Ten Korean American entrepreneurs and executives have been selected for this year’s LA500 list, which recognizes the most influential figures in the Los Angeles area. The Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) annually compiles the list to highlight individuals who significantly impact the local economy and society.
Repeat Honorees and Banking Leaders
Among the honorees, Kevin Kim, CEO of Bank of Hope, was included for the tenth consecutive year. LABJ noted his recent leadership in completing a merger with Territorial Bancorp, based in Honolulu, creating the largest regional bank serving multicultural customers across the U.S. mainland and Hawaii.
Bonnie Lee, CEO of Hanmi Bank, was named for the seventh time. LABJ credited Lee for growing the bank’s assets by 36% over six years and for launching its first international office in Seoul last year to support Korean firms expanding to the U.S.
Real Estate, Law, and Corporate Leadership
Siblings Jamie Lee and Garrett Lee of Jamison were both named to the list. Jamie Lee, CEO of Jamison Realty, was recognized for pivoting the company’s business model from office management to residential development, becoming a leader in adaptive reuse and multifamily housing projects. Garrett Lee, President of Jamison Properties, manages commercial and residential properties across Southern California and oversees the company’s construction arm.
First-time honoree Junkoo Kim, CEO of Webtoon Entertainment, was also included. He founded the company under South Korean internet conglomerate Naver in 2014 and now leads its global digital content expansion.
Esther Cho, managing partner of the Stradley Ronon Long Beach office, made her debut on the list as well. She joined the firm last year after leading a local litigation team and now serves as co-chair of its securities litigation and regulatory group.
Additional Korean American Honorees
Andy Park, a partner at Ernst & Young (EY), was named for the fourth straight year. Recently promoted to South Pacific Growth Market Leader, he now oversees operations in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, and Honolulu. He is also set to become the next chair of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Also making his first appearance on the list is Sean Kim, CEO of social media company Triller. LABJ highlighted his prior role as head of product at TikTok and his accomplishments in entertainment and e-commerce.
Brian Lee, co-founder and managing director of BAM Ventures, was recognized for his investments in fintech and mobile gaming startups, including NerdWallet and Scopely.
Lastly, Grace Lee, co-founder and chief creative officer of Birdy Grey, was named for the first time. With 13 years of experience in the fashion and beauty industries, she helped establish Birdy Grey as a leading brand in the affordable wedding wear market.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
