Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh Korean Associations Merge to Form KABA
Korean Community Unites: Newly formed Korean Association in Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh elects Jung Young Ho as Chairman, announces vision for stronger community ties and local partnerships
Bengaluru, India — In a significant step towards fostering unity and collective growth, the Korean communities of Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh have officially merged to form the Korean Association in Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh (KABA). At its inaugural meeting on June 21, Jung Young Ho was elected as the first Chairman of the newly established association for a 2-year term. The KABA meeting took place at the Gyeonggi Business Center, Bengaluru.
Along with Chairman Jung Young Ho, the association announced the full roster of its new office bearers. The leadership team includes Yeon Gyu-deuk as Vice Chairman, Dokyun Kim as Vice Chairman, Wooyoung Jin as Vice Chairman, and Dongcheol Shin as Vice Chairman. Supporting them are Byunggi Ra as Senior Advisor, Hyunkyung Jung as Senior Advisor, Jeonghyung Lee as Senior Advisor, Seakyung Lee as Senior Advisor, and Hojin Ryoo as Senior Advisor.
The positions of Executive Secretary have been entrusted to Juntae Jung and Bokcheol Shin. Additional key roles include Heejung Lee as Women’s Affairs Director, Jongyun Shin as Director of Planning and Public Relations, Hwitae Kang as Director of Youth Affairs, and Choongbin Han as Director of Accounting.
Changnyun Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Chennai, was also present on this occasion and congratulated the newly elected Chairman, Jung, wishing him and his team all the best in their mission.
During the ceremony, Chairman Jung presented his ambitious vision for leading KABA over the next two years, emphasizing “mutual growth through communication and harmony” as the guiding principle.
“Our direction is clear,” Jung stated. “We will focus on three main goals: enhancing communication and promoting information exchange; strengthening unity and a sense of belonging within the Korean community; and fostering mutual prosperity with the local Indian community while elevating our status.”
Chairman Jung emphasized the importance of organizing regular gatherings, expanding feedback channels, and sharing timely and practical information to help Korean residents settle confidently in India. “I will work to ensure that our community grows together—free from information gaps,” he emphasized.
He also emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming, intergenerational community that fosters family participation through cultural events and social gatherings. “We hope to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding and care, nurturing a true sense of ‘warm togetherness’ among Koreans in Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh,” Jung said.
On the external front, Jung outlined plans to build positive relationships with the local Indian community through cultural exchanges, volunteer activities, and stronger ties with Indian government bodies and businesses. “Our association will contribute to raising the profile of Koreans in India, protect our community’s interests, and create new opportunities for collaboration,” he added.
With its new leadership team in place and a clear roadmap for the future, KABA is poised to become a vital pillar of support and connection for Koreans living in Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh, while also strengthening bonds with the broader Indian society.
