[EAI Online Seminar] Analysis of the 2020 US Presidential Election and ROK-US Relations

Category: Multimedia
Published: November 19, 2020
Related Projects: US-China Competition and Korea's StrategyAsia Democracy Research Network

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYm4mp_52sk

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The East Asia Institute (EAI), headed by Director Son Yeol, held an EAI Online Seminar titled "Kim Dong-seok, Representative of Korean Voters - Professor Son Byung-kwon's 1:1 Dialogue: Analysis of the 2020 US Presidential Election and ROK-US Relations," with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Korea. At this meeting, EAI discussed the implications of the US presidential election for Asian Americans, including Korean Americans, and explored issues such as immigration, abortion, and the nomination of conservative federal judges, as well as the activities and roles of Korean American lawmakers in the US.

Date: November 19, 2020 (Thursday) 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (KST)
Opening Remarks: Son Yeol (Director, East Asia Institute; Professor, Yonsei University)
Panelists: Kim Dong-seok (Representative, Korean American Voters Council), Son Byung-kwon (Professor, Chung-Ang University)

Video Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the online seminar "Analysis of the 2020 US Presidential Election and ROK-US Relations." I am Director Son Yeol. The election results are now clear. While various interpretations exist, we will focus on the voting patterns and outcomes of the recent election among Korean Americans and, more broadly, Asian Americans. The election of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President has significant implications. Therefore, we will delve into the meaning of this election for Asian Americans, including Korean Americans, and discuss issues such as immigration, abortion, and the appointment of conservative federal judges, as well as the roles of Korean American lawmakers.

In this context, we have invited someone who can speak on these issues better than anyone else: Mr. Kim Dong-seok, Representative of the Korean American Voters Council. Representative Kim has dedicated himself to enhancing the political participation and influence of Korean Americans in the United States. For instance, in 1999, he founded the Korean American Voters Center, which has mobilized approximately 30,000 Korean American voters in New York and New Jersey. This effort significantly contributed to increasing the voter turnout of Korean Americans, which was less than 5% in 1996, to over 10%. Furthermore, in 2010, he played a crucial role in establishing the "Comfort Women" memorial in New Jersey, bringing this issue to the attention of the international community. We have also invited Professor Son Byung-kwon to moderate today's discussion.

Professor Son Byung-kwon is a leading expert in Korean politics, American politics, comparative politics, and political parties. He is recognized as one of the foremost scholars on these subjects in Korea. His work on the "American Congress as an Unknown Territory" and the significance of "American Nationalism in the Trump Era" is particularly noteworthy. Today's seminar is co-hosted with the U.S. Embassy.

We are currently broadcasting live through the official YouTube channel of the East Asia Institute. If you have any questions during the seminar, please feel free to ask them in the live chat, and we will address them later. This concludes the introduction. We are honored to have with us today Mr. Kim Dong-seok, Representative of the Korean American Voters Council, and Professor Son Byung-kwon. First, Representative Kim, please begin.

Thank you for the introduction. For the past 25 years, I have been working to foster political participation among Korean Americans, resolve issues concerning their rights and interests through their collective voting power, and improve relations between Korea and the United States. I established an organization for this purpose and have been active in the New York metropolitan area for about 20 years. We recently opened an office in Washington D.C. to focus on federal-level affairs. I am grateful for this opportunity and for being invited.

I have also studied Professor Son Byung-kwon's work extensively, particularly his papers on Congress and political parties, which I found very insightful. I consider this opportunity a great blessing and am eager to contribute today. Today, we will discuss the 2020 US presidential election and its implications with Representative Kim Dong-seok of the Korean American Voters Council. We will explore the impact of the election on Korean Americans and, more broadly, Asian Americans. We will also examine the performance of Korean American candidates and the potential roles of Korean American lawmakers in the 117th Congress, as well as the future relationship between the Biden administration and Congress.

We will focus on these issues. Regarding the election results, projections indicate a reversal of the 2016 outcome, with the Democratic candidate securing 306 electoral votes and the Republican candidate receiving 232. The total popular vote exceeded 150 million, suggesting a high voter turnout, although some lawsuits are ongoing. However, the likelihood of these lawsuits succeeding is considered low. President Trump continues to assert that the election was fraudulent, citing alleged irregularities in vote counting, including mail-in ballots. In this context, we will discuss the implications of the election for Asian Americans and Korean Americans with Representative Kim.

Representative Kim, you have been introduced by Professor Son. Could you elaborate on the activities of the Korean American Voters Council (KAVC), which you lead? Specifically, how does KAVC work with other Asian American organizations? Does it focus on mobilizing Korean American voters, supporting Korean American candidates, or raising awareness about issues? We would like to hear more about your organization's efforts.

Allow me to briefly explain our organization. KAVC is a non-profit organization in the United States. Our activities are recognized, and donors receive tax benefits for their contributions. We are registered as a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Therefore, our primary mission is education. We encourage Korean Americans to participate actively in American civil society and become model citizens. We believe that strong political engagement is essential for this. Our main focus is on creating voters among Korean Americans. This involves assisting them in obtaining citizenship, registering to vote, and ensuring their participation in every election. This process is what we call our voter mobilization campaign.

