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.