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Los Angeles: Launch of Korean Money Smart Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Korean Immigration to U.S.
The FDIC's Korean language version of Money Smart was officially launched on July 10, 2003, in Los Angeles, California, which is home to the largest Korean population outside of Korea itself.
The rollout took place amidst an impressive display of Korean cultural artifacts and hostesses garbed in colorful han-bo (traditional native costumes). Over ninety people gathered at the Korean American Education Foundation, Inc., the site of the first Money Smart classes in Korean, to celebrate the long-anticipated release of the Korean version. The event was even more significant because 2003 also celebrates the Century of the Tiger for Korean Americans, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States.
"There is a famous Korean proverb that says: Words become seeds," Michael J. Zamorski, Director of the FDIC's Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection (DSC), told the audience.
"I think of the words and lessons in Money Smart as seeds that will grow, produce fruit, and help people begin establishing a more secure financial future for themselves. Financial education can be the foundation for establishing banking relationships, opening a checking account, managing and saving money, owning a home, building wealth, and increasing assets."
Center Bank was honored at the news conference for its work in ensuring that the Korean translation was accurate and culturally sensitive, as well as for its ongoing efforts to deliver the Money Smart program to the Korean-speaking community. Other partners in the L.A. Korean initiative include Comerica Bank, Hanmi Bank, Imperial Capital Bank, Nara Bank, Pacific Union Bank, US Bank, Wilshire State Bank, as well as the non-profit/community groups Korean Youth Community Center (KYCC), Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD), Korean American Education Foundation, Inc., and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.
The news conference was covered by all eight Korean language media outlets, including front page national coverage by the Korea Central Daily newspaper. Following the event, Money Smart Alliance Partners joined Director Zamorski, Deputy Gambrell, Community Affairs Officer Linda Ortega and other FDIC representatives for a celebration luncheon at a nearby hotel.
Michael J. Zamorski, Donna Gambrell, and Nelson Hernandez (center, left to right) of the FDIC's Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection (DSC) are flanked by rollout participants in traditional han-bo dress. (Photo: Young Lee) |
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