LOS ANGELES, CA - A 19-year-old Korean-American, Joonhee Han, was brutally attacked and killed in Koreatown, Los Angeles. Still, the media coverage has been notably sparse, raising concerns about the disparity in reporting based on the race of the suspect and victim. The incident has raised significant concerns about rising violent crime in the area and prompted a strong community response to support Han’s grieving family.
The assault happened on July 18 around 4:30 p.m., near 7th Street and Serrano Avenue. Han, a young man deeply involved in his community and known for his passion for rock climbing and fitness, was walking when he made brief eye contact with a black man on an electric scooter.
The black man violently pushed Han from behind, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement. Despite Han’s physical fitness and instinct not to fight back, the attacker continued to assault him while he was helpless.
Initially, Han did not show severe symptoms, but five days later, on July 23, he collapsed while with friends. He turned pale, vomited, and lost vision in one eye before his breathing became unstable. A friend studying nursing attempted CPR and called 911. Han was rushed to the hospital, where he was placed on a ventilator and underwent emergency surgery. Despite early signs of improvement, his condition rapidly deteriorated, and he was declared brain-dead on July 25. He was taken off of life support on August 1.
The media coverage of Han’s death has been notably subdued compared to similar cases. The suspect's race- the attacker being black- has appeared to lead to a quieter response from major news outlets. This contrasts sharply with how such cases have been handled if the racial dynamics were reversed.
Critics argue that had the races been swapped, the story would likely have received far more extensive coverage and prompted widespread public outrage and discussions.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is treating Han’s death as a homicide. The coroner’s office determined that his death resulted from brain damage caused by a blood clot, which was a direct consequence of the assault. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage but have not yet identified the suspect, making eyewitness testimony crucial. The LAPD has urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community support in solving this case.
In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe page titled "Joonhee’s Legacy: A Community United" was created to help Han’s family cover mounting medical bills, funeral expenses, and other unforeseen costs. Organized by family friend Edric Oh on behalf of Chris Han, the fundraiser has seen significant community support, highlighting the disconnect between public engagement and media reporting.
This tragic incident has underscored the ongoing problem of violent crime in Koreatown and the need for justice for victims like Joonhee Han. The creation of the GoFundMe page reflects the community's solidarity and desire to support Han’s family during this heartbreaking time, while also celebrating the life of a young man who touched so many lives.
A quote from the page memorializing Han reads, "A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." Han's life was one of joy and connection. Known for his bright personality, he was deeply involved in his community and cherished by his friends and family. His passion for rock climbing and dedication to fitness were just a few of the many ways he inspired those around him.
Han’s parents, faced with the heart-wrenching decision of removing him from life support, ultimately decided to honor his wish to donate his organs. On August 1, Han was taken off life support, and his organs were donated, saving multiple lives.
The assault happened on July 18 around 4:30 p.m., near 7th Street and Serrano Avenue. Han, a young man deeply involved in his community and known for his passion for rock climbing and fitness, was walking when he made brief eye contact with a black man on an electric scooter.
The black man violently pushed Han from behind, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement. Despite Han’s physical fitness and instinct not to fight back, the attacker continued to assault him while he was helpless.
Initially, Han did not show severe symptoms, but five days later, on July 23, he collapsed while with friends. He turned pale, vomited, and lost vision in one eye before his breathing became unstable. A friend studying nursing attempted CPR and called 911. Han was rushed to the hospital, where he was placed on a ventilator and underwent emergency surgery. Despite early signs of improvement, his condition rapidly deteriorated, and he was declared brain-dead on July 25. He was taken off of life support on August 1.
The media coverage of Han’s death has been notably subdued compared to similar cases. The suspect's race- the attacker being black- has appeared to lead to a quieter response from major news outlets. This contrasts sharply with how such cases have been handled if the racial dynamics were reversed.
Critics argue that had the races been swapped, the story would likely have received far more extensive coverage and prompted widespread public outrage and discussions.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is treating Han’s death as a homicide. The coroner’s office determined that his death resulted from brain damage caused by a blood clot, which was a direct consequence of the assault. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage but have not yet identified the suspect, making eyewitness testimony crucial. The LAPD has urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community support in solving this case.
In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe page titled "Joonhee’s Legacy: A Community United" was created to help Han’s family cover mounting medical bills, funeral expenses, and other unforeseen costs. Organized by family friend Edric Oh on behalf of Chris Han, the fundraiser has seen significant community support, highlighting the disconnect between public engagement and media reporting.
This tragic incident has underscored the ongoing problem of violent crime in Koreatown and the need for justice for victims like Joonhee Han. The creation of the GoFundMe page reflects the community's solidarity and desire to support Han’s family during this heartbreaking time, while also celebrating the life of a young man who touched so many lives.
A quote from the page memorializing Han reads, "A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." Han's life was one of joy and connection. Known for his bright personality, he was deeply involved in his community and cherished by his friends and family. His passion for rock climbing and dedication to fitness were just a few of the many ways he inspired those around him.
Han’s parents, faced with the heart-wrenching decision of removing him from life support, ultimately decided to honor his wish to donate his organs. On August 1, Han was taken off life support, and his organs were donated, saving multiple lives.
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Comments
2024-08-21T18:52-0400 | Comment by: Harry
There seems to be a nationwide agenda protecting the black criminal. In Chicago, guns are always blamed for the homicide rate, when in reality, it's the black gang members and drive-by shooters who are committing the crimes. In large cities, most carjackings are committed by black juveniles. This shows that America doesn't have a "gun problem", America has a Black Criminal problem !
2024-08-22T13:06-0400 | Comment by: Franklin
America does indeed have a gun problem people walking around with guns in a civilized Country do not seem to be very civilized to me regardless of who is committing most of the crimes, black or not, shooting and killing all over America cops are not any better they shoot and kill just for joy we have too many cops and too many guns.
2024-08-22T16:56-0400 | Comment by: Patrick
Franklin/Harry how does this post have anything to do with gun control? Franklin, your mentality and comments, prove that we need more Police Officers and lawful gun owners. And while we're at more Long Term Prisons!