Book

In progress

  1. “Unseen and Uncounted: Bureaucracy, Identity, and the Birth of Panethnic Politics.” (based on dissertation)

Unseen and Uncounted: Bureaucracy, Identity, and the Birth of Panethnic Politics develops a new theory of racial group formation by examining how immigrant-origin communities responded to their exclusion from federal classification systems—particularly during the War on Poverty. These exclusionary practices were not merely symbolic; they had material consequences, shaping access to public resources and political recognition. While classification decisions were made at the federal level, they were felt most acutely at the local level—through everyday interactions with street-level bureaucrats who implemented social policy. These encounters often determined whether individuals and communities were seen, counted, and served.

In response, ethnic elites engaged in political innovation: they coined new panethnic labels, formed cross-ethnic coalitions, and founded civic organizations to make their communities legible to the state. Though these efforts were locally grounded, they scaled upward. Over time, the categories and claims forged in neighborhoods and community institutions began to influence how government agencies enumerated populations and administered benefits. These bottom-up innovations ultimately helped reshape the very bureaucratic systems that had once excluded them.

The book draws on original archival research, a dataset of over 800 ethnic organizations, and computational analysis of 78,000 articles from ethnic newspapers. Through comparative analysis across cities, racial groups, and national contexts—including U.S.–Canada, Asian–Latino, and Asian–Black comparisons—it demonstrates that panethnic identities did not emerge from shared culture or inherent solidarity. Instead, they were the product of strategic adaptation to the bureaucratic logics and incentive structures of the modern state.

By foregrounding the politics of classification and the local implementation of federal policy, Unseen and Uncounted reframes panethnic formation as a historically contingent, politically driven process. The book contributes to ongoing debates in political science, sociology, public administration, and history, offering new insight into how racial categories are constructed, contested, and institutionalized in American political development.

University presses specializing in American politics and public policy are warmly encouraged to reach out to discuss this book project further. I look forward to engaging with publishers committed to rigorous, interdisciplinary scholarship in these areas.

Asian American Advocacy, Service, and Hybrid Organizations. Source: Kim (2022)

Latino Advocacy, Service, and Hybrid Organizations. Source: Kim (2022)
Books
  1. “We Need Civic Data: How Public Data Can Fail Us — and How It Can Build a More Just Society (in Korean).” (in Korean, Sejong Books 2023) [book website]

Why can we shop with one click but still struggle to access basic public services?

We Need Civic Data is the first book in Korean to comprehensively examine the concept, practice, and promise of civic data—data designed not for profit or bureaucratic procedure, but for the public good. Written by social data scientist and public interest technologist Jae Yeon Kim, the book draws on real-world policy examples from the U.S. and South Korea to show how government data systems shape who gets access to benefits, who gets heard, and who gets left behind. Across ten clear and accessible chapters, Kim offers a roadmap for building a more equitable, citizen-centered digital state. From improving public service interfaces to training the next generation of civic data scientists, this book reimagines public data not just as infrastructure, but as a foundation for stronger democracy and better government.

Impact & Recognition

  1. “How to Use University: A Practical Guide for College Students (in Korean)” (Sejong Books, 2014)

Why do so many students enter college full of ambition—only to graduate with more confusion than clarity?

How to Use University is a practical, student-centered guide to navigating college with purpose, curiosity, and intention. Organized around four core themes—exploring college, learning, career, and life—it helps students shift from passive schooling to intentional, opportunity-driven learning. The book encourages students to treat the university as a launchpad—not a system to passively endure—for discovering interests, initiating projects, and building momentum. It emphasizes a key idea: unlocking even one small opportunity—especially a self-initiated project—can set off a cycle of opportunities that grows over time. With its structured framework, practical strategies, and ethos of civic-minded entrepreneurship, this book has become a trusted companion for Korean college students seeking clarity, growth, and public impact.

Impact & Recognition

  • The first edition sold over 10,000 copies and has been widely recommended by educators, university counselors, and mentoring programs across South Korea

  • Featured in major Korean media outlets including Maeil Business Newspaper and Chosun Biz

  • Frequently used in student development seminars and campus book clubs

  • A fully revised second edition is coming soon

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