[The Korea Daily’s 50th-anniversary special: Part 4]
As the Korean-American immigrant community looks toward its 170th anniversary in 50 years, what will it look like? What kind of leaders will emerge, and what dreams will they pursue? What kind of impact will the community have on American society?
As the Korea Daily marks its 50th anniversary this year, it interviewed a new generation of Korean-American political leaders to share their hopes and aspirations for the future.
While it may seem like a daunting challenge given the current level of political influence, many expressed hope that a Korean-American governor would emerge within the next decade, if not sooner. This optimism, they say, is not wishful thinking, but a belief based on solid groundwork.
Irvine Vice Mayor Tammy Kim, who is running to become the city’s first Korean-American female mayor, shared, “I believe the next 10 years are crucial. Congressman Andy Kim is setting the stage for Senate this November, and if Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke runs in the next four to eight years, we may see the first Korean-American governor from Hawaii.”
Paul Seo, a council member from Rancho Palos Verdes, echoed this sentiment, saying the idea of a Korean-American governor is not just hopeful but realistic. He pointed to the high ethical standards and values that second-generation Korean-Americans possess, which have been passed down from the hard-working first-generation immigrants of the 1970s and 1980s.
“This will lead to increased civic engagement and broader participation,” he explained, adding with a smile, “The first Korean-American governor might be a high school student right now.”
John Yi, a candidate for the California State Assembly, suggested that current State Senator Dave Min could be a strong candidate for governor within the next 20 years. “After serving in the U.S. Congress, he could return to run for the U.S. Senate or governor,” Yi noted.
Reflecting on the larger Asian-American political landscape, Yi remarked, “Few people expected Andrew Yang, a Chinese American, to gain significant traction during the last presidential election, but he made a substantial impact. This demonstrates the potential of our community, including Korean Americans.”
However, there was a consensus that for such progress to occur, more Korean Americans must register to vote and make voting a habit. This requires significant momentum, with organizations and their members playing a critical role.
The young politicians emphasized the importance of the second generation stepping up. “We must build on the legacy of the first and 1.5 generations and grow into competent leaders who are recognized both within and outside the Korean community,” said Deputy Mayor Tammy Kim. She added, “We need to create opportunities for more second-generation leaders to run for office and be elected, ensuring their skills are acknowledged.”
Kim also pointed out that running for office is a difficult path, one that requires investment from the community. “Without community support, it’s impossible to pursue this journey on a personal level,” she emphasized.
The young leaders acknowledged the challenges ahead. Kim noted, “I don’t believe our Korean-American community is large enough to be fighting and competing against each other just yet. We need to maximize our internal cohesion and energy.”
She stressed the importance of showing respect and courtesy to neighbors of other ethnic backgrounds. “While we want many people to run for office, we must recognize that other communities also hold political and social power, and they will work to protect it. Understanding this helps us grow even more,” she said, warning that failing to maintain unity could lead to setbacks.
They emphasized the importance of building a strong local foundation as the key to advancing to Congress and, eventually, the White House. While aiming high, they stressed the need to remain grounded in the communities that support them.
The hopes and ambitions of the emerging political leaders for the next 50 years are both vast and profound. Every day, they continue to meet with voters, working tirelessly to make a difference. This is why the entire Korean American community must continue to rally behind them, offering unwavering support.
BY BRIAN CHOI, YOUNGNAM KIM [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
