Welcome to Hope Rising World

A Greeting from Oshell Oh, CEO & FounderAcross the globe, we see a world in tension—nations divided, climates shifting, children going to bed hungry, and communities losing trust. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. But we believe in something stronger than fear, deeper than despair, and brighter than the darkest night: hope.Hope is not a dream we whisper about—it is a living force that has carried humanity through our hardest hours. It is the courage that fought for freedom, the vision that reached the moon, and the unity that tore down walls once thought unbreakable.At Hope Rising World, we are committed to the ten hopes humanity needs most today:Peace, Climate Restoration, Ending Hunger, Education for All, Healthcare Access, Justice, Ethical Technology, Community Renewal, Responsible Leadership, and Love with Reconciliation. These are not just ideals—they are urgent calls to action.Through music that uplifts, films that tell truth, and creative projects that bring people together, we work to heal wounds, inspire minds, and unite hearts. Our mission is to serve the needs of homeless children, adoptees, and struggling families, while creating opportunities for education and dignity.But hope cannot stand alone—it grows when shared. Your voice, your compassion, your action can join with ours to change the world. When you stand with hope, you stand for the future, for love, and for life itself.Hope is Love (Poem by Oshell Oh)Hope is Love.Because lacking in your Love,Hope never to be done.Hope is Love.Your Love ignites Hope.Hope stands with your Love Forever.Let Us Hope for Each Other!Hope could change the World.From Hate to Love and Hopeless to Hope.Let Us Stand with Hope!Behold, until Love of Hope spread out for All.Your Beautiful Hope is your Life.Your hope matters. Let us rise together, for when hope is rooted in love, it never fails.

Oshell Oh | CEO & Founder, Hope Rising World
Oshell Oh is a multifaceted leader, film director, composer, and classical vocalist dedicated to conveying messages of humanism and peace through the arts. As a distinguished figure in the arts and culture community, he has held key leadership roles including President of the Western Movie Directors Association and Executive Director of the Los Angeles Korean Philharmonic Orchestra. Over his career, he has produced over 30 documentary films and released several music albums.
Director Oh is a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold) from President Barack Obama and was awarded the prestigious Certificate of Peace Korea Medal, crafted from melted barbed wire from the Korean DMZ, in recognition of his significant contributions to peace. His work transcends artistic and social boundaries, earning him international acclaim.
Key Positions
Founder & CEO, Hope Rising World
President, Western Movie Directors Association (KATV.US)
Executive Director, Los Angeles Korean Philharmonic Orchestra (LAKPO)
Communication Director / Co-Chairman, Asian American Congress (AAC)
Select Honors
President’s Volunteer Service Award – Gold | Signed by President Barack Obama
Certificate of Peace Korea Medal | Officially certified by the U.S. DoD 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee
Education
B.A. in Psychology (Double Major), SUNY at Stony Brook
Bachelor's in Music (Church Music), California Christian University
Version 2: Detailed Professional CV (Curriculum Vitae)
This comprehensive version is structured for official use, such as grant applications, formal proposals, or academic records.
Oshell Oh
Founder & CEO, Hope Rising World | Film Director, Composer, Vocalist
Professional Summary
A dynamic and accomplished arts and culture professional with over 30 years of experience spanning film production, music composition, operatic performance, and community leadership. Proven ability to lead diverse organizations and execute high-impact cultural and humanitarian projects. Recognized for building bridges between communities and promoting Korean heritage on an international stage, with honors including a U.S. Presidential award and commendations for peace-building efforts.
Leadership & Professional Experience
Founder & CEO | Hope Rising World
President | Western Movie Directors Association (KATV.US)
Executive Director | Los Angeles Korean Philharmonic Orchestra (LAKPO)
Communication Director / Co-Chairman | Asian American Congress (AAC)
Former Executive Art Director | IMM Studio
Executive Director | The Federation of Korean Artistic and Cultural Organizations of U.S.A. (Served 11 years)
Vice President of Planning | Korean American Association of Long Island, New York (2003)
Information Director | Asian American Advisory Council for Queens North Borough (Served 6 years)
Film & Music Works
Film & Documentaries
Directed and produced over 30 documentary films on cultural, historical, and humanitarian themes.
Producer, Korean Adoption Promotion Film (Screened at Walt Disney Concert Hall).
Director, Commemorative films including:
New York Liberation Day
Kissena Park Korean War Memorial
The Korean American Dream
Ahn Jung-geun Peace Symphony
Producer, Korean documentary film Fantasia Arirang (Premiere: Dec. 17, 2015, Daedong Manor, NYC).
Music & Composition
Composer & Producer, Operetta "The Gift" (Album and live performance).
Producer, Oratorio "Elijah" in collaboration with LAKPO.
Recording Artist, Released three sacred song albums.
Featured Performer, Collaborative concerts at Yeouido KBS Main Hall and Yongsan Art Hall, Seoul (2014, 2015).
