The 9th annual Washington State Korean American Day took place on January 13th to commemorate the 113th anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States.
The first half of Korean American Day was devoted to appreciating the Korean American community to highlight the true meaning of the event.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee delivered the keynote speech and highlighted the importance of Korea-Washington relations and economic cooperation, and Consul General Duk-ho Moon thanked the local politicians who assisted in the signing of “The Korean Day Bill”, that will help Korean Americans immerse into the mainstream society. In addition, Shari Song, a 2014 Democratic candidate for District 30 of Washington State, who is actively bridging the Korean American community and the local American community, acted as event host for the celebration.
While the first part of the event was attended by 150 key figures in the community, the second part, hosted in Weyerhauser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, was attended by as many as 500 individuals from the general public.
Originally having anticipated about 300 people to flock to the event based on predictions from the reservations made, the organizers helped make standing room for many more individuals who walked in. Despite the lack of seats, ample food was served in the form of a Korean-style buffet.
State Representative of the 32nd District Cindy Ryu, King County Superior Court Judge Samuel Sangki Chung, King County Chief of Staff Sung Yang, SeaTac City Council Peter Kwon, and many other local Korean-American politicians attended the event.
Hee Jung Li, principal of the Korean school of Federal Way, planned the second part of the event with Korean food and performances of taekwondo, k-pop dance, and Korean traditional dance to entertain the audience from the local community.
Joon Bae Kim, as President of the Federation of Korean Association in NW and Board Chair of Washington State Korean-American Day Celebration Foundation, delivered appreciation plaques to individuals for their continuing efforts in hosting this annual festivity, of whom include former Board of Directors Yong Whan Seo, Susan Lee and Sandra England.
