President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, sent congratulatory messages to the first-ever ‘Korean Chuseok Party’ held at the White House. Both emphasized the values of unity and diversity.

The Chuseok celebration took place on the afternoon of the 17th at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, located near the White House in Washington, D.C., organized by current and former Korean American White House staff. While a Lunar New Year celebration was held last January with President Biden in attendance, this marked the first Chuseok event hosted at the White House. Around 100 Korean Americans gathered, with many dressed in traditional hanbok.

President Biden and Vice President Harris sent their congratulations in written form. President Biden remarked, “Chuseok not only reminds us of the rich heritage of the Korean community but also of the universal bonds that unite people around the world.” He continued, “We all come from somewhere, but we are all Americans. You have woven the vitality, culture, and contributions of the Korean community into the fabric of our nation’s tapestry.”

Vice President Harris stated, “Chuseok reminds us of the importance of family, the blessings of autumn, and that we stand on the broad shoulders of our ancestors. Korean Americans have been an essential part of our nation for centuries.” She added, “As you celebrate your diverse identities, experiences, and traditions, you help pave a vibrant and culturally rich path toward a brighter future.”

Vice President Harris has a Korean American family member. Her sister-in-law, Dr. Judy Lee, is married to her brother-in-law, Andy Emhoff. Their son, Jasper, and daughter, Aden, appeared on stage at the Democratic National Convention last month in Illinois to support their aunt, Vice President Harris.

Representing the U.S. government at the event was U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, a Chinese American. In her speech, she said, “The Biden-Harris administration supports you,” and added in Korean, “Let’s go together. Let’s be happy together.” The celebration also included a congratulatory message from Sylvia Luke, the highest-ranking Korean American official in the U.S. as the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii.

Other notable attendees included Todd Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division at the U.S. Department of Justice; Dan Koh, Deputy Assistant to the President; Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ); Julie Turner, U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights; and former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, Sung Kim. After performances by Sergeant Esther Kang of the U.S. Army band “Pershing’s Own” and the Korean American Youth Choir of New York, participants enjoyed traditional Korean foods such as songpyeon, japchae, dakgangjeong, yakgwa, and sikhye.