Principal Opera Roles
Santa Monica Civic Opera Company (Founded 1944)
Pagliacci (Canio) – July 31, 1988
La Traviata (Alfredo) – Dec 4, 1988
Faust (Doctor Faust) – April 30, 1989
Stony Brook University Opera
L’amico Fritz (Federico) – 1999
Awards & Honors
President’s Volunteer Service Award – Gold
Awarded by the White House and the Corporation for National and Community Service (signed by President Barack Obama) for outstanding and sustained volunteer service.
Certificate of Peace Korea Medal (July 27, 2013, Washington D.C.)
Presented in recognition of significant contributions to the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula.
Medal is crafted from melted bullets and barbed wire from the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), symbolizing peace and reconciliation.
Officially certified by the U.S. Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee.
Education
State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, NY (1997–1999)
B.A. in Psychology (Double Major), Golden Key Honor Society
Concentrations in Film & Multimedia Studies, Music, MIDI & Composition
Soloist, Stony Brook Chorale (3 years)
California Christian University
Bachelor’s in Music (Church Music / Vocal Performance)
University of Anchorage, Alaska (1983)
Vocal Music Studies with Tenor Timothy Mussard
Military Service
United States Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, VA
As a foreign military student representing the Republic of Korea Army, successfully completed the Power Generation Equipment Repairer Course (52D10).
Awarded the Foreign Military Students Badge in recognition of distinguished achievement.
🎬 Director Oshell Oh – Official Profile
English
Education
SUNY at Stony Brook, NY (1997–1999)
B.A. in Psychology (Double Major), Golden Key Honor Society
Film & Multimedia Studies with Prof. Feldman (Film), Prof. Sheila Silver (Music), and Prof. Daniel Weymouth (MIDI & Composition)
Soloist, Stony Brook Chorale (3 years)
University of Anchorage, Alaska – Vocal Music Studies(1983)
Studied with Tenor Timothy Mussard (1983)
California Christian University – Bachelor’s in Music (Church Music / Vocal Performance)
Current Positions
Founder & CEO, Hope Rising World
President, Western Movie Directors Association (KATV.US)
Executive Director, Los Angeles Korean Philharmonic Orchestra 
Communication Director / Co-Chairman, Asian American Congress
former Executive Art Director, IMM Studio
Film & Music Works
Composer & Producer of the operetta “The Gift” (album and live performance)
Produced over 30 documentary films on cultural, historical, and humanitarian themes
Produced Korean Adoption Promotion Film screened at Disney Concert Hall
Produced Oratorio “Elijah” in collaboration with LAKPO
Released 3 sacred song albums
Directed commemorative films including:
New York Liberation Day
Kissena 625 Korean War Memorial
Korean American Dream
Ahn Jung-geun Peace Symphony
Collaborative performances at Yeouido KBS Main Hall and Yongsan Art Hall (2014, 2015), 
Fantasia Arirang Korean Documentary Movie 
Daedong Manor New York City(Dec. 17, 2015) 
Opera Major Role Performance Highlights 
Performed with Santa Monica Civic Opera Company (founded 1944)
Pagliacci (Canio) – July 31, 1988
La Traviata (Alfredo) – Dec 4, 1988
Faust (Doctor Faust) – April 30, 1989
L’amico Fritz (Federico) – Performed at Stony Brook University Opera. 1999
Award:
President’s Volunteer Service Award – Gold
Awarded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the White House, signed by President Barack Obama, in recognition of exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to volunteer service that strengthened communities and advanced national well-being.
United States Army Engineer School – Foreign Military Student & Diploma
As a foreign military student representing the Republic of Korea Army, successfully completed the Power Generation Equipment Repairer Course (52D10) at the United States Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and was awarded the Foreign Military Students Badge in recognition of distinguished achievement and professional training.
Awards & Honors
Certificate of Peace Korea Medal (한반도 평화메달) – Awarded by the Korean Informational Association and the National Cultural Festival for the Peaceful Unification of Korea (Dec July 27, 2013, Washington D.C.,  David J Clark Colonel Army General Staff Executive Director DoD 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Commitee.
Presented in recognition of significant contributions to promoting peace and the movement for the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula.
Medal crafted from melted bullets and barbed wire fence materials from the Korean DMZ, symbolizing reconciliation and unity.
Officially certified by the Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee(Dec 17, 2015) .
Listed among distinguished recipients including U.S. Congress members, senators, and leaders of major Korean-American organizations.
Additional Leadership & Service
Leadership & Community Involvement
Vice President of Planning
Korean American Association of Long Island, New York — 2003
Attended the Nassau County Proclamation Ceremony for the “Year of the Centennial of Korean Immigration,” received proclamation from Thomas Suozzi, then County Executive (current U.S. House Representative).
Collaborated with President Woong-Gil Song to support the establishment of the Korean Studies Library at Stony Brook University.
Coordinated community and cultural initiatives to promote Korean heritage in Long Island.
Vice President, Los Angeles Korean Philharmonic Orchestra
Executive Director, The Federation of Korean Artistic and Cultural Organizations of U.S.A. (11 years)
Information Director, Asian American Advisory Council for Queens North Borough (6 years)