‘Mayor Is Back’: Sukhee Kang launches Irvine Council bid

Sukhee Kang, former Irvine mayor, is declaring a political return with a bold message: “Mayor is Back!” The Sukhee Kang comeback comes 22 years after he first entered Irvine City Hall, and this time, he is seeking a seat on the City Council in District 1.

Kang, who announced his candidacy for Irvine’s District 1 seat, previously served as a councilmember and twice as mayor. He later worked as a regional administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Now, he says his extensive administrative background positions him as an “experienced councilmember” ready to guide the city through complex challenges.

In an interview on February 17, Kang said he heard repeatedly that Irvine needs seasoned leadership to operate more efficiently. Therefore, after considering the matter for three to four months, he decided to run.

He noted that when he was first elected mayor in 2008, Irvine’s population stood at about 210,000. Today, it exceeds 330,000. In addition, the city’s budget has expanded significantly. As Irvine has grown into the 13th-largest city in California, he argued, its challenges have become more complicated. Consequently, he believes leadership with proven results is essential.

Kang pointed to the Orange County Great Park project as a key example. Although more than two decades have passed, he said the project remains only about 25% complete. According to him, the absence of experienced leadership has stalled progress. However, he emphasized that his tenure at the GSA gave him further development and administrative expertise. As a result, he believes he can manage large-scale projects more effectively than before.

He also identified slow development in northern Irvine as a pressing issue. In particular, he cited environmental concerns linked to a former asphalt plant. He pledged to make the area more resident-friendly. In addition, he proposed creating dedicated truck lanes to reduce traffic congestion caused by vehicles traveling near a landfill site.

As part of the Sukhee Kang comeback platform, he highlighted sustainable environmental policies, acceleration of the Great Park project, strengthened public safety, and fiscal reform.

Although Irvine has long ranked as a safe city, Kang said theft and homelessness have become more visible. Therefore, he pledged to conduct clear problem assessments and implement precise public safety policies. He also stressed fiscal responsibility. With the city’s budget exceeding $300 million, he said every dollar must be treated as taxpayer money. Unnecessary spending, he added, should be reduced and redirected to residents.

Kang also cited the diminished visibility of Korean American leadership in Irvine as a reason for his candidacy. He noted that after his tenure, Korean American officials such as Steven Choi and former councilmember Tammy Kim served, but there is now a gap.

He said he intends to restore that presence and mentor the next generation of Korean American leaders while in office.

Finally, Kang acknowledged that winning a council seat would allow him to pursue another mayoral bid in two years. “For Irvine’s next leap forward,” he said, “I will devote all my experience and capabilities.”

BY KYEONGJUN KIM  [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]