KAPF is pioneering a new peace movement, following the will of Young Koreans United and Korean American for Peace & Justice.

The Korean American Peace Fund (KAPF) was established on March 23, 2023. However, the history of KAPF dates back to the 1980s. The roots of KAPF are Young Koreans United (YKU) in the United States , founded in 1984, and Korean American for Peace & Justice (KAPJ), founded in 1987, which was subsequently created.

Until the mid-2000s, YKU and KAPJ carried out various activities in solidarity with progressive groups in Korea and the United States for Korea's democratization and peaceful unification.

History of KAPF

In 1988, a signature campaign for the removal of US nuclear weapons for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula gathered 100,000 signatures, which were subsequently delivered to the U.S. Congress. Following this, in 1989, YKU and KAPJ created the ‘International Solidarity Committee for Peace and Reunification of Korea’ together with fellow peace activists from various ethnic backgrounds. This group undertook a visit to North Korea, and marched with student Lim Soo-kyung and Father Moon Kyu-hyun to the DMZ Line, raising awareness about the reality of the Korean Peninsula's division. Additionally, a 22-day first hunger strike was conducted on the streets in front of the United Nations to advocate for peace and the unification of Korea.

In 1990, a 15-day second hunger strike for the peace and unification of Korea unfolded on the streets in front of the United Nations. The activism continued in 1991 with the 'Cry of Asia' performance, which embarked on a 50-day tour from Asia to Europe in collaboration with international cultural organizations.

In 1992, YKU and KAPJ committed to engaging in community movements in the United States, advocating for 'One hand for the country, one hand for the Korean community.' This effort led to the expansion of their activities.

Subsequently, in 1993, a fundraising campaign was initiated to encourage peaceful resolution of the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula, involving the publication of two advertisements on the Washington Post.

In 1994, the Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) was established to lay the groundwork for a nationwide Korean community rights movement.

  • Yu Soung Mun

    PRESIDENT

  • Jonghun Kapsong Kim

    NATIONAL COORDINATOR

  • Seulgi Jung

    SEOUL COORDINATOR

  • Joon Shik Shin

    KOREA COORDINATOR

  • Zu Kim

    LA COORDINATOR

  • John Park

    COORDINATING COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Edward Lee

    PHILADELPHIA COORDINATOR

  • Young Ju Ji

    CHICAGO COORDINATOR

  • Heesook Kim

    COORDINATING COMMITTEE MEMBER