Our Story
While there are no official records of the first Korean American law enforcement officer in California or the United States, we have documented George Min joining the Los Angeles Police Department in 1965, making him the earliest known Korean American law enforcement officer in California. In 1993, Esther (Song) Kunz broke new ground as the first Korean American female to join the LAPD.
Fast forward to 2024, it is estimated that there are approximately 2,500 Korean American law enforcement officers, deputies, and agents in California alone. KALEO was formed in 2018 when about 30 officers gathered in Koreatown, Los Angeles, to establish our organization. In our first year of operation, we grew our membership to 200, and we currently have over 350 members.
Meet the Board Members
Our Board of Directors is composed of dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and passion to KALEO. Their commitment drives our mission and vision forward, ensuring the growth and success of our organization and its members.
Ben Pak
President, KALEO Founding Member
Ben Pak is a 16-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department. His diverse experience spans vice, traffic, patrol, and community relations. As a Reserve Officer, he has dedicated himself to protecting and serving the community without monetary compensation.
Janet Kim
Vice President
Janet Kim, a 26-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, serves as a Sergeant II and Command Pilot in the Air Support Division. Her diverse experience includes roles as a patrol officer, Tactics and Firearms instructor, Field Training Officer, Senior Lead Officer, and Gang Enforcement Detail sergeant.
Es Kim
Treasurer
Officer Esther Kim, a 16-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, has served in patrol, gang enforcement, and narcotics. She is currently assigned as a K9 Officer with the Gang and Narcotics Division.
Nancy Kwon
Secretary, KALEO Founding Member
With 17 years in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Nancy Kwon has a strong passion for serving communities and she has experience in custody, patrol, traffic, undercover operations, bike operations, and specialized units with community relations duties. She has also served as an explorer program advisor, volunteer on patrol coordinator, school resource officer, assisted detectives and Sheriff Information Bureau, and held various administrative roles. She has experience in jail administration, personnel employment, and Sworn Exam units.
Justin Choi
Director
Justin Choi joined the LAPD in 2016 and is currently assigned to the LAPD 77th Division. He has spent the majority of his time in patrol and recently worked in Crimes Against Persons Detectives. Before joining the Los Angeles Police Department, he played golf competitively and worked in golf management.
Jinha Kim
Director, KALEO Founding Member
Officer Jinha Kim is a 13-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department with experience in patrol, traffic, and recruitment as the AAPI specialist. She currently serves as an instructor at the LAPD Academy, training new recruits. Before joining the LAPD, she was a teacher with LAUSD for 14 years.