K.W. Lee, a groundbreaking Korean American journalist, passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 96. He died of natural causes in Sacramento, surrounded by family. Lee was known for his relentless pursuit of justice and his role in freeing Chol Soo Lee, a Korean immigrant wrongfully convicted of murder in San Francisco in 1973.
Lee made history in 1956 when he became the first Korean immigrant to work at a major U.S. newspaper, the Kingsport Times-News in Tennessee. Over the decades, he earned the title "godfather of Asian American journalism" for his advocacy and impactful reporting. He was a strong voice for Asian American visibility in media, receiving numerous accolades throughout his career.
His investigative work on Chol Soo Lee’s case began in the 1970s. Lee wrote extensively about the young man’s wrongful conviction and the systemic failures that led to it. His articles highlighted the injustices faced by Lee and sparked a pan-Asian American movement that ultimately helped secure his release after ten years in prison. Chol Soo Lee was acquitted in 1982, thanks in part to the support generated by Lee’s reporting.
Lee’s commitment to social justice extended beyond his writing. He founded the Koreatown Weekly in Los Angeles to better cover the Korean community, which he felt was often overlooked in mainstream media. His work resonated deeply with civil rights movements, reflecting his own experiences as a Korean immigrant.
Born on June 1, 1928, in Kaesong, North Korea, Lee faced many challenges growing up, including discrimination under Japanese rule. He immigrated to the United States in 1950 to study journalism, and his passion for storytelling and advocacy flourished throughout his career.
Lee’s legacy lives on through the many journalists he inspired and the communities he uplifted. His daughter, Sonia Cook, shared that her father taught her the importance of sacrifice and remembrance, especially during difficult times. His impact on journalism and social justice will be felt for generations to come.