See Myun Kymm

Life and Remembrance: See Myun Kymm

See Myun Kymm, renowned leader of the initial and ongoing development of the Korean-American community and Koreatown in Los Angeles, passed away on the 23rd of April at the age of 89.

Born in Andong, Gyeongbuk, South Korea, he graduated from Sungkyunkwan University and immigrated to the U.S. in 1959, years before the passage of the antidiscriminatory Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 and before the first large wave of immigrants arrived from Korea in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He served in many founding leadership roles, including as chairman of the Namgajoo Korean Association Foundation, the Korean American Political Research Institute, Korean American Federation and the Korean Cultural Center.

In 1970, as chairman of the Dongpo Foundation, he led a grass roots fundraising campaign to build a monument dedicated to support and encourage solidarity amongst immigrants from Korea. He selected a locale he envisioned would be the center of what was to be the future Koreatown of Los Angeles.

Fittingly, he was selected to be a torchbearer for the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles, proudly running along Olympic Boulevard, through the heart of his beloved Koreatown. Until his passing, he served as chairman of the “O My Country Foundation” which sponsored philanthropic programs including a gala concert featuring Korean American musicians and the Korean Philharmonic performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2007, with proceeds donated to a foster home for troubled Korean American youth.

In addition to his philanthropic projects, he attained great success in the field of commercial land development, developing large swathes of land throughout Southern California. He also devoted himself to several business endeavors, including owning/running a textile dyeing plant; and owning/running an 18 hole Golf course and club.

At the Kimpo International Airport in Seoul stands a memorial tower built in 1971 to honor him as one of the earliest successful immigrants to America, and to urge immigrants to keep ties to Korea. The tower, called the “O My Country” tower, bears the inscription, "Even if I leave, I will return to this tower to reflect on and remember my fondness of Korea." The original tower was rebuilt in 2007 with a million dollar budget and a new 100 foot tall design by his daughter and architect Doris Kim.

An advocate for several progressive measures, in 2018, he spoke at the centrally located and prominent urban stage in front of the statue of King Sejong in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, calling for the South Korean government to allow Korean Americans to retain or restore their Korean citizenship so that they could have dual citizenship and participate in previously limited activities. He also raised his voice in support of South Koreans embracing and partnering with second and third generation Korean Americans in joint modern endeavors.

He lost his wife, Ock Ja Kymm, in 2019, and published a book entitled “Dream” in 2020, which included stories about her and his life reflections. His funeral will be held quietly with only family members in attendance. He is survived by daughters Cedina, Doris, and Deborah; their respective spouses; and grandchildren Rachel, Christian, Madeleine, Mina, Maia, and Max. May he rest in peace.