Death of Korean-American Young Entrepreneur Who Introduced Kimchi Across the U.S.... The Culprit Is an Apartment Neighbor

Matthew Choi, Who Ran Kimchi Business in Portland, US with His Mother,
Stabbed to Death by Neighbor at Home on 25th Last Month

On the 25th of last month, when Korean-American businessman Matthew Choi, who made and sold kimchi in Portland, USA, passed away, "Choigane Kimchi" posted a message on their official website to commemorate him. / Photo by Choigane Kimchi

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] The suspect in the murder of Korean-American young entrepreneur Matthew Choi (33), who introduced kimchi to the United States, has been apprehended.

According to local U.S. media outlets such as 'KATU2' and 'Eater' on the 20th (local time), the suspect who killed Choi was identified as Allen Ko (30), a Black man living in the same apartment as Choi. Ko is accused of breaking into Choi's residence on the 25th of last month, killing Choi, and attempting to kill Choi's girlfriend as well.

Ko broke into Choi's home around 2 a.m. At that time, Choi's girlfriend, sensing a presence, woke Choi up, but Ko threatened her with a weapon when she tried to call the police. Choi, who chased after Ko, tried to stop him, and the two wrestled on the floor. During this struggle, Choi was stabbed multiple times in the chest and other areas. He was transported to the hospital but ultimately passed away.

The police began an investigation focusing on the possibility that the perpetrator was someone known to Choi or a resident of the same apartment, citing the apartment's security measures that prevent outsiders from entering. Subsequently, the police arrested Ko on the 18th.

Ko pleaded not guilty in court on the 20th, but the prosecution is reportedly confident he is the culprit based on evidence including closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage. Ko is currently detained and is expected to be charged with eight counts including first-degree murder, attempted murder, robbery, illegal weapon use, and identity theft.

Choi’s family released a statement saying, "Though the hole in our hearts and community can never be filled, we pray for justice and peace," and expressed gratitude for the support and love they have received.

Mr. Choi started a business making and selling kimchi directly in Portland, USA, together with his mother. / Photo by Instagram Capture

Meanwhile, after graduating from the University of Oregon, Choi founded 'Choi's Kimchi' with his mother at the Portland Farmers Market in 2011, selling homemade kimchi.

Over the years, their kimchi gained popularity in the Portland area and became a staple side dish featured in local restaurants and grocery store shelves.

Notably, Choi's Kimchi's white kimchi won an award at the 2016 U.S. Good Food Awards. It is reported that their napa cabbage kimchi is now distributed nationwide across the U.S.

On the official website of Choi's Kimchi, a tribute was posted on the 25th of last month, the day Choi passed away, stating, "Our brave leader and co-founder Matthew Choi has unexpectedly passed away. We remember his life full of ambition and love."

It continued, "For Matthew, Choi's Kimchi was not just a job but his passion, family, and culture. He never missed an opportunity to share his wisdom and advice with local entrepreneurs and aimed to be a part of the thriving Portland food industry."

They emphasized, "We will carry on Matthew’s legacy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.