New York: Former Congressman Charles Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran and a steadfast advocate for South Korea, passed away on Monday at the age of 94, as confirmed by his former aide. Rangel, who represented New York for 23 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, was a founding member of the Congressional Caucus on Korea and played a pivotal role in strengthening U.S.-South Korean relations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Rangel passed away in New York on Memorial Day, as reported by Hannah Kim, his former chief of staff and communications director. Born in Harlem in 1930, Rangel served as an influential representative from 1971 to 2017 and was the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee from 2007 to 2010.

Throughout his congressional career, Rangel was actively involved in legislative initiatives related to Korea, including efforts to promote peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula, facilitate reunions for divided Korean American families, and support Korean War veterans. He was a vocal opponent of then-President Jimmy Carter’s late 1970s initiative to withdraw U.S. troops from South Korea and advocated for the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement.

Hannah Kim, who also served as a deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reflected on Rangel’s deep connection to Korea. She expressed admiration for his dedication, saying, “I’m honored to have witnessed Congressman Rangel’s genuine love for Korea and the people. He was a hero who almost died fighting in the Korean War and was a champion in Congress fighting to strengthen U.S.-Korean relations.”

Rangel’s commitment to Korea was evident in his legislative proposals, which included several Korea-related bills and resolutions. These included a 2012 House resolution supporting the designation of 2012-2013 as the “Year of the Korean War Veteran,” a 2011 resolution advocating for the repatriation of prisoners of war and individuals abducted by North Korea, and a 2010 resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War’s outbreak while reaffirming the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Rangel’s legacy is also marked by his valor during the Korean War. In 1950, as a member of the 503rd Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, he distinguished himself in the Battle of Kunu-ri in North Korea, leading troops to safety despite being wounded. For his bravery, Rangel was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to the Seoul-Washington alliance, Rangel received the Paik Sun-yup Award from the South Korean government in 2021. He expressed his hopes for peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula, stating, “Korea will always have a place in my heart — as I hope our two countries become closer, while promoting peace between the two Koreas, and that the divided Peninsula will be reunified in my lifetime.”

Rangel was also honored with the Gwanghwa Medal of the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit by the Korean government in 2007, underscoring his significant contributions to diplomatic relations between the two nations.