Rachel Ji-Young Yoo Serves as Advisor to South Korean Government’s “Study on Policy Improvements to Enhance International Mobility for Artists” 

Rachel Ji-Young Yoo of Yoo Law Group recently served as a U.S. immigration adviser to the South Korean government in their national study of artist-visa systems. Her resulting contributions were published in A Study on Policy Improvements to Enhance International Mobility for Artists in late 2025. Congratulations to Rachel on her achievement!

Rachel is the founding partner of Yoo Law Group, LLC, which specializes in immigration law, family mediation, and international dispute arbitration. In addition to her guidance in cross-border and mediation matters, she serves as the Co-Chair of the Asian American Bar Association of New York’s (AABANY) Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. Rachel is also General Counsel of the Asian & American Art Foundation, and Mediator with the New York County Supreme Court.

On this project, Rachel was invited to serve as a U.S. immigration adviser to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea. Her involvement grew out of her immigration practice and prior work advising Korean artists and cultural organizations, including the Korean Cultural Center New York, on U.S. visa issues. 

As an official contributor on matters related to U.S. immigration law, Rachel aided in examining how Korea’s institutional framework can be improved to better support the international mobility of artists. 

Drawing on interviews and comparative policy analysis, the project uses insights from both Korea and major countries, surveying artists, agencies, and legal/administrative experts with direct experience navigating the visa process to evaluate Korea’s artist‑visa systems. By identifying key issues, strengths, and weaknesses across countries, the report proposes recommendations to strengthen Korea’s artist‑visa policies and promote smoother global artistic exchange.

For Rachel, the experience was particularly meaningful as it represented a continuation of her work in “bridging two legal systems and two cultural frameworks” and “broadened [her] perspective on how national‑level policy decisions shape the practical realities artists face,” something that strengthens her commitment  to aiding her individual clients through U.S. immigration pathways.

Rachel’s work on this project is a testament to the impact that dedicated legal expertise can have beyond the courtroom in shaping policy, building bridges between nations, and advocating for the communities she serves. We are proud to have her as a valued member of AABANY, and please join AABANY in congratulating Rachel on this important achievement.

AABANY Membership Committee Co-Sponsors Outing to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with the Mets

AABANY Membership Committee led a group to Citi Field on May 14th, 2025, to catch the Mets in action on AAPI Heritage night!

The Mets featured local Asian musicians, artists and lion dancers performing throughout the night. The fans heard the familiar “Take Me Out of the Ballgame” on a on a pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument.

The attendees also received a limited edition Mets/ AAPI Hat.


When rain started to fall, the group of 16 attendees went up to the Heineken Lounge to dry off. The rain eventually let up in the later innings, which was a welcome relief. Despite the rain and the loss, attendees had a great time at the ballpark!

Let’s go, Mets!

We thank Membership, Government Service & Public Interest, Litigation, Solo & Small Firm, Young Lawyers, and Women’s Committees for co-sponsoring!

Thanks to our sponsor, EcoScribe.

 If you need a process server, translation services, transcriptions or depositions, email Cynthia Kaplan 

cynthia@ecoscribesolutions.com

  • Leading the Industry in Remote Deposition Technology for Over a Decade.
  • Eco-friendly Court Reporting and Litigation Services With a Reduced Carbon Footprint
  • Lower Cost Solutions Without Compromise
  • Strong Worldwide Network with Compatible Partnerships.

FAM (FILIPINO AMERICAN MUSEUM) TO LAUNCH ITS THIRD TYPHOON HAIYAN RELIEF FUNDRAISER

Reception and Exhibition: January 10, 2014, 6-9 pm at
Eleven Rivington, 195 Chrystie St., New York City

(New York, NY – December 20, 2013) FAM (Filipino American Museum) is pleased to present the third installment in a series of fundraisers for Typhoon Haiyan relief. Beginning on January 1, 2014, a benefit art auction organized by FAM and hosted on Paddle8 will launch, featuring works donated by over 30 artists. The auction will close on January 11 at 6 pm EST.

