The Los Angeles City Council has adopted an official resolution designating October 9 as Hangul Day, also known as Korean Alphabet Day, the Korea Daily reports.
In a unanimous decision, the council passed this resolution at 10 a.m. on October 6th. The proposal was brought forward by Council member John Lee, representing the 12th District and of Korean American heritage. Following the resolution’s approval, a special proclamation ceremony was held to commemorate Hangul Day. The ceremony coincided with the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-Korea Alliance.
Council member John Lee presided over the proclamation ceremony, which was attended by a diverse assembly of over 300 individuals, the Korea Daily reports. Several important Korean leaders in Southern California attended the ceremony, including Consul General Youngwan Kim, the representative from South Korea in Los Angeles.
According to the Korea Daily, Consul General Kim also gave his own remarks during the ceremony. He underscored the historical significance of Hangul, which was devised 600 years ago to enhance literacy, empower the public, and unite a nation.
Consul General Kim expressed hope that Hangul Day would encourage greater engagement between the general public and the vibrant Korean community, fostering a deeper appreciation for Korean culture, the Korea Daily reports. He drew parallels between Hangul’s role in promoting diversity and the city’s commitment to providing equal access to justice, resources, and opportunities.
Council member John Lee, reflecting on the significance of this recognition, shared his thoughts to the Korea Daily, saying, “As a Korean American council member and a representative of a district with a large Korean population, I believe it is important to recognize the unique and beautiful Korean language and culture.”
“I hope that through this opportunity, the Korean community’s invaluable contributions to the City of Los Angeles, as well as Korean culture and language, will be widely acknowledged by the citizens of Los Angeles,” Lee told the Korea Daily.
Los Angeles City College also unveiled a new statue of King Sejong on October 5, a day before the proclamation ceremony, ABC 7 Los Angeles reports. Crown Prince of Korea Andrew Lee attended the unveiling ceremony.
The statue will sit in front of Jefferson Hall. It is the first statue of King Sejong to be unveiled at a public university campus in the U.S.
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