“In difficult times for both the community and businesses, the Korean Association must not show weakness. We are not the main characters, but rather the supporting cast.”
Shin Eun-sik, president of the Tianjin Korean Association, emphasized the increasing importance of the association's role as the community faces challenges. He stated that it is essential to help community members and businesses maintain their daily lives and to provide a support system during crises.
According to Shin, the Tianjin Korean community, which once numbered around 60,000, has significantly decreased. While self-employed individuals are facing management difficulties and group activities have diminished, the bonds of mutual care within the community have strengthened.
“Although the size has decreased, communication and solidarity among community members centered around the Korean Association have actually intensified,” he said, explaining that shared hardships have made it increasingly important to look out for one another and offer assistance.
This solidarity is reflected in the operational structure of the association. Since the merger of the Korean Association and the Korean Chamber of Commerce about a decade ago, membership fees from businesses have been used to support struggling community members. The participation of businesses effectively underpins the safety net for the community.
Requests for assistance range from employment and visa issues to emergency medical situations. Shin noted, “Especially with many community members living alone and separated from their families, the immediate role of a safety net is becoming increasingly important.”
A memorable moment for Shin was the sharing of rice cake soup during the Lunar New Year celebration, an event organized for community members who could not return home for the holiday.
Children dressed in traditional hanbok enjoyed games like yutnori and jegichagi, while community members shared rice cake soup, evoking a sense of nostalgia for their hometowns.
Shin described the gathering as “not just a meal, but a moment to reaffirm the bonds of the community,” recalling the laughter from that day as a lasting memory.
Regular meetings continue as well. The cultural center offers various activities, including music lessons and choir practice, and provides a space for Sunday worship. This helps new community members settle in while establishing a foundation for ongoing communication among residents.
The Korean Association has also faced challenges due to budget constraints, leading to a reduction in office size. However, Shin reported that through efficient management, the association is currently operating at a surplus and has been recognized by the Korean Embassy as “the most exemplary Korean association in China.”
Looking ahead, the challenge is to respond to the changing business environment and the welfare needs of community members. Shin pointed out the growing importance of operating businesses in compliance with laws and regulations in China, as well as the need for support for community members over 60 and those living alone.
“Beyond simple livelihood support, helping community members maintain vitality through cultural and sports activities is also an important role of the Korean Association,” he emphasized.
The association's motto is 'Kindness, Service, Smile.' Shin urged, “Whenever you need help, do not hesitate to reach out to the Korean Association.” While the size of the community has diminished, the responsibility of being a 'supporting cast' remains greater than ever.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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