Through these efforts, we have mobilized approximately 30,000 Korean American voters in the New York and New Jersey areas, where Korean Americans are densely populated. By mobilizing voters, we have demonstrated the potential for collective voting power, or "bloc voting," which has become increasingly evident in every election. This movement began in earnest after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which devastated the Korean American community. Korean Americans in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago realized the need to become active participants in American society. They believed that to thrive, they needed to stand alongside other minority groups and build a community where they could coexist. Initially, this political engagement movement was strong, but it waned in other regions after a few years. However, in New York, the movement persisted. The voter registration campaign eventually succeeded, leading to increased participation in local politics and the development of political influence. This influence has extended to federal-level issues, such as advocating for Korean Americans facing visa issues when traveling to the U.S. We have also worked to ensure that Korean nationals visiting the U.S. receive fair treatment. Furthermore, we have advocated for the passage of legislation in the U.S. Congress concerning the historical truth of the "Comfort Women" issue and women's rights. Despite significant lobbying efforts against it, we successfully passed a resolution in Congress through the power of voters. This resolution, concerning the "Comfort Women" issue, was passed after six months of effort, raising awareness and demonstrating the political influence of Korean Americans. We are committed to strengthening the political power of Korean Americans.

Our work focuses on strengthening the political power of Korean Americans. While we collaborate with various Asian American organizations, we prioritize mobilizing Korean American voters. During presidential and midterm elections, we automatically form task forces for each campaign. We then direct our community members to engage with these task forces, thereby participating in elections and related activities. Recently, we have developed an 80-page policy brief for the Biden-Harris campaign, which is available on our website. This brief has been shared with the Biden transition team. They have utilized our policy recommendations regarding issues relevant to Korean Americans and Korea-U.S. relations. We are preparing to propose legislation concerning families separated by the division of Korea, citizenship for adoptees, small business support, and immigration reform. We are gathering data and testimonials from Korean Americans on these issues to present to the White House and Congress. We are consistently working to get closer to the centers of American power, particularly Congress, which is composed of both the House and the Senate, by organizing Korean American voter groups nationwide.

Our organization's primary focus is on enhancing the political power of Korean Americans. We collaborate with various Asian American organizations and, during elections, automatically form task forces for each campaign. We then direct our community members to engage with these task forces, thereby participating in elections and related activities. Recently, we have developed an 80-page policy brief for the Biden-Harris campaign, which is available on our website. This brief has been shared with the Biden transition team. They have utilized our policy recommendations regarding issues relevant to Korean Americans and Korea-U.S. relations. We are preparing to propose legislation concerning families separated by the division of Korea, citizenship for adoptees, small business support, and immigration reform. We are gathering data and testimonials from Korean Americans on these issues to present to the White House and Congress. We are consistently working to get closer to the centers of American power, particularly Congress, which is composed of both the House and the Senate, by organizing Korean American voter groups nationwide.

Our organization's name is the Korean American Grassroots Conference. Our focus is on the political participation of Korean Americans. Therefore, we prioritize mobilizing and strengthening the political power of Korean Americans. Of course, we also collaborate with other Asian American organizations. During presidential and midterm elections, we automatically form task forces for each campaign. We then direct our community members to engage with these task forces, thereby participating in elections and related activities. Recently, we have developed an 80-page policy brief for the Biden-Harris campaign, which is available on our website. This brief has been shared with the Biden transition team. They have utilized our policy recommendations regarding issues relevant to Korean Americans and Korea-U.S. relations. We are preparing to propose legislation concerning families separated by the division of Korea, citizenship for adoptees, small business support, and immigration reform. We are gathering data and testimonials from Korean Americans on these issues to present to the White House and Congress. We are consistently working to get closer to the centers of American power, particularly Congress, which is composed of both the House and the Senate, by organizing Korean American voter groups nationwide.

We have developed an 80-page policy brief for the Biden-Harris campaign, which is available on our website. This brief has been shared with the Biden transition team. They have utilized our policy recommendations regarding issues relevant to Korean Americans and Korea-U.S. relations. We are preparing to propose legislation concerning families separated by the division of Korea, citizenship for adoptees, small business support, and immigration reform. We are gathering data and testimonials from Korean Americans on these issues to present to the White House and Congress. We are consistently working to get closer to the centers of American power, particularly Congress, which is composed of both the House and the Senate, by organizing Korean American voter groups nationwide. We are also working to strengthen the political power of Korean Americans by engaging with elected officials and policymakers. Our efforts are focused on building relationships and advocating for the interests of the Korean American community.

Overall, your organization is actively involved in political participation, voter registration, and voter mobilization. As you mentioned, this movement began in earnest after the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Since your organization is non-profit, it does not endorse specific candidates. Is that correct?

However, let's consider the recent election. Given the significant voter turnout, how do you, Representative Kim, assess this election from the perspective of Korean Americans, or more broadly, Asian Americans? The Trump administration's "America First" policy and its emphasis on nationalism seemed to resonate with some voters. Now, with Joe Biden's victory, how do you anticipate the political landscape will change? Could you share your insights with our viewers?

