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09/09/2026

Falsely Reporting “34 Cents in Assets”... Korean Man in 50s Found Guilty of $2.5 Million Investment Fraud
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=503637
A Korean man in his 50s has been found guilty of swindling over $2.5 million by taking the retirement funds and life savings of people around him, promising high returns on safe investments.

Today (the 8th), a jury in the U.S. Court of Alexandria, Virginia, found Jihoon Park, 52, a resident of Chantilly, Virginia, guilty of three counts of wire fraud and two counts of bankruptcy fraud.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Mr. Park approached residents of his community, promising to safely invest their money and generate high returns.

After gaining their trust by leveraging personal connections and past ties with major financial institutions, he siphoned off over $2.5 million from multiple victims to purchase his own home and cryptocurrency.

When one of the victims filed a lawsuit against him, Mr. Park transferred his assets to his wife, concealed millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency, and filed for bankruptcy.

During this process, it was revealed that Mr. Park falsely reported to the court that he possessed only 34 cents in financial assets and owned no cryptocurrency whatsoever.

The Department of Justice stated that Mr. Park concealed his assets to avoid returning money to creditors who had been defrauded.

Furthermore, the Department revealed that while Mr. Park promised high returns by investing the community members' life savings and retirement funds, he actually embezzled millions of dollars and used the money for personal gain, such as enjoying a luxurious lifestyle. The Department also

pointed out that Mr. Park's crimes have caused the victims and their families to face severe economic hardship.

The sentencing for Mr. Park is scheduled to be handed down on December 10, and he could face up to 20 years in prison for telegraphic fraud and up to 5 years for bankruptcy fraud.

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09/08/2026

Kia EV3 Wins 'Green Car® of the Year' Award Selected by Green Car Journal
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=503616
Carnival HEV Wins 'Green Minivan™ of the Year' Award,
Proving Electrification Strategy Across Various Classes and High Competitiveness of Kia EV and HEV Models

Kia’s EV3 and Carnival HEV have won awards at the Green Car Awards™ hosted annually by the Green Car Journal.

The new all-electric SUV, the Kia EV3, was named the top prize, the Green Car of the Year, while the 2026 Carnival HEV was named the Green Minivan of the Year.

Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales at Kia America, stated, “The selection of the EV3 and Carnival HEV as award-winning models is a significant achievement that demonstrates the broad competitiveness of Kia’s electrification lineup.

The EV3 increases accessibility to all-electric vehicles based on its attractive design, advanced technology, and excellent driving range, while the Carnival HEV provides the efficiency and practicality demanded by family customers. Both models clearly demonstrate Kia’s commitment to providing vehicles suitable for a diverse range of customers.”

The new all-electric SUV, the most affordable electric vehicle in the Kia lineup, was developed to expand the popularization of electric vehicles by incorporating design inspired by the EV9, advanced technology, and practicality optimized for daily life into an agile SUV.

Based on the 400V dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), it is equipped with a high-energy-density battery and offers a driving range of up to 321 miles on a single charge for select trims.

In addition, using a 350kW DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes, and it features a North American Statistical Control System (NACS) port, allowing for charging without a separate adapter.

The Kia EV3 is scheduled to go on sale at Kia dealerships across the United States starting in late 2026.

The 2026 Carnival HEV is a model that harmoniously combines powerful performance and excellent fuel efficiency with cutting-edge technology and a sophisticated design.

The turbo hybrid powertrain delivers a maximum output of 242 horsepower and has achieved an estimated combined fuel economy of 33 MPG according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Furthermore, it meets the diverse lifestyle needs of family customers with various advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a spacious interior accommodating up to eight passengers, and a cargo space of up to 145.1 cubic feet behind the first row.

The Green Car Awards™ is a prestigious eco-friendly award in the automotive industry, organized by the Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com, which have specialized in the automotive, energy, and environmental sectors since 1992.

Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, receives top industry ratings in major automotive quality surveys every year and has proven its global competitiveness by being named one of the "World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2026" by TIME magazine.

In addition, it serves as an Official Automotive Partner for the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) leagues, and supplies a diverse lineup including U.S.-produced SUVs* and various passenger car models, as well as gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles, through a network of approximately 800 Kia dealers across the United States. Photos and related media materials can be found on the Kia Media website at http://www.kiamedia.com .

