Senator Kim Leads First Bill as Senator to Recognize Korean American Day and Celebrate Korean American Culture
Senator Kim Leads First Bill as Senator to Recognize Korean American Day and Celebrate Korean American Culture
WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), the first Korean American to serve in the United States Senate, led colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate January 13th, 2025 as Korean American Day and recognize the long and valued history and contributions of Korean Americans in the United States. The resolution is cosponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) introduced companion legislation in the House.
“Korean American Day is an incredible opportunity to join together and celebrate the lasting impact of Korean American culture, history, and achievement,” said Senator Kim. “As we mark 122 years since the first Koreans came to this country, I am humbled to bring this bill forward just weeks after being sworn in as the first Korean American Senator. My parents’ journey to this country just over 50 years ago, the family they built, and my chance to serve New Jersey in Congress all would not have been possible without those who came before us. Today we recognize the generations who built our cherished communities and commit to uplifting all those to come.”
“New York is home to one of the largest and most vibrant communities of Korean Americans in the nation—I am proud to represent them and to support this resolution commemorating Korean American Day,” said Senator Schumer. “For 122 years, Koreans have played a profound role in shaping America, contributing mightily to culture, business, public service and countless communities. They have worked hard, built families, established businesses, made America better, and they continue to do so. That’s why it’s so important we continue to celebrate the achievements of Korean Americans and exalt our wonderful, growing, strong Korean American community with this Korean American Day designation.”
“More than 120 years ago, Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii as agricultural laborers and they have been integral to our communities since, contributing significantly to our economy, history, and culture,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud to cosponsor this resolution commemorating the Korean American community’s contributions and lasting impact across our country. As Korean Americans continue to bolster the diversity of our country, I remain committed to uplifting their voices.”
“In this new era of growing authoritarian aggression, the U.S.-Korea alliance remains a cornerstone of stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and is a testament to the deep bonds formed through our countries’ shared history,” said Senator Sullivan. “Korean Americans have played a critical role in strengthening these ties, serving as cultural ambassadors between our two nations. Their contributions and influence can be observed all across America, including in Alaska. As co-chair of the U.S. Senate Korea Caucus and the Congressional Study Group on Korea, I am proud to recognize their legacy on the 122nd anniversary of the first Korean immigrants’ arrival to the United States. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the strong, patriotic Korean-American community in Alaska that I represent to deepen and strengthen this critical alliance.”
“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. 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.”
Every year, Korean American Day celebrates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States, with 2025 marking its 122nd anniversary. This designation honors the Korean American story, communities across our country, and the vast contributions of Korean Americans to our nation.
You can read the full resolution here.
Senator Kim was sworn in on December 9th, 2024 as the first Korean American ever elected to the U.S. Senate and the first Asian American Senator from New Jersey. He is a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and sits on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Special Committee on Aging. Learn more about Senator Kim’s service on behalf of New Jersey here.
