Kimchi Smell Pervades US Federal Congressional Library... Event Urging 'Kimchi Day'

12 Members of the House Pass Resolution to Establish "Kimchi Day" on November 22
Making and Tasting Baechu Kimchi, Chonggak Kimchi, Geotjeori Kimchi, and More
"A Source of Pride for All Korean Americans... Let's Keep Going Until It Passes"

On the 6th (local time), Rep. Judy Chu (center), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, attended the Kimchi Day event held at the U.S. Library of Congress.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] An event urging the designation of "Kimchi Day" was held at the U.S. Library of Congress. Attendees had the opportunity to taste various kimchi products and watch a kimchi-making demonstration.

On the 6th (local time), U.S. House Representatives participating in the resolution to establish "Kimchi Day" held an event to urge the passage of the bill. Earlier in July, a resolution was introduced to designate November 22 as Kimchi Day at the federal level. About ten House members, including Carolyn Maloney, who spearheaded the resolution, as well as Brad Sherman, Grace Meng, and Young Kim, were reported to have attended the event.

The event took place in the library building overlooking the U.S. Capitol. Various kimchi products such as mat kimchi, chonggak kimchi, young radish kimchi, and whole cabbage kimchi were displayed alongside dishes like kimchi jeon (pancakes), kimchi spaghetti, kimchi dumplings, and galbi (ribs), allowing attendees to sample them directly. Additionally, ingredients for kimjang such as napa cabbage, red pepper powder, fish sauce, and ginger were set up on one side for a live demonstration of making fresh kimchi.

The scene of a kimchi video being displayed on a billboard in Times Square, New York, USA.

Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, took the podium and said, "Designating Kimchi Day is not only a reflection of kimchi's nationwide popularity but also a meaningful way to highlight the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States." She added, "Many states including Virginia, Maryland, New York, California, and Washington D.C. have already designated Kimchi Day, and now it is time for the entire country to follow. I look forward to enjoying delicious kimchi with all of you."

Following her, Korean American Representative Andy Kim took the stage and shared a humorous moment, saying, "When a staff member asked me in front of the library if I knew where to go, I replied, 'Just follow the smell of kimchi.'" He continued, "Kimchi is part of our country, community, and heritage, and this applies not only to Korean Americans but to all Americans. We are gathered here to celebrate our culture and affirm that we belong to this country as Americans."

Korean American Representative Marilyn Strickland said, "When I was young, people would come to my house and ask, 'What is this?' when they ate Korean food, but now you can find kimchi in every supermarket across the U.S." She added, "Celebrating Kimchi Day is not just about kimchi; it is about recognizing and honoring Korean Americans' culture, history, and pride in themselves."

A total of 12 representatives participated in the resolution to establish "Kimchi Day." If the resolution is not processed by the end of this year, it will be automatically discarded due to the end of the congressional session. However, Representative Maloney, who led the resolution, noted that with Representative Hakeem Jeffries, who joined the resolution, recently elected as the new House Democratic Leader, "There is a strong leadership group supporting the resolution," and said, "We will not stop until it passes."