Photographer condemns 'Rooftop Koreans' meme by Trump Jr. as offensive, unauthorized

Image, captured from X (social media)

SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist is speaking out against Donald Trump Jr. for the unauthorized use of his photo from the 1992 Los Angeles riots — a move critics say distorts history and inflames racial tensions.

Hyungwon Kang, a former photo editor for the Los Angeles Times, said Trump Jr. posted one of his most recognizable photographs on social media without his permission with the caption, “Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again!”

In a direct comment on Trump Jr.'s post, Kang wrote, "That's my picture that you are using without my permission. You're using the photo out of context."

"Please take it down," Kang said.

Kang, currently staying in Korea, told AJP that he is consulting with lawyers in the U.S. about possible legal action over the misuse of his copyrighted image, saying he finds it extremely offensive to see his photograph used out of context, without permission.

“Using my 1992 news photo to portray current immigration protests as unlawful, and to fuel racial tension, is a gross misrepresentation and runs contrary to American values," he said.

Kang's photo, taken during the 1992 riots, shows a Korean-American man on a rooftop loading a firearm — a stark image of the self-defense efforts by Korean-American business owners during a period when law enforcement largely withdrew from Koreatown.

The image has since become a symbol of resilience in the Korean-American community, but its repurposing by Trump Jr. has drawn widespread criticism.

On June 9, Trump Jr. shared this image on his X (formerly Twitter) account in response to ongoing protests in Los Angeles against aggressive immigration enforcement.

The Korean community in Los Angeles also condemned Trump Jr.’s post.

“As the son of an incumbent U.S. president and an influencer with 15 million followers, his actions could have serious repercussions during this tense period,” the organization said in a statement. “We strongly urge that the trauma of the Korean-American community not be exploited for any purpose.”
Lim Jaeho Reporter ajupresswogh@ajunews.com

- Copyright ⓒ [아주경제 ajunews.com] 무단전재 배포금지 -