L.A.'s Koreatown Reacts To Kim Jong-il's Death In Doubt, Hope & Worry
The death of Kim Jong-iI, North Korea's 69-year-old leader, has shocked many throughout the world, and residents of Los Angeles' Koreatown exhibit emotions of shock, happiness and concern.
City News Service reports that L.A.'s Korean community is "expressing joy and hope as well as worry about what the transition might hold." Reports say that the dictator's third son, Kim Jong-un, will lead the country.
The neighborhood "has shifted into quiet concern for the future of their native country and its neighbor to the north," according to CBS LA. Televisions in Koreatown bars, cafes and pool halls reported news on the death, but few people reportedly acknowledged the updates.
Many residents reacted in skepticism when learning of the ruler's death. Richard Chong, a Koreatown resident, wondered, "Why are they releasing this information so easily," reports Sacramento Bee.
Following the Korean War in 1953, South Koreans migrated to the United States. L.A. County houses approximately 200,000 Koreans, many of whom live in Koreatown.
Grace Yoo, executive director of the L.A. chapter of the Korean American Coalition, told CBS LA that Jong-iI's death is a symbolic moment for Korean Americans, adding that the new leader will ideally be "someone who cares about their citizens and sees everyone deserving of life."
Jong-iI has served as North Korea's dictator since 1994. He died of a heart attack during a train trip on Saturday.
