I know the topic may throw off some people. I know how sick many of us are of the whole gangster scene, I know I am. I’m a former “gang-banger” myself (though I still have ties with my gang, I am no longer an active member) and was surfing the web when I came across one of my homies’ web article chronicling the history of Filipino gangs in Los Angeles. I felt it necessary to do the same except from a Korean American point of view because although we all are wary of the subject, it is an important part of the Korean American experience that is rarely covered. Here is the first installment. If I get enough good responses, I’ll continue to write. If not, I’ll respect your wishes and trash this crap.

Brief overview of myself: I started gang banging in 1991 at the age of twelve and got locked up for an armed robbery at the age of 17. I served three years, got released and ended up working at the Korean Youth and Community Center (KYCC) in Los Angeles for the GAP (Gang Awareness Project). I helped at-risk youth get job training and back in to school. After working there for about a year and a half, I decided that I needed to get back into school. I turn 24 this year and I’m close to getting my bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Los Angeles.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, grew up in Korea Town. I guess you can say that I am very Americanized. Growing up, I always pushed aside my heritage and embraced American culture. I looked down on the “fobs” and tried so hard not to be mistaken for one.

I loved basketball and use to play daily at the Oriental Mission Church (OMC) in Los Angeles. I had such a strong passion for basketball. I was around 12 at the time and I use to day- dream about being the first Korean NBA star. That all changed when the church decided that too many people came there just to ball and started locking up the court. I looked elsewhere to occupy my time and started to hang out at a local liquor star on Maplewood and Western. They had just gotten Street Fighter II, which was the rage at the time. I noticed a group of guys who also use to hang out there. They looked mean and were tatted up. I ignored them and proceeded to whoop on them in Street Fighter. They didn’t trip so I took it as permission to come back. I continued to do so throughout the summer of 1990. Turned out that they were from the Filipino gang Jefrox (JFX). It is a Filipino word that basically refers to the young, rebellious punkers who were looked up to in the old country.

These guys treated me like a little brother, something I felt was lacking in my own home. My older brother and I never got along and my dad, well, you all know how Korean dads show affection: “Yah! Why did you get a B on your report card! You’re not studying hard enough! No more T.V.!” I later learned this translated to “I love you so much that I don’t want you to struggle like I have my whole life. I want you to grow up happy and successful.” Anyway, I found myself looking forward to seeing the “homies” and spent most of my days chilling at the liquor store.

One day, I came in with my walk-man and set it on a chair inside so that I can play video games. A Mexican guy called “Sapo” from the gang Carnales snatched my radio and boned out. I told the homies about it, hoping that they could do something. I went home empty handed and sad. I knew my dad worked hard to buy me that walk-man and now it’s gone. The next day, I went to the homie Oso’s (JFX) house and he handed me my radio. He said he went to Sapo's house, told him I was with them and he gave it up. I never felt so empowered before. I had these guys backing me up and I felt I was king of the world. Things were going well until one Friday evening that would change my life.

We were hanging out at the liquor store one peaceful Friday night in 1991. That peace was abruptly shattered when about 15 black and Mexican gang members stormed in with bats and started rumbling with the Jefrox’s. I was only 12 at the time and never experienced anything like this before. I stood in the middle of the melee and froze. I got my wits together and ran to a corner. I thought I was safe until one of the attackers rushed towards me with a bat…..