There’s something truly special about witnessing families and children come together not only to enjoy the creative arts and crafts offered by Drawwing Cabinet but also to celebrate their diverse cultures in unison. GYOPO, a collective of Korean artists and cultural professionals, is dedicated to fostering progressive, critical, and intersectional conversations across generations. Through their work, they build community alliances and offer free educational programs that reach far beyond Los Angeles. On September 15, 2024 in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, GYOPO invited over 250 attendees to its 6th Annual Chuseok Benefit Brunch. Co-hosted by Samie Kim Falvey and Mia Locks and emceed by Steffie Baik, this year's event honors chefs Mina Park and Kwang Uh, the visionary talents behind  Los Angeles Times’s 2024 Restaurant of the Year, Baroo.

Under the leadership of Christine Y. Kim, curator-at-large at Tate Modern, and Ellie Lee, and a steering committee of other professionals working in arts and culture, the organization's visionary direction brings compelling programs to life, such as forthcoming An Afternoon with Youngmi Mayer and her memoir, I’m Laughing Because I’m Crying, and the intellectually engaging Cold War Baby Aesthetics: Historical Context Meets Aesthetics, featuring Simon Leung, Sunny Xiang, and Steven Lee, moderated by Amy Kahng, in partnership with UC Irvine. Now in its eighth year, the organization has become a vital force within LA’s Korean community, curating events that spotlight voices of the Korean diaspora. Through their work, they challenge and broaden the understanding of “Koreanness,” embracing inclusive yet expansive perspectives.

Guests indulged in appetizers from Bao Dim Sum House followed by a generous Korean buffet crafted by Chef Kyungbin Min. The afternoon's refreshments were provided by Kikori Whiskey, Rancho Arroyo Grande Wines, Dokkaebier, and JUMO, offering a perfect complement to the feast. Through their food, the honorees, Mina Park and Kwang Uh, aspire not only to enhance the world's flavors, but to contribute to its betterment. Their mission goes beyond the plate — it's about honoring cultural heritage with every bite.

Audiences are connecting with Korean stories in ways never seen before, savoring each narrative. This remarkable journey owes its success to the collaboration of talented artists and creators who not only attend GYOPO but also embrace its message. At the core of this effort is CJ, the event’s title sponsor, whose commitment to fostering talent reflects its dedication to people. Premier Sponsor East West Bank also played a crucial role in supporting this creative exchange. As a highlight of the event, GYOPO once again revealed its highly anticipated annual artwork, this year featuring Untitled (Tseng Kwong Chi wearing a “SLUTFORART” t-shirt) by Los Angeles-based queer artist Kang Seung Lee. Lee, whose work has gained significant recognition, continues to capture attention with recent features in both the Venice Biennale and Hammer's Biennial Made in LA.

And this year’s Chuseok, Korea's cherished Harvest Moon Holiday festival, continues to offer a moment to unite in gratitude, honor the season's abundance, and fortify communal ties. Proceeds from this event will directly support GYOPO’s ongoing, free public programs, reinforcing its mission to foster a more connected, resilient community year-round.

Photographed by Gina Clyne.