“Koreatown Transformed into Drug Haven, LA City Government Turns Deaf Ears to Citizens’ Cries”

“Wilshire-Western Intersection Becomes ‘Street of Zombies’… Taxpaying Citizens Stripped of Their Right to Safety”

The heart of Los Angeles’ Koreatown, at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue, has deteriorated into a haven for drug addicts. This area has now earned the notorious nickname “Intersection of Death” among residents. Drug users openly injecting substances and lying unconscious on sidewalks has become an everyday sight.

“I can’t walk this street with my children. Every day, I’m anxious that my kids might step on needles during their walk to and from school,” says Mrs. Kim (42), a nearby resident. Mr. Lee (55), who has operated a restaurant in this area for 20 years, expressed his frustration: “Customers are gradually decreasing. Who would want to come to a place like this?”

Despite repeated coverage by Korean-American media outlets including Radio Seoul, LA city authorities and police appear to have “plugged their ears.” Despite numerous complaints and protests from local residents, city officials have not implemented effective countermeasures.

Mr. Park, representative of the Koreatown Residents’ Council, emphasized, “As taxpaying citizens, we have the right to be guaranteed minimum safety,” adding, “We can only conclude that the city has abandoned Koreatown.”

Experts point to the shortage of LAPD personnel, weakened penalties for drug-related crimes, and the collapse of social welfare systems as causes of this problem. Particularly, the relaxation of drug use enforcement due to changes in LA’s security policies in recent years is cited as a major factor.

Local business owners urged city authorities to establish immediate countermeasures, warning that “if this situation continues, Koreatown’s economy will rapidly decline.” They are demanding increased patrol personnel, expanded CCTV installation, and strengthened treatment programs for drug addicts.

The city council member’s office representing Koreatown continues to repeat formal responses such as “we are working to solve the problem,” further fueling residents’ anger.

Some residents are discussing organizing their own patrol teams, and collective protest demonstrations are being planned. The Korean-American community is sending a strong message to city authorities: “Prove that we have not been abandoned.”