Korean President Lee Jae-Myung and First Lady Kim Hea-Kyung alongside local government representatives at the Philip Jaisohn Memorial House in Media, PA. (Photo courtesy of The Kyunghyang Shinmun)
Last week, the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation hosted the President and First Lady of the Republic of Korea at the Philip Jaisohn Memorial House in Media.
President Lee Jae-Myung and First Lady Kim Hea-Kyung visited the Memorial House to honor Dr. Philip Jaisohn's legacy as the first Korean to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Jaisohn was also a fierce advocate for Korean independence, which President Lee praised after his tour of the Memorial House. Per the Jaisohn Center, President Lee described his tour as "deeply meaningful" and expressed hope that the Memorial House will inspire future generations and support the local Korean-American community.
This marks just the second time that a Korean President and First Lady have visited the Memorial House, following President Kim Dae-Jung and First Lady Lee Hee-Ho's visit in 1999.
The President and First Lady were accompanied by numerous local leaders on their visit, including Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, State Senators Tim Kearney and Patty Kim, Delaware County Council President Dr. Monica Taylor, and Media Mayer Bob McMahon.
The Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation was represented by Board Chair Brian Lee and founding leader Dr. Henry Oh.
"Not only is this visit a great honor for our organization, but also for Media and Delaware County," said George Choe, host of the event and President and CEO of the Jaisohn Foundation.
"This visit reaffirms the bridge of friendship and shared history between Korea and the United States and inspires us to continue Dr. Jaisohn's mission of service, advocacy, and community empowerment."
President Lee, First Lady Kim, Congresswoman Scanlon and President Choe also participated in the planting of a commemorative mugunghwa plant, the national flower of the Republic of Korea.
President Lee and First Lady Kim touring the Philip Jaisohn Memorial House. (Photo courtesy of The Kyunghyang Shinmun)
President Lee, First Lady Kim, Congresswoman Scanlon and George Choe plant a mugunghwa tree. (Photo courtesy of The Kyunghyang Shinmun)
