Soaring living costs push first-time and returning Korean voters to US midterms

Korean Americans living in the United States, such as residents near Seattle and Los Angeles, are facing extreme financial strain due to soaring living costs, high gasoline prices, and expensive everyday expenses like dining out and extracurricular activities. According to a recent AAPI Voter Survey, 86 percent of Korean American registered voters consider inflation and the cost of living as crucial factors in deciding how to vote in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

This widespread economic frustration has served as a powerful catalyst, driving many first-time voters and individuals who had stayed away from the ballot box for over a decade to finally participate. Citizens are expressing deep anger over persistent price increases—ranging from basic groceries to seasonal holiday items—with many feeling compelled to take action and make their voices heard through the political process.

The mounting economic pressures have also fueled intense political discussions across online Korean American communities, where users debate whether current government policies or broader economic conditions are to blame. As voters head to the polls ahead of the Nov. 3 elections, their unprecedented surge in participation highlights how deeply everyday financial struggles can influence civic engagement.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/20261030/soaring-living-costs-push-first-time-and-returning-korean-voters-to-us-midterms

Comprehension

What major economic issue is heavily influencing how Korean American voters plan to vote in the U.S. midterm elections?
According to the AAPI Voter Survey, what percentage of Korean American registered voters considered inflation very or extremely important?
What specific examples of rising expenses did families like those of Lee Min-ha and Kim Hyun-joo mention?
Why are some Korean Americans who had not voted in over a decade deciding to participate in this election?
How much did U.S. consumer prices rise in September compared to the previous year, according to government figures?

Discussion

How do rising living costs and inflation affect your family or daily life?
Why do you think economic issues like grocery and gas prices make people more interested in politics?
Have you ever voted in an election? If not, what would make you want to vote?
Do you prefer eating out at restaurants or cooking meals at home? Why?
How do social media and online communities change the way people talk about politics or news?
Is it easy or difficult for families to pay for children's activities and education today?
What do you think governments can do to help lower the cost of living for everyday citizens?
Why is it important for immigrant communities to participate in local and national elections?

Vocabulary

Inflation – A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money
Pocketbook – Relating to personal financial matters, income, and spending
Extracurricular – Activities pursued in addition to normal course of study or work
Strain – Pressure or worry caused by a difficult situation
Persist – To continue to exist over a period of time
Outpace – To grow or develop faster than something else
Catalyst – A person or thing that precipitates an event or change
Civic – Relating to a city or town, or the duties of a citizen