Biden: "Let's Go Together with Korea...Grateful to Two Million Korean Americans"

Biden Emphasizes “Katchi Kapshida”
Pledges Stronger Korea-U.S. Alliance and Support for Korean Americans
Promises Fair Opportunities, Immigration Reform, and Recognition for Korean Adoptees

Image source=Yonhap News

[Asia Economy, reporter Lim Chunhan] Joe Biden, the U.S. Democratic presidential candidate, emphasized strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance just five days before the U.S. presidential election on October 29 (local time), stating "Katchi Kapshida" ("Let's go together") and expressing strong support for Korean Americans living in the United States. Writing "Katchi Kapshida" in the American pronunciation is not only a gesture of familiarity toward Korea, but is also interpreted as a strong commitment to the alliance.

Biden sent an op-ed titled "Hope for Our Better Future" to Yonhap News that day, describing South Korea as "a strong regional ally" and stating that if he becomes the next U.S. president, he would "stand with South Korea by strengthening the alliance, rather than extorting South Korea with reckless threats."

Reaffirming his stance on North Korea's denuclearization and a unified Korea, Biden said, "I will continue efforts to reunite Korean Americans with their loved ones in North Korea, from whom they have been separated for decades." He repeatedly mentioned the contributions of Korean Americans to the rise of the United States as a global superpower, pledging to uphold the "American Dream."

Biden stated, "From the first immigrants to Hawaii on January 13, 1903, to the rising entrepreneurs and businesspeople leading us forward today, Korean Americans have made America stronger for over a century," and emphasized, "I am grateful for the countless contributions made by two million Korean Americans."

Biden recalled his involvement as a senator in passing a resolution in 2002 commemorating the centennial of Korean immigration, saying, "The resolution recognized the courage, sacrifice, and success of the Korean American community, which helped the United States stand as a beacon of freedom and hope to the world." He added, "As President, I will continue to defend the American Dream for everyone, ensuring that all Korean American families have equally fair opportunities for prosperity and a better future."

Biden pointed out that 20% of small businesses in the United States have closed due to COVID-19, noting that "many of them are Korean American businesses." He criticized, "Trump's failed leadership has devastated our economy and shattered the hopes of many Korean Americans." He also pledged to work on reducing language barriers that hinder Korean American entrepreneurs. Furthermore, he promised, "I will fix the broken immigration system and provide a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented Koreans," and "I will work to ensure that tens of thousands of Korean adoptees are recognized as Americans."