Full Breakdown
Korean American Grassroots Conference Highlights U.S.–South Korea Economic and Political Ties
6/24/2026, 11:30:04 PM
Core Event: Washington, D.C., June 23 2026
The Korean American Grassroots Conference convened in Washington, D.C., on June 23 2026. The gathering featured speeches by Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). Participants discussed South Korean investment in the United States, immigration policy for Korean skilled workers, and the role of the incoming U.S. ambassador to South Korea, Michelle Steel.
Background & Context: Recent Investment and Immigration Issues
South Korean conglomerate Hanwha completed the acquisition of Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia in late 2024, marking a significant expansion of Korean capital in U.S. shipbuilding. In the preceding months, a U.S. immigration raid at a South Korean battery-plant construction site in Georgia detained more than 300 Korean workers. The raid, conducted in September of the previous year, heightened concerns about the treatment of Korean laborers. Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed former congresswoman Michelle Steel as the next U.S. ambassador to South Korea, clearing the way for her to assume the post.
Key Figures & Groups
- Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) – Korean-American senator, chair of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific.
- Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) – Korean-American congresswoman, sponsor of the “Partner with Korea Act.”
- Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) – Senator who praised Korean-American contributions to U.S. democracy.
- Michelle Steel – Former two-term Korean-American congresswoman, confirmed ambassador to South Korea.
- Korean American Grassroots Conference – Network of Korean-American voters organizing the event.
Data & Statistics
- The “Partner with Korea Act” proposes an allotment of 15,000 E-4 highly skilled work visas for South Koreans with specialized expertise.
- >300 Korean workers were detained during the Georgia immigration raid.
- Hanwha’s acquisition of Philly Shipyard occurred in late 2024.
Official Statements & Responses
Sen. Andy Kim highlighted Hanwha’s recent investment, emphasizing continued growth opportunities and pledging personal effort to strengthen bilateral ties. Rep. Young Kim described Ambassador-designate Steel as poised to address political, economic, and humanitarian matters, including the lingering issue of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War. She also linked the “Partner with Korea Act” to the recent immigration raid, urging swift congressional passage. Congresswoman Kim (subcommittee chair) called Steel “the right person at the right time in our critical U.S.–South Korea relations.” Sen. Booker lauded the Korean-American community as exemplifying “the power of immigrants” and called for greater Korean representation in U.S. political leadership. Sen. Kim additionally accused Steel of making racist remarks toward Asian-American office-seekers and veterans, demanding an apology.
Criticism & Opposition
Sen. Andy Kim’s accusation of racist comments by Steel represents the primary criticism emerging from the event. The Georgia raid, which resulted in the detention of hundreds of Korean workers, was cited as evidence of systemic challenges facing Korean laborers in the United States.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was just at the Philly Shipyard a couple of weeks ago, seeing the incredible investment that Hanwha has made. We continue to see that growth on so many fronts,” — Sen. Andy Kim, D-NJ
- “I still think that there's a lot of opportunity for this relationship to grow even stronger, and I am going to do everything I humanly can as a Korean American U.S. senator to bring that about.” — Sen. Andy Kim, D-NJ
- “My hope is that the bill will be passed during this Congress,” — Rep. Young Kim, R-CA
- “I am so proud to be an American. Only in America, we can come not to change America, but to be part of this fabric of America that makes America great,” — Rep. Young Kim, R-CA
- “the right person at the right time in our critical U.S.-South Korea relations.” — Congresswoman Kim, Chair, East Asia & Pacific Subcommittee
- “power of immigrants.” — Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ
What’s Next
Legislators aim to advance the “Partner with Korea Act” before the current congressional session ends. Ambassador-designate Steel is set to begin her diplomatic duties, with expectations to address both economic collaboration and unresolved Korean-War family issues. Ongoing monitoring of Korean investment projects, such as Hanwha’s shipyard operations, will inform future policy discussions on trade and labor.
