Supervisor Kathryn Barger Pays Tribute on Korean American Day

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena, commemorated Korean American Day on Jan. 13 by presenting a scroll to the Korean American Foundation during a recent meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

Korean American Day is celebrated annually on January 13 to recognize the initial group of 102 Korean immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1903. The celebration also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Korean Americans to the nation.

“Today, I’m proud to celebrate the remarkable impact of the Korean American community in Los Angeles County,” Supervisor Barger stated. “This year marks the 121st anniversary of Korean American Day, honoring the myriad ways Korean Americans enhance our neighborhoods, businesses, schools, churches, and communities. Nearly two million Korean Americans reside in the United States, with the highest concentration here in Los Angeles County.”

According to the Pew Research Center data from 2019, there were over 320,000 Korean Americans in the Los Angeles metropolitan area that year. In a draft motion presented earlier this month to the Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Barger noted that now over 800,000 Korean Americans call Los Angeles County their home.

Barger acknowledged the significant impact Korean Americans have on society. “Their contributions to food and music, for instance, are deeply embedded in our everyday culture through Korean barbecue and K-pop,” she remarked. “Korean Americans have also made numerous contributions leading to innovation and progress.”

She further mentioned that a Korean American was the first to perform a beating heart operation for coronary artery heart disease, illustrating that the impact of Korean Americans extends beyond cultural domains.

The Korean American Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, aims to improve the lives of vulnerable and marginalized members of the Korean American community. It promotes philanthropy and acts as a trusted steward of charitable funds while collaborating with community-based organizations.