US Congress Filled with Kimchi Smell, Turns Out to Be... "Happy Kimchi Day!"

Rep. Young Kim Introduces Resolution to Designate 'Kimchi Day'
Various Types of Kimchi Exhibited and Promoted at the Assembly Member Office Building

An event celebrating Kimchi Day and promoting kimchi was held in the Nancy Pelosi Room of the Cannon Building, the U.S. House of Representatives office building.

The event was organized in conjunction with a speech by Korean-American Representative Young Kim (Republican, California) on November 6 (local time) in the House floor urging the designation of "Kimchi Day (November 22)." It was the second time the event was held in a federal congressional building, following last year.

On the 14th of last month, a participant is making kimchi at the Love Kimchi Fair event held at Yeouido Park Cultural Square in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. (This photo is not directly related to the main text.)

On one side of the venue, varieties of kimchi such as yeolmu kimchi, pogi kimchi, gat kimchi, aged kimchi, chonggak kimchi, and kkakdugi were displayed, along with kimchi-related products sold in the U.S. exhibited nearby.

More than ten large round tables were set with napa cabbage kimchi, kkakdugi, and kimchi pancakes.

The event was hosted by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) and the Korean American Immigration Museum, with about 150 attendees including Senator Mazie Hirono (Democrat, Hawaii), Consul General Cho Ki-jung in Washington, aT President Kim Chun-jin, and Director Kim Min-seon of the Korean American Immigration Museum.

Kimchi Exports to the U.S. Increased About Eightfold in 10 Years

Representative Young Kim is making a statement urging the designation of "Kimchi Day" at the U.S. House of Representatives plenary session.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

According to aT, kimchi exports to the U.S. reached $29 million (38.1 billion KRW) last year, increasing about eightfold over the past decade. This year, exports to the U.S. reached $33 million (43.4 billion KRW) by the end of October, a 36% increase compared to the same period last year.

In response, Representative Young Kim introduced a "Resolution Supporting the Designation of Kimchi Day" as the lead sponsor in April. The resolution was co-sponsored by 16 members, including Korean-American lawmakers such as Andy Kim (New Jersey), Marilyn Strickland (Washington), Michelle Park Steel (California), Jimmy Gomez (California), and Judy Chu (California), all Democrats.

Among them, House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who was a co-sponsor, greeted the event with "Happy kimchi day!" in his congratulatory remarks.

Democratic Party House Majority Leader Hakim Jeffries is delivering a congratulatory speech at a kimchi-related event held at the House Office Building.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

He praised the Korean community, saying, "The Korean community is an important part of America's wonderful mosaic of diversity."

Leader Jeffries continued, emphasizing, "We will continue to make every effort to build a diverse, open, and inclusive country and to stand against xenophobia and anti-Asian hate."

Representative Young Kim explained, "Kimchi is not only one of the most beloved side dishes among Koreans but also holds historical and cultural significance for Korean people," adding, "I hope more people learn about kimchi and Korean food and understand the meaning and historical origins of kimchi."

Meanwhile, November 22 is Kimchi Day declared by the Korea Kimchi Association and has been designated as a legal commemorative day in Korea since 2020. In the U.S., seven states including California, Virginia, New York, Washington D.C., Michigan, Georgia, and Hawaii have either established or are in the process of establishing Kimchi Day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.