Los Angeles made history by swearing-in the first Korean-American Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu on Sunday, June 28. Councilmember Ryu is also only the second Asian American ever elected to the city body.
“I am humbled to be the first Korean-American Councilmember, and the first Asian-American to stand here in a generation,” said Councilmember Ryu. “I am proud to lead our community through these doors to take our rightful place sharing in the leadership of Los Angeles. But I am just as proud that I was sent here by a district with very few Asian-American voters. I was chosen because I made a commitment to the people of the 4th district to put our neighborhoods first and to be a strong voice for change. And that’s what I intend to do.”
In addition to being sworn-in, Ryu also announced his priorities for Council District 4 as well as the City which include fixing the City’s infrastructure, cutting waste, and establishing a task force which will provide guidance and input on how to spend discretionary council funds to better meet community needs.
“I am so proud to be standing next to not only a long-time colleague, but also a longtime friend today as we watch him be sworn into elected office,” said former Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke. “I have known David for many years and I am excited to see him bring his enthusiasm and passion for Los Angeles and for the communities of Los Angeles to the City Council chambers.”
“It is a privilege to be present on this historic occasion as Los Angeles welcomes the first Korean-American Councilmember to its Chambers,” said California State Treasurer John Chiang. “Today, the City of Los Angeles is honoring its long history of diversity with this celebration of Councilmember Ryu’s victory.”
Ryu was joined by hundreds of supporters from Sherman Oaks to Los Feliz and from the Miracle Mile to Toluca Lake when he is sworn into office on the South Lawn of City Hall. A celebration took place featuring various performances from the Los Angeles Youth Samulnori Group, Open Academy Youth Orchestra, Constance Jewell Lopez and the Kyle Barnett Quartet.
