KSA Elects Linda Kang President on Platform Of Increased Cultural and Political Activity

Linda T. Kang '95 was elected president of the executive board of the Korean Students Association (KSA) last night on a platform of increased cultural and political activity.

Kang will be joined on the board by a number of members who were elected on similar platforms which also emphasized continued commitment to KSA's role as a social organization.

The new officer's commitment to political action comes at a time of increased Asian-American campus activism, as the Asian-American Association's newly created political committee has begun to press for more Asian-American faculty members and course topics.

But Kang stressed the importance of social and cultural events as well as political involvement.

"Social aspects are just as integral a part of our organization," Kang said. "That's one of the reasons why we are here--but that's not the only reason."

Kang said the KSA will be sponsoring a number of events in the coming semester, including a Korean cultural show at the Fogg Art Museum.

She said the KSA may bring actor Steve Park back to campus. Park spoke last weekend at the annual "Reflections" conference sponsored by the Asian American Association.

A Political Role

But newly elected Political Chair Austin W. So '96 stressed the importance of the political role of the KSA on campus.

"The KSA cannot be a social organization only," said newly elected Political Chair Austin W. So '96. "We really need to work hard to bring Asian-Americans in politics to campus."

So condemned Korean passivity during riots last year in Los Angeles riots and racial boycotts in Brooklyn. He also called for greater involvement in politics by members of the Korean community.

"Most of us are sitting on our butts and going to classes like good little Orientals," he said.

Approximately 40 people voted on the eight positions in the informal election.

In addition to Kang and So, the KSA elected Yong W. Suh '96, treasurer; Susan S. Kim '96, secretary; Seung Kim '96, social chair; John Kim '95, athletic chair; Susan Kim '96, cultural chair, and Stephanie W. Lee '96, publicity chair.

Relaxed Elections

Some students said they welcomed the relaxed style of this year's elections, which they say marks a changing trend in the tone of KSA elections.

"Elections used to be really savage," said Daniel H. Choi '94, who is a Crimson editor.

The new informality is connected to a more friendly, welcoming atmosphere in general, Choi said.

"There's a stereotype that Koreans are cliquish," Choi said. "It's become a lot more open over the last three years."