Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To mark the 123rd anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States, today Representatives Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Young Kim (CA-40), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng introduced a bipartisan House resolution celebrating January 13, 2026, as Korean American Day. 

Representative Gomez represents Los Angeles’s Koreatown, the largest Korean American community in the country, and has sponsored the Korean American Day resolution every year he has served in Congress. 

“Korean American Day is a moment to recognize a community whose history is deeply woven into the American story,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34). “As the representative of Koreatown, the largest Korean American community in the country, I see every day how Korean American families, workers, and small business owners help drive our economy and strengthen our neighborhoods. That’s why I’ve proudly sponsored this resolution every year: to make sure their contributions are recognized and honored at the national level.”

"Since the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States on January 13, 1903, Korean Americans have made immeasurable contributions to our nation. Their achievements can be seen in every facet of American life, from business to technology to sports, the arts, food, medicine, and public service." said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. "I am proud to co-lead this resolution to recognize Korean American Day and honor the over 2 million Korean Americans who call the United States home.  Their story is the American story, and I will continue fighting to ensure this community receives the respect and support it deserves."

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this country has given me and countless Korean American families like mine, whose stories embody perseverance, hard work, and the promise of American Dream.” said Rep. Young Kim. “I’m proud to join Rep. Jimmy Gomez in recognizing the rich contributions of the Korean American community to our nation, which have made and continue to make America truly great.”

“As one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress in our nation's history, I will always advocate for the safety, prosperity, recognition and inclusion of our community. Korean American Day symbolizes the perseverance, strength, and resilience of our people, and I am proud to recognize this holiday and our heritage,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).

"As just the sixth Korean American to ever serve in Congress, I was so proud to commemorate 123 years since the arrival of the first Koreans in the United States. My parents came to this country in 1970 with very little, yet through hard work and determination they built a better life for our family. That journey reflects the broader Korean American experience and the American story itself. I am incredibly proud of the tremendous progress and contributions of Korean Americans, and I remain committed to ensuring that every person, including the two million Korean Americans nationwide, has a fair opportunity to succeed. Happy Korean American Day!" said Rep. Dave Min (CA-47).

"The Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC) is deeply grateful for Congressman Jimmy Gomez’s steadfast support in elevating the profile of the Korean American community through his annual introduction of the Korean American Day Resolution. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization with the largest network of Korean American voters, KAGC values the platform Congressman Gomez has provided to represent one of the most prominent Korean American constituencies in the nation and advocate for our common interests, such as supporting small businesses and strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance. We are honored to maintain a close friendship with the Congressman as we continue our advocacy for vital issues, including the implementation of the Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act and the passage of Protect Adoptees and American Families Act," said Mr. Wonseok Song, Executive Director of the Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC).

"On behalf of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, I commend Congressman Jimmy Gomez for his leadership in honoring Korean American Day and for his partnership with the Korean American community.  We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that the history, contributions, and the enduring legacy of Korean Americans remain a vital part of America’s story," said Robert Ahn, President of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles.