Long live the Republic of Korea!

When I  young and looked at a world map, South Korea seemed so small. The Korean Peninsula could be covered by a single finger, while the United States filled an entire side of the map. In my childish mind, I vaguely believed that bigger countries must be stronger and better.

Now, I have been living in that vast country—the United States—for many years. It is a life I never could have imagined. Over time, my perspective has completely changed. I have come to realize that it is not the size of a nation that defines it, but the strength of its people.

Today, wherever you go in the world, the names K-Food, K-Pop, and K-Drama are recognized with ease. The letter “K” is no longer a foreign label—it has become a symbol of pride. Whenever I watch young Korean athletes win gold medals at the Winter Olympics, rising again after falling and finishing their races with unwavering determination, I am convinced of one thing: no one surpasses Korea when it comes to resilience and the spirit to persevere until the very end.

Having worked at Duo America for many years, I have met countless Koreans. Each time, I feel a deep sense of admiration and respect. I am inspired by those who live confidently with professional excellence in their respective fields, and by those who immigrated long ago, worked diligently, devoted themselves to their children’s education, and built stable lives in unfamiliar societies without wavering.

Living abroad, I am especially moved when I see how much Koreans cherish connections with others who share the same language, culture, and emotional understanding. The sense of comfort that comes from sitting across from someone who speaks the same words and understands the same sentiments is far greater—and stronger—than one might expect.

When I travel to states where there are few Koreans, I sometimes overhear the Korean language or spot a sign written in Hangul. In those moments, my heart swells unexpectedly. I think of King Sejong and his greatness. Hangul was not merely a writing system; it was a profound decision made to transform the lives of ordinary people.

Historically, Korean society has placed great importance on finding a good partner and building a family at the proper time. A strong family creates a stable society, and a stable society strengthens a nation. For this reason, matchmaking was never just a private matter—it was a contribution to the community.

Sometimes I reflect on my own work. Am I simply introducing people to one another? When I help create meaningful connections, when families are formed, and when the next generation grows from those families, perhaps I am continuing a tradition that has existed for generations—only in a modern form.

When I think of it this way, my work goes beyond business. It is about connecting lives and strengthening the roots of our community. That is why I take pride in what I do. I am doing what I do best, and that truth brings me happiness.

The Republic of Korea, which once looked so small on a childhood map, is no longer small in my heart. It is a nation with the greatness of Hangul, with unyielding resilience, and with people who live boldly wherever they are. And it is a nation whose connections I have the privilege of helping to nurture.

So today, with a quiet yet certain heart, I proclaim:

Long live the Republic of Korea!!!