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Ryu Hyun-jin, L.A. Korean Americans spread hope

April 21, 2014

By Kim Hyung-jae

Korean Americans gathered in front of the L.A. Korean Consulate General Sunday.

The Korean American community continues to pull together with hope and support following the sinking of the ferry boat Sewol.

About ten people gathered at the L.A. Korean Consulate General Sunday afternoon to support the missing passengers — 215 as of Monday — and to hold a candle vigil.

They lit candles in front of a white banner that read, “Victims of the Sewol boat…still, L.A. sends hope” and a letter box, into which one child wrote, “Unnis, oppas, please come back.”

Moon Bong-ho, one of those in attendance, said they had come out voluntarily after hearing the sad news. He said he hopes to see Koreans in L.A. begin collecting donations to help support victims and their families.

Ryu Hyun-jin held a signing fundraiser for the victims of the ferry sinking Sunday.

On the other side of town at the No. 6 parking lot outside Dodgers Stadium, baseball star Ryu Hyun-jin held an unscheduled fundraiser signing event to help the ferry victims.

Held before the Dodgers’ game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the signing event attracted more than 100 people, who each gave from $1 to $20.

Ryu appeared with about 10 bodyguards and participated for 30 minutes.

“I know the situation in Korea well through the news, and I hope this signing event adds even a little to the effort,” Ryu said. “I hope families quickly find the missing, and I wish for something like this to never happen again.”