Chu Sok Moon makes a mean sandwich, but the perspective of the Korean immigrant is much broader.
By BABITA PERSAUD
Published February 27, 2004
DOWNTOWN - To patrons, he's a mild-mannered man who makes sandwiches and occasionally peeks through the pickup window at Brent's Stage Door.
But to many in the Korean community, Chu Sok Moon is a leader.
On Feb. 14, Moon became the president of the Korean Association of West Florida at a ceremony at the Embassy Suites Hotel off West Shore Boulevard.
The 40-year-old association includes several thousand members from Hernando County to Sarasota.
Moon is the group's first elected president.
He's up for the challenge.
His goal: "Work together."
Originally from Taegu, one of the biggest cities in South Korea, Moon used to test cars in Korea. He also taught driving.
Growing up, Moon didn't think of coming to America.
"I didn't dream of it," he said.
But then his sister married an American soldier and immigrated to Tampa Bay. His parents followed, and he joined them in 1986.
At first, Moon worked random jobs in Tampa, including at an upholstery plant and later at a gas station on Hillsborough Avenue.
He also worked at a convenience store in Ybor City, which his parents ran for about 10 years.
All the while, Moon was involved in the local Korean community.
He took his cue from his father, Song Moon, now 77, who was also a civic leader.
Chu Sok Moon has emceed many local Korean events and is involved in other Korean associations in Florida.
He is also the Tampa chairman of the Advisory Council on Democratic and Peaceful Unification of Korea. Based in Miami, that organization brings together Koreans living outside Korea.
Moon has been active in the Korean Association of West Florida since he came to the United States.
"One thing prominent about him is his enthusiasm," said P.J. Bradley, a longtime member and lawyer in St. Petersburg. "He has lots and lots of energy."
The organization is one of the most active Korean associations in the area.
Started in 1974 by Norma Lee, the group now includes about 25 Korean churches throughout the Tampa Bay area. It participates in the annual Folk Fair held in Pinellas Park in March. On July 4, it holds athletic competitions.
Moon will lead the association's monthly meetings, held at various locations. He addresses members in Korean, his primary language.
Moon, like many in the group, is a business owner. He and his wife, Kelly, run Brent's Stage Door in the Times building on Ashley Drive.
The couple bought the restaurant in 1995 and kept the name of the previous owner, Brent.
The Moons made few changes. The theater theme worked, given the cafe's location across from the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
Framed show posters hang on the wall. Customers slip business cards under the glass-top tables.
Chu Sok Moon works the kitchen, making the sandwiches. His wife handles the counter, taking orders, collecting money and calling out to customers: "Tuna ready." "Breakfast special."
The couple would like to say they are big theatergoers, but they aren't. They have seen Miss Saigon and Forever Plaid.
Once, magician David Copperfield came in before his performance at the center. He sat at the back and ate a pastrami sandwich, Moon said.
With Moon's new title comes added responsibilities.
In the past, leaders of the Korean Association of West Florida have been retirees. At 45, Moon is the youngest president.
Kimi Springsteen, the Asian American affairs liaison for Hillsborough County, welcomes the new energy.
"He really has the will to do a good job," she said. "There is no limit to what he can do."
