Jim Yong Kim, Talk of the Town

The world’s media dubbed it “surprising;” indeed, not many foresaw that U.S. President Barack Obama would nominate current Dartmouth College President Jim Yong Kim to lead the World Bank.

Some of the surprise stems from the “wild card” nature of the nomination, though my personal surprise is directed at a U.S. that is able to place a Korean American like President Kim at the head of the World Bank. Of course, I’d prefer not to mention the assertion that this was a strategic move to counter opposition from emerging countries that criticize America’s decades-long monopoly on the World Bank presidency.

We may disregard such views, but we cannot deny that this situation is in part due to the fact that the U.S. pulls its world superpower strength from the huge “melting pot” that unites countless ethnicities under one nationality. A country that can make one Korean American’s dream into the American dream is one that should be the target of our great envy and respect.

Since the announcement, there has been excessive buzz in Korea over the shared ethnicity of the Korean-born Kim. On the flip side, there have been cynical remarks that dismiss the excitement over Kim’s Koreanness, reasoning that he has long since “crossed over” and become an American. The figure of Jim Yong Kim has thus alerted us to our narrow-mindedness and our exclusionary mentality.

Another surprising aspect is the life path Kim chose to take in the U.S. These details are already well-known through media reports, but as a physician, the founder of a non-profit organization and the leader of an international organization, Kim has devoted his life to serving patients in developing countries. It is truly notable that the discrimination and contempt Kim faced as a young immigrant from Korea in the 1960s, combined with the material wealth he later enjoyed as an American doctor, became the foundation of his devotion to the sick.

Although we no longer have to worry about whether we’ll survive or have enough to eat, Koreans remain stingy with their willingness to serve or donate, while the notion of noblesse oblige is not to be found in our society’s leadership. I hope that the life led by Jim Yong Kim can start to chip away at the perception that now-world economic powerhouse Korea isn’t sharing the fruits of its miraculous growth with less-developed nations.

At the same time, as an immigrant living the “American Dream” and a doctor fulfilling [the call to] public service, Kim has assumed much responsibility. If Kim considers himself to be a mainstream American, and if he only thinks to give what he has, he will likely disappoint those who believe him to be well qualified for the top World Bank post. As someone who wishes Dr. Kim good health, I hope that these qualities do not hinder the next World Bank president from fulfilling his duties.