David Ryu Becomes 1st Korean-American To Be Sworn In As LA City Councilmember

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —  The Los Angeles City Council made history Sunday with the swearing-in of David Ryu, the council's first ever Korean-American member.

Ryu (who pronounces his name Roo) was joined by his parents as he was sworn-in on the steps of LA City Hall.

Hundreds attended the ceremony including a large contingent of Ryu's family from Korea.

After it was over, CBS2's Jennifer Kastner reported "the party began."

The swearing in ceremony got started with a traditional Korean music performance.

Ryu is the first Korean-American -- and only the second Asian -- to serve on the LA City Council, making the occasion both memorable and historic.

He's also the council's youngest member.

"I'm just very grateful for this opportunity," Ryu said, "I'm speechless, at a loss for words. But the real work starts now."

Ryu was elected to represent District 4 which includes a small section of Koreatown, and parts of the Miracle Mile, the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood.

He is an LA native who studied economics at UCLA.

Kastner said he prides himself on having a career in community-based mental health care. Ryu is director at Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital. He also served as senior deputy to former county supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke.

Ryu is filling the seat formerly held by Tom LaBonge.