In response to Korean-American parents’ concern that many young people today are unwilling to get married, a group of first-generation Koreans in New York recently founded the Happy Marriage Foundation to provide a space where young people could meet each other freely and openly.

According to Foundation director Hee Sang Lee, “there are a lot of parents who are concerned about their children who are not interested in getting married but only focus on their work. One of the biggest concerns for parents is a marriage fails.” Lee, a parent himself, mentioned he knew what and how the other parents felt since his own daughter, in her mid 30s, is still single and not interested in getting married.

According to Lee, “my first goal is to let people talk and get to know each other. Then, I am planning to make matches among the members, to help them find spouses at the same time.”

Included in the Foundation’s offerings is a free service for people seeking to remarry.

The Foundation will launch its Website (www.GoandSee.org) officially within a month. The site will feature: “Today’s prospective bride and groom,” and members who sign up will be able to send messages to each other. Lee is preparing a space in Manhattan where he can host small parties regularly.

To register, you can either email the foundation (cmfkorean@gmail.com) or visit the office (16205 Crocheron Avenue, Flushing). Christians who are 18 or older are welcome to join, said Lee, who is trying “to encourage Christians to lead a family life based on Christianity.”

Foundation services are not only for Korean Americans living in New York but also for those living in other states. Once the Website is launched, Lee will look for volunteers to take charge of outreach to other states or regions. Tel: 516-398-828