*For the 2026 and 2027 models, the EV6 electric vehicle, the flagship 3-row electric SUV EV9, the Sportage (excluding PHEV), the Sorento (excluding HEV and PHEV), and select trims of the Telluride are produced locally in the U.S. using parts supplied from the U.S. and around the world.

Kia Motors Media Journalist Information News

09/03/2026

Identity theft of people with developmental disabilities… $2.7 million COVID-19 relief fund fraud
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=502939
A former banker who fraudulently obtained approximately $2.7 million in government aid during the COVID-19 pandemic has been sentenced to five years in federal prison.

In particular, it was revealed that he even stole the personal information of people with developmental disabilities.

According to federal prosecutors, 41-year-old Norayr Madadi, a resident of Burbank, was sentenced to five years in prison today at a federal court in downtown Los Angeles.

Madadi, who worked as a Wells Fargo banker, opened bank accounts using fake companies and other people's names, then applied for government aid and loans designed for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The crimes continued from March 2020 to April 2021.

Prosecutors stated that Madadi obtained millions of dollars by inflating revenue and falsifying employee numbers for businesses that were not actually operating.

In particular, he stole other people's personal information in the process.

It was revealed that two of the victims are individuals with developmental disabilities living in long-term care facilities.

The money obtained in this manner went into bank accounts managed by Madadi.

Furthermore, the government aid was not used to operate the businesses or pay employee salaries.

According to prosecutors, Madadi spent the money at casinos, purchased luxury vehicles and jewelry, and withdrew some of it in cash.

The total amount of damages identified by authorities is approximately $2.7 million.

Bazrik Madadi, a 45-year-old Glendale resident and brother of Madadi who participated in the crime, was also sentenced to two years in prison.

The court ordered Norrere Madadi to pay $2.7 million in restitution and ordered his brother Bazrik to pay approximately $520,000 in restitution.

This case involved embezzling government aid intended to help small business owners struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and even exploiting the identities of people with developmental disabilities for criminal purposes.

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09/03/2026

Wilshire Ebell Theater opens new season… Free performances with Korean Cultural Center also included
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=502938

Photo Credit: Los Angeles / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
The Wilshire Ebell Theatre, a cultural venue familiar to Koreans in LA, will open its new season next month.

The Ebell of Los Angeles, which presents performances, lectures, and cultural events, announced that it will officially open its 2026-27 season on September 14.

In particular, this season includes programs that the Korean community should take note of.

**'LA VOICES'**, a free program introducing music, dance, and stories from diverse communities throughout Los Angeles, will be held six times, with the inaugural performance taking place on October 25 in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center LA.

The Wilshire Ebell Theater is located near Koreatown and is a relatively familiar venue to the Korean community, having previously hosted performances and cultural events related to Korea and the Korean community.

On September 14, the opening day of this season, a program themed around women and artificial intelligence (AI) will also be featured. Jennifer Garcia, founder of the AI company Ingrained.ai, will lead a lunchtime discussion on the roles women can play in the development and advancement of AI.

On the evening of the same day, world-renowned singer-songwriter and author **Patti Smith** will take the stage for 'An Evening of Songs and Stories.' Smith is scheduled to share stories related to her memoir **'Bread of Angels'** and perform songs accompanied by the performances of Jackson Smith and Tony Shanahan.

Ebell announced that the spirit of women making bold choices, raising their voices, and creating new opportunities throughout its history of over 130 years will continue this season. Free cultural programs likely to interest the Korean community will also take place. Starting with the Korean Cultural Center LA program in October, the Ebell Choir's annual 'Concert & Tea' will be held in December, followed by a performance by the LA Inner City Youth Orchestra next February.

Subsequently, on March 21, the 2nd Ebell + LA Festival will be held for free, offering a chance to enjoy music, dance, art, and family programs all in one place. With the LA Jewish Symphony scheduled for April and the 'Voices of Asia' program in June, the season is designed to provide a platform to experience LA's diverse culture and community in one place.

In addition, former NFL quarterback and social activist Colin Kaepernick will visit Ebell on September 22 via the Writers Bloc program, and music and jazz performances, as well as conversations with authors, will continue throughout the season.

Founded in 1894, the Ebell of Los Angeles is a leading women's cultural and educational institution in LA with a history spanning over 130 years.

The current historic campus and the Wilshire Ebell Theater were established in 1927 and are listed on the US Federal Government's **National Register of Historic Places**.

