Now that the Iraq War has ended, Korean society stresses that it’s now time to address current and pressing issues that were tabled because of the war.

The Korean focus has been on the war, and its effects—before it began, throughout the British- and American-led war, and even now, since it has ended. But now Korean society says, let’s gather our strength and wisdom to solve the issues that have piled up during the war, and return to our routine life and interests and business.

There are many such issues: economic depression; the 100th anniversary of Korean immigration; recent tax hikes and budget cuts; the enforcement of business regulations; improvements in education; and Korean political power.

These and even other issues have been put on hold, and must now be addressed. The most important one seems to be how to instill the Korean-American economy with a new vitality, following the long-term depression that began after September 11th. The aftermath of that depression and the war have created the worst economic situation in America in the recent past, and this is felt by Korean businesses as well. “It’s like burning ground,” one business owner said.

One head of an economic group said, “The Iraq war has been successfully completed. Now, spending will increase again, hopefully to its previous state. But if we simply wait for this to happen, nothing will change. We need creative ideas and positive marketing strategies to grab this opportunity and help bring recovery.”

Because of the war, work on the 100th Anniversary of Korean Immigration was slowed. Now, it can be started again. The Korean Writers Association will hold, and host the 100th Year Memorial Literary Lecture on April 29th. The Greater New York 100th Anniversary Business Association will host a photo exhibition from July 13th to August 31st. The Korean TaeKwonDo team will hold a public demonstration of the martial art on May 6th. The Greater New York Association has prepared many such events and programs.

These programs will present and announce Korean activities to American society; but they will also serve as the steady platform from which the older generation of Koreans can pass leadership to second generation Korean-Americans, who will lead Korean-American society in this century. In order for these programs to be successful, we need a large pan-Korean attendance.

Korean business owners must also join together strongly and sincerely. They must solve important issues among themselves, such as the increase of government fines and penalties, and the strict enforcement of business rules and regulations. Korean economic groups need members’ help to discuss and lobby for the relaxation of government regulations.

The educational environment for Korean-American students is also changing. There is a serious ongoing discussion, which needs to be addressed more deeply, on the pros and cons of dividing School District 32 in Queens. There is also a serious crisis threatening because of proposed city budget cuts that will close or reduce many after-school programs. This is the most important time for parents to become active and concerned, taking a part in discussion and planning.

On May 1st, the 28th session of the Korean American Association of New York will convene. We should support and advise them in achieving the central role they have in addressing and solving these various and pressing problems, and in the development and preparation of Korean power, for the coming election year. This is the homework of Korean society.