The passing of Kims Home Center founder Kim Dae-soon on the 7th at the age of 92 marks the end of an era for the Korean-American community in Los Angeles. For nearly half a century, his business has been a familiar staple in the lives of local residents, famously known by its catchy advertising slogan, “The cheapest store even without bargaining.”
Beyond simply selling household goods, the late founder was a first-generation pioneer who helped anchor the growth of Koreatown by providing nostalgic Korean cultural items and emotional ties to the homeland for immigrants. Born in Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province, in 1935, he graduated from Chung-Ang University’s Department of Chemistry in 1954 before immigrating to the United States in 1972, where he started his journey working at gas stations and auto repair shops.
The Birth and Expansion of a Koreatown Landmark
The history of Kims Home Center began in 1979 when the founder opened its first store at VIP Plaza in LA Koreatown. The business later expanded in 1989 by relocating to its current location near Olympic Boulevard and Berendo Avenue. His business philosophy was clear and consistent: offer quality goods at affordable prices so that both customers and the store could mutually benefit, ultimately contributing to the broader community.
To achieve this, he traveled extensively across the globe, visiting countries such as China, Germany, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand. His overseas business trips to source quality products accumulated to an astounding distance of approximately 2 million miles. The iconic advertising jingle that cemented the store’s place in the community was also his own creation, written by him and composed by Bang Yong-seok.
A Hub of Nostalgia and Generational Legacy
For first-generation immigrants, Kims Home Center served as a “mini Korea” where they could find essential items from back home, including traditional Korean slippers, kimchi containers, bedding, and kitchenware. These goods helped soothe the homesick hearts of immigrants and turned the store into a beloved generational landmark where children who once visited with their parents now return as adults.
Today, the legacy of Kims Home Center continues through a third generation, led by eldest son and President Danny Kim, alongside grandson and Vice President Scott Kim. Although the founder has passed away, the trust and cherished memories built with the community over 47 years remain his greatest enduring legacy.
