New York Mayor Bill de Blasio ticked off more than a few Korean Americans with his proclamation for Lunar New Year, reports the NY Daily News.
“[The] Lunar New Year is not a Chinese holiday — it’s the celebration of many Asians including Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese,” said Yoonhee Choi of the Korean American Parents Association of Greater New York.
A statement issued by de Blasio’s office on Friday read “New York City is exceptionally proud of its vibrant Chinese community. “We thank our Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for all of their contributions to this city and nation — be it in art, history or economic vitality.”
The statement was sent in Mandarin and English to Chinese and Korean media outlets.
You can read how the mayor responded to the criticism and some in the Korean community who came to the mayor’s defense in the NY Daily News.