Dong Koo Kim, Founder

Mr. Kim first became aware of the value of education as a young child in South Korea in the early 1950s. As North Korean forces moved into his homeland, he and his family, along with many others, were forced to leave their homes in Seoul, the country’s capital city. Leaving all of their assets behind as they fled during the invasion, his family moved from one village to another, continually seeking refuge. Temporary schools and shelters were available, and he, along with many others, gratefully received the benefit of these educational opportunities. He leads his life in appreciation of the efforts of the dedicated teachers that opened doors for him throughout his life.

In 1986, Kim began BP Industries, Inc., a company specializing in the international trade of consumer products. His corporation became a rapid success, and is now one of the premier home-décor vendors in the U.S. In 2003, to further his desire to help those in need of assistance to accomplish their life goals, Mr. Kim founded the D.K. Kim Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. As others had helped him in the past, Mr. Kim was driven by a strong desire to support students who wished to fulfill their potential through higher education. 

Mr.Kim considers his gifts to scholars and educational institutions to be investments in the future. “My ultimate goal is to improve human life through higher education. I believe that giving is an investment in society where returns can be broadly maximized.”

Fostering the development of the next generation of world leaders is a task that is monumental, but not impossible. As a Christian businessman, D.K. Kim’s vision is to help develop the kind leaders who will impact society and foster healthy, responsible leadership to positively impact society and foster healthy, responsible leadership to positively impact the future.  Mr.Kim is dedicated to the effort of preparing students — generation after generation — for the tasks of today and the challenges of tomorrow. 

Brent Jeon

Mr. Jeon was born and educated in South Korea. In 1984, Mr. Jeon graduated from Korea University with a B.A. in Business. Throughout his college career, Mr. Jeon worked part-time jobs and participated in club activities, which were great opportunities for him to involve himself in various social affairs.

IN 1986, Mr. Jeon began working at Samsung Co., Ltd. in the company’s business department. In 1989, Mr. Jeon was transferred to the company’s American branch, Samsung America Inc., where he worked in various locations such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Jose for approximately ten years.

Throughout his many years living in the United States, Mr. Jeon came to realize the importance and value of charitable deeds such as financial donations and educational aid for underprivileged children. Through a mutual acquaintance, Mr. Jeon met Mr. Kim and learned of the latter’s passion and contribution to underprivileged children through the D.K. Kim Foundation. As a result of this relationship, Mr. Jeon developed a personal interest in Mr. Kim’s charitable work and, in 2010, joined the D.K. Kim Foundation. Presently, Mr. Jeon is operating as the owner of Lotus Arts & Graphics, Inc.

Maria Hon

Ms. Hon was born and raised in Hong Kong, China. Although Ms. Hon had to start working at a fairly young age in her homeland, she felt very fortunate that she had met mentors at work who always reminded her of the importance of education for advancement. Ms. Hon completed her four-year college equivalent education at Hong Kong Polytechnic University while working full time.

Ms. Hon has had more than 15 years of international trade finance experience before she came to the U.S. in the early 90′s in which she joined Mr. D. K. Kim and his company, B. P. Industries, Inc., where she found Mr. Kim’s emphasis in education and self-sufficiency similar to her employer’s values many years ago in Hong Kong. In the early 80′s, Ms. Hon had the opportunities to visit and work in various parts of China and several major cities in the western world. She saw the extreme difference (poverty and education standard) of the two worlds and had been bothered much.

Ms. Hon is always grateful for the opportunities she has in her life and she attributes that to God’s grace and blessing. She and her family had been serving the community thru local school and churches in the States. They continuously involve themselves in the outreach program to Mexicali in Mexico to share with children there God’s words that offer them hope for a better future.