Residents near a Koreatown nightclub have raised complaints about noise, while it was revealed that the club’s operations deviate from the conditions approved by the City of Los Angeles.
At a special meeting of the Wilshire Center-Koreatown Neighborhood Council (WCKNC) Planning & Land Use Management Committee on June 26, resident complaints and allegations of irregular operation related to “Fountain LA,” located on Olympic Boulevard, were discussed. Council member Joseph Lee reported that five residents living near the club recently filed noise complaints.
The Korea Daily discovered that the residents’ discomfort was significant. “Loud music plays until 2 a.m., and many people park in the lot and play music loudly from their cars,” said Oh, a resident living two minutes’ walk from the club. He added, “The strong bass makes my house shake.”
Another resident, Michelle Kwon, “Besides the noise, there are issues with the smell of marijuana, littering, and fights among club visitors.”
The club appears to be operating in violation of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for alcohol sales granted by the city in June 2020. According to the CUP issued by the LA City Planning
The club appears to be operating in violation of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for alcohol sales granted by the city in June 2020. According to the CUP issued by the LA City Planning Department to C&C Realty Group’s owner, Corner Seungjung Choi, Fountain LA is permitted to sell and manufacture alcohol on the condition that it operates as a restaurant, as specified in the CUP.
The CUP prohibits professional or amateur disc jockeys, adult entertainment of any type, and dancing. However, Fountain LA has posted videos on its official Instagram showing dozens of people dancing inside the club and promoting DJ events. The CUP also requires the club to display signs saying “No Loitering or Public Drinking” in and outside of the facility, but no such signs were found on the building’s exterior. Additionally, the club must display contact information at the entrance for residents or visitors to file complaints, which was also missing.
Fountain LA is also found to be operating differently from the submitted floor plans. The first-floor plan submitted by the club shows four tables and 24 chairs in the center. However, videos on the club’s Instagram show no tables or chairs, only people dancing.
Furthermore, the site plan submitted by Fountain LA did not include patio seating. According to public hearing records in the CUP, Choi stated that the club would operate without patio seating. Nonetheless, patio seating that can accommodate dozens of people was found between the club building and an adjacent café.
Resident Oh said, “When the club holds parties, they use large curtains to hide the patio seating.”
Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of police action regarding these issues. “I’ve reported to the police but have never seen them come,” said Oh.
WCKNC President Bill Robinson stated at the special meeting on June 26 that he understands the police have responded only once. He added that Fountain LA must operate in compliance with the approved CUP conditions and noted that the issue would be continuously discussed in future council meetings to seek resolutions.
Despite attempts to contact Fountain LA for comments on the controversy, no response was received.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM, YOONJAE JUNG [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
