"Sometimes, economic circumstances or language barriers prevent equal treatment before the law. At Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, we are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated equally under the law, regardless of immigration status or economic situation."

When Southern California Koreans face difficulties, a team of ‘legal avengers’ steps up to help—the Korean staff at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), led by Executive Director Connie Chung Joe. We met with six Korean staff members who have come together with the shared goal of alleviating the hardships of immigrants, and we heard their passion and dedication to the Korean community.

Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL is the largest nonprofit legal services and human rights organization in the nation, representing Asian Americans, including Koreans, in areas such as Los Angeles and Orange County. They provide free consultations and advice on domestic violence, family law, immigration law, citizenship, housing rights, discrimination, racial discrimination, and hate crimes, serving more than 15,000 individuals and organizations each year.

Their services are open to all Koreans in need, regardless of immigration status or economic situation. Legal Assistants Woorin Woo and Jin Ho Kim, who are fluent in Korean, provide legal consultations and information through the Korean helpline from 10 AM to 3 PM. If a consultation request is left in Korean on the AJSOCAL website, these legal assistants will check it and follow up with a call.

John Kim, a supervising attorney who has run a law office in Koreatown, Los Angeles, for over 20 years, joined AJSOCAL after hearing that the organization handles crucial cases impacting immigrants' survival. He wanted to use his expertise to advocate for immigrants' rights and voices rather than pursue lawsuits solely for profit.

Kim stated, "Although the organization's director is a second-generation Korean and there are more than 15 Korean staff members, it's unfortunate that fewer Koreans seek help compared to the Chinese community. AJSOCAL is not only a place to resolve legal issues but also a primary resource for information and support needed for immigrant life. I hope that Koreans in need will actively seek help."

Family Law Attorney Lucia Kim also expressed her affection for the Korean community. Kim said, "Korean Americans seem to have a particularly small voice compared to other communities. We want to help those in need find their voice, but there is a limit to what we can do if they don't ask for help. Ultimately, we need to work together with the community."

Collect call Korean helpline: (800) 867-3640

<Hwang, Eui-kyung>