Korean American Federation to Hold 38th Election
The Los Angeles organization prepares to elect a new president on December 12, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Elections
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The Los Angeles Korean American Federation has officially formed an election committee for its 38th presidential election, set for December 12, 2026. The committee aims to foster a fair and inclusive process for local Korean American residents.
Why it matters
The election is central to the governance and advocacy efforts of the Los Angeles Korean American Federation. By establishing clear criteria and procedures, the organization ensures a structured transition of leadership for its members.
Candidates must fulfill specific service requirements, including either two years as an officer within the last 10 years or three years of nonprofit service within the last seven years.
The players
Kim Yong-ho
He is the chair of the 38th presidential election committee for the Los Angeles Korean American Federation.
Lee Seung-woo
He serves as the vice chair of the 38th presidential election committee.
The details
The election committee, led by chair Kim Yong-ho and vice chair Lee Seung-woo, will oversee registration and voting for the 38th presidential term. Residents of Los Angeles County who are at least 18 years old are eligible to participate, with the process open to individuals regardless of their immigration status.
Timeline
Candidate registration documents will be distributed from Oct. 28 through Oct. 30, 2026.
Voter registration is scheduled to occur from Nov. 2 through Dec. 7, 2026.
The deadline for candidate registration is Nov. 12, 2026.
The election is set to take place on Dec. 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Political Context
The federation's internal rules often face scrutiny from community members who push for more inclusive eligibility requirements. Critics frequently argue that strict service-based prerequisites limit the pool of potential leadership to established organizational insiders.
Eligible Los Angeles County residents can participate in the election regardless of their immigration status. Participants must ensure they register by the December 7 deadline to be eligible to vote for the upcoming administration.
The takeaway
The election serves as a significant moment for the local Korean American community to shape its future advocacy and representation. Interested residents should monitor registration dates closely to ensure their participation in this leadership transition.
What happens next
Candidate registration will officially open on October 28, 2026, followed by the candidate registration deadline on November 12, 2026. The voter registration period is set to conclude on December 7, 2026, ahead of the December 12, 2026 voting day.
Further reading
For more information on local civic processes, visit Los Angeles elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Radio Seoul.
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