New York: Former Congressman Charles Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran and longtime supporter of South Korea, died on Monday, his former aide said. He was 94.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rangel, a founding member of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, passed away in New York on Memorial Day, as confirmed by Hannah Kim, who served as his chief of staff and communications director.
During his time in Congress, the late Democrat played a key role in legislative efforts on an array of Korea-related issues, including encouraging peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula, reunions of divided Korean American families, and supporting Korean War veterans. He was also an advocate for the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement.
In 2021, Rangel was given the Paik Sun-yup Award, a South Korean government prize named after the South Korean hero of the Korean War, for his contribution to the Seoul-Washington alliance. In a speech delivered after receiving the award, Rangel expressed his hope for the strengthening of ties between the two nations and the reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
Hannah Kim, who also served as deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recalled Rangel's longstanding affection for Korea. She witnessed his genuine love for the country and its people, describing him as a hero who was both a personal and national champion for Korean relations.
During the 1950-53 Korean War, Rangel served with the 2nd Infantry Division and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his bravery in leading a group of men out of a Chinese encirclement while wounded. The Bronze Star is awarded for heroic military achievement in combat zones, and the Purple Heart is given to service members wounded or killed in action.
The late congressman served as a representative from New York from 1971 to 2017.