From July 20th to 25th, 14 members of the Hwarang Youth Foundation attended the Korean-American Politician & Policy Research Camp in Washington, D.C. The week-long camp offered an immersive experience of American politics and policy while emphasizing the importance of civic engagement within the Korean American community.
The members began their journey at the National Mall, visiting key sites like the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The latter was particularly significant due to their work with the Hwarang Youth Foundation, which highlights Korean history. Standing before the memorial’s statues and granite wall, they felt a deep connection to their heritage. The next day, their exploration continued with a seminar by the Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC), where they learned about grassroots advocacy and its impact on community empowerment. This experience was complemented by a memorable White House tour on the third day. Led by Hannah Kim, founder of “Remember 727” and White House policy advisor, the tour provided an inside look at government operations. Meeting influential Korean American leaders like Dan Koh and Philip Kim offered valuable insights into public service, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring many members to consider careers in this field while reinforcing their commitment to the Korean-American community.
The week-long camp concluded with a visit KOREAN-AMERICAN POLITICIAN & POLICY RESEARCH CAMP to The National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD) and participation in the Remember 727 event, an evening dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of Korean War veterans. The Hwarang Youth Foundation’s Sori of Hwarang Nanta team performed at the event, adding a cultural dimension that highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating Korean heritage. The candlelight ceremony, where attendees sang "Arirang" at 7:27 PM, was a memorable reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.
As the camp came to a close, members reflected on the transformative experiences they had in Washington, DC. The week was filled with learning, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose. “Through this experience, I was able to learn a lot about the functionality of our nation’s political system and how Washington DC is truly a place that offers lots of opportunities,” stated Kayley Nam, one of the camp’s participants. Members returned home with a stronger sense of identity, a broader understanding of civic engagement, and a determination to advocate for the issues that matter most.
Written by Ashley Kim (Temecula Chapter)
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