First U.S. Senator Andy Kim of Korea "An Unimaginable Glory...Korea-U.S. bridge"

Rep. Andy Kim, the first U.S. senator of Korean descent, said it was an "unimaginable honor" to mark the 119th opening day of the U.S. Congress and would serve as a bridge between South Korea and the U.S.

Rep. Kim said in a statement to Yonhap News on the 3rd local time, "I couldn't imagine such an honor while growing up as the son of immigrants from Korea."

He also stressed that the United States needs strong partnerships and alliances to be strong, adding that he will focus on the role of bridge between the United States and South Korea and advancing the prosperity and security we share.

Kim, who was elected in the Senate election held with the presidential election in November last year after serving as a member of the Federal House of Representatives, began his activities as a senator on the 8th of last month, earlier than scheduled, following the resignation of former Senator Bob Menendez.

Rep. Kim serves on four standing committees, including the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Commission, as well as the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Commission.