With free programs highlighting Korean culture as well as various communities in LA prepared for a historic venue close to Koreatown, the Ebell's new season is expected to attract the attention of Korean audiences as well.

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09/03/2026

CA to Conduct 'Math Diagnostics' for All Kindergarten through 2nd Graders... Results Notified to Parents
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=502947
A plan is being pursued in California to assess the math skills of all students from kindergarten through second grade.

The relevant bill has passed the state legislature and awaits only Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.

SB 1067 mandates that each school district assess the math abilities of all students from kindergarten through second grade and provide learning support to those who require additional assistance.

Notably, the assessment results are communicated to parents. Parents will receive information regarding their child's evaluation results as well as details on what support the school will provide.

The bill focuses on preventing the widening of the academic achievement gap by detecting students' math underachievement early.

According to the National Academic Achievement Assessment, only 39% of fourth-grade students in California achieved a proficient level in math.

State Senator Aquila Weber Pearson, who introduced the bill, explained that the math achievement gap begins in kindergarten, and that students who miss out on foundational math skills in the lower grades find it difficult to catch up later.

However, some education groups are opposing the bill, arguing that it mandates new assessments without additional budget or support for school staff.

If the bill is enacted, the State Board of Education plans to establish assessment standards by July 2027, and the State Department of Education is scheduled to release a list of approved assessments by January 2028.

Diagnostic results cannot be used for teacher evaluations, school rankings, or determining whether a student is gifted or disabled.

Governor Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto the bill.

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09/03/2026

Decorating Halloween Night... Descanso Gardens' 'CARD' Opens in October
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=502948
Descanso Gardens' annual Halloween event, 'Carved,' adorned with thousands of pumpkin carvings and glowing artworks, returns on October 2nd.

The event takes place at La Cañada Flintridge Descanso Gardens (1418 Descanso Dr) until November 1st, with jack-o'-lanterns, large hand-carved pumpkins, and various light installations placed throughout the walking paths.

Notably, this year marks the US debut of life-size wire sculptures by Finnish artist Alexander Reichstein.

Painted with UV-reactive paint, these works are displayed within the garden's mazes and designed to glow at night.

'Pumpkin Forest' and 'Harvest Acres' return with new attractions, and seasonal lighting is added to the Descanso Train. Visitors

can also see Bobolito's installation 'Rhizome' at Oak Grove.

Notably, for the first time in the event's history, 'Trick or Treating' will be held for visitors on Halloween Day, October 31st.

Time-based admission tickets range from $22 to $45 for adults and $12 to $30 for children for members, and from $29 to $52 for adults and $19 to $37 for children for non-members.

Children aged 2 and under are free but must reserve tickets, and all tickets can be purchased in advance on the Descanso Gardens website.

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09/03/2026

Roblox Accused of Neglecting Child Sexual Exploitation Risks... Court Says "Lawsuit Continues"
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=502953
The lawsuit filed by Los Angeles County against the online gaming platform Roblox over claims of negligence in protecting child users is expected to continue.

Last February, Los Angeles County filed a civil lawsuit alleging that while Roblox promoted itself as a safe platform for children, it failed to provide sufficient management systems and age verification mechanisms to block sexual content and inappropriate access by adults.

Roblox filed a request with the court to dismiss all or part of the lawsuit, but Judge Dean Kitchens of the Los Angeles County Superior Court rejected both of the two requests submitted by Roblox yesterday (the 31st).

This decision is scheduled to be finalized following a hearing on the 10th.

Los Angeles County argued that adult users could approach children through games and chat features to engage in inappropriate conversations or attempt so-called "grooming"—using them for sexual exploitation after building trust. They

also pointed out that Roblox failed to properly block such risks and sexual content.

After reviewing the materials submitted so far, the court determined that there is a possibility that Los Angeles County's claims will be accepted in court.

However, this decision is merely a judgment on whether to dismiss the lawsuit, and a final ruling on Roblox's liability has not yet been issued.

According to Los Angeles County, Roblox has over 380 million users worldwide, with more than 40% of them under the age of 13.

It has been found that approximately 75% of children aged 9 to 12 in the United States consistently play Roblox.

Los Angeles County claimed that Roblox violated California's unfair competition and false advertising laws, demanding that the company rectify its problematic operational practices and impose civil fines of up to $2,500 per day for each violation. Conversely, Roblox strongly denies Los Angeles County's claims.

