The Korean-American community in Los Angeles is grieving the senseless loss of Joonhee Han, a vibrant 19-year-old man, who died as a result of a brutal and random assault in Los Angeles Koreatown.
As we mourn his tragic death, we are reminded that the strength of our community lies not only in our shared heritage but in our collective resolve to stand up for one another in times of need.
Joonhee’s life was cut short in an unprovoked attack that took place in broad daylight, a disturbing reminder of the rising violence that has plagued our neighborhoods. As his family grapples with unimaginable grief, they have made a heartfelt plea to our community: to come forward with any information that might lead to the capture of the person responsible for this heinous crime.
The details of the attack are harrowing. Joonhee, a young man described by his father as physically fit and full of life, was suddenly assaulted around 4:30 p.m. on July 18 as he walked near the intersection of 7th Street and Serrano Avenue. His attacker, a Black man on an electric scooter, pushed Joonhee to the ground and brutally beat him while he lay defenseless.
Five days later, on July 23, Joonhee suddenly collapsed. In a coma, he was declared brain-dead on July 25. Joonhee was taken off life support on August 1.
In his final act of generosity, Joonhee fulfilled his lifelong wish to donate his organs, providing the gift of life to others even as his own life was tragically cut short. This selfless act reflects the kind of person Joonhee was—caring, compassionate, and thoughtful. Now, it is our turn to honor his memory by ensuring that justice is served.
The coroner’s office, after conducting an autopsy following the organ-donation surgery, determined that Joonhee’s death was due to brain damage caused by a blood clot resulting from an assault, rather than a naturally occurring stroke. The case has since been referred to the District Attorney’s office.
The investigation into Joonhee’s death is ongoing, but the authorities face a significant challenge: a lack of substantial evidence. The Los Angeles Police Department is diligently reviewing CCTV footage, but eyewitness testimony remains crucial to building a case that can bring the perpetrator to justice.
Chris Han, Joonhee’s father, has issued a desperate plea for anyone who may have seen something that day to come forward and assist in the investigation.
As members of the Korean community and residents of Koreatown, it is our moral duty to respond to this call for help. We must not allow Joonhee’s death to become just another statistic in the rising tide of violence. We must come together, not only to support his grieving family but to ensure that our streets are safe for all who live and work here.
If you were near the intersection of 7th Street and Serrano Avenue on July 18, if you saw something, or if you know someone who might have witnessed this tragic event, please step forward. Your information, no matter how small it may seem, could be the key to bringing Joonhee’s attacker to justice and providing his family with the closure they so desperately need.
Joonhee’s story is not just a story of loss; it is also a call to action. It is a reminder that we, as a community, have the power to make a difference. Let us honor Joonhee’s memory by ensuring that his death is not in vain, by coming together to seek justice, and by working tirelessly to create a safer, more compassionate community for all.
Our hearts go out to Joonhee’s family in this time of profound sorrow. May they find strength in knowing that their community stands with them, and may we all be moved to act in the name of justice and peace.
By Mooyoung Lee lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com
