Political Engagement of the Korean Diaspora in the Washington, DC Area

Through forty-two in-depth interviews, this exploratory study examines how members of the Korean diaspora in the Washington, DC area makes meaning of political engagement and identifies factors that encourage and inhibit political engagements. Beyond previous framework that examines place, type of group and orga- nizational type, this study suggests underestimation of self’s politi- cal engagement, lack of strong ownership, negative perception on politics, language barrier, religious faith, gender as well as double- standard-on-others have been identified as factors that encourage and inhibit political engagement of ethnic Koreans. Findings extend previous research on political engagement of ethnic minorities and suggest areas for future research.