Korean American. A person of Korean heritage who resides in or is a citizen of the United States. Part of the broader Asian American population, Korean Americans form one of the largest immigrant communities in the country. With a unique blend of traditional Korean culture and American values, the Korean American experience is shaped by resilience, cultural pride, and an ongoing commitment to both community and country.
The earliest wave of Korean immigration to the U.S. began in the early 20th century, with laborers arriving in Hawaii to work on sugar plantations. Following the Korean War, a second wave of immigrants arrived, including war brides, adoptees, and orphans. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 opened doors to highly educated professionals and families, contributing to a sharp rise in the Korean American population.
Today, Korean Americans number approximately 1.9 million, making them the fifth-largest Asian ethnic group in the United States. They are concentrated in metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta.
Culture and Identity
Korean Americans often maintain strong ties to Korean culture through language, food, religion, and family traditions. Korean churches, particularly Protestant (often Presbyterian) congregations, serve not only as religious centers but also as cultural hubs and support networks.
While many Korean Americans speak both Korean and English, younger generations are often more fluent in English. Efforts to preserve the Korean language and heritage among youth are supported by Korean language schools and community organizations.
Achievements and Contributions
Korean Americans have made significant contributions to various fields including business, education, science, arts, and public service. In politics, individuals such as Andy Kim and Michelle Steel have served in the United States Congress. The community has also made its mark in entrepreneurship, with Korean Americans owning a large number of small businesses, especially in urban centers.
In popular culture, Korean Americans have helped to bring Korean Wave (Hallyu) phenomena like K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty into the American mainstream. Figures such as Steven Yeun, Awkwafina, and Sandra Oh have gained international acclaim in the entertainment industry.
Education and Economic Impact
Korean Americans are among the most highly educated immigrant groups in the United States. A large percentage hold college and advanced degrees, often in STEM fields. Korean Americans are also known for their entrepreneurial spirit, with many operating family-run businesses, including restaurants, dry cleaners, and beauty supply stores.
Remittances sent to family members in South Korea and support for Korean charitable causes underscore the transnational nature of the community’s impact.
Social and Civic Engagement
Korean Americans are increasingly engaged in civic and political life, participating in elections and public discourse. Organizations like the Korean American Coalition and Korean American Grassroots Conference advocate for greater representation and address issues such as immigration reform, racial equity, and language access.
The community also mobilizes around issues affecting both the United States and Korea, including North Korean relations, peace advocacy, and human rights.
Challenges
Despite significant achievements, Korean Americans continue to face challenges related to racial discrimination, language barriers, mental health stigma, and intergenerational conflict. The model minority myth often obscures these struggles and can contribute to undue pressure, particularly among youth.
Advocacy for mental health awareness, access to bilingual services, and generational dialogue remains essential for the well-being of the Korean American population.
Related LucePedia Entries
Notable Koran Americans
- Ailee – Korean American singer with a successful K-pop and R&B career.
- Awkwafina (Nora Lum) – Actor and rapper; Korean-Chinese American known for The Farewell and Crazy Rich Asians.
- Chang, Juju – Emmy-winning anchor and correspondent for ABC News’ Nightline.
- Cho, John – Actor (Harold & Kumar, Star Trek); advocate for Asian American representation.
- Cho, Margaret – Comedian, actor, and activist known for boundary-pushing work on Democrat and sexuality.
- Chung, Connie – One of the first Asian American national news anchors in U.S. history.
- Duckworth, Angela – Psychologist and author of Grit; professor at the University of Pennsylvania (Korean American on her mother’s side).
- Han, Seal Bin
- Hong, Cathy Park – Poet and author of Minor Feelings, a New York Times bestseller exploring race and identity.
- Kang, Christopher – Co-founder of Demand Justice, former Deputy Counsel to President Barack Obama.
- Kim, Andy – U.S. Representative from New Jersey; first Korean American Democrat elected to U.S. Congress..
- Kim, Chloe – Olympic gold medalist snowboarder; became a global icon after her win at 17.
- Kim, Jim Yong – Physician and anthropologist; former president of the World Bank and co-founder of Partners In Health.
- Kim, Young – U.S. Representative from California; another of the first Korean American women in the U.S. Congress.
- Lee, Chang-rae – Award-winning novelist (Native Speaker, The Surrendered), often exploring Korean American themes.
- Moon, Ban-Ki – Former Secretary General of the United Nations.
- Nam, Eric – Singer and television host popular in both the U.S. and Korean music industries.
- Oh, Sandra – Emmy-winning actor known for Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve.
- Park, Jay – Korean American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur with major influence in both the U.S. and South Korea.
- Ryu, David – Former Los Angeles City Council member, notable for health policy work.
- Steel, Michelle – U.S. Representative from California; one of the first Korean American women in the U.S. Congress.
- Ward, Hines – Former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl MVP; known for his Korean American identity and anti-bullying advocacy.
- Wie, Michelle – Professional golfer and U.S. Women’s Open champion.
- Yeun, Steven – Oscar-nominated actor (Minari, The Walking Dead); first Asian American nominated for Best Actor.
Discover more from The Stewardship Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.