From the perspective of someone actively involved in the community, the outcome of this election suggests a setback for the Republican Party. Four years ago, when I became more interested in community activities, the election campaign highlighted a stark division between white and non-white voters. The results indicate that Asian Americans, compared to Black and Hispanic voters, are perceived as more politically conservative and perhaps more apprehensive about the rising tide of identity politics. Asian Americans showed the largest increase in support for Trump compared to four years ago, a 14% increase. In contrast, Hispanic and Black voters did not show a similar increase in support for Trump.

Therefore, as Professor Son mentioned, this election surprised many of us with its high turnout. The widespread use of mail-in and early voting, with nearly 65 million people casting their ballots in advance, contributed to this surge. As voter turnout increased, even among recent immigrants and Asian Americans who have experienced some resolution of racial issues, their voting rates also rose. While data on the impact of this on economic stability is still emerging, activists and researchers observe that the election clearly divided voters along racial lines, as well as between urban and rural areas, and by education level. The Trump campaign, in particular, ran a highly effective campaign, securing 10 million more votes than in the previous election. This increase in votes, despite the higher turnout, indicates a significant mobilization of voters. However, despite the high turnout, Biden also received a substantial number of votes. Therefore, even though President Trump lost the election, his continued assertion of fraud suggests a strategy to consolidate his power and form a new political force by mobilizing over 10 million additional Republican voters from the 2020 election. This is seen as a process of securing influence.

In this context, Asian Americans face a dilemma. During the Trump administration's four years, non-white immigrants, including Asian Americans, witnessed the rise of white supremacist groups, such as the alt-right, engaging in armed political activities. This created a sense of fear. Therefore, from the perspective of grassroots activists, particularly Asian immigrants, there is a different understanding of racial issues compared to other minority groups. As you know, there are 11 Korean American members in the House of Representatives, not including the presidential election. All 17 are Democrats. This clearly indicates the political choices made by Asian Americans, especially when compared to Black and Hispanic voters. The issue of race is central to American politics, and this election can be evaluated within that framework.

President Trump's continued challenges to the election results, despite the clear outcome, suggest a strategy to consolidate his power and form a new political force by mobilizing over 10 million additional Republican voters from the 2020 election. This is seen as a process of securing influence. Amidst this, Asian Americans face a dilemma. During the Trump administration's four years, non-white immigrants, including Asian Americans, witnessed the rise of white supremacist groups, such as the alt-right, engaging in armed political activities. This created a sense of fear. Therefore, from the perspective of grassroots activists, particularly Asian immigrants, there is a different understanding of racial issues compared to other minority groups. As you know, there are 11 Korean American members in the House of Representatives, not including the presidential election. All 17 are Democrats. This clearly indicates the political choices made by Asian Americans, especially when compared to Black and Hispanic voters. The issue of race is central to American politics, and this election can be evaluated within that framework.

During the Trump administration's four years, non-white immigrants, including Asian Americans, witnessed the rise of white supremacist groups, such as the alt-right, engaging in armed political activities. This created a sense of fear. Therefore, from the perspective of grassroots activists, particularly Asian immigrants, there is a different understanding of racial issues compared to other minority groups. As you know, there are 11 Korean American members in the House of Representatives, not including the presidential election. All 17 are Democrats. This clearly indicates the political choices made by Asian Americans, especially when compared to Black and Hispanic voters. The issue of race is central to American politics, and this election can be evaluated within that framework.

The election results, as Professor Son noted, showed a significant increase in support for Trump among Asian Americans compared to previous elections. While the overall results indicate a Biden victory, the Republican Party also saw an increase in votes. This suggests a complex dynamic within the electorate. The election campaign was highly polarized, with clear divisions along racial, urban-rural, and educational lines. The Trump campaign effectively mobilized its base, securing 10 million more votes than in the previous election. However, Biden also received a substantial number of votes, indicating a strong turnout among his supporters as well. President Trump's continued challenges to the election results, despite the clear outcome, suggest a strategy to consolidate his power and form a new political force by mobilizing over 10 million additional Republican voters from the 2020 election. This is seen as a process of securing influence. Amidst this, Asian Americans face a dilemma. During the Trump administration's four years, non-white immigrants, including Asian Americans, witnessed the rise of white supremacist groups, such as the alt-right, engaging in armed political activities. This created a sense of fear. Therefore, from the perspective of grassroots activists, particularly Asian immigrants, there is a different understanding of racial issues compared to other minority groups. As you know, there are 11 Korean American members in the House of Representatives, not including the presidential election. All 17 are Democrats. This clearly indicates the political choices made by Asian Americans, especially when compared to Black and Hispanic voters. The issue of race is central to American politics, and this election can be evaluated within that framework.

Indeed, the results show that Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters generally lean Democratic. However, you mentioned that the Republican Party's performance was surprisingly strong, perhaps even indicating a victory in some sense. Could you elaborate on this point? You stated that despite the pandemic, which has resulted in over 250,000 deaths, President Trump received significantly more votes than in the previous election. While it's inaccurate to say he won, the margin of victory was much closer than anticipated, and in that sense, it could be considered a victory for the Republican Party. Some analyses suggest that the Democratic Party's progressive policies may have alienated moderate voters. Could you elaborate on this?

