OPINION:
I am a mother and first-generation immigrant. I first traveled to the United States in 1975 and permanently immigrated at the end of 1980. I have now lived here nearly twice as long as I lived in Korea.
In 1987, I began my career in finance, where I still work today. Along the way, I poured my heart into raising my two sons. My oldest now works at a Washington think tank, and my youngest is a film director. Seeing them thrive makes me deeply grateful; coming to America has truly been rewarding.
I recently watched a video online in which a near-death experience survivor shared that in heaven, God asked, “What meaningful work did you do on Earth that made a difference?”
Hearing those words gave me the profound courage to share an idea with our community. A short while ago, an evening news report predicted that our economic situation would continue to worsen due to inflation. At that moment, I got an idea.
When Korea went through the IMF financial crisis, the people overcame the hardship quickly by launching a grassroots “Gold Collecting Campaign.” What if our business owners joined forces to start a voluntary discount movement?
As someone in finance, I know that small business margins are tight now due to rising supply chain costs. I am not suggesting businesses absorb heavy losses. What if every owner offered a symbolic 1% or 2% discount or simply pledged to pause unnecessary, competitive markups?
Inflation often causes businesses to raise prices simply because everyone else is doing it, creating a psychological bubble. A voluntary, national price-lowering campaign could drive down inflation and the interest rate.
Imagine if every participating establishment posted a sign on their windows, reading, “Participating business: price stabilization sale.” This mutual partnership would maximize the movement’s momentum.
Korea rose from the ruins of war and financial ruin because everyday people refused to sit back. Instead, they participated in seemingly reckless movements, with our fierce community matriarchs leading the charge.
For the sake of a great America, I urge all great American citizens to rely on God and initiate and participate in this movement. It is my prayer that America will act as a pioneer nation, sparking a wave of community-driven economic relief worldwide.
Los Angeles, California
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