Jay Kim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jay Kim
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김창준
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 41st district |
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| In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | Bill Lowery |
| Succeeded by | Gary Miller |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kim Chang-joon
March 27, 1939 Keijō, 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
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| Hanja |
金昌準
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| RR | Gim Changjun |
| MR | Kim Ch'angjun |
Jay Chang Joon Kim (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 made history as the first Korean American person to be elected to the United States Congress.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Growing Up in Korea
Jay Kim was born in 1939 in a city called Keijō. This city is now known as Seoul, the capital of South Korea. His Korean name, Kim Chang Joon, means "golden splendid law." During the Korean War, his family's home was destroyed.
Moving to the United States
In 1961, Jay Kim moved to the United States. He started his college education at a community college. Later, he transferred to the University of Southern California. There, he earned two degrees in civil engineering. He also earned a doctorate degree in political science from Hanyang University in Korea.
Starting a Business
In 1976, Jay Kim started his own company called JAYKIM Engineers. This company focused on designing highways and projects that clean and reuse water. He grew his business to have 130 employees. They had offices in three different states in the western U.S. His company was known as one of the top 500 design firms in the country.
Political Journey
Local Government Service
Jay Kim began his political career in 1990. He was elected to the city council of Diamond Bar. This city is a suburb near Los Angeles. The very next year, in 1991, he was chosen to be the mayor of Diamond Bar.
Serving in Congress
In 1992, Jay Kim was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented California's 41st District. This election was a big moment because he became the first Korean American to serve in the United States Congress. He served in Congress from 1993 to 1999.
In 1998, he ran for re-election but lost in the primary election. He was defeated by Gary Miller. Gary Miller had also served with Jay Kim on the Diamond Bar City Council. Jay Kim tried to win a seat in the 42nd District in 2000 but was not successful.
Working for U.S.-Korea Relations
Building Connections
After his time in Congress, Jay Kim focused on improving relationships and business opportunities between the U.S. and South Korea. Since 2007, he has been the chairman of The Washington Korean-American Forum. This group is like a think tank, which means it studies important issues.
He also leads the Kim Changjoon US-Korea Foundation. Through this foundation, he uses his experience to help develop political leaders in South Korea. The Kim Changjoon Politics and Economy Academy in Korea helps small business owners. It teaches them skills and knowledge to succeed in the global market.
Advising on Economy
In 2013, when President Park Geun-hye was elected in South Korea, Jay Kim was appointed to the National Economic Advisory Council. His role was to help small businesses find opportunities in the global market. He believes his position helps encourage economic growth between the two nations. He also noted how the free-trade agreement helps companies grow in new markets.
Jay Kim also writes articles regularly for newspapers like The Korea Times, JoongAng Ilbo, and The Korea Economic Daily. He is also an honorary Ambassador for Gyeonggi Province in South Korea.
PyeongChang Peace Forum 2021
From February 7 to 10, 2021, the "2021 PyeongChang Peace Forum" took place. It was held at the Alpensia Convention Center in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. Before the main forum, on February 6, the first Korea-U.S. Leaders Peace Strategy Dialogue session was held.
The Jay Kim Foundation helped organize this dialogue with Gangwon-do Province. Professor Kim Woo-sang from Yonsei University led the discussion. Members of the Korean National Assembly and former U.S. Congress members, including Jay Kim, participated. Some U.S. members joined virtually.
The forum discussed the strong alliance between South Korea and the U.S. They also talked about how to remove nuclear weapons from the Korean Peninsula. Another important topic was promoting peace with North Korea through sports. This event is planned to happen every year. It aims to help the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.
Interview with Gangwon Ilbo
On February 6, 2021, just before the PyeongChang Peace Forum, Jay Kim met with Korean and U.S. politicians. They gathered in Pyeongchang to discuss peace strategies for the Korean Peninsula. Jay Kim organized this meeting. Even though he was born in Seoul, he has a special connection to Gangwon-do. He was even named the Honorary Governor of Gangwon-do in 2016.
On February 7, 2021, the Gangwon Ilbo newspaper interviewed Jay Kim. He shared his ideas for peace on the Korean Peninsula. He suggested that the Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics could help with exchanges between North and South Korea. He also mentioned that North Korea's economic challenges might be a good time for talks with the U.S. Jay Kim stated, "Peace is not made with words, but made with strength, through consistent efforts for strengthening the alliance between Korea-U.S."
Helping the Community
Around Lunar New Year in 2021, Jay Kim made a donation to a charity. This charity, called Happy Village, is run by the LA JoongAng Daily newspaper. They used the donation to serve hot rice cake soups to 300 older people living alone in Los Angeles, California.
Recognitions and Awards
Jay Kim has received many awards and honors throughout his career. These include:
- The President's Medal and Award from South Korea in 2012.
- The Political Leadership Award from the Korean American Political Leadership Conference in 2012.
- The Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award in 1993.
- Awards for excellence in civil engineering and business.
- Awards for his legislative leadership in Congress.
- Recognitions for supporting taxpayers, small businesses, and property rights.
