Nearly half, 48.5% admit that there is someone in their immediate family having serious marriage/family problems

California -- On May 28th 2008, KCCD hosted a press conference announcing the findings of its research report on "State of Korean American Marriages." This study was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families.*           

Hyepin Im, KCCD President, stated,"We're pleased to be sharing our findings of this report which will help to dispel the prevailing image of Asian Americans as the model minority. This report reveals the various hidden problems and sources of tensions within Korean American marriages, and identifies the marriage education and family support needs and gaps in service within the Korean American community, particularly those needs that are specific to Korean Americans' distinct cultural and immigration experience. As one example, in-law problems was listed 2nd in challenges for Korean American marriages."

 Rev. John Park of Council of Korean Churches in Southern California who is a partnering with KCCD in the Healthy Marriae Initiative stated, "This study shows so many Korean American families and marriages are experiencing difficulty with over 43% stating that in their immediate families, there has been divorce. Yet, it is also ironic and demonstrates the culture of shame is so strong by over 90% of the survey participants stating that they all have happy marriages. Thankfully, the Council of Churches is pleased to be partnering with KCCD to provide resources and tools to empower our families and marriages through marriage education. We look forward to working KCCD to  certify many pastors and church leaders to make marriage education available to their congregations and communities."

 Eric Boyd, District Director of Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, stated, " This study is really alarming, it surfaces so many areas of progress, not just for the Korean community but for our society in general...The Senator is in favor of preventative measures so if these numbers are showing that 48%  of the people know somebody personally who needs help in their marriages, we really need to have more marriage education".

The full report and recommendations and strategies for building healthier marriages and families within the Korean American community is posted on KCCD website as well as on the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center. (www.kccd3300.org)

 *Data collection for the preparation of this report was supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration of Children and Families (ACF), through the Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity Building program.  The findings and conclusions are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of HHS or ACF.

Photo caption

Left to Right:Eric Boyd, District Director of Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, Hyepin Im, President & CEO of KCCD and Rev. John Park, President of Council of Korean Churches in Southern California.