[LITTLE ROCK- TexasN] The One Korean (ONE KOREAN) Scholarship Foundation, in partnership with the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas, hosted the 9th Arkansas–Korea Business Exchange and Community Networking Night on Saturday, bringing together business leaders, public officials and community members to strengthen ties between Arkansas and South Korea.
The annual event serves a dual purpose: awarding scholarships to students with strong academic aspirations and fostering long-term economic and cultural collaboration between the two regions.
Founded in 2017, the One Korean Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $220,000 in scholarships to over 220 recipients, guided by its mission that higher education should be accessible to all students regardless of background. Beyond students, the foundation has also extended scholarships to public servants and educational institutions, including local police departments, fire departments and Korean language schools.
Last year, the foundation broadened its reach by awarding scholarships not only to students but also to state and city police officers, firefighters and National Guard members, reinforcing the Korean-American community’s role within the broader Arkansas community.
This year, 29 recipients — including students, one firefighter and three military service members — each received $1,000 scholarships, totaling $29,000 in financial support.
More than 300 attendees, including business executives, professionals, public officials and their families, participated in the event. Major corporate sponsors included Douglas Companies, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Walmart, Tito’s Vodka and Kiswire, with all proceeds dedicated to scholarship funding and local education initiatives.
Over the years, the foundation’s scholarship dinner has evolved beyond a fundraising event into what organizers describe as a practical economic and cultural networking platform connecting Arkansas and South Korea.
Several high-profile leaders sent video and message messages in support of the foundation, including Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, U.S. Rep. French Hill, the Overseas Koreans Agency, and the expressing appreciation for the foundation’s contributions to education and community development.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders praised the program in a recorded message, saying the One Korean Scholarship initiative has had a “significant and positive impact on education across the state.”
Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald highlighted the broader economic importance of the program, calling it a vital bridge between Arkansas and Korea.
“This scholarship program is an excellent vehicle for introducing Arkansans to Korea and Koreans to Arkansas,” McDonald said. “It strengthens cultural understanding while also building meaningful business relationships and opportunities for foreign direct investment.”
McDonald noted that Arkansas has been actively engaging with Korean companies and recently sent a trade delegation to South Korea — the state’s first official visit in more than two decades — to rebuild economic ties.
Attorney General Tim Griffin, who visited South Korea in 2023, emphasized the program’s inclusive message.
“This scholarship shows that Korean-Americans care deeply about the future of Arkansas as a whole,” Griffin said. “It sends a clear message: We are part of this community, and we support every young person working toward a better future.”
The event also paid tribute to Korean War veterans, a longstanding tradition of the foundation. Chairman Changheon Lee has consistently invited veterans to scholarship events and supports projects documenting their service. This year, a 94-year-old surviving veteran was honored, receiving a standing ovation from attendees. Lee was recognized for his continued commitment to veterans and community service.
Scholarship recipients shared personal stories of impact. Chloe O’Neill, a student planning to attend John Brown University, said the scholarship would make a critical difference.
“I honestly never expected this,” O’Neill said. “Private tuition is expensive, and this support helps me pursue my dream education.”
Susie Munson of Douglas Companies, a longtime partner of the foundation, praised the program’s longevity and community focus.
“For nine years, this has been one of the most meaningful partnerships we’ve been part of,” Munson said. “It opens doors for young people and honors those who served, and that combination is incredibly powerful.”
Catherine Wahrmund amiangs0210@gmail.com
