HR 59: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Korean American Day at the state capitol; recognize

House Resolution 59

By: Representatives Park of the 107th, Hong of the 103rd, Au of the 50th, Tran of the 80th, Williams of the 168th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Korean American Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the influence of Korean Americans may be observed in all facets of American life, from politics to industry, entrepreneurship to volunteerism, the arts, sports, and education; and

WHEREAS, on January 13, 1903, the arrival of 102 pioneer immigrants to the United States initiated the beginning of Korean immigration to the United States; and

WHEREAS, these pioneer Korean immigrants faced tremendous social and economic obstacles as well as languages barriers in America—the land of opportunity; and

WHEREAS, the first generation of Korean immigrants established a new home in a new land through resilience, tenacious effort, and immense sacrifice, which became the bedrock for their children and future generations of Korean Americans; and

WHEREAS, members of the early Korean American community served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, and the conflict in Korea; and

WHEREAS, in the early 1950s, thousands of Koreans fleeing from war, poverty, and desolation came to the United States seeking opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Korean Americans, like immigrants to the United States before and after them, have taken root and thrived because of strong family ties, robust community support, and countless hours of hard work; and

WHEREAS, Korean Americans have made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the United States and the global marketplace; and

WHEREAS, Korean Americans' contributions are widespread in business, not-for-profit, and other nongovernmental organizations, government, technology, medical, athletic, art, entertainment, fashion, journalism, religious, and academic sectors as well as in countless other facets of American life; and

WHEREAS, the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States include the invention of the first beating heart operation for coronary artery heart disease, development of the nectarine, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, and achievements in engineering, architecture, medicine, acting, singing, sculpting, and writing; and

WHEREAS, the population of Korean Americans in Georgia has increased 95 percent in the last decade, making them an important and integral part of communities across this state; and

WHEREAS, more than 100,000 Korean Americans call Georgia home, and Korean is the third most spoken language in the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, more than 130 Korean companies are active in Georgia and approximately $14.5 billion of foreign direct investments have strengthened the economic ties and partnership between the Republic of Korea and the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, for their outstanding contributions and decades of community service, civic engagement, and cross-cultural-education, we honor and thank Mr. Jay Eun, past president of the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta; Mr. Na Sang Ho, past president of the Korean American Senior Association; Dr. Sam Sook Chung, the past president of the Korean American Scholarship Foundation Southern Regional Chapter; and Dr. Yong Kun Kim, founding member of the Korean American Scholarship Foundation Southern Regional Chapter, for their steadfast support and decades of contributions to the Korean American community and future generations in Georgia and the southeast; and

WHEREAS, the 2025 Korean American Day marks the 20th anniversary of the first Korean American Day as recognized by the Congress of the United States of America.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Korean American Day at the state capitol.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.