The renovation of the former headquarters building (Danso) of the Heungsadan LA branch, a key base for Korean independence activists in the U.S., is officially underway.
Moonsik Jung, the head of the Heungsadan LA branch, said on January 29 that South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) has completed the remodeling design for the current LA Heungsadan Danso (3421-3423 S. Catalina St.) and has begun the process of selecting a contractor.
In a phone interview with Korea Daily, Jung stated, “I was informed by the MPVA’s Memorial Facility Management Division that they are currently in the process of selecting a remodeling company,” adding, “The company will be chosen from among remodeling firms in the LA area.” He noted, “Although the specific construction schedule has not yet been confirmed, the remodeling design has been finalized.”
Korean media outlets also reported on January 29 that the MPVA is conducting a local bidding process to select a contractor and plans to begin construction in August. According to these reports, the Heungsadan Danso is expected to be completed and reopened by the end of next year.
However, the South Korean government has not disclosed detailed information about the remodeling design, future operational plans, or the contractor bidding process.
Min Kwon, the consul in charge of Heungsadan affairs at the LA Consulate General, stated in a phone interview with Korea Daily on January 29, “I have not heard any details about the reports stating that the remodeling project will begin in August,” adding, “Since the MPVA is directly overseeing the remodeling project, I am not aware of the specific plans.”
This response highlights the lack of smooth communication between the MPVA and related organizations, including the LA Consulate General and the Heungsadan LA branch, regarding the renovation project.
Previously, the MPVA was criticized for not communicating effectively during the planning stages of the Danso remodeling project after acquiring the building.
In 2023, the ministry conducted an online survey through its affiliated research institution, the Korean Heritage Research Institute, to gather input from Korean Americans on how to utilize the Danso.
However, due to insufficient promotion, the survey was largely ineffective. Additionally, the planning process was stalled for some time due to the lack of effective communication between the MPVA and the Korean American Heritage Foundation, which was entrusted with managing the Danso.
At the time, Chairman Manjae Cha of the Korean American Heritage Foundation expressed his frustration in an interview with Korea Daily, stating, “I sent multiple emails to the MPVA but never received a response,” and adding, “It seems they have no intention of utilizing the Korean American community’s human resources and connections. Handling the project in this manner is a waste of budget.”
The Heungsadan Danso renovation project dates back to 2021. At that time, Korea Daily was the first Korean American media outlet to report that the Danso was at risk of demolition due to real estate redevelopment, drawing attention from both the Korean American community and the South Korean government.
Subsequently, in January 2023, the MPVA purchased the Heungsadan Danso for $2.95 million to preserve historical sites related to overseas independence movements. On August 16 of the same year, during a plaque unveiling ceremony at the Danso, the MPVA announced its plans for the site’s future use and remodeling.
At the time, Uikyun Hwang, Director General of the Compensation Policy Bureau at the MPVA, stated that the Danso would be used as a research hub for the history of the Korean independence movement in the U.S. and that the remodeling would be completed by August 2025.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
