5th Flag Raising

On August 13th, various organizations and friends gathered down in Bowling Green, just

south of the Wall Street Bull to celebrate the 5th raising of the Korean and American flags. This was to commemorate the Korean and American Independence Days. The Multicultural Council of New York and the Bowling Green Association sponsored the event. In addition to several dignitaries, we had the participation of the Consul General of South Korea. A video of the event is being prepared and should be available later this coming week.

Notes from MultiCultural Council President, Soh Young Lee-Segredo:

5th American, Korean Flag Raising at Bowling Green Park with Bowling Green Association Co-chairs, August 13, 2026

Bowling Green Association Board Cochairman Ibrahim Kurtulus started to raise Korean flag 18 years ago. He is Korea Honorary Citizens. Yours truly found out about the Frag Raising and attended it on 2022 and 2023. 

Ibrahim called me and asked to work with the Bowling Green Association. He said it was too late to get a permit for the Korean Independence Day. We decided to raise the flags in the Fall. I raised the flags on October 3, 2024, and on October 2, 2025 with several organizations.  

This year due to numerous NYC events, getting the first permit took a long time. The Sound Permit did not get approved until July 18. Ibrahim let me know that constant construction has been taking place at Bowling Green Park.

No man is an Island! While preparing this meaningful 5th Raising American and Korean Flags, yours truly experienced God's intervention. With the struggle of dealing with the 81st Kwangbokjul event, God shone light on the true meaning of Korean Independence: Remembering all those who paved the way to the Korean Independence, celebration with true spirited 'heart filled people'. 

Ibrahim Kurtulus brought out profound message of leadership: Leadership is not depicted by dressing well, showing up at the event, making speeches and posing for photos. Leadership is keeping a promise agreed between people. 

Thank you, Bowling Green Association cochairmen, Ibrahim Kurtulus and Arthur Picolo, year after year, Raising Korean Flag. Thank you, Multicultural Council of NY Executive Board members, for covering the expenses for the permits, purchasing the sound system, the podium and expense for live music. 

What is more beautiful than celebrating the Korean and America 250 Independences with live music! Thanks go to Ji Kim, Percussion, Michiro Negishi, Keyboard. Kevin Urbano, vocal (a South Hampton H.S. student who came all the way to sing the American and Korean National Anthems). The Korean American Association of Queens, support from President Hyuntak Lee, as a Vice President of Youth Committee, so grateful for the members of the Next Generation Music Ensemble performing for the 2nd year. Many thanks to the Y. H. Park Taekwondo Academy, Master Edward Park and demonstration team. How beautiful the sky was, no rain and such an experience of God's grace...