SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - The Korea Legacy Committee (KLC) will mark its 10th anniversary with a gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul on October 25. The event will reflect on the group’s work over the past decade while pointing to the continuing problem of elderly poverty in South Korea.
Founded in 2015, KLC is a nonprofit set up to confront the country’s high elderly poverty rate through direct services, community programs, and youth engagement. Based in Seoul and operating also in Incheon and Chuncheon, the organization has provided hundreds of thousands of meals while building connections between younger and older generations.
One of its main efforts is Legacy Kitchen, which now produces more than 1,000 meals a month. The model goes beyond food distribution. Volunteers check in with recipients by phone, help with housing needs, and provide care services when required.
A central feature of the group’s work is its reliance on young volunteers. Every weekend, students and young professionals prepare meals, manage deliveries, and spend time with elderly participants. The approach has been credited with helping younger South Koreans see social responsibility as something personal rather than abstract.
Nearly half of the country’s elderly population still lives in poverty, according to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). KLC says that reality underscores the need for sustained programs.
“Ten years ago, we couldn’t accept that elderly citizens in one of the world’s most prosperous nations were going hungry,” the organization’s leadership said. “Today, we’ve proven that young people, when given meaningful opportunities to serve, can create lasting change. This anniversary isn’t just about looking back—it’s about recommitting to the work ahead.”
The October event will bring together supporters, volunteers, and beneficiaries, highlighting personal stories behind the statistics and the role of food security in preserving dignity and community.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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