Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 253

commanding officer told him that he would be transferred citing the fact that at the time,
Koreans and Japanese did not get along. Kim, however, saw beyond the color lines and said:
“We’re all Americans and we’re all fighting for the same cause.”
Kim would earn the respect of his men after he showed them compassion, leadership, and
genuine care for their well-being. Kim would lead this unit through Europe, fighting on the
frontlines in Italy, France, and Germany. Kim would later receive the equivalent of the Medal of
Honor from Italy, France, and the Republic of Korea.
Another amazing Korean American who served his country with honor was Dr. Sammy Lee. Dr.
Lee was the first Asian American to win a Gold Medal for the United States during an Olympic
Games. Four years later, during the 1952 Helsinki, Finland Olympic Games he won gold again.
Dr. Lee’s life and accomplishments include coaching Olympic divers Bob Webster and Greg
Louganis. Dr. Lee was a well-known man and he and Col. Young Oak Kim were life-long
friends.
After years of relentless fighting, World War II would finally end in 1945. For Korean
Americans, the surrender meant the liberation of their homeland. After thirty-five years of
occupation, Korea was now free from Japanese rule.
Korea would be divided. The Soviet Union would take the Northern half of the Korean peninsula
and the United States the southern portion. Syngman Rhee would become the Republic of
Korea’s president in the South. Kim Il-Sung would become the Supreme Leader of the
Democratic People’s Republic of the North. The newly divided country would not see peace for
long. Today, Korea is the only country still divided against its own will.
In the United States, the Korean War shined a light on this small community living and working
in America. Between 1950 and 1965, Korean American population grew steadily. Many of these
Koreans were orphans, adoptees, GI brides, students, and diplomats who migrated to the US after
the Korean War. In fact, GI brides played a critical role in helping to bring Koreans to the United
States after the passage of the 1965 Immigration Act. The act allowed Korean Americans to
sponsor their family members and bring them to the United States. Thus, many GI brides
sponsored their fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and even cousins, aunts and uncles. The
Korean American community flourished and grew with the help of the Korean GI brides.
New Urban Immigrants
With the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, the doors were opened for Asians
to come to the United States. Quotas and bans were lifted. The Korean American population
skyrocketed after 1965. In 1970, the Korean American population was 69,130! This was an
increase of about 60,000 since 1940! The new wave of Korean Americans found themselves
trying to live the American dream. Many came to the United States after the Korean War,
seeking a better life and opportunities.
Korean immigrants who came after the passage of 1965 Immigration Act are known as “New
Urban Immigrants.” Unlike traditional immigrants who enter the U.S., Korean immigrants were
educated, middle class, and had managerial backgrounds. They sought opportunities in the U.S.
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