The 51st anniversary of the LA Korean Festival, the largest celebration for the Korean American community, was successfully held over four days starting on the 26th at Seoul International Park in LA’s Koreatown. The highlight of the event, the "51st Korean Parade," organized by The Korea Times' US headquarters, took place on the 28th at 3 PM on Olympic Boulevard in the heart of Koreatown, drawing cheers from a large crowd.

This year’s 51st Korean Parade was themed “Together, for a Better Korean Community,” aimed at strengthening unity across generations and promoting racial harmony. Representatives from key institutions and organizations in Southern California’s Korean community, along with prominent political figures from mainstream society, participated in this grand march of unity, pledging a confident and hopeful stride into the future.

Richard Park, president of Seoul Medical Group (SMG), the largest Korean American healthcare network in the US, served as the Grand Marshal of the parade. He, along with his father, led the parade in a grand carriage. Another highlight was LAPD Deputy Chief Dominic Choi, the first Korean American and Asian American to head one of the three largest law enforcement agencies in the US. Choi led the parade with LAPD’s impressive motorcycle performance team and a procession of police vehicles, receiving a warm welcome from residents lining the streets. Also in attendance were prominent Korean American politicians, including US Congresswoman Michelle Park Steel, Fullerton Vice Mayor Fred Jung, and Buena Park Vice Mayor Joyce Ahn, as well as representatives from LA’s Koreatown such as Heather Hutt, LA City Councilmember for District 10. Korean dignitaries included Consul General Kim Young-wan, LA Korean Festival Foundation President Alex Cha, President of the Korean American National Sports Council Chung Joo-hyun, LA Korean Chamber of Commerce President Chung Dong-wan, LA Korean Association Chairman Young Kim, Orange County Korean Association President Cho Bong-nam, Korean American Senior Center President Kim Ga-dung, and Chairman Yang Hyun-sook. These leaders participated in the parade in classic open cars, celebrating the success of the LA Korean Festival and the Korean Parade.

The parade featured a wide array of performances, including police and military vehicles, helicopters, traditional Korean cultural groups such as the Nongak troupe and traditional dancers, taekwondo demonstrations, and marching bands. Particularly eye-catching was the Marine Veterans Association, clad in camouflage uniforms and octagonal hats, riding in about 10 military vehicles, showcasing the formidable spirit of the "Ghost-catching Marines."

Before the parade, a commemorative ceremony was held where the Miss Teen Chunhyang winners and ambassadors added to the excitement. Korea Times President Kwon Ki-joon presented plaques to this year’s Grand Marshal, SMG President Richard Park, and Honorary Grand Marshal, LAPD Deputy Chief Dominic Choi.

By Sehee Roh

<Sehee Roh>