Bipeds of Brookland: Joe Kim

Posted by Abbott Klar Real Estate on Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 at 7:47pm

Introducing the people who make Brookland their home, one step at a time

Joe Kim

Joe Kim

Kim Hak Mun was a banker in Korea.  He says that was not hard work only using his head. But he came to the US with his wife in 1988 after waiting 10 years for a visa that would allow him to work.  He bought Joe’s Mini Mart on 12th street, named after his nephew, from his brother-in-law, and became known as Joe to the people of Brookland.  He was in the store from six in the morning to nine at night every day to keep it open, cleaning stocking and selling.  After 20 years of running his own store Joe closed it to take care of his wife who was dying of cancer.  Eight years ago, after the death of his wife, he came to work at Yes Organic Market. He moved into the neighborhood to live close to works and is now a manager at the store, a promotion he is proud of. Last year he passed his US citizenship. “I’m happy because lots of people know me, my old customers come here, and say Hello Joe! An older man not working is no good, but working I’m happy and time goes fast. Brookland is great, good neighbors, and good customers. We make good friends anytime. I help you, you help me.”


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