By Taylor Stronsky
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Maryland’s First Lady Yumi Hogan on Tuesday was awarded the Order of Civil Meritduring a ceremony at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C.
The governor’s office said Hogan is one of the first Korean Americans from the nation’s capital area to receive a Camellia (Dongbaek) Medal, considered the Republic of Korea’s highest and most prestigious civilian honor. Officials said the award was for Hogan’s commitment to serve the Korean American community and strengthen ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
“I have made it my mission to bring different generations of Korean Americans together, to connect Korea and Maryland, and to promote the value and beauty of Korean culture and heritage,” said the First Lady.
“However, the award I receive today honors the success of our community, not mine,” she said. “Our success is thanks to the many Korean Americans in Maryland who have kept our community’s legacy alive, and our partners in Korea who share special friendships with our state.”
Gov. Larry Hogan was present for the ceremony, as well as other dignitaries including the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Lee Soo-hyuck, and General Consul Sei-joong Kwon.
“First Lady Yumi Hogan of Maryland has served a pivotal role in introducing Korean culture in Maryland,” Lee said. “She played an instrumental role in successfully importing test kits from South Korea while the coronavirus situation was getting worse in the United States.”
The First Lady received international recognition earlier this year for her efforts to help secure Korean COVID-19 tests through the South Korean government and Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. During the pandemic, Maryland has used nearly 400,000 LabGenomics tests, officials said.
The First Lady also advocates for Korean adoptees and Korean War veterans in Maryland. She has helped increase awareness of Korean culture by championing Taekwondo Day celebrations, the dedication of Korean Way in Howard County, and the creation of a Korean natural dye farming program in Baltimore City. She has led two trade missions to Korea, and played a key role in the creation of a sister-state relationship between the State of Maryland and her home province of Jeollanam-do. In addition, she coordinated a reception for the National Governors Association, in February.