‘Koreatown disappeared’’, was thrown into the warehouse.

As the symbols and signboards that indicate LA Koreatown are left damaged, the city government’s management responsibility is on the chopping block. It has even been reported that some sculptures were recently discovered in a warehouse after being demolished without the knowledge of the Korean community and their whereabouts unknown.

According to the LA Korean Association (Chairman James Ahn), two sculptures, a circular stone sculpture along Olympic Boulevard (near Canmore Avenue) and a small tower-shaped sculpture (near Hobart Boulevard), were demolished by the LA city government.

These sculptures have been engraved with words such as ‘Koreatown’ and ‘Welcome’ along with the Taegeuk symbol, and have been considered symbols of Koreatown.

James Ahn, president of the Korean Association of Los Angeles, said, “Early this year, we received a report that the sculptures had been left damaged due to car accidents, graffiti, etc. since the pandemic, and one day they were gone. At first, we had no idea where the sculptures were, but then City Council member Heather Hurt said, “After inquiring through the office, I learned that it was demolished by the LA City Street Services Department,” he said. These sculptures were installed in 2011 as part of the Olympic Boulevard refurbishment project by the city of Los Angeles.

After becoming aware of the demolition, the LA Korean Association and Koreatown Youth Center (KYCC) made inquiries to determine the location of the sculpture. Afterwards, I received a call from the city of LA that the Koreatown sculpture was in a government warehouse. It was last March.

It is not only the sculptures that are not properly maintained. Information boards containing the history of Koreatown are also left in a damaged state. As a result of this newspaper’s inspection, the signs introducing Dosan Ahn Chang-ho and the history of Koreatown near Olympic Boulevard and Vermont Avenue are covered in graffiti, making it difficult to read the letters.

Additionally, the memorial plaque erected near the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue to commemorate Alfred Song (Korean name Song Ho-yeon), the first Asian member of the California House of Representatives, is currently plastered with graffiti.

Christine Cho (33), who lives in Koreatown, said, “Korean culture, including K-pop, is recognized globally, but LA Koreatown is the exact opposite. These days, many people from other races come here because of the Korean Wave, and the city of LA is aware of the importance of Koreatown.” “I hope the sculptures are properly maintained,” he said.

The LA Korean Association and KYCC are currently seeking the city government to reinstall the sculpture. The problem is that reinstalling a sculpture that has been removed is not easy due to city government procedures because the budget must be reorganized.

KYCC External Cooperation Director Steve Kang said, “Even though the LA city budget was invested, Dauljeong and other areas are managed by Korean organizations, but Koreatown sculptures are under the jurisdiction of the LA city.” “I understand that the Transportation Bureau and others are opposed to reinstallation because there are frequent vehicle accidents in this area,” he said.

Reporter Jang Yeol [email protected]