Commemorating

33rd “SA-I-GU” Anniversary

🕊️ Today marks 33 years since the 4.29.1992 SAIGU.
KAFLA honors all Angelenos who were impacted and stands in solidarity with our Black, Latino, AANHPI, and all communities.

From pain came purpose.
From division, a call for unity.
We remain committed to peace, engagement, and a more just Los Angeles—together. 🤝
#LAUprising #UnityInDiversity #KAFLA #33YearsLater

LOS ANGELES, CA - 로스앤젤레스한인회는 지난 1992년 오늘을 기억합니다. 낯선 타국에서의 힘겨운 이민생활에 닥친 그날의 폭동은 재앙과도 같았습니다. 이유없는 증오와 분노, 이기심의 물결은 한인타운을 휩쓸었고, 우리는 스스로를 지키기 위해 일어섰습니다.

33년을 맞이하는 오늘, 과거에 비해 누구나 부러워할 한인타운을 재건하였고, 결고 쉽지는 않않지만, 우리의 이웃 커뮤니티와 연대하여 함께 성장하는 사회를 만들어 나가고 있습니다. LA한인회는 과거의 아픔과 교훈을 기억하고자, 각 지역구 정치인들에게 오늘을 상기시키고, 증오와 편견을 넘어, 화합과 상호이해의 메시지를 모아 우리 동포들과 함께 오늘을 기념합니다.

Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) President Robert Ahn:

“As we mark the 33rd anniversary of the 1992 LA Civil Unrest, the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) remembers a pivotal moment in our city’s history—a time of pain, awakening, and ultimately, transformation.

We honor the resilience of all Angelenos impacted by the events of that time, and reaffirm our commitment to promoting unity, engagement, and mutual understanding between our Korean American and neighboring multiethnic communities.

Today, we stand together with our Black, Latino, AANHPI, and all communities across Los Angeles. In shared remembrance and hope, we continue to work side by side and build lasting solidarity for a more just, inclusive, and united city for future generations.”

First AME Church of Los Angeles Senior Pastor Rev. Robert R Shaw, II: “As we reflect on the journey born out of the tragedy and response of April 29, 1992, we pay tribute to the unwavering spirit that continues to move us toward greater equity, justice, and reconciliation. In these times of uncertainty and challenge, may we remain steadfast in our commitment to the enduring values of faith, fortitude, and fairness—championing the cause of all communities, and especially standing in solidarity with our African American and Korean American brothers and sisters. At First AME Church of Los Angeles, we renew our dedication to our mission, “First to Serve,” and to our ministry vision, “FAME+US”, for it takes all of us to truly embody the beloved community God has called us to build. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) for your ongoing commitment to unity, partnership, and community advancement.”

United States Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34): “This 33rd anniversary of the LA Riots is a moment for all Angelenos to stand together and remember the pain and loss our city endured. SAIGU exposed deep injustices, but it also showed how much we need each other to heal and move forward. In LA, we have more in common than what divides us. Together, we will keep working to build a stronger, more united LA for everyone.”

United States Representative Dave Min (CA-47): "Saigu, which literally means 4-29, the date of the LA riots in 1992, marks a time of profound reflection, sadness, and political awakening for the Korean American community. Proud of the efforts of our community not only in rebuilding Koreatown but also in consciously working to build solidarity with other communities following that tragic time."

California State Senator María Elena Durazo (SD 26): “Thirty-three years ago, the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest shook our city to its core—a watershed moment that brought immense suffering but also sparked profound change. This anniversary reminds us of the urgent need to stand together in solidarity, reject hate, and build bridges between communities. Today, I join KAFLA in honoring the resilience of those who endured tremendous hardship, the tireless advocates who demanded justice, and the ongoing work that has helped heal deep wounds. The lessons of 1992 continue to guide us as we face new challenges that threaten our social fabric. The journey toward true equity requires our unwavering commitment to understanding one another, confronting systemic barriers, and creating a Los Angeles where all communities can thrive with dignity and respect. I proudly stand alongside the Korean American community and all Angelenos who remain dedicated to transforming the painful lessons of our past into a more just and compassionate future for all.”

California State Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez (AD54): “As we commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest - or SAIGU as it is known in the Korean American community - we reflect on a profound chapter in our city’s history—a history that has exposed the deep inequities of race, class, and socioeconomic status in Los Angeles. For the Korean American community, this marked a moment of immense hardship, resilience, and transformation. In a community of vibrant history and deep cultural roots, this unrest continues to shape the Korean American community today by bringing equity to the forefront of every discussion and decision. In solidarity with KAFLA and all those committed to justice and healing, I stand with you in rejecting hate and building bridges of understanding across differences. The memory of 4/29 calls us not only to remember, but to act with compassion and courage as we fight for a more just future.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (SD2): “As we reflect on the 1992 LA uprising 33 years ago, we recognize that the path forward must be paved with unity, understanding, and collective action. This time in history showed us that we are stronger when we stand together, listening to each other and learning from one another. We must continue to uplift every community, promoting equity, and a future grounded in solidarity.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: “Today, on this important anniversary, let us take a moment to reflect on the lessons of our past and reaffirm our commitment to unity, resilience, and mutual respect. In times of hardship and division, it is through solidarity and collaboration that we find the strength to move forward. As we honor the experiences of our communities, let us continue working together to overcome challenges and build a more inclusive, equitable, and stronger Los Angeles for all.”

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt (CD10): “On the 33rd anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest we reflect on a painful chapter in our city’s history that revealed deep racial, social, and economic wounds, while honoring the resilience of communities who endured loss and hardship. I commend the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles for its unwavering leadership and for reaffirming our collective commitment to solidarity, healing, and progress. These foundations will continue us on the path of building an equitable City where Justice can prevail.”

Los Angeles City Councilman John Lee (CD12): "The LA Riots forced our city to reckon with tough questions about justice, race, and what it truly means to live together in a diverse, shared community. For many in the Korean American community, April 29 remains a painful memory of loss, fear, and isolation. But it also became a turning point, a moment that awakened the importance of civic engagement, representation, and resilience. Over three decades later, the lessons of 4.29 are still with us. While we cannot forget the destruction and trauma, we must also remember the strength that followed. Korean Americans began stepping into public life, demanding a seat at the table, and shaping the future of Los Angeles. I am one of many who chose to walk through that door, to ensure that our communities are not only seen but heard, and that history does not repeat itself. As we remember 4.29, let us honor those who were affected by continuing to build a city rooted in justice, compassion, and belonging, for all."

LA Civil Rights Department Executive Director Capri Maddox: “The pain and frustration of the 1992 Civil Unrest fuels the LA Civil Rights Department's commitment to fighting hate, discrimination, and inequity as we strive to create a Los Angeles For Everyone!”