08/31/2026
Houston, TX — August 30, 2026
Vivienne Kwon, President of the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Houston (KACC Houston), released the following statement in response to a communication distributed on August 28 in the Chamber's name from the email address [email protected]:
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I am writing regarding a communication distributed on August 28, in the name of the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Houston, [email protected] ("KACC Houston"). That communication was not authorized or issued by me in my capacity as President.
Let me be clear: I, Vivienne Kwon, have not resigned as President of KACC Houston, nor have I voluntarily relinquished the office. I maintain that I continue to serve as the lawful President of KACC Houston and dispute the validity of any claimed action to remove me from office.
Serious questions exist as to whether this action was taken in accordance with the Chamber's governing documents and applicable requirements. These questions include the composition and authority of the individuals who participated, director eligibility and voting authority, and whether the procedures required for valid corporate action were properly followed.
Accordingly, I do not recognize this action as a valid act of KACC Houston. I have retained legal counsel and will take appropriate steps to protect the Chamber, its members, and the integrity of its governance.
FINANCIAL RECORDS AND COMPLIANCE
Since taking office, my administration has identified significant concerns regarding the Chamber's historical financial records and regulatory compliance, including questions concerning whether required federal tax filings were timely and properly made in prior years.
The records currently available to us indicate that these matters relate, at least in part, to periods preceding the current administration.
We have been working to determine the Chamber's compliance status, obtain and preserve its financial and corporate records, identify any outstanding federal tax filing requirements, and take appropriate steps to ensure organizational compliance.
Our members, sponsors, and community partners deserve transparency regarding the Chamber's financial affairs and governance. These matters should be evaluated objectively based on the actual financial records, corporate documents, and applicable requirements.
For that reason, I believe an independent review of the Chamber's historical financial records and compliance should be conducted so that the facts can be established objectively and any necessary corrective actions can be taken.
It is concerning that this governance dispute has arisen while the current administration is working to examine and address these historical financial-records and compliance questions. Nevertheless, that important work will continue.
OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS
For clarity, communications authorized by me in my capacity as President may be confirmed through:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (832) 463-0622
Website: HTTPS://www.KACCHouston.org
I have not authorized [email protected] to issue communications on my behalf as President.
On Monday, August 31, I will meet with community leaders, former KACC Houston presidents, and members of the local Korean media to present the relevant chronology, governing documents, and supporting records so that these matters can be evaluated based on the facts.
My priority remains protecting KACC Houston, ensuring proper governance and compliance, maintaining transparency, and preserving the trust that our members and community have placed in this organization.
I will continue to stand for transparency, accountability, and the integrity of KACC Houston.
Vivienne Kwon,
President, KACC Houston
