Hansoo Kim, a 58-year-old Asian man, was a devoted husband and father of three who co-owned Rainier Teriyaki in Seattle. On the evening of January 14, 2023, his life was tragically cut short during an armed robbery at his restaurant. Three masked individuals entered the establishment around 8 p.m. with the intent to rob it. In a heroic act, Kim reportedly tried to protect one of his employees from the assailants. During the confrontation, he was shot in the chest.
Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.
The Seattle Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide, believing three suspects were involved in the fatal robbery. However, details about their identities or the specific motive beyond the robbery have not been publicly disclosed. In the months following the incident, authorities continued to seek information from the public, but no arrests were made, and no suspects were publicly identified. The investigation remains ongoing as the search for those responsible for Kim's death continues.
The community was left to mourn a man remembered as a hardworking and kind individual who was always willing to help others. In the wake of his death, there was an outpouring of support for the Kim family. A crowdfunding campaign raised significant funds to help them navigate their loss. His son, Juyoung Kim, later decided to reopen and run the restaurant to honor his father's legacy, a move that was met with immense community support. The family has requested privacy as they continue to grieve their profound loss.
