- Five City Council members and one School Board member throw their hats into the ring across Metro Vancouver and Victoria… Attention focuses on the moves of…
Tomorrow is the main voting for the 2026 General Local Election, which will gauge the political capacity and standing of the Korean community in British Columbia (BC).October 17 (Sat)It is implemented simultaneously in each local government.
This election is garnering high expectations from the Korean community as a total of six Korean candidates across Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island run for seats on the City Council and School Board. Furthermore, with the schedules of incumbent provincial assembly members running in the BC general election (provincial assembly election) to be held just a week later on October 24, this autumn's election season is expected to become a significant turning point for the undisputed establishment of a Korean political force.
With candidates possessing diverse expertise and vision evenly distributed across a wide electoral district, this election is being regarded as the optimal opportunity to reflect the voices of Koreans in the community within institutional politics.
A senior politician representing the Korean community in CoquitlamSteve KimA city council member is setting out to achieve a third term. Council member Kim, who has faithfully represented the interests of local small business owners and served as a bridge for the multicultural community during his two terms, is promising stable city administration by presenting sustainable urban development and the improvement of the business environment as key priorities.
Having first entered office in 2022 and served as a legislator in Victoria, the administrative center of Vancouver IslandSusan KimA city council member is running for re-election. Council member Kim, who has spearheaded the protection of tenants' rights, the response to the climate crisis, and inclusive welfare policies, plans to secure legislative continuity based on the support of young people and progressive voters.
The influx of new figures is also notable. In Langley Township, where population growth has been prominent,June Park, Current President of the Korean Association of Vancouver, BCHe has launched his first bid for a city council seat. Leveraging the community leadership and on-the-ground communication skills he accumulated while leading the Korean Association, he is advocating for the expansion of urban infrastructure, such as transportation and schools, in rapidly growing Langley, as well as effective policies for multicultural coexistence.
In Burnaby, a brother and sister are attracting attention from local political circles as they both knock on the doors of the city council. Park Kyung-joon's younger sisterRea ParkThe candidate is running after receiving the nomination from the Burnaby Civic Alliance (BCA), a traditional local party. If elected, based on her long-standing experience in grassroots activism, she will set a rare record in the history of Korean Canadian politics as a brother and sister running for city council together, alongside her older brother, candidate Park Kyung-joon.
In addition, a Boston University MBA graduate with practical experience in the fields of healthcare and public policyLynette Hyerin LeeThe candidate has thrown their hat into the ring as an independent. They are creating a fresh wave by advocating for practical improvements in administrative services, such as alleviating the housing burden on young people and resolving multicultural language barriers.
Challenges continue in the field of educational autonomy as well. Having served as the chair of the Burnaby Parent Advisory Committee (DPAC)Paul KwonThe candidate ran for Burnaby School Trustee as a member of the BCA and pledged to improve the public education environment and guarantee equal learning opportunities.
Following the local elections, in the B.C. general election to be held on October 24, the Burnaby South-Metrotown constituencyChoi Byeong-ha (Paul Choi)The legislator is set to run for re-election to the state legislature, continuing the baton of expanding Korean American political power.
Tomorrow, the main voting for the local elections will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents who have not completed early voter registration can also cast their valuable vote after registering immediately on-site by bringing two types of identification.
An official from the local Korean community urged, “Local elections typically have low voter turnout, so the outcome is often decided by a narrow margin,” adding, “Active participation by voters tomorrow is paramount for the sincere efforts of Korean candidates to bear fruit.”
Article = Editor-in-Chief Hannah Bae
Photo editing = Jungseok Kuk