You mentioned earlier that there are differences in voting patterns between first-generation immigrants and subsequent generations, as well as between Korean Americans and other Asian American groups. Specifically, you noted that Korean Americans and other Asian Americans tend to have a more conservative stance on issues related to immigration and race compared to Hispanic and Black voters. Could you elaborate on this observation?

Comparing Hispanic and Asian Americans, it is evident that Asian Americans generally show stronger support for the Republican Party. This is a discernible trend. Representative Kim, given your firsthand experience in the field, could you provide specific examples? For instance, since the first Korean American, Jay Kim, was elected to Congress in California in 1992, followed by Andy Kim and others in 2014, and with recent re-elections and new victories, what are your insights? Could you introduce some of the newly elected officials?

In 1992, during President George H.W. Bush's administration, Jay Kim was elected to Congress from a Republican district in a suburban area near Los Angeles. He served three terms before retiring. Twenty years later, in the 2018 midterm elections, Andy Kim, a Democrat, ran in New Jersey's 3rd congressional district, where we are also active. He was a candidate supported by our organization.

In the 2018 midterm elections, the "Trump wave" was strong in urban areas, while the anti-Trump sentiment was prevalent in rural areas. Consequently, Democratic candidates gained ground in traditionally Republican districts. In Andy Kim's district, which has a significant Korean American population, the Democratic Party fielded a candidate with a military background and expertise in military welfare. He won by a margin of about 10%. Two years later, in the same district where many Korean Americans reside, in Orange County, California, Michelle Steel, who is well-known, ran for Congress. Ed Royce, a Republican, had represented the district for nearly 26-27 years but faced difficulties due to the "Trump wave." He retired, and his long-time aide, Young Kim, a Republican, succeeded him. In 2018, Young Kim ran as a Republican candidate in that district, which had been reliably Republican for decades, but lost to a Democrat due to the "Trump wave." This year, Young Kim narrowly won by about 1% in a closely contested race.

Andy Kim was initially declared the winner in the 2018 election based on in-person voting, and he even attended the orientation for new members of Congress. However, he lost after absentee ballots were counted. This year, with the presidential election also taking place, Republican districts likely rallied behind the Republican candidates. Young Kim, who represents a traditionally Republican area, won. Additionally, Michelle Steel, a Korean American woman in her 60s, also won. Her husband was a Republican official, and she has a strong political background, having served as a county supervisor for a long time. She ran as a Republican candidate in a district that had flipped to the Democrats two years prior and won. That race was also decided by a narrow margin of about 1%.

Furthermore, in Washington State, Jayapal Park, who is of Korean descent, won. She is from the Seattle area and served two terms as mayor of Tacoma, a city facing economic challenges. She invited President Xi Jinping to visit Tacoma, revitalizing the city's economy and gaining recognition from the Democratic Party. She is now running for Lieutenant Governor of Washington State and has secured an early victory. Her background is compelling: her father was an African American soldier, and her mother is Korean. She was born in Korea and moved to the U.S. at the age of two. Witnessing her mother's 15-year struggle caring for her ailing father, she felt a strong sense of duty to honor her Korean heritage. She identifies more strongly with her Korean heritage than her Black identity, which is often highlighted in the American media. This narrative has resonated with the public.

In addition to Jayapal, there are three other Korean American members of Congress: Michelle Steel, Young Kim, and Andy Kim. Although David Kim, running in a predominantly Hispanic district in Los Angeles, lost, he was a rising star among Hispanic members of Congress. He competed against Jimmy Gomez in the primary and secured a spot in the general election. He lost by about 10% in the general election. David Kim is openly gay. His father is a pastor, and he came out early in his life, embracing his identity and engaging in political activism. Andrew Yang, an Asian American candidate, also garnered significant support. These developments suggest that this year marks a pivotal moment for the political empowerment of Korean Americans. In my 25 years of work, I believe this is a significant turning point for strengthening and exercising the political power of Korean Americans. The Korean American community has played a significant role this year.

I have learned a great deal from your insights. It is indeed fascinating and provides much food for thought. Andy Kim was re-elected, and Young Kim and Michelle Steel, both Republican incumbents, have also secured re-election. They won by significant margins against their challengers, which is a source of pride for us. However, as you mentioned, candidates like Young Kim and Michelle Steel, running as Republicans, faced tough competition from Democratic candidates. Considering the broader context of Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters, California is known for its progressive political climate and diverse population. Even the "America First" slogan, which gained traction in 2016, seems to have had limited impact in California, a state that embraces multiculturalism. A more interesting question is: In a diverse state like California, where Michelle Steel, a Korean American, was elected as a Republican, does this indicate that Korean Americans united to support a Korean American candidate, or should it be interpreted as a broader conservative trend in Orange County? We would appreciate your perspective on this, Representative Kim.

