"You can do it!"

"You are the only leader who is able to develop our diverse community!"

"Congratulations on getting another public supporter from state or city politicians. We look forward to working with you in making our Queens neighborhood greener than ever!"

These are just some of the many comments on the Facebook pages of four Korean-American City Council candidates. With the election coming up this November, these candidates have been taking advantage of this Internet social network.

Facebook is a real-time online networking site. Its international reach connects members all over the world, and has been playing a key role for political candidates to get attention and garner public support.

All four Korean-American candidates – John Choe and S.J. Jung of District 22 in Flushing (the most competitive district); Kevin Kim of District 19 in Bayside; and P.J. Kim of District 1 in Manhattan – currently use Facebook. Each candidate has his own Facebook page where they post photos related to their campaigns, as well as information on their major supporting groups, such as labor unions, non-profit organizations, or community leaders.

Supporters of diverse ages and careers leave positive messages for their favorite candidates and can bring other Facebook users to support their candidate.

Kevin and P.J. Kim, from District 19 and 1 respectively, befriended each other on Facebook and co-operate offline as well.

As of August 12, John Choe has the most Facebook friends at 3,342.

S.J. Jung, who has 162 registered friends, commented, "When I opened my Facebook account, I set up the platform as a public figure, so I don't have any registered 'friends,' I have 'supporters' instead."

Kevin Kim has 451 friends and P.J. Kim has 2,924 friends.