She has served as a city councilwoman and mayor in Fullerton, which has the highest density of Korean-American population in Southern California, since 2004, and served as a representative in the California State Assembly since 2012.
She has competed with two Korean-American candidates in three elections, and while Korean Americans have supported her, they have sometimes voted for her opponents. Her father is a Korean War veteran.
The Korea Daily had an interview with her at the Korean War Memorial in Fullerton, Orange County, about elections, the Korean-American community, and her plans for the future.
The following are edited excerpts of the interview on May 5.
Q. What are the biggest concerns and issues in your district?
A. Homelessness, housing, and mental health issues. There is a shortage of housing, and the existing housing prices have become too high. The key is to build houses for seniors or the youth who just started their careers. A lot of companies are working with the city government to create spaces for low-income people. Mental health goes hand-in-hand with substance addiction, and it’s a big issue at any age.
Q. You’ve been an elected official for 20 years, monitoring the Korean-American community in Orange County. What memories do you have?
A. Similar to the Latino community, Korean Americans are family-oriented, hardworking, and supportive of many businesses in their community. At the same time, they are very culturally rich. I pushed for Taekwondo Day, Hangul Day, Kimchi Day, and Hanbok Day in the state legislature, and I learned a lot from my trip to Korea in 2018. I will definitely travel to Korea again if I have a chance.
Q. You competed with Young Kim in elections twice, and with Soo Yoo, a member of the board of education, last year. The Korea Daily and many Korean-American voters endorsed Yoo. As you have worked closely with the Korean-American community, do you feel offended or betrayed?
A. Woman empowerment in politics is always welcome. Both Kim and Yoo are well-respected and hardworking. In minority communities, it is natural for voters to support candidates who speak their language and share their culture. However, in elections, you need to look deeper into the values and policies that candidates emphasize. Especially when it comes to important issues that affect our daily lives, such as gun control, affordable housing for low-income households, and senior health care.”
Q. Young voters who support the Democratic Party sometimes struggle with the question of whether to vote for a Democrat or a Korean-American candidate.
A. They should look at things that are important to their daily lives. For example, elementary school students in the district learn how to evacuate in case of an active shooter. If politicians and adults did a good job of controlling guns, none of this would happen. If you value education and family, the answer is to choose a candidate who has done the best job of addressing these issues. I hope you’ll look past the Democrat, Republican, Korean-American, and Latino labels and look at their policies and records.”
Q. You have worked with Republicans in the California State Assembly to establish and recognize many Korea-related commemorative days. What does it mean?
A. The key is that the chief aide to me, Joe Pak, who knows the Korean-American community well, came up with a great idea on behalf of Korean Americans. With over 120 years of immigration history, it’s very natural for Korea to be recognized, and I’m proud of that. Being able to work with Assemblyman Steven Choi also added to the meaning. Even if I am not Korean American myself, I will still take care of the local Korean-American community.
Q. You supported the construction of the Korean War Memorial from the initial stage of planning.
A. A great memorial like this takes a lot of money. The Korean American community has done a great job, and the city of Fullerton has been very supportive. The way the Korean community remembers and thanks American veterans makes us all feel solemn. It has become a destination for many people traveling west. Personally, it brings tears to my eyes because my beloved father participated in the Korean War.
Q. There’s talk of a Senate or federal run. What’s your next plan?
A. I’m running for the 67th District again next year. I plan to continue many of the things I’ve been doing and do more. I’m honored and grateful to serve my constituents and the Korean-American community.
BY INSEONG CHOI [support@koreadaily.com]
