Korean-Americans: Past, Present, and Future
Korean immigration to Hawai i began in 1903, and starting in 2003, Korean Americans celebrated the centennial of their history in the US. As part of that commemoration, this anthology explores key facets of the Korean American experience. Editor Kim (emer., political science, Univ. of Connecticut) succinctly reviews the history of Koreans in the US, while Han-Kyo Kim discusses the competing views of the leaders of the Korean Independence Movement in the US. Following their lead, Yong-Ho Choe and Yoon Joh trace the prominent role of churches in the Korean community. Politics, business, and adoption are also examined. Angie Chung analyzes generational politics, even as Sean Oh laments the absence of Korean American visibility in national and state politics. Eunju Lee and Miliann Kang emphasize the importance of women s work to family incomes and small businesses. Focusing on Korean adoptees, Eleana Kim and Richard Lee examine the identity issues facing this group. The voices of Korean American Youth are also aired in four essays. Overall, this is a convenient and useful introduction to the Korean American experience. Summing Up: Recommended. Suitable for general as well as academic audiences, all levels.   F. Ng, California State University, Fresno --CHOICE April 2005