YT Hwang Family Foundation Donates $100,000 to Share the Love Campaign

At the September 24 launch of KAAGNY’s COVID-19 Share the Love Food Relief Campaign, the YT Hwang Family Foundation and an anonymous second-generation Korean American donor each made contributions of $100,000 for a total of $200,000.

100 percent of the funds will go to the Share the Love Campaign to provide food vouchers to Korean American families who are experiencing food insecurity, particularly those who have not been able to receive financial assistance from the government.

Below is a (translated) interview with President Yong Tae Hwang of the YT Hwang Family Foundation.

Why did you donate to the Share the Love Food Relief Campaign?

Mr. Hwang: This is a pandemic that no one could have seen coming. Seeing the news and from people around me about how many people are experiencing difficulty during this time prompted me to do something about it. By meeting with [KAAGNY President] Charles Yoon and hearing feedback from our community members, I sensed an opportunity to not only help others overcome these difficulties, but also to establish a culture of giving within the Korean American community. I’m very grateful to President Yoon for creating a campaign that will encourage others to do the same.

What does ‘donation’ mean to you?

Mr. Hwang: To donate is to distribute and share. Personally, I do not believe that there is anything in this world that solely belongs to me. It is by that purpose that I created the YT Hwang Family Foundation. Like the name of the campaign suggests, to donate is to ‘Share the Love’ with those who are experiencing the most difficult situations.

What is your philosophy as it pertains to donating?

Mr. Hwang: The roots of all the conflicts we experience eventually connect to our humanity. It is by acknowledging each other’s humanity that we can solve the fundamental problems in our society. This year we are all experiencing a tremendous disaster. Ultimately, [the COVID-19 pandemic] is a threat to us all, and improving the livelihoods of others is a top priority. It is for this reason that the board of the YT Hwang Family Foundation have reached a consensus to put a hold on our other activities so that we may focus on this campaign and on being part of the solution to empower others.

What are your principles, whether in business or in your personal life?

Mr. Hwang: My motto is “No harm done unto others.” That is something that I have learned and felt from my parents and siblings growing up; it is our family’s motto. I believe that everything is implicated in these words. To put it simply, I dislike situations that trouble or inconvenience others the most.

What sort of changes do you expect or would like to see in the Korean American community through the Share the Love Food Relief Campaign?

Mr. Hwang: Expectations are high for Mr. Charles Yoon, who is the first 1.5-generation Korean American to be the President of the Korean American Association of Greater New York. I believe that KAAGNY should be the hub of the Korean American community in New York. It is my hope that, through this campaign, KAAGNY will be able to positively impact the community, and that, when other difficulties arise in the future, the members of our community will be able to rely on the organization as its center. Additionally, if there are any existing conflicts or disputes between the organizations of our community, I hope that this campaign can serve as an opportunity to heal and unite them.

Do you have a message for those who are experiencing difficulty during the pandemic?

Mr. Hwang: We must not be anxious or afraid. We must persevere and not lose hope. These are words that I would also like to remind myself of.

Any words for those who are considering to participate in the Share the Love Campaign?

Mr. Hwang: To give is to love. If we put all of our compassion together, we can deliver something truly impactful. It is my hope that this campaign can bring the strength of the Korean community together.

Any closing words?

Mr. Hwang: I wish for the campaign to successfully take root and to truly benefit the lives of others. I am hopeful that, through the warmth and compassion generated by the Korean community, we will be able to overcome any hardships.