MD First Lady Earns Highest Civilian Honor From Republic Korea

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland first lady Yumi Hogan will receive the highest civilian honor from the Republic of Korea, the Office of the Governor announced Thursday. The award, named the "Order of Civil Merit of the Republic of Korea," recognizes Yumi Hogan's efforts to further Korean-American relationships.

Yumi Hogan most recently leveraged those connections to help Maryland buy 500,000 coronavirus testing kits from South Korea. The state has used more than 370,000 of these kits to date.

"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," Yumi Hogan said in a press release.

Yumi Hogan led two trade missions to South Korea. She also helped create a sister-state relationship between Maryland and her home province of Jeollanam-do.

Whether promoting taekwondo, dedicating Korean Way in Howard County or creating a Korean dye farming program in Baltimore City, the first lady continues to honor her culture. Yumi Hogan also serves as the honorary chair of the Maryland Koreatown Planning Committee Board.

"In Maryland, we are proud to have a special bond with Korea, and that is due in large part to the passion and dedication of my wonderful wife, Yumi," Gov. Larry Hogan said in the release. "Thanks to her leadership, increasing engagement with the Republic of Korea has been a key effort of our administration."

In February, Yumi Hogan organized a reception for the National Governor's Association at the home of the South Korean ambassador to the U.S., Lee Soo-hyuck.

Now, the ambassador will present the award to Yumi Hogan next Tuesday. The ceremony will be at the South Korean embassy in Washington, D.C.

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