Thank you for your insightful presentation. It was both interesting and informative. Andy Kim was re-elected, and Young Kim and Michelle Steel, both Republican incumbents, have also secured re-election. They won by significant margins against their challengers, which is a source of pride for us. However, as you mentioned, candidates like Young Kim and Michelle Steel, running as Republicans, faced tough competition from Democratic candidates. Considering the broader context of Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters, California is known for its progressive political climate and diverse population. Even the "America First" slogan, which gained traction in 2016, seems to have had limited impact in California, a state that embraces multiculturalism. A more interesting question is: In a diverse state like California, where Michelle Steel, a Korean American, was elected as a Republican, does this indicate that Korean Americans united to support a Korean American candidate, or should it be interpreted as a broader conservative trend in Orange County? We would appreciate your perspective on this, Representative Kim.

The population of a congressional district is approximately 700,000 people. With 435 members in the House of Representatives, it is virtually impossible for a Korean American to be elected solely based on the Korean American vote, even in areas with a large Korean population. While Orange County has a significant Korean American population, the number of eligible Korean American voters is relatively small. Currently, there are over 2 million Korean Americans residing in the U.S. Among them, approximately 1.1 million are citizens eligible to vote. Of these citizens, about 30% are registered to vote. This means the maximum number of Korean American voters nationwide is estimated to be around 350,000. Therefore, to be elected to Congress, a candidate must appeal to the majority population in their district. I believe Young Kim and Michelle Steel were able to win because they successfully appealed to the majority voters in their respective districts. Furthermore, I believe the current political climate in the U.S. represents a realignment of political parties. As parties struggle to adequately address current issues within their existing frameworks, new voices are emerging, leading to a period of uncertainty. However, this will eventually lead to a reform and stabilization of the party system. The Republican Party, in particular, faces a demographic shift, with the white population declining relative to the overall population. If we consider voters, the ratio is approximately 75% white to 25% non-white. Therefore, the Republican Party must embrace the concerns of immigrants to survive. This is why I believe that in the long term, the influence of immigrants in American politics will grow. Moreover, incumbents in the U.S. enjoy a significant advantage. Once elected, they can leverage their position to gain re-election. I am optimistic about the future, as I believe that even the Republican Party will undergo changes. With two Republican women elected to Congress, and considering their electoral performance, I believe they will play a crucial role in revitalizing and reforming the American political landscape. I have discussed this extensively with my colleagues in the U.S. media. I also believe that the election of two Korean American women to Congress, particularly in the Republican Party, demonstrates their strong leadership potential to bring about change within the party.

Therefore, to be elected to Congress, a candidate must appeal to the majority population in their district. I believe Young Kim and Michelle Steel were able to win because they successfully appealed to the majority voters in their respective districts. Furthermore, I believe the current political climate in the U.S. represents a realignment of political parties. As parties struggle to adequately address current issues within their existing frameworks, new voices are emerging, leading to a period of uncertainty. However, this will eventually lead to a reform and stabilization of the party system. The Republican Party, in particular, faces a demographic shift, with the white population declining relative to the overall population. If we consider voters, the ratio is approximately 75% white to 25% non-white. Therefore, the Republican Party must embrace the concerns of immigrants to survive. This is why I believe that in the long term, the influence of immigrants in American politics will grow. Moreover, incumbents in the U.S. enjoy a significant advantage. Once elected, they can leverage their position to gain re-election. I am optimistic about the future, as I believe that even the Republican Party will undergo changes. With two Republican women elected to Congress, and considering their electoral performance, I believe they will play a crucial role in revitalizing and reforming the American political landscape. I have discussed this extensively with my colleagues in the U.S. media. I also believe that the election of two Korean American women to Congress, particularly in the Republican Party, demonstrates their strong leadership potential to bring about change within the party.

Therefore, I believe that in the long term, the influence of immigrants in American politics will grow. Moreover, incumbents in the U.S. enjoy a significant advantage. Once elected, they can leverage their position to gain re-election. I am optimistic about the future, as I believe that even the Republican Party will undergo changes. With two Republican women elected to Congress, and considering their electoral performance, I believe they will play a crucial role in revitalizing and reforming the American political landscape. I have discussed this extensively with my colleagues in the U.S. media. I also believe that the election of two Korean American women to Congress, particularly in the Republican Party, demonstrates their strong leadership potential to bring about change within the party.

Thank you, Representative Kim, for raising these important points. We have discussed the ROK-US relationship during the Obama administration, including policies on undocumented immigrants and the expansion of educational opportunities for their children. It is natural for the U.S. to move towards a more diverse society, especially given its demographic projections, which show a steady increase in the non-white population and a projected decline in the white population. When Obama was elected and re-elected, many predicted a more open approach to immigration. However, Trump's election, with his "Make America Great Again" slogan and emphasis on white nationalism, presented a different trajectory. You mentioned that the election of two Republican women in California could signal a shift within the Republican Party. While it may be premature to conclude that this indicates a broader trend, it is certainly a significant development. Now, as the 117th Congress prepares to convene, what are your expectations?

The Democratic Party has lost some seats in the House. The Senate is currently divided 50-48, with two run-off elections in Georgia that will determine control. If the Democrats win both seats, they will have a 50-50 split, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote. This outcome is of great interest. Regarding the House of Representatives, what is your analysis, Representative Kim?

