Attorney Andrew K. Kim ran for mayor of Los Angeles and started a full-fledged campaign 2026. Emphasizing the expansion of political participation in the Korean American community and the resolution of great urban issues, candidate Kim said, "Now is the time for Korean Americans to take responsibility in the public sphere."
He presented Project Liberation LA as a key agenda item for the election and expressed his vision to push for structural changes in the overall city government, focusing on five tasks: revitalizing the economy, solving homeless problems, expanding opportunities for children's education, strengthening security and public safety, and reforming the city hall administration.
"Los Angeles is a global city, but it is facing a complex crisis such as economic polarization, an increase in homelessness, and security instability," candidate Andrew W. Kim said. "Project Liberation LA is a practical reform project that allows all citizens, not certain classes, to enjoy fair opportunities."
He also added a plan to achieve sustainable urban development by making education a top priority for future generations. Candidate Kim's side said, "This candidacy will serve as an opportunity to expand the political participation of the Korean Anerican community," adding, "The local community is paying attention to the specific policies and visions to be presented in the future."
Kim majored in political science at Claremont McKenna College and graduated J.D. from Pepperdine University Law School. He later completed a master's degree in theology at Talbot Theological Seminary, completed Ph.D. in religion coursework of Claremont Graduate School and served as an interim judge for the Los Angeles County Small Trial in the early 2000s. He has been active as an attorney for about 30 years and has been deeply involved in legal issues related to the immigrant society.
Dr. Kim Hoi-chang, General chairman of the election campaign, said of current LA mayor Karen Bass, "Currently, the approval rating is less than 30%, and distrust of the ability to run municipal administration is growing." She pointed out the homeless problem, security instability, and insufficient response to large forest fire disasters, claiming that "L.A. citizens are suffering greatly due to lack of leadership." He also stressed that it is an important opportunity for the Korean American society to exercise political leadership.
Andrew K. Kim spoke of drug problems and policy failures, especially as the root cause of the homeless problem. Referring to his past experience dealing with drug-related cases, he said, "We need practical measures centered on treatment and rehabilitation to solve the problem." It also claimed that since 2014, the easing of felony penalties has exacerbated social problems.
Andrew K. Kim said he immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 and 1.5 generation, and has lived in Koreatown here since childhood and watched the growth of the immigrant society. "As a Christian, I decided to run with a sense of mission to play the role of light and salt," he said. "I want to prevent the city from moving in the wrong direction and lay the foundation for the next generation."
Candidate Andrew K. Kim expressed concern that "if it does not play this role, the city could lean in the wrong direction, that is, the socialist trend," stressing that the U.S. is a "country built on Christian values." He also explained the importance of the Korean American community, saying, “We are religiously indebted to the numerous young Americans who sacrificed themselves for Korean War. Korean Americans should participate in society with a sense of public responsibility."
He also stressed the urgent need to improve the city's image ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. Rev. Dr. Kim Hoi-chang also said, "In order to successfully hold large international events, strong administrative skills and civic integration leadership are needed."
Dr. Lee Jung-soon, chairwoman of the election camp women's committee (Director of LA Mision Choir), said, "The fact that a Korean American candidate is running is very meaningful in itself, and many citizens are paying attention and support. So far, we have secured 1,200 recommended signatures." According to the election regulations, if more than a certain number(500) of signatures are secured, they can participate in the primary election, and if a majority of the votes are won, the election will be decided without the final election.
Candidate Andrew K. Kim said, “There is a demand from the times for Koreans to establish themselves politically. "If the Korean American community joins forces, it will be an important turning point that can contribute to the development of the city," he said. "This city has infinite potential and will make it a city where all citizens enjoy fair opportunities."
