Jay Kim facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jay Kim
김창준
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 41st district
In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 1999
Preceded by	Bill Lowery
Succeeded by	Gary Miller
Personal details
Born	Kim Chang-joon (1939-03-27) March 27, 1939 (age 86) Keijō, Keiki-dō, Korea, Empire of Japan
Political party	Republican
Spouses	June Kim (divorced) Jennifer Ahn
Education	University of Southern California (BS, MS) Hanyang University (PhD)
Korean name
Hangul	김창준
Hanja	金昌準
Revised Romanization	Gim Changjun
McCune–Reischauer	Kim Ch'angjun

Jay Chang Joon Kim (Hangul: 김창준; born March 27, 1939) is a Korean-American politician. He used to be a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for California. He was the very first Korean American person to be chosen for the United States Congress.

Early Life and Starting a Business

Jay Kim was born in 1939 in a city called Keijō, which is now Seoul, South Korea. When he was a child, his home was destroyed during the Korean War. In 1961, he moved to the United States.

He went to the University of Southern California. There, he earned degrees in civil engineering. Later, he also got a special degree in political science from Hanyang University.

In 1976, Jay Kim started his own company called JAYKIM Engineers. His company helped design highways and projects that clean water. He grew his business to have many employees and offices in different states. His company was known as one of the best design firms in the country.

Political Journey

Getting Started in Local Politics

In 1990, Jay Kim was elected to the city council in Diamond Bar. This is a town near Los Angeles. The next year, he became the mayor of Diamond Bar.

Serving in Congress

In 1992, Jay Kim was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. government where laws are made. He was a Republican and represented California's 41st District. This made him the first Korean American to be elected to the United States Congress.

After serving for a few terms, he faced some challenges. In 1998, he lost the election to Gary Miller. Gary Miller had also served with him on the Diamond Bar City Council.

Working for Peace and Friendship

In recent years, Jay Kim has worked hard to make friends and create business chances between the U.S. and South Korea. He leads a group called The Washington Korean-American Forum. He also uses his experience to help young leaders in South Korea.

He helps small business owners learn how to work in global markets. In 2013, he was asked to join the National Economic Advisory Council in Korea. He believes his position helps countries work together. He also writes articles for newspapers like The Korea Times. He is an honorary ambassador for Gyeonggi Province in South Korea.

In 2021, Jay Kim helped organize the "PyeongChang Peace Forum." This event brought together leaders from Korea and the U.S. They talked about how to keep peace on the Korean Peninsula. They also discussed how to improve the friendship between South Korea and the U.S.

During an interview, Jay Kim shared his ideas for peace. He said that working together and being strong helps create peace. He also helps his community. For example, he donated to a charity that helps older people in Los Angeles.

Awards and Recognition

Jay Kim has received many awards for his work and leadership:

• The President's Medal and Award from South Korea, 2012
• The Political Leadership Award, Korean American Political Leadership Conference, 2012
• The Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award, 1993
• Award for National Excellence in Civil Engineering
• Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business Community
• Engineer of the Year Award
• Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award of the 103rd Congress

See also

• List of Asian Americans and Pacific Islands Americans in the United States Congress
• List of American federal politicians convicted of crimes
• List of federal political scandals in the United States