Toward West Point
My face was about to burn holes through itself.
The two great men were practically glaring, as if to say, "Hurry up and admit I'm right!" I felt like I might split in half.
I began slowly.
"It will be difficult to persuade the great powers through diplomacy alone."
"Exactly!"
Park Yong-man smiled triumphantly, but I continued without pause.
After all, I already knew the answer sheet.
"Japan is merely the foreman of a vast East Asian plantation. The United States and Britain need only sit back and collect their harvest from a compliant overseer."
"All the more reason for diplomacy—"
"When does a landlord discard his overseer?"
At my question, both men fell silent.
"I suspect you're thinking the same thing I am. When the overseer fails at his job—or begins lining his own pockets."
"You're saying Japan will line its own pockets?"
"Of course. Just as they invaded Korea, they will eventually covet Manchuria—China itself. I believe it will take roughly thirty years before Japan betrays Britain and America."
Silence.
The word thirty years hung heavily in the air.
"If what you say is true, then if Japan remains a dutiful overseer, our independence is impossible."
Rhee Syngman spoke first.
"But Japan cannot do that."
"Why not?"
"If the great powers were truly rational, they would never have swallowed Korea whole. They already controlled us effectively through the Residency-General. Forcibly devouring a nation with five thousand years of history and a population half their own would only cause indigestion. And yet—"
"And yet they consumed Korea entirely. Because they were starving mad with ambition."
Rhee's lips curled upward, nearly to his ears.
"I feel as though I'm not speaking to a student, but to a diplomat of the great powers. Ha!"
"And what do you think of my reasoning?"
"Accurate. The diplomats of the great powers may believe Japan will remain beneath them forever—but what kind of people are the Japanese? You are absolutely right. They will inevitably expand toward the continent."
"And until that day comes, I believe men like you, Unam, must work even harder to ensure the world remembers that Korea exists. So that when the time comes, they will not forget us."
That last part was perfect lip service.
Rhee Syngman? I didn't need him.
I would carve Korea directly into their minds myself.
"So according to you… what I'm doing is of little use?"
"Not at all. Without men like you, how would they know whether Koreans desire independence or are content living happily as Japan's slaves? When Japan finally bares its teeth at the great powers, Korea must be the first thing that comes to their minds."
Clap. Clap.
Rhee Syngman applauded softly.
"I think you ought to attend university rather than the military. How about Princeton?"
"My apologies. I intend to earn stars on my shoulders and lead American troops against the Japanese."
"Ha! Hahaha!"
After chuckling for a moment, he straightened and grew serious.
"There are several academies. Which one do you want?"
"West Point—the Military Academy."
"Not Annapolis? If America fights Japan, it would naturally be at sea."
"There has been at least one Black cadet admitted to West Point. Annapolis has had none. Besides, the U.S. Navy maintains close exchanges with the Japanese Navy."
I then glanced subtly at Park Yong-man.
"And if I joined the Navy, it would be harder to assist you, sir."
"Hmph. Very well. Then West Point it is."
Rhee smiled at my father, who had watched silently.
"Sir, how on earth did you raise your son? With young men like him, Korea's future seems secure."
"Ha… I wondered what good he'd be, always getting into fights. I never knew he harbored thoughts like these."
"As you know, admission to a military academy requires a congressman's recommendation. Fortunately, California's senator, Flint, is a Republican. At least we needn't fear immediate rejection."
I had done all I could.
All that remained was securing the recommendation letter.
I could only hope that our eloquent "Prince" Rhee would deliver it.
Not long after, I was granted an interview with Senator Frank Putnam Flint.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Kim. A pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine, Senator."
I don't know what arguments Dr. Rhee had used, but the senator seemed quite receptive.
Throughout the interview, he asked about my worldview and understanding of international affairs—clearly the angle Rhee had emphasized.
"You have a remarkably broad perspective for a student. I'm impressed."
"Thank you."
"Then I assume you have thoughts on political and social matters as well. If you attend West Point, what do you think will happen?"
"It will demonstrate that the United States—a land of liberty—can embrace not only Black citizens, but even Asians."
He smiled and shook his head.
"Oh, don't be modest."
"I would never presume to be modest before you, Senator."
"To be frank, recommending you would hold significance for me as well. But it would mean far more for you. In a country dominated by White, Anglo-Saxon Protestants, one must be either a fierce crusader or a skilled politician to challenge the norm. I'll ask again—what would it mean if you attend West Point?"
With the stage set so clearly, I could not refuse.
He was likely concerned I might be shot someday—or undone by careless words.
"America is no longer confined to its own continent. It is reaching into Asia. It has acquired the Philippines, has it not?"
"Indeed. As a fellow Asian, does that trouble you?"
"Not at all. Unlike Spain, a wicked colonial ruler, America is the torchbearer of liberty and democracy."
I smiled—a conspirator's smile.
"The first Asian American at West Point. It could be sold as propaganda—a mascot."
"Can you endure that?"
"If I do, perhaps those angry over losing their household slaves won't feel the need to kill me."
"Hard to argue with that."
He muttered, "Am I truly speaking to a student…?" I nearly laughed—I'd heard that before.
"As California's senator, I imagine you are well acquainted with Asians."
"More than most, yes."
"In my observation, Asians tend not to venture beyond their own communities. They remain Chinese, Japanese, Korean—not Americans."
His expression suggested disbelief.
A young man backed by the Korean community speaking this way—it must have seemed absurd.
But here, I had to be American above all else.
After two hours praising America—and an hour-long declaration of my Christian faith—Senator Flint finally declared me qualified.
"As you know, many seek my recommendation. I will gather eligible candidates and administer an examination. Be sure to attend."
"Thank you! Thank you very much!"
"I hope you become an excellent officer and serve the United States faithfully."
After the examination, I secured a recommendation letter under Flint's name.
And after completing the lengthy physical examinations and fitness tests—
On June 14, 1911, newspapers across the United States quietly reported the admission of the first Asian American to West Point.