Gov. William F. Weld '66 and Rep. Jay C. Kim (R-Cal.) yesterday urged Korean Americans to become more politically active during the first Annual Korean American Conference at the Kennedy School of Government.

"We are helping Korean Americans get more organized, because organization is the critical step towards political empowerment," Weld said.

Weld began the first annual entitled "Korean American Political Empowerment," with introductory remarks about the vital role that the 15,000 Korean Americans living in Massachusetts play.

He said his administration has tried to improve the lives of Korean Americans in the state by setting up an Asian American commission which promotes cultural activities and civil rights.

Kim, the first Korean American ever elected to the U.S. Congress, encouraged Korean Americans to be proud of their heritage.

"Being a Korean American is unique and an advantage. Anything can happen in this country...I was not born in this country and I became a Congressman," Kim said.

Kim also criticized the Clinton administration's budget plan and fiscal policy.

"We need to bite the bullet and cut expenses. No nation has ever taxed its way in to prosperity," Kim said. "Instead of tearing down the well achieved and the hard-working, we need to teach other people how to make it."

Conference Director Austin W. So '96 said he hoped the conference encourages Korean Americans to "speak up."

"We want Korean Americans to...enter the mainstream of American politics...not just to represent Korean Americans or Asian Americans, but all Americans who need a political voice," So said.

Kim agreed and, bemoaning the fact that there is no Asian American in Clinton's Cabinet, rhetorically asked, "Are you doing something about it? Haven't you written a letter protesting the fact that no Asian American is in a Cabinet-level positon?"

Despite his aversion to Clinton's policies, Kim said he feels that America still has the same allure around the world that it had when his parents emigrated from Korea.

"We have a lot of problems, alright, but I've never heard of any one dying to get out of this country. There are thousands of people waiting to come here...it still must be the best place in the world," he said.

The conference was organized by the Korean New England Alliance, the New England Korean Citizens' League and the Harvard-Radcliffe Korean Students Association.