[Student Reporters] Obama‘s Inauguration Paving the Way for Korean-Americans

By Jay Kim <11th, Granada Hills Charter High School>

The swearing in of an African American president has marked an unprecedented milestone in the short, yet fruitful history of the United States of America.

Obama’s election to office has become a true epitome of the new attitude of Americans; the ability to accept a minority as their ultimate leader. But more importantly, it has shown the younger generations of this lifetime that it is now indeed possible for a minority, not to mention a Korean American, to grasp the reins of a crucial position in government.

“I‘ve never considered the option of politics before, never have I seen a Korean hold a significant office in Congress or in Washington in general,” Jennifer Lee, 17, said. “But ever since Obama has been elected as president, it has definitely opened my eyes to the possibility of a Korean American president one day.”

Direct involvement in the politics of our nation is deemed crucial to the prosperity and success of our own race in this nation. Just as Obama has succeeded in being able to represent equality of all races in America, Korean Americans are also beginning to embark upon the daunting, yet attainable task of becoming actively involved in political affairs.

“The fact that Obama is now president just shows that society is really changing,” Jeff Kim, 15, said. “It’ll be easier for Korean Americans to gain political office, and we‘re already seeing minority acceptance; there are several Korean Americans already involved in the political field.”

Korean American political figures such as: Jun Choi, the current mayor of Edison, New Jersey; Christopher Kang, special assistant for legislative affairs; Eugene Kang, a close confidant and golf buddy to president Obama, who will partake in the Executive office as special assistant; and Betsey Kim, who was closely involved in Obama’s campaign, are paving the way for future Korean American political activists. They inspire the community of Korean American youths who have recently begun nurturing the possible prospect of a future in politics.

“Being able to witness the growth of political activity in the Korean American community is amazing,” David Lee, 17, said.

The new president and fellow Korean American politicians have imparted to us, citizens and all minorities across the nation, that the political arena will continue to be colored and diversified.