David Hyun

David Hyun, 95, born on January 3, 1917, in Korea, passed away May 2, 2012. The youngest son of Reverend Soon and Maria Lee Hyun, David was a small child when the family fled Korea due to his father's role in the Korean Independence Movement. He grew up on the island of Kauai, attended the University of Hawaii, then settled in Los Angeles where in 1950 he became the first Korean American architect. His most celebrated achievement was design, development, and management of Japanese Village Plaza as part of the revitalization of Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles during the 1980's. In later life David devoted much of his time and resources to the massive project of bringing to light his father's contribution to Korea's Independence. He enjoyed golf and chess, and was an avid photographer. David was preceded in death last November by Mary, his wife of 70 years. He is survived by his sister Mary Lindauer; his two sons, David Kyun Hyun and wife Janise, and Tahn and wife Margaret; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. At the time of his passing, David resided at Regency Park Oak Knoll in Pasadena. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA.