More Korean Americans in Congress, fewer Republican allies: What it means for Seoul
The Democratic sweep in the U.S. midterm elections has added another Korean American to Congress, but the likely defeat of Republican Rep. Young Kim has raised concern among community leaders that Korea could lose a crucial bipartisan channel in Washington. Korean American members of Congress have long served as a bridge between Washington and Seoul, representing some 2 million Korean Americans,…
The Democratic victory in the U.S. midterm elections has resulted in an additional Korean American being elected to Congress, but the probable loss of Republican Rep. Young Kim has caused unease among community leaders. They fear that Korea might lose a vital bipartisan link in Washington due to the increasing number of Korean American members in Congress.
Korean American representatives have traditionally acted as a bridge between Washington and Seoul, representing approximately 2 million Korean Americans, fostering diplomatic connections, and introducing legislation that benefits Korea. After the November 3 elections, up to four or five congressional seats are projected to be occupied by Korean Americans.
Democrat Dan Koh secured a House seat in Massachusetts, making him the seventh Korean American to be elected to Congress. Meanwhile, Democratic Representatives Marilyn Strickland from Washington and Dave Min from California managed to retain their seats. Young Kim, a three-term incumbent representing California’s 40th District, is trailing behind fellow Republican Ken Calvert in the polls and faces the threat of defeat.
Sunny Park, the president of the American Korean Friendship Society and a retired businessman, stated that Kim’s possible loss would be felt profoundly.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
