Dream of Pakistani-born multicultural entrepreneur
Over the past few decades, Korea has undergone a remarkable transformation from a culturally homogeneous society to a more diverse and multicultural one. This remarkable shift is primarily attributed to the influx of migrant workers and foreign students into Korea, leading to the emergence of new mixed populations and facilitating the transition toward a multicultural society.
It is heartening to learn that 530 people have applied to run on the People's Future Party ticket to seek a seat in the National Assembly through proportional representation. The People's Future Party is known as the satellite party of the conservative ruling People Power Party. In particular, Kim Gangsan, 43, a Pakistani-born multicultural entrepreneur who naturalized in Korea in 2011, has risen to the position of CEO at Ocean Industries. He recently applied for proportional representation with the People's Future Party for a seat in the National Assembly.
In 2006, Kim immigrated to Korea and became a naturalized citizen in 2011. He expressed his determination, saying, "If elected to the National Assembly, I will lead economic and cultural exchanges between Korea and Middle Eastern countries, including Pakistan with its 250 million population, Saudi Arabia where the NEOM City project is underway, as well as Egypt and Turkey."
He also intends to establish towns and industrial complexes for foreigners and global cultural institutes to enhance international exchanges. Having lived in Korea for nearly two decades, Kim is well aware of the reality of multicultural families and immigrants better than most.
Notably, Jasmine Lee, the Philippine-born naturalized Korean citizen, served as a then-conservative ruling Saenuri Party lawmaker as a proportional representative from 2012 to 2016. She made history in Korea by becoming the first immigrant to be elected to the National Assembly.
With over 2.3 million foreign residents in Korea, the emergence of lawmakers from immigrant backgrounds is imperative. Establishing multicultural policies that benefit foreigners and recruiting high-quality talent from overseas and encouraging their integration as Korean citizens could address pressing issues like low birthrates and population decline.
Kim, formerly managing a construction machinery and plant export company in Pakistan, fell in love with his Korean wife, then an employee of a supplier, through daily video calls in 2005. They married the following year and settled in Korea. Though known as Faisal Cheema in Pakistan, he was affectionately dubbed "Gangsan," which means river and mountain in Korean, by acquaintances for his admiration of Korean landscapes. Following his mother-in-law's family lineage, he adopted the surname Kim, originating from Kimhae. Considering the historical ties between India and Pakistan and the ancestral origin of the Kimhae Kim clan from India, notably Queen Heo Hwang-ok, referred to as Suriranta in India, the name Kim resonates fittingly.
He and his family actively engage in philanthropy across Pakistan, Cambodia, Korea and beyond, donating approximately 30 million Korean Won to diverse causes annually.
Their altruism earned them recognition, leading to Kim being selected for accolades such as "A Family of Philanthropists" and "The Proud North Gyeongsang Province Resident" in 2015. These honors acknowledged their contributions to 22 grassroots organizations within the province.
Furthermore, the family boasts a distinguished political lineage in Pakistan, counting among its ranks a former National Assembly Speaker and Chief of Police. Mohammad Cheema, a relative, played a pivotal role in establishing the Korean Embassy in Pakistan.
Amid concerns regarding anti-Islamic sentiments potentially impeding Korea's evolution into a multicultural society, the narrative suggests that dialogue can surmount racial and religious biases. A proposed solution advocates for an inclusive event uniting individuals of diverse faiths, emphasizing a message of unity that transcends religious and national boundaries.
Leveraging Kim's extensive multinational network cultivated through his engagements in Pakistan, Korea and beyond, he aspires to contribute meaningfully to Korea's development and global harmony, thereby realizing a cherished aspiration.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association.