The immigrant societyIn a community of immigrants, people may find themselves pressured to achieve success while overcoming barriers of language and culture. Yet, behind the numerous success stories, hidden mental health challenges often cast a long shadow. When survival and settlement become the sole priorities, emotional well-being is frequently pushed to the back burner, and generational gaps can spark unexpected family conflicts. Kang Soh Yun, who leads the non-profit organization YouStar Foundation in California, has dedicated herself to broadening horizons of understanding and caring for the mental health of marginalized Korean immigrants.

The Spirit of the Korea University Community Passed Down from Her Father

Introducing herself as a "KU tiger to the bone," Kang states that the roots that shaped who she is today undoubtedly lie in her identity with “Minjok” (the People’s) Korea University. "I grew up watching my father (Physics, '60), the person I respect most, sharing a lifelong, unwavering friendship with his college peers. To me, Korea University was the finest institution and my ultimate dream."

Though she initially wished to follow in her father’s footsteps by majoring in physics, her father offered some blunt yet affectionate advice: "Physics is a discipline for geniuses; choose a field that is a bit more practical." Consequently, she entered the Department of Material Engineering. As a member of the Class of '94—sharing her college years with the characters of the hit nostalgic drama Reply 1994—her university days were packed with meaningful experiences.

She passionately debated the social issues of the era in a social science study group "Materia" within her department, and spent countless nights practicing as the keyboardist for Crimson, the university's then sole rock band. Even when she immigrated to the United States with her family after graduation, it was another family circle, the Korea University Alumni Association of Southern California, that supported her. "The tight-knit bond among KU alumni remains unchanged, past and present. It is no exaggeration to say it is my core identity. Even in an unfamiliar land like America, my fellow alumni were an unparalleled pillar of support."

Bringing the Taboo in Immigrant Communities to the surface: Talking about Mental Health

Diligent and hard-working, Kang obtained her CPA license in the U.S. and rose to become a partner at CHLK, one of the most prominent Korean-American accounting firms. Standing at the peak of her professional career, she and her husband encountered a new calling that transcended commercial success.

Her late husband, Park Sang Kyun, a Yonsei University alumnus, worked as a journalist and producer. He supported the Southern California KU Alumni Association with all his heart, even producing promotional videos for them, prompting senior KU alumni to affectionately dub him "Son-in-Law Park from Yonsei." A former guest vocalist for the famous Korean musical project TOY, Park possessed a delicate artistic sensibility and an extraordinary capacity for empathy. While running a bone marrow donation campaign targeting the Korean community to help leukemia patients, he began noticing the deep, hidden pain within immigrant families. "At the time, there was a severe reluctance among Korean immigrants toward bone marrow donation," Kang recalled. "To correct this misconception, my husband organized the “Miracle Concerts,” inviting famous Korean vocalists like Ha Dong Qn and Jang Hye-Jin. He raised awareness about how vital bone marrow donation is for individuals and the community, funneling all proceeds into promoting registration for donations. As we went on to fully establish the YouStar Foundation and continue our community outreach through cultural arts, we profoundly realized that changing perceptions surrounding mental health was just as urgent as addressing physical well-being."

In a conservative immigrant culture wary of showing vulnerability, conditions like depression and domestic conflict were treated as deeply shameful taboos to be kept quiet. Left unexpressed, individuals could not receive proper counseling or treatment, leading to a vicious cycle where issues worsened in secret. "Mental health was just as heavily stigmatized as bone marrow transplants used to be," Kang explained. "My husband had personally battled mental health difficulties, but he aggressively sought treatment from an excellent doctor and used medication to overcome them. This made him feel all the more heartbroken over the community's situation. We resolved to pour our personal healing experiences and talents into comforting the Korean-American community. Since 2018, YouStar Foundation has focused on mental health, spearheading diverse campaigns and activities."

The "Never Give Up Campaign," aimed at suicide prevention and highlighting the importance of emotional well-being, shares critical information on depression and anxiety disorders through seminars and forums. Meanwhile, the foundation operates "Warm Line,” the first Korean-language telephone helpline in the United States, which acts as an emotional first-aid squad for those in need of support. It serves as a safe psychological harbor for Korean immigrants who hesitate to seek psychiatric care due to cultural prejudices. Recently, the foundation has also consistently hosted workshops to bridge the gap between first- and second-generation immigrants, fostering mutual understanding and conflict resolution. Renowned figures, including Professor Hur Taekyun of Korea University's Department of Psychology, have joined forces to support these initiatives.

"Unfortunately, the suicide rate among Korean Americans has surged by over 50% over the past decade," Kang points out. "It has become a severe societal crisis spanning all generations, from anxious youths to isolated and depressed elderly citizens. Yet, because suicide is still viewed by many as a family disgrace, countless individuals reject a helping hand. A hyper-success-oriented culture and the intense fear of failure are fueling this tragedy. We must save them by shifting public perceptions, opening channels of communication, and offering genuine emotional bonds."

Local media outlets frequently describe the YouStar Foundation as a "sturdy anchor for the immigrant community." In 2025, the foundation's public service value won formal recognition from the Korean American Foundation (KAF), securing a dedicated subsidy allowing organizations to execute projects for public benefit, “Community Grant,” further solidifying its deep-rooted trust within local society.

▲ (Top) Attending the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Annual Korea-Yonsei Games alongside her father
▼ (Bottom) YouStar Foundation team at a vision gathering

An Unfailing KU Spirit and Alumni Love in America

Despite her demanding schedule, Kang puts her love for her alma mater into action by serving as a board member for the International Foundation for Korea University, Inc. Utilizing her expertise as a tax specialist, she ensures that precious donations made by overseas alumni are seamlessly transferred to the university alongside appropriate tax benefits. "Whenever I handle donations from senior alumni—whether they are bequeathing vast estates or meticulously writing out checks month after month—my heart swells with emotion," Kang said. "It is profoundly rewarding to use my professional knowledge to honor their noble intentions."

The unconditional backing and volunteer work of Korea University alumni have also been a driving force along the path toward YouStar Foundation’s mission. "At every major milestone, including our large concerts and seminars, numerous KU alumni stepped up as if it were their own personal cause. They joined us as volunteers, board members, and anonymous donors. I want to convey my deepest gratitude to the KU community. It is absolutely because they stepped forward with a sense of social responsibility for the mental health of our community that everything we have achieved became possible."

Continuing the Seeds of a Dream Sown by Her Husband

In 2023, Kang experienced the profound sorrow of losing her husband and closest ally to a sudden heart attack. However, instead of remaining paralyzed by grief, she chose to honor the legacy he left behind. "Though his absence is deeply painful and I miss him every day, I choose to remember that he lived a truly beautiful life: sowing noble and beautiful seeds of a dream. My goal is to keep that dream alive," Kang noted. "YouStar Foundation is a vital entity that delivers an essential message and collaboratively unpacks solutions in an immigrant society that has rushed blindly toward survival and settlement."

Sootheing Treating the wounds that exist within everyone and extending a hand so others can walk the path of recovery — the journey of the YouStar Foundation and President Kang Soh Yun stands as a beautiful manifestation of the core KU spirit: valuing the true meaning of community and the virtue of altruism (Ita). True to its name, "YouStar" that promises to help individuals regain their intrinsic brilliance like stars, their shared dream will continue to shine brightly, serving as a beacon of hope for those navigating the dark night of the soul.