The D.K. Kim Foundation
About Our Foundation
A letter of inspiration from our founder Mr. Dong Koo Kim
I was born in Korea during a tumultuous period marked by Japanese occupation, the Korean War, and severe political instability. My family and I faced extreme hardship, including poverty and starvation. Thankfully, we received crucial aid from the US Government and religious groups, which not only helped us survive but also allowed me to obtain an education.
After completing my mandatory military service, I dedicated myself to building a successful career. I worked tirelessly for over two decades and my efforts finally paid off. By my late 50s I had achieved much business success.
As I approached retirement, I reflected on a memory from my second-grade year. During the Korean War, my family could not afford lunch and so my homeroom teacher secretly provided me with a lunch box every day. I later discovered that the lunch box came from his own meals, a sacrifice he made without telling me. My teacher spent his lunchtime under a tree so that no one would know and I would keep my dignity. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on me. I regretted never having the chance to thank him before moving back to Seoul.
Inspired by his generosity, I established the D.K. Kim Foundation. I realized that while I could only do so much alone, focusing on education would have the most lasting and future driven impact. Our Foundation equips leaders with the tools and strategies to drive social good through planting hope, promoting education, and equipping leaders.
Throughout this journey, I’ve been surprised by the many individuals and organizations that are also committed to making a difference. I am eager to collaborate with others who share this vision to expand our mission and enhance our impact.
Thank you for your time, wisdom, and support.
Sincerely,
D.K. Kim