OPINION:
As a pioneer, humanitarian, first mover, and U.S. patent-holding inventor, I have dedicated my life to serving the Korean American community with a mother’s heart for leadership protecting our heritage, advancing opportunities, and building bridges between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
The Federation of Korean American Associations (FKAA) is a force for Korean Americans across the United States, committed to preserving culture, promoting civic engagement, and representing our community at the highest levels of diplomacy.
The Urgency of Unification
For over 70 years, the Korean Peninsula has remained divided, separating families, restricting trade, and limiting the full potential of the Korean people. Unification is not simply a Korean issue it is a matter of global stability, humanitarian progress, and economic opportunity.
A unified Korea would strengthen democracy in East Asia, open new avenues for commerce, and create lasting peace in a region marked by historical conflict. For Korean Americans, many of whom still have relatives in the North, unification is deeply personal.
The high-level meetings in the United between President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung offer an important opportunity to keep unification on the global agenda and to remind the world that peace on the Korean Peninsula benefits all Indo-Pacific allies.
Indo-Pacific Allies and Security
The Indo-Pacific is the geopolitical crossroads of our era. With rising tensions and evolving threats, the United States and its allies including South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines must act collectively to safeguard freedom of navigation, deter aggression, and foster prosperity.
South Korea’s strategic partnership with the United States is an anchor for regional security and a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific stability. The FKAA supports ongoing diplomatic engagement that reinforces these shared priorities.
The Importance of Intellectual Property
In addition to military and diplomatic concerns, economic security is vital. One of the most pressing threats to national strength is the theft of intellectual property (IP). As an inventor, I understand the importance of protecting IP for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.
The FKAA leads by example, having secured its own trademarks and intellectual property to preserve its mission and identity. By defending these rights, we not only protect our organization but also contribute to America’s broader effort to maintain the rule of law in global commerce.
The Peace Medal: A Symbol of Transformation
To honor extraordinary leadership in service to peace, the FKAA awards the Peace Medal a prestigious recognition forged from bullets melted at the historic 38th Parallel, transforming symbols of war into symbols of peace.
Each recipient has demonstrated a commitment to liberty, security, and the principles of peace.
The work of the FKAA is made possible through the dedication of outstanding leaders within our organization. I extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Nishank Motwani, whose expertise in international security has shaped our strategies; Women’s Executive Vice President Sara Miner, for her tireless advocacy for women; Vice President Baek Hyeon Kim, for his leadership in political engagement; IP Executive Vice President Sung Rim Heo, for his role in community outreach; Vice President Moon Jeong Sook, for her contributions; and FKAA members and former national presidents for their unwavering support.
As the FKAA looks toward the future, our priorities remain clear: strengthen U.S.-Korea relations, protect intellectual property, preserve cultural heritage, and advocate for Korean unification. I stand firmly behind their goals.
Korean unification is not just a dream it is a strategic imperative for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The FKAA will continue to work with policymakers, community leaders, and UN international partners to make that vision a reality.
God bless America. God bless Korea.
• Myong H. Chong is president of the Federation of Korean American Associations (FKAA).
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