contributes to the cultural diversity and intellectual vibrancy that defines the College of Law's commitment to preparing well-rounded legal professionals. By creating spaces for cultural celebration, professional development, and peer support, the Korean Law Students Association strengthens the bonds within the law school community. Students benefit from both the formal academic program and the enriching experiences provided through student organizations like this one, making Syracuse University's College of Law a place where aspiring lawyers can develop professionally while maintaining important cultural and personal connections.

Since 1949, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York has served as a vital bridge between Korea and the United States, prioritizing the safety, rights, and well-being of Korean nationals throughout the Northeast while cultivating deeper connections between the two nations. Operating across New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, the consulate has built a foundation of trust within the Korean-American community by actively listening to their needs and supporting their growth and harmony. At its heart, the consulate's mission centers on fostering meaningful dialogue and cooperation within the Korean-American community while championing stronger political, economic, and cultural bonds between Korea and the United States. The organization understands that building relationships requires consistent engagement, which is why the consulate remains dedicated to open communication with community members and stakeholders alike. By providing faster and more convenient consular services, offering prompt emergency assistance, and sharing valuable information about public safety and economic trends, the consulate demonstrates its commitment to being a trusted resource for those it serves. Looking forward, the Consulate General in New York, NY continues to champion Korean companies in the region and strengthens partnerships with state and local governments, legislatures, and community leaders. The consulate recognizes that the Korean-American community serves as a crucial foundation for deeper Korea-US relations, and it remains committed to supporting this community's continued development while advancing mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations on every level.

Since its founding as an Observer Mission to the United Nations in November 1951, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea has grown into a vital diplomatic institution representing Korean interests on the world stage. The Mission's transformation into a full Permanent Mission in September 1991 marked a significant milestone in Korea's international standing and commitment to multilateral cooperation. Based in New York, NY, the Mission serves as a bridge between the Republic of Korea and the international community, fostering relationships and advancing shared goals through the United Nations framework. Under Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook's leadership, the Mission embodies Korea's values and aspirations in global affairs. The iconic building that has housed the Mission since November 1999 stands as a testament to Korea's cultural pride and modern vision. Designed by the acclaimed architect I. M. Pei, this architectural landmark seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional Korean aesthetics, featuring exhibition spaces that celebrate Korean culture and heritage. The outdoor garden and conference facilities provide welcoming spaces for meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange. This distinguished setting in the heart of Manhattan reflects the Mission's role as a respected participant in international governance and demonstrates Korea's dedication to building lasting partnerships within the global community.