SCR 166: Soju Day.

WHEREAS, Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community but increasingly across the United States; and

WHEREAS, Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society; and

WHEREAS, Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions; and

WHEREAS, September 9 was chosen as the date for Soju Day to coincide with the unique characteristics of Soju as a spirit that brings people together and symbolizes the sharing of joy, stories, and traditions; and

WHEREAS, More than 550,000 Korean Americans residing in California are part of the K-Food movement by introducing Korean food, including bulgogi, kimchi, and soju, to their California friends; and

WHEREAS, California is the second largest rice producing state in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu; and

WHEREAS, The new law is likely to encourage domestic production of soju in California, and it is highly anticipated that new distilleries will contribute to the California economy by the consumption of California rice and other agricultural products in producing soju; and

WHEREAS, New soju distilleries will create more jobs in factories and through marketing, distribution, and sales channels; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, The Legislature adopted September 20 as Soju Day through the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 95 (Chapter 183 of the Statutes of 2025); now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby joins in celebrating September 20, 2026, as the second annual Soju Day in this state; and be it further

Resolved, That the citizens of this state are encouraged to join in the celebration of Soju Day by learning about Korean culture, attending community events, and engaging in the rich traditions that soju represents; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate distribute copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.