James Ryu gets more face time with the people featured in KoreAm, including the honorees at this year’s “Unforgettable.” TOP: On the set of “Grey’s Anatomy” with Sandra Oh, holding her Acting Achievement Award. • ABOVE: James partying it up with Joseph Hahn (Music Achievement Award honoree), Henry Cho and Toby Dawson (Sports Achievement Award winner) at Raleigh Studios on Dec. 16.
Every year I debate about hosting another “Unforgettable.” It’s a lot of effort to put on such a gala and a lot to ask our small staff to take on. But I always eventually come to the realization that it’s a KoreAm event that truly means something to the community. And, truthfully, the year would feel a little incomplete without this annual gathering that began in 2002.
This year we decided to do things a little differently. Recognizing all of the accomplishments that Korean Americans have garnered over the past few years, we wanted our magazine to acknowledge the progress we have made. Thus, this year’s “Unforgettable” honored the achievements of actress Sandra Oh, musician Joseph Hahn of Linkin Park and Olympic medalist Toby Dawson.
I was moved while watching these three accept their awards at our event held at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood in front of a crowd of nearly 500. Sandra, Joseph and Toby have all excelled in their fields, yet remain humble and committed to representing Korean Americans. It was such a pleasure to be able to recognize this trio, and it will be interesting to see what they produce in the future.
Back in 2000, before there was such a thing as “Unforgettable,” KoreAm held an awards event that honored pioneers like Olympian Dr. Sammy Lee and actor Soon Tek Oh. To now see a new generation of Korean Americans benefiting from the paths taken by these trailblazers is incredibly encouraging. It was a great way to end 2006. Check out photos from the Dec. 16 event on page 30.
Now that 2007 is here, we’re prepared to take on new stories out there, like University of Southern California running back Emmanuel Moody, who graces our cover. The freshman from Texas had a breakout first year, and even though USC failed to make the national championship, we’re proud to give you the scoop on Emmanuel. I’m excited to see what he does next.
As for me, I plan on taking this year easy by spending more time at home just being a father and a husband. Our youngest is 5 months old, so I’m still trying to catch up on as much sleep as possible.
That is until our next “Unforgettable.”
Happy New Year to all of you!
James Y. Ryu
Editor in Chief
