When will this vicious cycle end? Los Angeles, April 14, 2025 – The homeless problem continues to plague the Koreatown community and business owners. City authorities recently cleared a homeless encampment in front of 3875 Wilshire Boulevard, but within just days, a new homeless camp was established right next to it, in front of the Korean restaurant ‘Byul Bam’, which is currently not in operation.

Local merchants and residents have expressed deep disappointment with this “revolving door” management of homeless encampments. As homeless individuals removed from one location simply move a few meters away to set up a new camp, critics argue that only temporary measures are being implemented without fundamental solutions.

“As long as this situation continues where clearing one area just leads to a new camp right next door, we business owners will continue to suffer,” said a merchant from a nearby store. “Customers are reluctant to visit our shops because of these homeless encampments, which directly leads to decreased sales.”

Critics point out that LA City’s homeless response policy focuses merely on removing encampments, failing to address root causes such as housing shortages and lack of access to mental health services.

The city council member responsible for this area has not presented practical solutions to this issue, and there are growing complaints that community demands are not being adequately addressed.

Korean community leaders assert that a long-term, comprehensive approach is needed to solve the homeless problem, stating they will continue efforts to restore safety and economic vitality to Koreatown through active cooperation with city authorities.

“Simply pushing homeless people from one place to another cannot be a solution. We demand real measures for local residents, business owners, and homeless people who need help,” a Korean community organization representative emphasized.

Until LA City develops a more effective approach to the homeless problem and seriously considers the concerns of Koreatown merchants and residents, this ‘comical’ process of removing and re-establishing homeless camps is expected to continue.