The Senate race was very close, with Democrats holding a narrow majority. The Georgia run-off elections are crucial for determining control of the Senate. The outcome will significantly impact the legislative agenda. Regarding the ideological composition of the new Congress, there are concerns about increasing polarization. Reports suggest that within the Democratic Party, there are internal conflicts between moderates and progressives, with some fearing that a shift too far to the left could alienate voters. How do you assess the potential impact of these dynamics on the legislative process and the overall political landscape?

I am particularly interested in this aspect. Today, both parties held caucuses for newly elected members. All the elected officials are present. The reason for my keen interest is that, as you mentioned, the political center has become more elusive. As individuals engaged in political activism from an immigrant perspective, we are frustrated not by Trump's divisive leadership, but by the Democratic Party's inability to effectively counter it. This was also evident four years ago when Hillary Clinton lost in key swing states. Many traditional Democratic voters, primarily white working-class voters, did not turn out to vote due to their strong dislike of Clinton. She was perceived as a conventional politician, focused on fundraising and maintaining power through established means. While the Democratic Party's progressive wing has gained momentum since the Obama era, with the emergence of figures like Howard Dean and Barack Obama, the party's shift towards the center with Hillary Clinton alienated many progressive voters. This led to the Democratic Party's defeat. Even now, progressive groups within the Democratic Party, such as Bernie Sanders' supporters, are vocal. Although Obama's presence helped secure victory against Trump, the underlying issues remain. Many feel marginalized. This has led to concerns about potential rebellions within the Democratic Party. The party lacks effective leadership in navigating these internal divisions. While there are progressive voices, the party's direction is unclear. Consequently, many newly elected progressive Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have received significant campaign funding. She was the second-highest recipient of campaign funds among freshmen House members, raising nearly $18 million. This demonstrates the power of the progressive wing within the Democratic Party, which has effectively consolidated its influence on the left. Similarly, many newly elected Republicans are aligned with Trump, having gained his endorsement to secure their victories. This phenomenon, known as the "Trump effect," has led to a decline in moderate voices within both parties. As someone who has closely observed Congress for 20 years, I believe we are witnessing unprecedented polarization. The leadership in the White House faces the daunting task of navigating this divided nation starting in 2021. From an immigrant's perspective, the inability to effectively counter Trump's divisive rhetoric and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment is deeply concerning. The upcoming 2022 midterm elections are a key focus. The coordination between the White House and Congress remains uncertain. The Georgia run-off elections on January 5th are critical. If the Republicans win both seats, they will gain a majority in the Senate. The current situation, marked by the pandemic, economic challenges, and the persistent influence of Trump's conservative base in rural areas, creates a highly unstable political environment. Therefore, as Professor Son highlighted, the political landscape in the U.S., particularly Congress, is characterized by extreme polarization and profound uncertainty.

The Democratic Party's shift towards the center with Hillary Clinton alienated many progressive voters. This led to the Democratic Party's defeat. Even now, progressive groups within the Democratic Party, such as Bernie Sanders' supporters, are vocal. Although Obama's presence helped secure victory against Trump, the underlying issues remain. Many feel marginalized. This has led to concerns about potential rebellions within the Democratic Party. The party lacks effective leadership in navigating these internal divisions. While there are progressive voices, the party's direction is unclear. Consequently, many newly elected progressive Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have received significant campaign funding. She was the second-highest recipient of campaign funds among freshmen House members, raising nearly $18 million. This demonstrates the power of the progressive wing within the Democratic Party, which has effectively consolidated its influence on the left. Similarly, many newly elected Republicans are aligned with Trump, having gained his endorsement to secure their victories. This phenomenon, known as the "Trump effect," has led to a decline in moderate voices within both parties. As someone who has closely observed Congress for 20 years, I believe we are witnessing unprecedented polarization. The leadership in the White House faces the daunting task of navigating this divided nation starting in 2021. From an immigrant's perspective, the inability to effectively counter Trump's divisive rhetoric and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment is deeply concerning. The upcoming 2022 midterm elections are a key focus. The coordination between the White House and Congress remains uncertain. The Georgia run-off elections on January 5th are critical. If the Republicans win both seats, they will gain a majority in the Senate. The current situation, marked by the pandemic, economic challenges, and the persistent influence of Trump's conservative base in rural areas, creates a highly unstable political environment. Therefore, as Professor Son highlighted, the political landscape in the U.S., particularly Congress, is characterized by extreme polarization and profound uncertainty.

The progressive wing has consolidated its influence on the left. Similarly, many newly elected Republicans are aligned with Trump, having gained his endorsement to secure their victories. This phenomenon, known as the "Trump effect," has led to a decline in moderate voices within both parties. As someone who has closely observed Congress for 20 years, I believe we are witnessing unprecedented polarization. The leadership in the White House faces the daunting task of navigating this divided nation starting in 2021. From an immigrant's perspective, the inability to effectively counter Trump's divisive rhetoric and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment is deeply concerning. The upcoming 2022 midterm elections are a key focus. The coordination between the White House and Congress remains uncertain. The Georgia run-off elections on January 5th are critical. If the Republicans win both seats, they will gain a majority in the Senate. The current situation, marked by the pandemic, economic challenges, and the persistent influence of Trump's conservative base in rural areas, creates a highly unstable political environment. Therefore, as Professor Son highlighted, the political landscape in the U.S., particularly Congress, is characterized by extreme polarization and profound uncertainty.

