Second-Generation Korean American Calls for 'Racial Equality' in First New York Mayoral Bid

Financial Industry Veteran Art Jang Announces Candidacy
Resigns from Largest U.S. Bank Following Black Floyd's Death, Decides to Run
"I Will Solve New York's Problems"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Art Jang (Korean name Jang Cheol-hee), a second-generation Korean American who is the first Korean American to run for New York City mayor, stated, "My mission is to help the Black community and achieve racial equality."

In an interview with domestic media on the 3rd (local time), Jang explained that he left his position as Managing Director of the International Legal Department at JP Morgan Chase, the largest bank in the U.S., to enter politics for this reason.

Jang decided to leave the financial sector amid the "Black Lives Matter" (BLM) protests that erupted after the death of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a white police officer. Although Asian Americans have made significant progress in the U.S., the reality that Black people are still threatened by police deeply moved Jang.

He himself experienced racial discrimination in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. The sense of indebtedness that Asians have succeeded on the foundation built by Black people led to his announcement to run for New York City mayor on December 21 last year. Defining himself as a "successful person," Jang pointed out, "Because of the Black civil rights movement, Asians live a somewhat more equal life, but Black people have yet to fully enjoy the fruits of the civil rights movement."

After working in New York City, Jang completed an MBA program and achieved success in the financial sector. He worked at an investment bank before becoming independent and also achieved great success in venture capital during the early 2000s dot-com boom. He explained, "I could not justify in any way contributing my abilities to help JP Morgan, the world's largest bank, generate more profits," adding, "I wanted to use my abilities to solve the real problems my neighbors are facing."

Jang plans to run in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor to be held in June. Already, as many as 30 candidates have entered the race. There are strong competitors, including entrepreneur Jerry Yang, who challenged the Democratic presidential nomination in the last election. After officially announcing his candidacy, Jerry Yang met with Reverend Al Sharpton, a major figure among Black New Yorkers, to secure Black support and has emerged as a frontrunner.

Jang said, "I am not running because I am interested in politics, but because I love New York and want to solve New York's problems," adding, "I am a candidate who can bring change and one who will not repeat past mistakes. Ultimately, I will be the candidate who stands out among many." While emphasizing, "I am strong because I am Korean," Jang also stated, "Rather than expecting votes from the Korean community just because I am Korean American, I will work hard to earn their support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.