Korean American day spotlight: Rep. Mark Keam on heritage and political strength

미주 한인의 날: 미주 한인 정치인에게 듣는 미국 속 한류열풍과 한인 파워

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.
This week, communities across the United States celebrated Korean American Day, a day that marks the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to America 123 years ago, and recognizes the contributions of Korean Americans who followed.
What began as a small immigrant community has grown into a powerful voice across every part of American life — in government, education, culture, business, and beyond.
Korean American Day is more than just a commemoration of the past.
It’s also a reflection of how far the community has come, and how its identity and influence continue to evolve.

And joining us today is someone who’s been at the heart of that progress.
Mark Keam — former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and president of the Korean American Institute.

Great to see you, Mr. Keam.


1. To start us off, on January 13th, 1903, the first group of Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii, which at that time, was a territory of the United States, and that date is now recognized as Korean American Day.
What does Korean American Day mean to you personally, and what does it represent for the broader Korean American community?

2. And building on that history — It's been over 20 years since Korean American Day was officially designated in 2005. During your time as a Virginia state legislator, you played a key role in making that happen.
Can you walk us through how it came together — what the process was like and the biggest challenges?

3. Continuing on that theme of cultural recognition — as a Virginia legislator, you helped establish official recognition for Taekwondo Day, Hangul Day, and Kimchi Day, and also led a successful effort to include “East Sea” alongside “Sea of Japan” in U.S. textbooks.
What drove your commitment to these Korea-related policies, and what helped them gain support?

4. Fast forward to today — 123 years since the first Korean immigrants set foot in America — how would you assess the current status and influence of the Korean-American community? And what do you think has driven that rise in prominence?

5. On the political scene— Korean-American representation is growing in the U.S.
As the first Korean American elected to seven terms in a state legislature, where do you think the Korean-American community has made the most progress in terms of political power? And why is political participation so vital?

6. Switching gears to culture — the Korean Wave continues to grow stronger in the U.S., from K-pop and Korean dramas to food and beauty.
In your view, can this kind of cultural influence translate into policy influence over time?

7. At the same time, there are generational concerns; some worry that second-and third-generation Korean Americans may be drifting away from their cultural roots. In your view, could the Korean Wave actually serve as a bridge for younger generations to reconnect with their Korean identity?

8. Now, let’s move into U.S.-Korea relations — you served as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Biden administration. From your perspective as a former high-ranking official, how would you evaluate the recent U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations that took place last year?

9. And looking at the bigger picture, Many believe that the U.S.-Korea relationship is at a key inflection point, both in terms of security and trade.
In times like these, what kind of role should Korean-American politicians and organizations be playing?

10. And finally, beyond politics, you've led efforts in community advocacy, including through the Korean American Institute. What do you see as most important in building a bridge between Korea and the U.S.? And what's next for you?


We'll have to leave our discussion right here, many thanks to Mr.Keam we appreciate it.

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2026-01-16, 20:30 (KST)