What Andy Kim's Senate Victory Means to a Hub of Korean American Life

Jini Park's social media feed was buzzing after Andy Kim's Senate victory. Despite voting for his opponent, Jini, the child of Korean immigrants, felt pride seeing someone from her background achieve this milestone in U.S. politics.

Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, will be the first Korean American senator when he's sworn in. This achievement highlights the century-long journey of Korean immigrants in the U.S., propelling them into the spotlight.

While California and New York have the most Korean Americans, New Jersey showcases the community's significant impact, especially in Bergen County. Many have moved from New York City to towns like Fort Lee and Leonia in pursuit of quality education and affordable living.

Palisades Park, N.J., where over half of the residents are of Korean descent, stands as the cultural epicenter. Korean businesses thrive, and education centers focus on Korean language and culture. The mayor, Chong Kim, acknowledges Andy Kim's victory as a pivotal moment for Korean Americans.

Raised in South Jersey and now in his third congressional term, Andy Kim has navigated an identity journey, facing perceptions tied to being Asian, including an exclusion early in his career. Stigmas around his Asian identity were evident during his campaign, impacting his perceived masculinity.

Andy Kim's victory was decisive, dismantling entrenched political powers and gaining a folk hero status among reform advocates. Despite stereotypes, he champions Asian Americans' broader roles in issues like health care and foreign policy.

In Korea, celebratory banners underscore the victory as a testament to political growth within the Korean American community. Despite lacking unanimous support in Korean-heavy areas like Palisades Park, Andy Kim's campaign reflects the nuanced political landscape and concerns of Korean Americans.

The cultural pride extends to personal lives, as families focus on passing down traditions and language to younger generations. The growing popularity of Korean culture, seen in media successes, complements these efforts. Now, with official recognition of cultural holidays like Lunar New Year in New Jersey, the vibrancy of Korean culture in America continues to expand.