WASHINGTON -- To mark the 123rd anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the U.S., Reps. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), Young Kim (R-Mission Viejo), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) introduced a bipartisan House resolution celebrating Jan. 13, 2026, as Korean American Day.
"Since the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States on Jan. 13, 1903, Korean Americans have made immeasurable contributions to our nation," said Meng. "Their achievements can be seen in every facet of American life, from business to technology to sports, the arts, food, medicine, and public service.
"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."
"Korean American Day is a moment to recognize a community whose history is deeply woven into the American story," said Gomez. "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."
"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 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," said Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.). "Korean American Day symbolizes the perseverance, strength, and resilience of our people, and I am proud to recognize this holiday and our heritage."
"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," said Rep. Dave Min (D-Costa Mesa).
"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!"
At the state level, Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles), joined by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-La Palma), State Sen. Choi (R-Irvine) and State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), declared Jan. 13 as Korean American Day in California.
"As the assemblymember representing Koreatown in Los Angeles - home to the largest Korean American community in the United States - I am honored to champion this resolution and I am committed to ensuring this community receives the support and recognition it deserves," said González. "I'm proud to celebrate the rich heritage and lasting impact of Korean Americans in Assembly District 54 and throughout California."
"As the only Korean American in the California State Legislature, acknowledging the contributions of the Korean American community is especially important to me," said Choi. "I join nearly 575,000 Korean Americans residing in our state in recognizing the achievements of Korean Americans and reaffirming California's commitment to diversity, opportunity, and unity."