55-year-old Jason Kim was a first at many accomplishments; in 1994, he was the first Korean American school board trustee and, in 2004, was the first Korean American councilman. Recently, he took another step up and was elected as deputy mayor of Palisades Park, New Jersey.

Back in 1986, when Palisades Park was a highly Italian community, there were only two Korean establishments on the block, but these numbers significantly increased. Now, 98% of the community is made up of Korean spas, restaurants, financial institutions, and other Korean-owned businesses. Kim, who has a good relationship with both the Korean and non-Korean residents, told North Jersey News how he acts as the “bridge” when cultural rifts arise:

I always thought that I’m the bridge between two communities. As a result, I got yelled at by one community or the other, but somebody had to do it. In the end, this isn’t about one side or the other. This is for both.

Kim, who has had his share of hardships as an immigrant, understands the difficulties of immigrating to America in hopes for a better life, but he is also well adapted to American culture and values, and this balance is what makes him such a influential individual.

North Jersey News reports that deputy mayor Kim will continue to take on the duties of a councilman and take the place of the mayor at formal functions, especially ones where his Korean language and culture will help in guiding the Korean community.

[Photos: (top) Marcus Yam/The New York Times; David Bergeland/NorthJersey.com]