KSP Intern Explores the Iconic Image of the “Roof Koreans”

For the Winter/Spring 2022 “30th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Civil Unrest” semester, Koreatown Storytelling Program (KSP) Intern Evan Kim’s multilayered, yearlong project investigated the history and changing perception of the armed Korean Americans who defended their property and livelihoods in the absence of police protection during the 1992 civil unrest.

Evan had the incredible opportunity to interview an “O.G. Rooftop Korean” who recounts being in his early 20s during the time of the civil unrest and shares his thoughts about the modern-day image of Armed Koreans.

Evan edited a personal essay, “삼촌,” by an anonymous KSP participant who analyzes the intergenerational trauma and stigma of mental health issues in the elderly AAPI community as they process the death of a family member who was a part of the armed defense in 1992.

He also led a workshop on the multiple perceptions of this iconic Korean American figure, and how the image has been sensationalized and co-opted by the mainstream media, Second Amendment Rights activists, prideful Korean Americans and even t-shirt companies.

The full oral history interview, personal essay and workshop slides are now available.