The Korea Daily has embarked on a journey to become the leading Asian media outlet in mainstream society.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Korea Daily hosted a commemorative event on October 10 at 6 p.m., inviting key figures from both the Korean and mainstream communities. The event took place at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion on Wilshire Boulevard, in the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles.
Among the 350 distinguished guests in attendance were U.S. Representatives Michelle Steel and Jimmy Gomez. Notably, LA Times Executive Editor Terry Tang also conveyed congratulatory messages, adding to the event’s significance. Long-time readers, including those who have subscribed to the Korea Daily for over 30 years, were also present to celebrate this milestone.
Attendees expressed their appreciation for the Korea Daily’s efforts over the past 50 years in serving as the eyes and ears of the Korean-American community, and they encouraged the publication to continue supporting the hopes and dreams of the community in the years ahead.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the Korea Daily’s future vision. Yoonho Nahm, CEO of the Korea Daily, emphasized the limitless growth potential of both the Korean-American community and the Korean Wave (Hallyu), pledging to expand the newspaper’s presence within mainstream society.
“We aim to increase the proportion of Korean community news delivered in English, both online and offline,” said Nahm. “It is now crucial to reach not only second and third-generation Korean Americans but also the growing number of Americans interested in our community.”
Nahm further stressed the importance of the Korea Daily’s core mission to deliver specialized local news from within and surrounding the Korean-American community.
As part of its ongoing collaboration with the LA Times, the Korea Daily is also striving to earn a Pulitzer Prize.
“Minority media outlets, regardless of size, have previously won Pulitzer Prize with the right ideas and hard work,” Nahm noted, “and the influence gained from such recognition will benefit not only the Korea Daily but the entire Korean-American community.”
Last year, the Korea Daily submitted in-depth reports to the Pulitzer Committee, covering significant issues such as the neglected graves of early Korean immigrants in Hawaii and redevelopment plans targeting Chinese immigrant cemeteries in Portland.
“More Korean Americans will enter politics as we build up our power and capacity,” said Nahm.
He also expressed optimism that such efforts would help increase Korean-American representation in politics and contribute to a more prosperous community. “This is a matter that requires the interest and cooperation of not only the Korea Daily but the entire community,” he added.
During the event, the Korea Daily also recognized individuals who have contributed to the Korean-American community.
Awards of appreciation were presented to Sunny Hwang of the Kimbo Scholarship Foundation, which supports community development through scholarships, and former USC Professor Choong Whan Park and 3Plus Logistics Chairman Young-Suk Kim, both of whom have supported the development of content and reporting efforts aimed at achieving a Pulitzer Prize.
BY BRIAN CHOI, YOUNGNAM KIM [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
