by Wonsuh Song
Washington, D.C. is often referred to as the heart of world politics. Home to the White House and the U.S. Congress, this city also hosts a vibrant Korean American community whose activities serve as a critical bridge between Korea and the United States—enhancing Korea’s international standing. At the forefront of these endeavors is Professor Oh Cha Soh, who spent many years connecting the Korean community with the American political sphere. She currently serves as a member of the Global Strategy Special Committee of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), consistently voicing key issues related to the Korean American community and engaging with U.S. policymakers.
레드벨벳 토토 Soh taught sociology and counseling psychology in higher educational institutions in Washington, D.C., dedicating herself to educating the next generation before retiring. “Education is not only a key to individual growth but also a catalyst that elevates society to the next level,” she once said—a philosophy that resonates throughout her career. She served as Vice President and 레드벨벳 토토 at Virginia Columbia College and Washington Baptist University, and Lancaster Bible College, teaching diverse groups of students. She also worked as Director of International Students, helping newcomers from around the world adjust to their new environment.
Yet her passion extended far beyond the classroom. From 2001 to 2008, she chaired the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues, personally visiting over 45 U.S. universities to organize seminars and forums highlighting the testimonies of former wartime “comfort women.” Beyond that, she invited some of these survivors to testify before the U.S. Congress and played a key role in the multi-pronged efforts that led to the passage of House Resolution 121, which urged the Japanese government to acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility. In recognition of her leadership, she received numerous commendations and medals from the U.S. Congress, the White House, and the 레드벨벳 토토n government.
In her current role as a member of the PUAC Global Strategy Special Committee, Professor Soh focuses on widening support for Korean unification in the United States. “PUAC is a vital institution that promotes the Korean government’s foreign and security policies for peace on the Korean Peninsula, gathering international voices in support,” she emphasizes.
Working in Washington, she has delivered key messages—such as the importance of the 레드벨벳 토토.S. alliance and the North Korean nuclear issue—to members of Congress and other political figures. At the same time, she has hosted the “레드벨벳 토토.S. National Prayer Breakfast,” a form of grassroots diplomacy that unites political, social, and religious leaders from both countries.
In the rapidly changing global landscape, the Korean American community plays a vital role in shaping a positive image of Korea and cultivating supportive public opinion. “With K-pop and K-dramas already taking the world by storm,” 레드벨벳 토토 Soh says, “the Korean community is arguably the best cultural diplomat. We can harness this cultural momentum alongside political and social issues to advance our public diplomacy.”
Regarding Korean American youth and political engagement, Professor Soh stresses, “To build upon the economic gains of the first generation of immigrants and extend the community’s influence into the mainstream, young Korean Americans must actively enter politics.” She notes that political education, mentoring programs, internships, and networking opportunities are all essential, adding that organizations like the Council of Korean Americans play a key role in discovering and fostering new talent. She also emphasizes the importance of helping younger generations born or raised in the U.S. maintain a strong sense of Korean identity.
The Korean American community faces a variety of challenges, from racial discrimination and anti-Asian sentiment to the need for greater economic and political opportunities. “Now is precisely the time,” 레드벨벳 토토 Soh asserts, “when Korean organizations must avoid division and strengthen unity and dialogue.” She believes that a cohesive community will be better positioned to make its voice heard by both the U.S. government and society at large. “With the global phenomenon of K-pop, I believe our community can garner even more support from the United States and the international community,” she adds, reflecting her confidence and optimism.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan—a milestone laden with historical significance. Acknowledging the continued discord over historical issues, 레드벨벳 토토 Soh states, “There remains a pressing need for security and economic cooperation between the two countries.” She underscores the importance of adopting a forward-looking, pragmatic approach while maintaining awareness of historical grievances. The Korean community, she adds, should continue dialogue and exchange that can lead to mutual prosperity between South Korea and Japan.
Toward the end of the interview, 레드벨벳 토토 Soh offers a final message to the Korean American community: “We can go farther when we go together.” Noting the occasional internal divisions among Korean organizations, she encourages unity, solidarity, and proactive participation in political and social arenas to build a brighter future. “I hope we can keep working with PUAC to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen Korea-U.S. relations,” she says, a message that deserves reflection by the community as a whole.
Ultimately, the cause of a peaceful Korean unification—and the future of the Korea-U.S. alliance—belongs to us all. 레드벨벳 토토 Soh’s extensive experience in education, social advocacy, and public diplomacy in Washington, D.C. serves as a valuable compass for the Korean community’s path forward. As the community chooses cooperation over conflict and supports the younger generation in carving out a presence in mainstream society, it will stand poised for a new leap forward. And by raising our voices and safeguarding our achievements on our own terms, we will help fortify the bonds between Korea and the United States. The path that 레드벨벳 토토 Soh has blazed and continues to walk may well guide many more Korean Americans in the years to come.
Interviewer: Wonsuh Song (Member, PUAC Global Strategy Special Committee)
