
Referencing Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), a 15-term congressman and sponsor of the Korean Peace Act, KAPAC highlighted his December 7, 2024, congressional speech emphasizing that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is founded on a shared commitment to democracy. (Image courtesy of KAPAC)
WASHINGTON/SEOUL, Jan. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — The Korean American grassroots organization, Korean American Public Action Committee (KAPAC), has publicly condemned Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) for her defense of what it described as “pro-coup forces” aligned with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.
KAPAC criticized Kim for remarks made in a recent op-ed published by The Hill, urging her to take responsibility for supporting factions opposed by the U.S. administration and Congress.
In an emergency statement issued on January 10, KAPAC denounced Kim’s January 6 opinion piece, calling it “filled with distortions and dangerous rhetoric.” The group asserted that, as American citizens, taxpayers, and voters, they demand Kim immediately cease what they described as advocacy for President Yoon and South Korea’s far-right factions.
In her article, Kim claimed that the forces behind the impeachment of President Yoon and Acting President Han Duck-soo were attempting to undermine the U.S.-South Korea alliance and trilateral cooperation with Japan.
She also criticized media outlets for allegedly ignoring pro-Yoon demonstrations where participants waved both South Korean and American flags—a stance seen as supportive of far-right rallies.

President Yoon Suk-yeol shakes hands with U.S. Representative Young Kim at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on April 5, 2023. (Yonhap)
KAPAC rebuked Kim’s statements as lacking factual and legal grounding, describing them as delusional. The organization also warned against misrepresentations that portray Kim’s opinions as reflective of U.S. congressional or President-elect Trump’s positions.
Referencing Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), a 15-term congressman and sponsor of the Korean Peace Act, KAPAC highlighted his December 7, 2024, congressional speech emphasizing that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is founded on a shared commitment to democracy.
Sherman criticized Yoon’s administration for undermining democracy and the rule of law. KAPAC challenged Kim to clarify who she believes is threatening the alliance.
The group also called for transparency regarding Kim’s ties to Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, a far-right pastor known for leading anti-impeachment protests. According to KAPAC, Jun has claimed he convinced Kim to block the Korean Peace Act, which they argue could constitute a violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
KAPAC concluded by urging a thorough examination of Kim’s potential connections with South Korea’s far-right movements, raising serious concerns over possible illegal foreign lobbying activities.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)