Korean American Day + a Playlist
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
Image source: Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign
We are a country of immigrants, of those that created life from scratch. Any chance to glow up our different immigrant cultures -- which is basically all of our cultures -- we are in. Korean Americans have brought strength, joy, and depth to our country. In 2005, Congress made official January 13th as Korean American Day. The holiday represents the initial arrival of Korean immigrants to the U.S. -- to Hawaii, specifically, in the early 1900s.
Korean Americans are Americans, and this day is meant to honor and highlight them. Let’s support them, protect the Dreamers, work to secure citizenship for those who want it, and continue the work. Here are six Korean American highlights on our minds right now.
One of our fave KC spots AND female-owned, we adore Kobi-Q. It’s a Korean BBQ spot in the Crossroads with the best gluten-free glass noodles, coolest interior design, and nicest staff. Bonus -- it’s participating in KC Restaurant Week, now through Jan 18th.
(photo credit: Kobi-Q Instagram account)
Get to know Karen Chee, Nellies. She is a rad female comedian and writer and quintessential ‘up-and-comer.’ When not doing stand-up, she writes and performs on Late Night with Seth Meyers, wrote jokes for the 2019 Golden Globes, and writes for The New Yorker. She was also a writer on the recent comedy special Yearly Departed, in which seven female comedians throw a wake for 2020. Karen has also been listed on Vulture’s Comedians to Know in 2020 and Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood. So yes, get to know her - and go watch Yearly Departed, it’s delicious.
(photo credit: Bridget Badore via karenchee.com)
Oh hey, Marilyn! You are a total warrior. This former mayor and current Washington U.S. Representative (D) is one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress (!!). She’s also the FIRST member of Congress who is both Korean and African American. For her swearing-in ceremony earlier this week, the democrat rep showed up wearing a gorgeous hanbok - a traditional Korean dress. Representing heritage and democracy, let’s go.
(photo credit: CNN)
We can’t wait to see this Korean American film, which debuts Feb 12. Backed by the creators of Moonlight and The Florida Project, Minari is about a Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of an American Dream. A standout is the grandmother of the family, who is foul-mouthed, fierce, and loving. The movie’s message is about the resilience of family and what the idea of home means. Set in the rugged midwest Ozarks, Minari won the Sundance Grand Jury prize.
(photo credit: A24 Films)
Another politician representing! This New Jersey U.S. Representative (D) is the second Korean member of Congress in history. A photo of Andy went viral this week, snapped as he was cleaning up trash left by Capitol rioters. The photo showed him on his knees in the Capitol Rotunda, clearing away debris. The democrat rep told CNN, ‘I just really felt like I needed to try to play a role in just fixing this mess that had occurred.’ It’s a feeling many of us share.
(photo credit: Andrew Harnik / AP)
This local Korean restaurant has done pop-ups in the past and now has a permanent home in Parlor food hall. It’s casual, fresh, and we especially love the stir-fried rice cake.
(photo credit: suraeats.com)
