US Strengthens Crackdown on Foreign Government Lobbying... Korean Community on Alert [Correspondent Diary]

US Tycoon Also Suspected of Chinese Lobbying...Lawsuit Expected

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] A 'red light' has been lit on the public diplomacy efforts of the Korean American community to support their homeland. This is due to the fallout from former U.S. President Donald Trump's Russia scandal and the inauguration of the Joe Biden administration, which have led to increased measures to block foreign government lobbying. The government appears to need careful consideration to gain the support of the Korean American community in future public diplomacy efforts toward the U.S.

President Moon Jae-in, visiting the United States, is greeting Congressman Andy Kim after concluding a meeting with the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on the afternoon of the 20th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Dong-seok, head of the Korean American Grassroots Coalition (KAGC), recently emphasized in a virtual lecture at the Anchorage branch of the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC) that "the U.S. authorities are strengthening enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), so caution is necessary."

Kim stated, "Officials in the Biden administration have been continuously sending the message that U.S. citizens working for foreign governments must comply with the law."

He expressed concern, saying, "The NUAC is a constitutional institution of Korea, and its U.S. branches are akin to Korean government agencies in the U.S. This is a very sensitive issue."

He suggested, "The NUAC branches should primarily focus on promoting harmony and unity within the Korean American community, participating in local communities, relief efforts, peace, human rights, and environmental issues, rather than concentrating solely on conveying the Korean government's stance to the U.S."

Kim said, "Although I am originally from Korea, I am not someone who works for Korea. I work for the good relationship between Korea and the U.S. The Korean government should develop a rationale that aligns the interests of both countries to gain support from Korean Americans. Then we can act accordingly."

He also recalled that during his leadership in pushing the U.S. House resolution on comfort women, the Japanese government spread false information to the U.S. government claiming he was a lobbyist hired by China, which led to an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Lobbying for foreign governments in the U.S. is legally permitted under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Under FARA, lobbyists must report in detail to the government about their activities and compensation. Enforcement of FARA has been significantly strengthened following the Trump administration's Russia scandal. Regulations against lobbying without registering as a lobbyist have been tightened considerably.

It is also rumored that the reason the Jewish community in the U.S. has not actively supported Israel as in the past amid recent conflicts between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas is due to the strengthened enforcement of FARA.

Strengthened enforcement of FARA applies to conglomerates as well. Recently, U.S. prosecutors have been preparing a lawsuit related to former casino mogul Steve Wynn, ex-chairman of Wynn Resorts Group, for violating FARA.

According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. prosecutors believe Wynn acted as a lobbyist for China and have demanded that he register as a lobbyist. The Department of Justice plans to file a lawsuit if Wynn does not register. In July last year, then-Attorney General William Barr warned business executives lobbying on behalf of China to register as lobbyists.

Steve Wynn, former chairman of Wynn Resorts, identified as a lobbyist for China by the U.S. government

Authorities have identified that Wynn lobbied to send Guo Wengui, a Chinese dissident who criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping and fled to the U.S., back to China in 2017.

Two of Wynn's close aides previously admitted to prosecutors that they discussed Guo Wengui's extradition with Wynn and arranged calls between Wynn and Chinese officials.

Wynn was considered a close associate of former President Trump. In 2017, when he was lobbying, he served as the Republican National Finance Chairman. At that time, Wynn was operating a large-scale casino business in Macau, giving him ample opportunity to pursue his interests between the U.S. and China.

Wynn's legal team stated, "Wynn merely conveyed China's position to the U.S. government and did not violate FARA," but U.S. authorities remain skeptical.

Kim's experience and the pressure on Wynn indicate the Biden administration's strong intent to block foreign government lobbying. The Biden administration also refrained from contact with foreign government officials immediately after the presidential election.

Strengthening public diplomacy is essential to expanding Korea's influence. However, compliance with U.S. laws is fundamental.

The role of the Korean American community is crucial in expanding public diplomacy. Especially with four Korean American members in the U.S. House of Representatives, it is important for the government to build solidarity with them.

To leverage the 'chance' of the Korean American community, tact is also necessary. It is time for the Korean government, diplomatic authorities, the Embassy in the U.S., and other missions to carefully review and consider whether there is any potential harm to them.

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