<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001128361-17-000018.txt : 20170504
<SEC-HEADER>0001128361-17-000018.hdr.sgml : 20170504
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20170503174312
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001128361-17-000018
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		3
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20170503
ITEM INFORMATION:		Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20170504
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20170503

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			HOPE BANCORP INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001128361
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS [6021]
		IRS NUMBER:				954849715
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-50245
		FILM NUMBER:		17810786

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		3200 WILSHIRE BLVD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 1200
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90010
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2133873200

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		3200 WILSHIRE BLVD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 1200
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90010

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	BBCN BANCORP INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	20111207

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	NARA BANCORP INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	20001115
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>hope8k20170503body.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
<TEXT>
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<div><a name="sb4bd8ecac08148309d056257def9af3b"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:9px;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM 8-K</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  April 27, 2017</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:20pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:100%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:20pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:20pt;font-weight:bold;">HOPE BANCORP, INC.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div></td></tr></table></div><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:34%;"></td><td style="width:33%;"></td><td style="width:33%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Delaware</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">000-50245</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">95-4849715</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(State or other jurisdiction</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Commission File Number)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(IRS Employer Identification No.)</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">of incorporation)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:67%;"></td><td style="width:33%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">3200 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1400, Los Angeles, CA</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">90010</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Address of principal executive offices)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Zip Code)</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code (213) 639-1700.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:100%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:8px;padding-top:8px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:8px;padding-top:8px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:9px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">[   ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:9px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">[   ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:9px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">[   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:2px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">[   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;padding-left:318px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 5.02  Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On April 27, 2017, the board of directors of the Hope Bancorp, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of Hope (the &#8220;Bank&#8221;) approved the appointment, effective May 15, 2017, of David Malone, age 66, to the position of Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank.  Prior to this appointment, Mr. Malone served as a member of the board of directors of the Company and the Bank since May 20, 2014, serving as the Chairman of the Board of the Bank from June 26, 2014 until the consummation of the merger of Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. with and into BBCN Bancorp, Inc. and Wilshire Bank with and into BBCN Bank. Before joining BBCN Bancorp and BBCN Bank, Mr. Malone completed a15-year tenure at Community Bank in Pasadena, California, where he served as Chairman of the Board in 2013, President and Chief Executive Officer from 2008 to 2013, and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer from 1998 to 2008. Mr. Malone does not have any family relationships, and is not involved in any related party transactions that are required to be disclosed herein pursuant to applicable SEC statutes, rules or regulations. In his capacity as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank, Mr. Malone will receive an annual salary of $450,000, will be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus in the discretion of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the board of directors of the Company (the &#8220;Committee&#8221;), will be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation per calendar year, as well as perquisites and benefit plans available to other executive employees of the Company, and reimbursement of reasonable business-related expenses.  A copy of the April 28, 2017 press release announcing Mr. Malone&#8217;s appointment is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On April 27, 2017, the Company and the Bank entered into a Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (the &#8220;Agreement&#8221;), effective as of April 1, 2017, with Mr. Kevin S. Kim with respect to his service as the Chief Executive Officer and President of both the Company and the Bank.&#160;&#160;The agreement replaces Mr. Kim&#8217;s existing employment agreement entered into with the Company on July 11, 2014.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Mr. Kim will be employed as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and the Bank during the term of the Agreement and will report in such capacities to the boards of directors of the Company and the Bank, respectively.&#160;&#160;Mr. Kim has agreed that he will serve as a director of the Company and the Bank during the term of the Agreement and the Company has agreed that it will use all reasonable efforts to cause Mr. Kim to be nominated for reelection as a director during such term.&#160;&#160;&#160;The Agreement has an initial term of five years, commencing as of April 1, 2017 (the &#8220;Commencement Date&#8221;), which term is subject to annual twelve-month extensions unless the Company or Mr. Kim gives a notice of non-renewal to the other not less than 60 days prior to the end of the initial term or the relevant renewal term, and provided that the term may not be extended beyond March 31, 2024.&#160;&#160;The Agreement specifies that Mr. Kim&#8217;s employment is to be &#8220;at will,&#8221; meaning that either he or the Company may terminate his employment, in the case of the Company, effective immediately for Cause or effective following thirty (30) days prior written notice without Cause, and in the case of Mr. Kim, on 90 days&#8217; prior written notice, given at any time, and with or without any specified reason.