Linsanity in U.S. Embassy Seoul

[성김 대사]

The Linsanity, Jeremy Lin (Photo: NBA.com)

I have to admit that even I, a Los Angeles Lakers fan, am caught up in Linsanity.  If you have not heard by now, Jeremy Lin is the Asian-American basketball player that no university team wanted.  So he chose Harvard for the education and became their starting point guard.  After that, he was acquired and cut by two NBA basketball teams.  Two weeks ago, he was sitting on the bench for his third NBA team, the New York Knicks, and they, too, were about to cut him.

Then came one of those things that only happens in movies.  The Knicks lost nine of 10 of their games.  They were desperate, and losing yet another game.  The coach’s job was on the line, so he had nothing to lose and put Lin into the game.  Lin took over, the Knicks won, and Linsanity was born. 

Now, 12 games (and 9 wins) later, Linsanity has become a worldwide phenomenon.  I am thrilled to see Lin do so well.  It does not just make Taiwanese-Americans or Chinese-Americans proud; the same goes for all New Yorkers and, more importantly, all Asian-Americans.

Jeremy Lin is a role model for those attempting to succeed in a field in which there are not many others like him.  He is a true “Linderella” story, the likes of which we have not seen in a long time.  His story is also another version of the America dream. Lin followed his dream and has attained his success through hard work and determination.

Linsanity has reminded me of just how well Korean-Americans are also doing in the United States.  In sports, we have to look no further than golf.  We all heard about Michelle Wie when she was a teenage sensation, but look out for up-and-comers such as 2012 PGA tour rookie John Huh; Christina Kim, with 2 wins on the LPGA tour; and Vicky Hurst (whose mother is Korean), who turned pro at just age 17.

And guess what, it is not just sports where Korean-Americans are making a splash.  Many Korean-Americans are doing well in the private sector.  Take, for example, Do Won Chang and his wife, Jin Sook Chang, the brains of FOREVER 21.  After they immigrated, Mr. Chang initially held down three jobs at once – janitorial work, pumping gas and working in a coffee shop.  Now their company FOREVER 21 is one of the top fast fashion stores in the world.  Mrs. Chang is #39 on Forbes’ list of the “World’s Most Powerful Women,” and one of just six self-made billionaire women in the U.S.!  Some other great examples are “Hawaii Five-0” and “Lost” star Daniel Dae Kim, classical violinist Sarah Chang, and noted novelist Chang-rae Lee.  

(From left) With Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang and Former ROK Ambassador to the U.S. Han Duk-soo

But in addition to Korean-Americans working in the private sector, I am also thrilled that many have decided to give back and work in the public sector.  Some great examples are: Sukhee Kang, the Mayor of the City of Irvine in Orange County, California; Legal Adviser of the Department of State Harold Hongju Koh; former chancellor of Washington, D.C. Public Schools, Michelle Rhee; and my close friend, Joseph Y. Yun, the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Department of State.

And while we are mentioning the State Department, let’s not forget the Korean-Americans that are serving as diplomats all over the world.  In fact, there are more than 30 of them serving right here with me at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, which account for about 15 percent of all officers at the Embassy.  I am so proud of all of these young, bright, hardworking Korean-Americans serving their country, as I am about all of our dedicated officers at the Embassy. We have some of the U.S. government’s most talented officers in Seoul. With their commitment and hard work, I am confident that the future of U.S.- Korean relations is in great hands. 

Korean-Americans serving at the U.S. Embassy Seoul

So yes, we at the Embassy have all gone “Linsane,” because I like to think each and every one of us has a little bit of Jeremy Lin in them.