As relief efforts following the typhoon enter a second month, FAM continues to rally support for much-needed long-term recovery plans in the affected areas of the Philippines. The beneficiary of the auction will be the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC), a global organization committed to short-term and long-term planning and relief for women and children affected by Typhoon Haiyan. The WRC is working to identify the most effective ways to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan reclaim their livelihoods and establish stable lives in the aftermath of the disaster. FAM supports WRC’s hands-on approach and long-range strategy and looks forward to working with this committed and inspiring organization. 

The organizing committee, brought together by FAM, is comprised of Filipino Americans in the arts: gallerist Augusto Arbizo; artists Avena Gallagher, Josh Kline, Paul Pfeiffer, Carissa Rodriguez and Jon Santos; and photographer Christelle de Castro.  

FAM is thankful to the diverse group of emerging and established American and international artists who swiftly responded to the benefit committee’s call to action by donating their artworks to support the survivors of the devastating typhoon. The artist list (in formation) includes: Becca Albee, Ei Arakawa, Anthony Castro, Paul Chan, Matt Connors, TM Davy, Michael DeLucia, Cheryl Donegan, Anne Eastman, Keltie Ferris, Nik Gambaroff, Josh Kline, Ajay Kurian, Margaret Lee, Jason Loebs, Michelle Lopez, Charles Mayton, Nick Mauss, Jessica Mein, Ken Okiishi, Virginia Overton, Andre Razo, Athena Robles, Carissa Rodriguez, Miljohn Ruperto, Jon Santos, Leanne Shapton, Mika Tajima, Grace Villamil, Amy Yao, Anicka Yi, Amy Lien & Enzo Camacho, Tobias Madison & Emanuel Rosetti.

FAM’s first benefit for Typhoon Haiyan relief, ‘Bayanihan Spirit’, took place at the Galapagos Art Space in November. It raised $11,000 for National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON). The second benefit, an online holiday shop featuring items from today’s leading designers, is an ongoing campaign and will benefit LIFESAVER systems fund for the Philippines.

About Women’s Refugee Commission
The Women’s Refugee Commission has conducted extensive research on the positive long-term impacts of supporting livelihood activities in emergencies. Getting people back on their feet and linked to regular income is one of the most urgently needed and effective strategies towards lasting recovery. At the same time, having access to a safe livelihood reduces vulnerabilities and the risk of sexual violence and exploitation of women and older girls in particular.

With your donations, the Women’s Refugee Commission will focus on restoring livelihoods in a heavily damaged area of Samar. These activities will be centered on artisans whose production of woven and embroidered goods is purchased by a small company. Assistance to resume production would support the livelihood of 500+ families, help the local economy rebound and reduce the vulnerabilities and risks of trafficking, sexual violence and exploitation of hundreds of women and young girls.  

About FAM
FAM (Filipino American Museum) is the first museum focused on examining the connection between contemporary Filipino American arts and the roots and traditions of the Philippine diaspora. A startup committed to presenting cultural programs in stimulating and unprecedented ways, FAM is dedicated to seeking out what it is to be Filipino in America. In the spirit of a diverse people, FAM’s roving programs serve as a fluid, user-generated, inquiry-based space. An untold American story, FAM presents its findings through live performances, exhibits, installations, community forums, online content and otherwise.

Asian Cinevision/Asian American International Film Festival National Tour

Sharing an announcement from our friends at Asian Cinevision/AAIFF:

Last year the Asian American International Film Festival’s (2012) National Festival Tour was a success featuring the creative work of new, young artists from Asian and Asian American communities. As the only traveling festival of its kind in the US, the National Festival Tour rents out a selection of features and shorts for a one-time public or private screening, from which any revenue made is paid directly to the filmmakers and artists. This is a great way to enjoy a fresh and different perspective on the state of filmmaking, while having the opportunity to support the arts and to cultivate young artists.

This year’s 2012/2013 programs include 8 feature-length films and 5 shorts programs representing over seven countries (Australia, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam).

Click Here for more information.