The coordination between the White House and Congress remains uncertain. The Georgia run-off elections on January 5th are critical. If the Republicans win both seats, they will gain a majority in the Senate. The current situation, marked by the pandemic, economic challenges, and the persistent influence of Trump's conservative base in rural areas, creates a highly unstable political environment. Therefore, as Professor Son highlighted, the political landscape in the U.S., particularly Congress, is characterized by extreme polarization and profound uncertainty.

Although it is lit, I am now convinced of our admission. At the Grassroots level, for Koreans, issues such as naturalization and citizenship are possible to the extent possible. This is because it is not two parties, but two parties, the Democrats. Therefore, legislation is possible from our perspective, but I am very worried about how the legislative process and cooperation with the White House will proceed on major issues such as immigration law, healthcare, and economic issues like the Green New Deal, which are being discussed by both parties.

I thought the transition was poorly handled. This is partly because the transition is not progressing smoothly, but also because the Biden team needs to present its plans, which is proving very difficult due to various factors. This is the reality. Next, I would like to move on to the next topic and discuss some pressing issues. If time permits, I would like to briefly address what you have just said and ask two questions. First, regarding the runoff election in Georgia for the Senate seat, as you mentioned earlier...

It is generally understood that the incumbent candidate has an advantage, but given that the president was defeated in this election, there is a possibility that the Democratic Party could win if luck is on their side. Regarding the claim that the Democratic Party is gaining significant traction among moderates, I cannot definitively judge whether this is due to the inclusion of progressive voices, but it is noteworthy that the White House has appointed many women and African Americans to key positions. Could you elaborate on this?

Overall, the Republican Party has seen a significant increase in female representation, with 13 new female members, which is a remarkable development. However, progressives within the Democratic Party view Kamala Harris as a moderate. This is because her core issues revolve around economic concerns, fair distribution, and taxation, and she holds a centrist stance on these matters. Therefore, it is unlikely that the increase in the number of women and people of color will mitigate these divisions.

Yes, they are demanding very specific actions. The Democrats in the entire nation are rallying to win in Georgia, starting from December. They are determined to win at all costs. Some experts who view this more optimistically believe that both candidates will win the runoff. However, we must also consider the Trump rally in Washington D.C. last Saturday. It was not just a rally; people came from all over the country, it was highly organized, and it was the largest rally of the year.

Another point is that those considering a future run for the Republican Party are aligning themselves with Trump. The outcome of the Georgia Senate runoff is uncertain, and it is likely that both parties will face challenges in other states as well. Objectively, the situation appears to be 48-48, but it is difficult to predict the exact outcome. Now, the 117th Congress will convene. What are the most urgent issues that Congress must address? The President-elect has mentioned several key issues in his speeches.

Regarding the most urgent issues, the Democratic and Republican parties are currently in a dispute over the scale of the economic stimulus package. Will it be put to a vote? That is the question. What are the main issues? Will the stimulus package be voted on? And regarding this, as the representative of the Korean American community, what issues would you like to actively advocate for and lobby on behalf of Korean Americans or Asian Americans? You mentioned briefly earlier, but could you elaborate? Above all, it concerns the COVID-19 situation.

There are two main issues. First, the problem of pandemic prevention and control, and the national public health measures to prevent infection. Second, the economic stimulus package that has been delayed due to the pandemic. There is no sign of agreement between the Republican and Democratic parties on this. The key points of contention are the scale and the distribution of the funds. The Republican Party primarily advocates for corporate aid, while the Democratic Party focuses on consumer relief. This is the first major issue that the Biden administration will face.

Second, as I see it, is the issue of immigration. There are too many undocumented immigrants, too many people with uncertain status, and the process of entering the United States is chaotic. Therefore, regarding immigration, the President's executive orders and the discussions with the Republican Party to resolve the issues stemming from the previous administration's policies are crucial. Furthermore, during his time as Vice President, Obama's administration passed legislation through Congress, but it was blocked by Trump.

The issue of healthcare will likely be discussed first. Then, there are international relations. Those who follow international affairs are concerned about the potential escalation of conflicts in various regions, such as Iran, Israel-Palestine, and Armenia, which Trump's actions have exacerbated. These issues are causing significant instability. Therefore, the 117th Congress will likely prioritize addressing these areas to restore stability.

Furthermore, regarding the 116th Congress, there is an issue concerning Korean Americans with family members in North Korea. In terms of foreign policy and national security, if a U.S. citizen's family member is in North Korea, their argument based on U.S. citizenship alone is insufficient. This is because their family members are still in Korea, and they are aware of the situation. However, the logic that they are U.S. citizens and therefore their families should be able to visit is being presented to Congress. Once the bill passes, it will be enacted. Second, we are advocating for citizenship for Korean adoptees who are over 18 and still lack citizenship. This was part of the legislative agenda. Third, regarding immigration, we are seeking detailed options for undocumented immigrants. These three issues are our immediate priorities for the 117th Congress, and we will mobilize young Korean Americans to support their local representatives and push for legislation.

