The Untold Story of the Korean Immigrants' Fight for Survival in the 1992 LA Riots

💪Korean immigrants in Koreatown armed themselves to protect their businesses and communities during the 1992 LA riots.

🔥The riots caused widespread devastation, with over 60 deaths and $1 billion in damages.

👥Koreatown became a makeshift command center, with radio broadcasts coordinating armed responses to looters.

🔫Korean business owners defended their properties from looters, often taking positions on rooftops for tactical advantage.

🏙️The 1992 LA riots forever shaped the Korean-American identity, known as 'Saigu,' a day Koreans will never forget.

What were the causes of the 1992 LA riots?

—The 1992 LA riots were sparked by the acquittal of four LAPD officers involved in the beating of Rodney King.

How many Korean immigrants were affected by the riots?

—Many first-generation Korean immigrants had their businesses destroyed or damaged during the riots.

What role did the Korean-American community play in the riots?

—Korean-Americans in Koreatown defended their businesses using armed resistance, becoming a symbol of resilience and self-defense.

How did the Korean immigrants organize their defense?

—Radio Korea served as a makeshift command center, alerting shop owners to incoming looters and coordinating responses.

How did the 1992 LA riots impact the Korean-American identity?

—The riots, known as 'Saigu,' had a profound impact on the Korean-American community, shaping their identity and sense of self-defense.

00:00On April 29th, 1992, chaos erupted in the streets of Los Angeles during the infamous LA riots.

01:31Donut's video explores the untold story of Korean immigrants in Koreatown during the riots.

03:17As the riots escalated, Korean immigrants armed themselves to protect their businesses.

09:53The rooftop Koreans, as they came to be known, defended their properties from looters.

11:08The riots ended with the arrival of marines and national guard troops.