Roblox stated that it prioritizes child safety by continuously strengthening safeguards to monitor harmful content and conversations, and by prohibiting users from exchanging photos via chat.

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09/03/2026

16-Vehicle Chain Collision in Norwalk… 1 Dead, Investigation into Possibility of Illegal Street Racing
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=502965
A major accident occurred in Norwalk, Los Angeles County, where speeding vehicles collided in succession, resulting in one death and damage to a total of 16 vehicles, including parked ones. According to the LA County Sheriff's Department, the accident took place around 12:52 am today (September 1) near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Longworth Avenue in Norwalk.

Five vehicles traveling on the road were involved in the collision, and 11 vehicles parked along the roadside were also damaged.

Severely damaged vehicles were scattered throughout the scene, with one vehicle found overturned, its roof facing the ground.

The driver, presumed to be in the overturned vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is reported that the parked vehicles were damaged either by direct collisions with the accident vehicles or by being struck by debris ejected during the high-speed crash.

Local media reported that significant damage occurred at the scene, resulting in casualties.

Investigating authorities are looking into the possibility that the accident occurred while the vehicles were engaged in illegal street racing. However, authorities stated that it has not yet been confirmed whether the drivers were actually racing at the time of the accident.

The section of Rosecrans Avenue between Studebaker Road and Harvest Avenue has been closed as accident cleanup and investigation are underway.

Police are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident, as well as whether speeding and illegal street racing were involved.

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09/03/2026

Taylor Swift and Beyoncé's Filming Location... Hawthorne Plaza Demolished After 27 Years
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=502969
22 Years in Business, 27 Years Abandoned… Demolition of Hawthorne Plaza Begins

Photo Credit: AI-generated image
Hawthorne Plaza , once a representative shopping destination in the South Bay area, has begun demolition 27 years after its closure. Hawthorne Plaza opened in 1977.

It established itself as the region's leading shopping mall, housing major department stores such as JCPenney, Broadway, and Montgomery Ward, as well as a movie theater and over 100 stores.

However, it began to decline due to intensifying competition with nearby shopping malls and the restructuring of the local aerospace industry, eventually closing its doors in 1999, 22 years after opening.

Since then, the mall has been left abandoned as a virtual ruin for 27 years.

Interestingly, after closing, it actually became famous as a Hollywood filming location.

Due to the unique atmosphere of the ruined mall, music videos by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé were filmed there, and it also appeared in the movie *Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift* and Steven Spielberg's *Minority Report*.

However, the long period of neglect led to graffiti, trash, and trespassing, resulting in continuous complaints from local residents.

Eventually, the City of Hawthorne took legal action against the building owner, and the court ordered the owner to either redevelop or demolish the mall.

Consequently, demolition work is currently underway on the approximately 35-acre site.

The demolition is scheduled to proceed in five phases, but the completion date of the entire operation and how the site will be developed in the future have not yet been determined.

Hawthorne Plaza, which operated as a shopping mall for 22 years and remained in ruins for an even longer period of 27 years.

As this place, a shopping mall filled with local memories and a unique filming spot in Hollywood, disappears into history, attention is being focused on how the large site will be reborn.

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09/03/2026

CHP Intensive Enforcement During Labor Day Weekend… Focus on Drunk and Drug-Related Driving
https://radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=503055
A crackdown on drunk driving and drug-impaired driving will be massively conducted across California during the Labor Day weekend.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced that it will launch a special traffic enforcement operation for a total of 78 hours, from 6:01 pm this Friday until 11:59 pm on Labor Day, Monday.

This operation will take place throughout California, including Southern California, and will focus particularly on catching drivers caught for DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs).

According to the CHP, more than 1,200 people were arrested on charges of drunk driving or drug-impaired driving during last year's Labor Day weekend special enforcement period.

During the same 78-hour period, approximately 500 DUI-related traffic accidents occurred across California, resulting in over 270 injuries and 8 deaths.

The CHP emphasized that alcohol is not the only factor affecting driving ability.

They warned that ma*****na, prescription drugs, illegal substances, and even some over-the-counter medications can impair judgment and reaction times, thereby hindering safe driving.

The CHP urged those planning to drink during the holidays to arrange a designated driver in advance or use public transportation, ride-sharing services, or taxis.

They also advised all passengers to wear seatbelts and to call 911 if they spot a vehicle suspected of drunk or drug driving.

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