Wildfire Relief Fund: $226K Distributed to 39 Korean Victims

Kyeongjun Kim
By Kyeongjun Kim
KAFLA wildfire relief fund ceremony with Korean victims in LA
KAFLA staff and wildfire victims after the $226K relief fund ceremony in LA. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]

$226K wildfire relief fund distributed to Korean victims

Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) has distributed over $226,000 in wildfire relief fund donations to 39 Korean victims affected by recent fires across Southern California.

The wildfire relief fund was collected between January 27 and February 29, with donations from 55 individuals, organizations, religious groups, and businesses, including supporters from Seattle, San Jose, Arizona, and South Korea.

Amounts based on damage type

According to KAFLA, each victim received aid based on the level of damage sustained:

  • $8,720.45 for complete destruction of homes or businesses

  • $3,000 for partial destruction or economic loss

  • $1,000 for indirect damage (such as displacement or smoke impact)

The wildfires primarily affected Koreans in the Palisades and Eaton Canyon areas, with 19 cases reported in each region and one additional case from the Sunset Fire.

Most cases involved total destruction

Among the 39 cases, 22 involved complete destruction of homes or businesses. Six involved indirect damages, such as evacuation, ash, or smoke-related loss. Another six reported economic losses from business disruption. Five cases involved partial destruction to structures like homes, warehouses, or detached buildings.

Victims operated a range of businesses, including laundromats, hair salons, and restaurants. One recipient was the Fair Oaks Burger in Altadena, a Korean-owned restaurant previously featured by The Korea Daily for its hardships.

Fast, community-based response

One recipient, identified only as Mr. Cho, lost his home in the Palisades fire. He said, “The support from KAFLA helped immensely. Other agencies had complicated applications and long waits, but KAFLA stepped in like it was their own problem.”

To ensure fairness and transparency, KAFLA formed a review committee of major donors, which included:

  • Robert Ahn, KAFLA President

  • Sungwook Yoo, Head of Won Buddhism’s Western U.S. Diocese

  • Sanghee Seo, President of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Southern California Alumni

  • Kevin Kang, Chair of Kang Dream Foundation

  • Lina Jeon, Director of WireBarley

A message of gratitude

Robert Ahn expressed thanks to all donors, stating, “Donations came not only from LA and Southern California but also from Seattle, San Jose, Arizona, and Korea. We are deeply grateful and send our sincere condolences to the victims.”

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