Meet the New Owner of Anchorage Korean News
In an effort to foster deeper connections between the Korean community and the broader Alaskan population, Eugene Cho has become the new owner of Anchorage Korean News, a newspaper aiming to amplify the voices and experiences of Alaska’s Korean residents. Hoping to promote integration and cultural exchange, Cho brings a fresh perspective to the publication, increasing its reach and impact within the state.
“I would like to help Koreans integrate into the greater community of Alaska, while also helping Alaskans to learn more about Korean culture,” Cho expressed in an interview with Sol de Medianoche, outlining his mission to bridge cultural divides and foster inclusivity. As part of this effort, the newspaper now includes an English translation. “The goal now is to get it in more places that aren’t only frequented by Koreans,” Cho added. There are distribution points now extending to locations such as Black Cup Coffee, Kaladi Tudor, and New Sagaya Downtown. In addition, Cho is keenly aware of the challenges facing the Korean community, especially in the areas of essential services access and information. In our interview, he highlighted the difficulties encountered by Korean business owners in navigating the already complicated pandemic-related support programs due to language barriers. AKN’s mission includes bringing these issues to light. However, it also focuses on amplifying local stories and profiles, showcasing the diverse experiences and contributions of Alaska’s Korean population, especially at a time when there is a lot of interest in Korean culture. “Korean culture is currently trending with great interest in Korean cuisine, film/tv, K-Pop, and also advancements in technology. I would also like to do more articles highlighting profiles of first generation immigrants in Alaska and up-and-coming Korean Americans,” Cho added. Moreover, Cho is committed to shedding light on the myriad programs and initiatives within the Korean community that may go unnoticed by the broader public. From Korean language schools and cultural centers to associations dedicated to seniors, sports, and youth, Cho aims to raise awareness and promote the valuable contributions of these organizations. Under Cho’s leadership, the publication is aiming to be a catalyst for community engagement and empowerment. With an estimated 7,000 Koreans and over 350 Korean-owned businesses in Alaska, Cho sees potential in harnessing the closeness of this community to foster collaboration and enrich the fabric of Alaskan society. Additionally, it hopes to help preserve Korean heritage in Alaska while championing the aspirations of future generations: “I would like to help preserve and share the many voices of people who set the foundation for the Korean community in Alaska while supporting the up-and-coming next generation of Korean Americans.” |