Origin Story

창립 비화

The Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC) was created to promote the political empowerment, advocacy, and civic participation of the Korean American community within the framework of Democratic Party principles. Key motivations included increasing legislative awareness, fostering mainstream political integration, and addressing the community's lack of political clout.

미주 한인 민주당 위원회(Korean American Democratic Committee, KADC)는 민주당의 원칙이라는 틀 안에서 미주 한인 사회의 정치적 역량 강화, 권익 옹호 및 시민 참여를 촉진하기 위해 설립되었으며, 주요 설립 동기로는 입법에 대한 인식 제고, 주류 정치로의 통합 촉진, 그리고 한인 사회의 정치적 영향력 부족 문제 해결 등이 있습니다.

Key reasons for its creation include:

주요 설립 이유는 다음과 같습니다:

Political Empowerment: To increase the influence of Korean Americans in the U.S. political system, particularly after realizing the need for stronger representation following the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

정치적 역량 강화: 특히 1992년 LA 폭동 이후 더 강력한 대표성의 필요성을 깨달은 후, 미국 정치 체제 내에서 미주 한인의 영향력을 확대하기 위함입니다.

Advocacy and Education: To advance the civil and civic rights interests of Korean Americans.

옹호 및 교육: 미주 한인의 민권 및 시민권 관련 권익을 증진하기 위함입니다.

Democratic Representation: To advocate for policies supporting small businesses, workers, and families in line with Democratic values.

민주적 대표성: 민주당의 가치에 부합하여 소상공인, 노동자, 가족을 지원하는 정책을 옹호하기 위함입니다.

Community Integration: To move beyond a marginalized status and become active participants in the Democratic party and mainstream American politics.

커뮤니티 통합: 소외된 지위를 벗어나 민주당과 미국 주류 정치에 적극적인 참여자가 되기 위함입니다.

Mission

사명

To promote the political empowerment of the Korean-American community through advocacy, education, and civic participation in the spirit of Democratic Party principles.

민주당이 지향하는 가치에 기반한 홍보, 교육, 그리고 사회적 참여를 통해 미국 내 한인사회의 정치적 신장을 도모한다.

Vision

미래상

Advocate for the political empowerment of the Korean American community;

한인 커뮤니티의 정치적 신장을 앞장서서 홍보한다;

Serve as a link between Korean American communities and the Democratic agenda;

한인 커뮤니티에 민주당의 과제를 알린다;

Encourage Korean American participation in the electoral process through education, advocacy, and voter registration;

한인 유권자의 참여를 홍보하고 교육하며 유권자 등록 장려한다;

Advise elected officials and candidates on matters of strategy and policy pertaining to Korean American communities;

활동하는 정치인들에게 한인 커뮤니티의 주요 이슈를 알린다;

Identify and support political candidates, particularly candidates who support issues relevant to the Korean American community.

한인 커뮤니티의 주요 과제를 이해하고 지지하는 정치인을 가려내고 그들의 정치적 성공을 돕는다.

members bio

Esther "Bester" Lim, PRESIDENT

Esther is a 20+ year justice advocate and policy expert who has long fought for equity, humanity, and justice in our legal system.  She spent almost a decade working for the ACLU of Southern California monitoring the largest jail system in the country and has monitored one of the oldest prison systems in New York State.  She has served for three different local electeds with over five years of experience advising on policy areas such as law enforcement accountability, conditions of confinement, child welfare, public social services, health, environmental justice, and governance. 

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." —Edmund Burke

KENNETH AHN, VICE PRESIDENT

Kenneth Ahn is Vice President of the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC), where he helps lead efforts to expand civic engagement, political representation, and policy advocacy within the Korean American community.

In this role, Kenneth works to strengthen pathways for Korean Americans to participate in the democratic process — from voter engagement and leadership development to coalition building across diverse communities. He supports initiatives that elevate issues impacting immigrant families, small business owners, working professionals, and the next generation of civic leaders.

Kenneth currently serves as the Deputy Director of International Event Diplomacy in the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs for the City of Los Angeles. In this role, he leads the City’s international engagement strategy tied to major global sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. 

Drawing from his experience in public service and international diplomacy, Kenneth brings a global perspective to local political engagement. He is committed to building bridges between communities, fostering inclusive civic participation, and ensuring that Korean American voices are meaningfully represented in policy conversations at the local, state, and national levels.

Through his leadership at KADC, Kenneth is focused on empowering emerging leaders, strengthening partnerships across communities of color, and advancing policies that promote equity, opportunity, and democratic participation.

Kenneth has served on the board of KADC since 2016 and is the immediate outgoing President (2022-2025). He holds a Master of Social Work degree from the USC School of Social Work and a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from U.C. San Diego. 

AMY CHoNG, SECRETARY

Amy Chong is a Senior Policy Associate at Inclusive Action for the City dedicated to advancing equitable economic development through systems-level change. She co-manages the Small Business Anti-Displacement for Equitable Communities coalition advocating for state and local policies strengthening the local economy. She has served in several key public service roles and experiences that strengthened her policy development, communications, and legislative strategy expertise. Amy holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California. A proud Coro Fellow in Public Affairs alumna.

elizabeth ahn, controller

Elizabeth Soyeon Ahn, MD, is a consultation-liaison psychiatrist dedicated to serving in the public sector and improving equity and efficiency within the healthcare system. Dr. Ahn joined the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC) to promote civic engagement and increase political awareness among Korean Americans, physicians, and Christian communities. Through her role, she seeks to empower these communities to proactively advance changes that align with the public's overall well-being.

“The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." —Dante Alighieri