We plan to mobilize young Korean Americans to support their local representatives and push for legislation. If there are any specific details, they are available on our website. Thank you. I have another question, but given the limited time, I would like to ask one last question. Regarding what you mentioned earlier, if there are legislative matters between the Biden administration and Congress, we must evaluate them. As you said, the most realistic scenario is that the Republican Party maintains its majority in the Senate with a 52-48 split. Although the House may have a narrow Democratic majority, the issue of governance remains. In this situation, with President-elect Biden taking office, it seems there will be significant challenges in his interactions with Congress. Therefore, in relation to what you said, the approach will be...

It will be cautious because the Democratic Party has significant grievances and is currently in a situation where they are somewhat accommodating the election results. It will be difficult to implement bold policies. If they make mistakes, the party itself could become divided, and national unity, which is a paramount task for President Biden, could be jeopardized. How will they prioritize issues, and what approach will they take? If cooperation with Congress is not possible, could they consider using executive orders, similar to what President Obama did, to bring about change? Please briefly explain.

The political landscape is complex. Recent articles suggest that the Democratic Party is increasingly anxious. To exercise leadership, as Professor Song knows, since 1994, when Newt Gingrich emerged, there has been a trend of politicians adopting more progressive agendas than the far-right. Professor Yoo also experienced this. Perhaps leadership will emerge in this manner, and progress will be made through such means. This is the prediction of many experts who are increasingly publishing articles on this topic.

Cooperation is almost impossible. First, is there a possibility of dialogue with the Republican Party? This will only become clear after the election. Kevin McCarthy has become a hardline conservative, prioritizing power. To overcome this, Biden may need to create popularity, as Clinton did, by pursuing popular policies. There are many discussions about whether this involves fragmenting issues into smaller ones. However, what the Biden administration needs is to achieve results in areas like public health, which is expected to be a long-term challenge. By stabilizing the situation, they can achieve this. Furthermore, the recent election saw an increase in voters who are fundamentalist or evangelical, which may have benefited the Democratic Party. This could potentially lead to the stabilization of political forces in the South and the Midwest. Consequently, there is a growing possibility of cooperation between the White House and Congress on policy matters. This is a perspective that needs to be considered. Given the weakened state of affairs, as you mentioned, it seems that a compromise on the scale and content of healthcare, which is an issue that all citizens can empathize with, will be necessary. Since this is an issue that requires bipartisan consensus, it is likely to be the first area of focus. We are running out of time, so I would like to hear your final remarks, Representative Kim.

As a representative of the Korean American community, do you have any message for the Korean citizens and the Korean diaspora who are watching Korean politics? Please share your thoughts. Thank you. We have covered many important topics today. The situation in the United States is very difficult, and it is not easy to be a U.S. citizen. For those of us working in Washington D.C., engaging with the political sphere has become extremely challenging since the Russia scandal four years ago. The atmosphere is tense.

Public diplomacy, which is the Korean government's effort to expand contact with private entities in other countries, is currently facing difficulties. It appears that Korean Americans in the U.S. are now acting as intermediaries, conveying the Korean government's agenda to the U.S. political sphere. This is a very sensitive issue. As you know, both the Trump and Biden campaigns issued strict orders prohibiting contact with foreign governments. This is the current situation. The conclusion of the Robert Mueller investigation into the Russia scandal, which found that Trump had committed wrongdoing, has led to a strong emphasis on protecting Washington from foreign influence. Therefore, for those of us who are active in this field, it is crucial to...

Therefore, for the Korean public, Korean citizens, and those in the U.S. studying Korea, the situation in Washington D.C. has changed significantly since December 8th. Previously, there were no major issues in Korea-U.S. relations. While China had over 200 registered agents, over 100 Chinese individuals active in the U.S. were identified as agents. We must act with greater caution than ever before, and our efforts must be sustained. Therefore, regarding U.S. domestic issues, we must strictly adhere to our status as Korean citizens and align ourselves with U.S. interests. We will convey this message to Korean Americans when they receive agendas from the U.S.

This is a very important point you have raised. Even from our perspective, when politicians or diplomatic representatives from Korea visit, it is difficult to gain access. Due to concerns about Russian influence, both the left and right are extremely vigilant. Therefore, a more cautious approach is necessary, and I believe this is sound advice. We have discussed many topics today with Representative Kim. It has been a very informative session.

Therefore, if the transition of power proceeds smoothly, a predictable partner will emerge in the United States. Only then can we address various pressing issues such as the burden-sharing of defense costs and the issue of operational control during wartime. While we have discussed these matters here, it is my earnest hope that the transition to the Biden administration will proceed smoothly, creating a foundation for early progress in Korea-U.S. relations, and that we can then find ways to cooperate within that framework.

Thank you, Representative Kim, for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us today. Your insights have been very helpful, as we often rely on books rather than direct experience. I believe our viewers share this sentiment. Thank you for your valuable time. I would also like to express my gratitude to the viewers who have followed our discussion and Q&A session. Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity. It was a pleasure.

*This text is an AI translation of an original written in Korean. Some translations or nuances may be inaccurate.

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