Meet Ilryong Moon

LIFELONG PUBLIC SERVANT. PROUD GRANDFATHER. COMMUNITY LEADER.

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DECADES OF SERVICE TO Fairfax COunty

Ilryong moved to his home in the Braddock District in 1987, where he raised his two sons and still resides. He made history in 1995 as the first Asian American elected to Fairfax County government, representing the Braddock District in the School Board, and the first Korean American ever elected to public office on the East Coast.

Over his 30-year career in public service—including roles on the Planning Commission and as Chairman of the School Board—he championed a more enriching curriculum for diverse learners and fought for better teacher pay. His unwavering dedication helped make Fairfax County Public Schools one of the top school systems in the nation.

While on the Planning Commission, he supported the development of the Mosaic District and Fairfax Corner, strengthening Fairfax County’s economic and civic vitality. He has been deeply involved in his community - teaching Sunday school classes, raising money for scholarships, serving on the board of directors for youth orchestras, and teaching English to non-native speakers and Korean to non-Korean speakers.

Ilryong’s American Dream

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Coming to America

Ilryong was born into poverty in Seoul, Korea, and was the eldest of five children. He lost two younger brothers because the family was unable to afford proper medical care. When he was 17, his family immigrated to America, settling in Alexandria, Virginia. His mother was a hotel housekeeper and school custodian while his father put in long hours as a technician. As their parents worked tirelessly to make ends meet, the Moon children studied hard to build a better future. Ilryong recalls his first part-time job in high school, sweeping floors in the emergency rooms at Alexandria Hospital.

Two women conducting a science experiment in a laboratory, with various glassware and equipment around them. One is operating glassware with tubes, and both are wearing glasses and aprons. The caption reads, "Most Intellectual: Susan Muller, II-Ryong Moon."

Education

Ilryong learned English while attending since renamed T.C. Williams Senior High School. His time there coincided with when it and many schools across Virginia were desegregating. He graduated with a diverse set of classmates, internalizing the value of making education accessible to students of all backgrounds.

He became the first in his family to graduate from high school. He attended Harvard with the support of financial aid and earned his law degree from William and Mary.

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Attorney at Law

Ilryong returned to Northern Virginia to open his own law firm, initially in Arlington and later in Annandale, under the name of Moon Park and Associates. The firm provided valuable legal services to meet the everyday needs of working people and local small businesses, helping Fairfax’s business community thrive. The firm specialized in providing services to business owners who were immigrants and did not speak English as a primary language.