Help Hyun-Jin Choi: Store Destroyed by Looting

My parents Hyun Jin Choi, 74, and Seung Jin Choi, 70, have faithfully served their community in West Philadelphia through their small business of 40 years almost everyday, until it was gone in one night.

On June 1, 2020, they received the devastating news that their small variety store, Ko-Ko Discount was victim to looting due to protest all along 52nd street, and everything was destroyed. Hard times began for them when the covid pandemic hit and they were forced to close their doors since March, 2020. Just as they were eager to return to work, they woke up to a phone call that their beloved shop was covered in broken glass and everything was gone.

This was especially heartbreaking because they had recently finished installing plexiglass shields at the counter to better serve their customers safely when they planned to re-open in June. Now those plans have come to a halt because they have lost all their merchandise, essential machinery has been gutted, and glass countertops, display cases, and doors have been shattered.

We as a family are thankful that they are safe and God has mercifully watched over my parents all these years. My parents loved their community and knew most of their customers by name, serving them through the generations. My dad had an opportunity to be interviewed by the local news at WHYY, because they knew he had been there for 40 years. We are proud of his response when asked if he "was angry." He just said that he wasn't and that after 40 years in the same location without incident, he thanks God, and this just might be "a sign" from Him to retire.

At the end of the day, we are grateful that the loss is in just "things," but it's still hard to see my parents lose so much after so many years of labor and love. Please join us in rebuilding their store and renewing their spirits.