Federal Way hires new Korean liaison

Jee Kim is the city's new Korean liaison.

Kim, a 1994 Federal Way High School graduate, began work on Jan. 19. He provides an essential link between city staff and Korean-speaking community members. Kim is the third person to occupy the part-time position since it was created in 2001.

He has several responsibilities. Kim's services include translating, helping Korean-speaking residents gain better access to city services, materials and resources, maintaining a Web page (www.cityoffederalway.com/korean) devoted to Federal Way's Korean population and participating in quarterly-held meetings for Koreans.

Korean-born Kim moved to the United States at age 11. He graduated from Federal Way High School and went on to secure a bachelor's degree in Asian media studies from the University of Washington in 2002. He is a Washington-state certified Korean language translator. From 2004 to 2008, he worked for Federal Way-based World Vision as a marketing project administrator.

"To build bridges between Federal Way and the Korean community, I think you need to know more than the language. You have to know both cultures to truly understand where the gaps are coming from," Kim said. "That’s the value I bring to the job, and I’m excited to put my experience into action."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, statistics from 2000 show Federal Way has a 12.3 percent Asian population.

Kim is available 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays and as needed. Korean-speaking community members can reach him at (253) 835-2605. English-speaking individuals can contact him at (253) 835-2655. His e-mail address is jee.kim@cityoffederalway.com.

Contact Federal Way Mirror Reporter Jacinda Howard at jhoward@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565 ext. 5052.

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