한국어
On September 18, five members of the executive team from the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City (KASGKC) had a special meeting with Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas. This meeting was arranged to discuss the promotion of a sister city relationship between Jeonju and Kansas City, as well as to introduce the current status and future growth plans of the Korean community. Originally scheduled for 15 minutes, the meeting extended to 90 minutes due to Mayor Lucas’s strong interest. Following the meeting, they continued their conversation over lunch at the nearby Korean restaurant “Chingu.”
During the meeting, Mayor Lucas showed great interest in the Korean community within Kansas City, particularly regarding the younger generation. He asked many questions, reflecting on the significance of Korea and the experiences of Korean Americans who may have faced racial discrimination in the United States. Mayor Lucas emphasized the importance of fostering relations with Korea and expressed a willingness to positively consider the sister city relationship with Jeonju. He also mentioned his personal desire to visit Korea.
Additionally, Mayor Lucas was surprised by the global popularity of K-Pop, saying, “I thought only Koreans listened to Korean music, but I was amazed to learn that it’s popular worldwide, especially among young people in the United States.” He expressed his willingness to participate if given the opportunity to meet with young Koreans.
In response, the executive team introduced Mayor Lucas to Kansas City’s flagship cultural event, the KC Arirang Festival, to which he showed a positive reaction and even mentioned the possibility of attending. During the subsequent lunch, Mayor Lucas showed a keen interest in Korean cuisine, tasting and enjoying various dishes.
This meeting was significant, not as a mere courtesy visit, but as an opportunity to advance the sister city collaboration between Kansas City and Jeonju while capturing Mayor Lucas’s sincere interest in the Korean community. Mayor Quinton Lucas committed to maintaining ongoing interest in the Korean community and exploring ways to create an environment where Koreans in Kansas City can thrive and contribute positively.
With this meeting as a foundation, KASGKC and Mayor Lucas will continue their dialogue, working toward strengthening the friendship between Korea and the United States and expanding the role of the Korean community in Kansas City.