Duluth, January 13, 2026 – Sarah Park was sworn in this week as the newest member of the Duluth City Council, marking a milestone moment not only for the city but for its growing Korean American community.
The ceremony, held at Duluth City Hall, was intentionally modest. Park took the oath of office surrounded by her husband, Michael Park, and their two young children, who stood close as she assumed her new role representing Post 1.
Family members, supporters, and local civic leaders filled the room, including several prominent figures from the Korean American community. Among those in attendance were Sunny Park; Sam Park, a member of the Georgia House of Representatives HD-107; Sean Park, president of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce; and Michelle Lee, president of the Korean Festival Foundation.
Her fist duty as Councilwoman was announcing the Duluth's proclamation of Korean American Day in the Korean language alongside with Mayor Greg Whitlock.
Park’s path to elected office was shaped by years of grassroots involvement. Before launching her council campaign, she built a reputation through community service and hands-on work with local government in Gwinnett County, experiences that helped her cultivate broad support among residents.
Last year, she translated that groundwork into a decisive electoral victory, unseating a long-serving incumbent in a closely watched city council race.
Outside of public service, Park and her husband are small business owners, operating a coffee shop in downtown Duluth. Supporters say that connection to daily life in the city has informed her pragmatic approach to governance.
As Park begins her term, allies point to her blend of community advocacy, government experience, and small-business perspective as assets for a city continuing to grow and diversify.
