WCKNC starts to receive complaints from Koreatown residents via KakaoTalk

Korean Americans in Koreatown now have the convenience of reporting complaints, big or small, through KakaoTalk.

KakaoTalk, predominantly used by Koreans and Korean Americans, is a free messaging service originating from South Korea.

Starting from August 30, residents can now file their complaints to the council through diverse means: email (lacitync@gmail.com), phone (323-200-5532), text, and KakaoTalk (ID: lacitync). They have the added advantage of submitting photos and videos to support their complaints.

“You can directly report issues like potholes, tree trimming, or problems related to the homeless by sending relevant photos or videos,” said Samuel Suh, a representative of WCKNC. “Our team will promptly escalate the issue to the appropriate authority and update the complainant.”

Complaints are accepted in three languages: Korean, English, and Bengali(text and email only in Bengali). Remarkably, WCKNC’s four board members are dedicated to managing these complaints seven days a week, ensuring no days go unchecked.

However, it’s crucial to note that only complaints from the specific jurisdiction – 11th Street to Olympic Boulevard/Melrose Avenue north to south, and Vermont to Western Avenue east to west – will be considered.

Following the Korea Daily’s reports on the Koreatown complaints, the WCKNC experienced a surge in feedback last month.

Chair Mark Lee explained, “The idea of a unified complaint platform was an idea of Executive Vice President Erica Jung, Samuel Suh, and Nathan Kim. They recognized the recurring demand among Korean Americans for a centralized complaint center.”

“Direct interactions with city council offices pose challenges for many Korean Americans. With several avenues to voice concerns, our aim was to eliminate confusion by consolidating the contact center with the neighborhood council,” said Erica Jung, executive vice president of WCKNC.

Enhancing community engagement, the platform aims to elevate the dialogue with residents, capture feedback on local life, garner ideas for community growth, relay community news, and announce routine and subcommittee meeting schedules.

WCKNC recently acquired tablets through a generous anonymous donation. In light of its heightened activities and community involvement, WCKNC’s budget has been augmented from $32,000 to $42,000, providing more resources for community initiatives.

Nathan Kim, a Community Organization Representative, expressed, “We have many enthusiastic members dedicated to community service. We urge Korean Americans to be proactive, making our council continually vibrant. We invite them to our monthly gatherings to share insights.”

WCKNC conducts its monthly meetings every second Monday. Details can be accessed on their website: empowerla.org/WCKNC.

Meetings for September through November are slated for 6 p.m. at the Korea Daily building’s basement auditorium (690 Wilshire Pl.).

BY SUAH JANG    [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]