Senator Choi Hosts Soju Festival, Declares September 20th “Soju Day”
SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Senator Steven Choi (R-Irvine) brought together community leaders, cultural organizations, and elected officials on Monday at the historic Leland Stanford Mansion for a festival celebrating soju and Korean culture.
During the event, Senator Choi formally declared September 20th as “Soju Day”, honoring Korea’s traditional distilled spirit and recognizing its growing cultural presence in the United States.
Choi emphasized that the designation highlights the value of Korean heritage, strengthens cultural exchange, and underscores the Korean American community’s contributions to California’s diverse identity.
The festival featured soju tastings, traditional Korean performances, and community celebrations, drawing a wide range of attendees to honor the heritage and global appeal of soju.
“Soju is about Korean heritage, culture, and community bonds,” Senator Choi said. “It has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, while also serving as a bridge of cultural exchange in our diverse society.”
In addition to the cultural celebration, the event also recognized Assembly Bill 2069 (2023–2024), which authorizes beer and wine license holders to sell soju and shochu without the need for a separate liquor license. Senator Choi, who had introduced similar legislation in a previous session, applauded Assemblymember James Gallagher for successfully carrying the bill forward and securing its passage.
