Steven Koh to Lead Korea America Foundation as Next Chairman
Steven Koh KAF Chairman has been named the next chairman of the Korea America Foundation (KAF), with his term set to begin next year. Koh, the former honorary chairman of Bank of Hope, will oversee the foundation’s efforts to strengthen U.S.-Korea relations, expand scholarship programs, and cultivate the next generation of Korean American leaders.
He succeeds current Chairman John Lim, who assumed the role a year ago.
Founded in 2018, the Korea America Foundation has awarded more than $2.7 million in grants to 53 nonprofit organizations. The foundation’s prestigious Founders Circle, consisting of donors who have each contributed at least $100,000, now includes more than 50 members, making KAF one of the largest philanthropic organizations serving the Korean American community.
Steven Koh KAF Chairman to Continue KAF’s Mission
Koh is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Korean American banking.
After immigrating to the United States in 1971, he initially operated a steel business before entering the banking industry. He played a pivotal role in recapitalizing Wilshire Bank during a period when the institution faced the possibility of regulatory closure, helping restore its financial stability.
In 1986, Koh joined Wilshire Bank’s board of directors and later became chairman of Wilshire Bancorp. Following the 2016 merger between BBCN Bancorp and Wilshire Bancorp, he was appointed the inaugural chairman of Hope Bancorp, the parent company of Bank of Hope. From 2017 until recently, he served as honorary chairman of Hope Bancorp’s board.
Longtime Community and Philanthropic Leader
Beyond banking, Koh has maintained a long record of civic leadership.
He served as the founding chairman of the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA) and established the KoSun Foundation in 2004 to support local communities and international humanitarian initiatives.
In recognition of his decades of leadership and philanthropy, the South Korean government awarded him the Moran Medal of the Order of Civil Merit in 2023.
As Steven Koh KAF Chairman, he is expected to build on the foundation’s charitable mission by expanding educational opportunities, strengthening nonprofit partnerships, and promoting leadership development within the Korean American community.
