Korean Americans are increasingly deserting the Democratic Party, with Vice President Kamala Harris losing ground among this key demographic due to concerns over the economy and inflation.
A recent survey conducted in July 2024 found that the number of Korean Americans identifying as Democrats has dropped to 38%, down from 51% in 2020. Meanwhile, 25% now identify as Republicans, indicating a significant shift in allegiance.
The economy and jobs have emerged as top priorities for Korean Americans, with 57% citing these issues as “extremely important” when deciding how to vote. A further 33% consider them “very important”, while 9% view them as “somewhat important”.
Inflation is also a pressing concern, with 58% of Korean Americans stating it will influence their voting decision, and 32% describing it as “very important”. The cost of housing is another critical issue, with 51% labeling it “extremely important” and 35% considering it “very important”.
A separate poll conducted in September 2024 found that support for President Joe Biden had dropped significantly, while support for Kamala Harris had increased to 62%. However, the same poll found that 35% of Korean Americans now support former President Donald Trump, up from 27% in April/May.
Lee Sung Yong, a Korean barbecue restaurant owner in Georgia, expressed his disappointment with the economy under President Biden and stated that he would be voting for Trump in the upcoming election. Yong cited the significant increase in ingredient prices, which have risen by almost 80% for certain items, as a major factor in his decision.
The shift in Korean American support away from the Democrats could have significant implications for the election, particularly in states with large Korean American communities such as Georgia. While the community in Georgia has historically leaned towards the Democratic Party, many Korean Americans have not established strong party loyalty, making them more susceptible to changing their allegiance.
Several Korean American business owners and employees expressed concerns about the economy, citing decreased sales and fewer customers. However, not all Korean Americans are swayed by economic concerns, with some, like Clara Lee, prioritizing social issues and stating that they will not vote for Trump due to his stance on immigration.
