OUR STORY

Mission & History

For someone in need today, waiting for structural change can feel like waiting a lifetime.

While systems evolve, it remains within our power—and our responsibility—to act now, using whatever resources we have to make a meaningful difference. It is easy to criticize and withdraw;
pessimism is a luxury of distance.

But optimism, however fragile, is often the only hope some people have—and it is what compels us to keep trying.

Won Sun Yang

Much of the prejudice in our world stems from fear of the unfamiliar. Identity should never be a zero-sum game, and ideas are most powerful when they are allowed to evolve.

Though we may be inclined to build walls and borders, the deeper and more enduring force within us is the hope and curiosity we hold when given the chance.

In that openness, understanding deepens—and it is there that our belief in building a world where no gap is too wide to close takes root.

Ally Kwak

Our Roots

The Yang Won Sun Foundation was established in 2020 in Hong Kong as a private family foundation, carrying forward the values and vision of Joung Hwan Kwak and his wife, Won Sun Yang.

The couple moved from Korea to Hong Kong in 1992, embracing the city as their new home while remaining deeply connected to their Korean roots. Over the years, they have built lives shaped by hard work, integrity, and compassion — values that continue to define both their family and their contributions to society.

Joung Hwan has long been known as a principled and fair-minded entrepreneur who believes that success carries a responsibility to give back. Won Sun, whose name the foundation proudly bears, has been a steadfast advocate for education, culture, and philanthropy, devoted to strengthening the bonds between communities.

The Yang Won Sun Foundation represents the culmination of their shared belief that prosperity finds its true meaning when it is used to uplift others — a reflection of gratitude, identity, and purpose passed onto future generations.

Our Mission & Interests

Our connectedness is a gift.

We are dedicated to serving as informal ambassadors and cultural connectors — not only to celebrate our roots, but to build meaningful relationships that enrich our shared future. Through dialogue, creativity, and collaboration, we aim to foster understanding across cultures, extending awareness of Korea while contributing to a more interconnected world.

Curate meaningful and accessible cultural experiences: Design programs and collaborations that invite people everywhere to engage with Korea’s creativity, traditions, and contemporary voice in ways that feel relevant and participatory.

Strengthen the global Korean network: Support initiatives that nurture belonging and solidarity across the Korean diaspora — while embracing the diversity and global
perspectives that make our communities stronger.

Celebrate heritage and storytelling: Preserve and reinterpret Korea’s history, art, and narratives so that they continue to inspire dialogue and connection across generations and borders.

Evolve what it means to be “Korean”: Encourage open exploration of identity — one that honors heritage while welcoming multiplicity, curiosity, and exchange with the wider world.

Engage both within and beyond Korea: Run or support initiatives that build two-way exchange between Korea and the global community, creating opportunities for collaboration, learning, and shared growth.