By Andrian Putra
Norcross, July 14, 2024 – New Jersey Senate candidate Andy Kim made a campaign fund-raising stop in Atlanta last Sunday. He speaks with the local Korean American press at the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta office.
Congressman Kim has served as the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District since 2019 and was a former diplomat.
He also expressed hope to become the first Korean-American senator in U.S. history and to bring a fresh perspective to the U.S. Senate.
Being of Korean descent, Kim remains optimistic for the future of the U.S.-Korean relationship and leadership.
“I hope to further strengthen the U.S.-Korean relationship by extending the mutual benefits for both sides. The current imbalanced relationship is heavily based on the Korean War partnership framework and doesn't reflect the current position of South Korea. I would advocate to modernize the U.S.-Korea relationship and to treat South Korea as an equal partner,” said Kim in his remark.
He also acknowledged the security threats but sought to move the relationship beyond the Korean War framework for partnership.
Congressman Kim also expressed concerns about the violence and discrimination in the country especially affecting the Asian American community.
“I was here after the March 16 Atlanta spa shooting and I also witnessed the rising wave of anti-Asian hate crimes across the country,” said Kim.
“Gun violence prevention and effective legislation are among the key agendas that I would pursue in the Senate,” adds Kim.
One of the top Korean American agendas that Congressman Kim would address is the Korean adoptee citizenship issue.
He also aims to increase the representation of Asian American Pacific Islanders in government including a Supreme Court justice position.
Kim emphasizes the importance of integrity in politics and plans to pursue campaign finance reform in the Senate.
