South OC Times

U.S. Representatives Young Kim and Jimmy Gomez have introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate January 13, 2025, as Korean American Day. This date marks the 122nd anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants in the United States.

Rep. Kim, one of the first Korean American women in Congress, has previously led similar resolutions during her tenure in both Congress and the California State Assembly. She emphasized her commitment to honoring her heritage and supporting over two million Korean Americans residing in the U.S.

“For 122 years, Korean Americans have found success in the classroom, the workplace, and even right here in the halls of Congress, working to make our nation a better place,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I’m proud to help lead a bipartisan resolution honoring Korean American Day as one of the first Korean American women in Congress and the representative of a vibrant Korean American community in Southern California. I’ll keep fighting in Congress to ensure the American dream I have lived remains alive for future generations.”

Rep. Gomez highlighted the significant contributions made by Korean Americans across various sectors including art, business, education, and public service.

“Korean Americans have made incredible contributions to our nation in art, business, education, as well as the private and public sectors, and their story continues to inspire communities across the country,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “I’m introducing this resolution with Representative Young Kim and Senator Andy Kim to commemorate Korean American Day and celebrate the hard work, family bonds, and unbreakable spirit of Korean Americans. As the representative of LA’s Koreatown, the largest population of Korean Americans in the U.S., I’ll continue to work alongside the Korean American community to achieve more progress in LA and across the country.”

The resolution is supported by 54 colleagues who joined Reps. Kim and Gomez as original cosponsors. Among them are fellow Korean American Representatives Dave Min (CA-47) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). Companion legislation was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).