&#160;&#160;The Agreement provides for certain payments to Mr. Kim, described below, upon termination of his employment. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Mr. Kim will receive an annual base salary at an initial rate of $840,000 per year, which is referred to as his &#8220;Annual Base Salary.&#8221;&#160;&#160;The initial annual rate of salary may be adjusted at the discretion of the Company&#8217;s board of directors based on annual reviews required by the Agreement.&#160;&#160;Any such adjusted annual rate of salary will thereafter be Mr. Kim&#8217;s Annual Base Salary.&#160;&#160;The Agreement also provides for annual cash bonuses, which may be based on individual and/or Company-related performance objectives, each of which shall be determined in good faith by the Committee of the Company&#8217;s board of directors.&#160;&#160;The annual target bonus opportunity will equal seventy-five percent (75%) of Mr. Kim&#8217;s Annual Base Salary in effect when the bonus terms for any given year are approved, and the actual annual bonus earned may be greater or less than the target bonus opportunity depending on the level of achievement of the goals set by the Committee.  Mr. Kim must receive at least an &#8220;Acceptable&#8221; overall rating in his annual evaluation to be entitled to payment of any annual bonus for the year in question.&#160;&#160;In addition, Mr.&#160;Kim will be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation per calendar year, the exclusive use of an automobile of such type and quality as the Company&#8217;s board deems reasonable, reimbursement of the cost of monthly membership fees and dues at a specified social club and a specified country club, perquisites and benefit plans available to other executive employees of the Company, and reimbursement of reasonable business-related expenses.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Kim will receive annual grants of equity based incentive awards with aggregate grant date fair values equal to at least one hundred and twenty-five percent (125%) of Mr. Kim&#8217;s Annual Base Salary in effect when the equity awards are granted. The forms and terms of the equity awards will be determined by the Committee.&#160;&#160;The Agreement acknowledges that the Company previously adopted and implemented a Long Term Incentive Plan for Mr. Kim.&#160;&#160;The Agreement further provides that if the Company adopts and implements a supplemental executive retirement plan (&#8220;SERP&#8221;) during the term of the Agreement, the Company may, in its discretion, adopt and implement a SERP for Mr. Kim.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The Agreement provides that upon termination of Mr. Kim&#8217;s employment for any reason he will be entitled to receive, to the extent not previously paid, all salary earned or accrued through the date of termination, all annual bonuses earned for calendar </font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">years completed prior to the date of termination, reimbursement for reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by him through the date of termination and any other payments and benefits to which he is entitled under applicable compensation arrangements or benefit plans, such as accrued vacation pay, but not including any severance payment provided for in the Company&#8217;s severance policies applicable to its salaried employees generally.&#160;&#160;In addition, if Mr. Kim&#8217;s employment has not been terminated by the Company for Cause or by Mr. Kim without Good Reason (as both terms are defined in the Agreement), Mr. Kim shall be paid an amount equal to a pro rata portion of his annual bonus for the portion of the year completed up to the effective date of his termination, which pro rata portion will be based on actual performance through the entire year and calculated as if Mr. Kim had remained employed.&#160;&#160;The foregoing amounts are collectively referred to in the Agreement as the &#8220;Accrued Benefits.&#8221;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">If Mr. Kim&#8217;s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Kim with Good Reason before a Change in Control of the Company (as defined in the Agreement), he will be entitled to receive, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, severance pay equal to one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of his then current Annual Base Salary payable in a lump-sum within thirty (30) days after the termination date.&#160;&#160;In addition, all&#160;unvested awards granted to Mr. Kim pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan as provided in the Agreement or otherwise will vest; provided that all awards intended to qualify as performance-based compensation for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) shall remain subject to the applicable performance conditions and will vest only to the extent the performance conditions are satisfied.  If the Company has adopted a SERP for Mr. Kim, all amounts and other benefits provided to Mr. Kim under the SERP that have accrued as of the date immediately preceding the date of his termination, are subject only to time-based vesting requirements as of the date immediately preceding the date of termination, and are unvested as of that date will automatically become fully vested.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">If Mr. Kim&#8217;s termination of employment by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Kim with Good Reason occurs within one year after a Change in Control of the Company, Mr. Kim will be entitled to receive the foregoing amounts and benefits, except that the severance payment will be equal to two hundred and fifty percent (250%) of his then current Annual Base Salary.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The amounts payable to Mr. Kim upon termination of employment will be subject to certain limitations intended to result in such payments not being subject to the penalties imposed on &#8220;golden parachute&#8221; payments or on certain &#8220;nonqualified deferred compensation&#8221; pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.&#160;&#160;In addition, Mr. Kim&#8217;s entitlement to such amounts will be subject to the requirement that he execute a release of all claims against the Company, the Bank and certain related persons arising out of or relating to his employment, the Agreement, his compensation, the circumstances of his termination and other specified matters.&#160;&#160;The release document also includes a release of certain types of claims by the Company and includes exceptions for certain types of claims that may be made by Mr.&#160;Kim, including but not limited to claims for indemnification with respect to his acts as an officer or director of the Company, and retirement or other benefit plan entitlements.  Furthermore, certain &#8220;golden parachute&#8221; and indemnification payments to be made to Mr. Kim pursuant to the Agreement or otherwise are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder, including 12 C.F.R. Part 359. Finally, the Company is entitled to offset against any severance payable to Mr. Kim any undisputed amounts owed to the Company by Mr. Kim; provided that no amount that constitutes &#8220;nonqualified deferred compensation&#8221; within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code may be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The Agreement provides that the Company may, subject to the discretion and approval of the boards of directors of the Company and the Bank, as applicable, and to the extent permitted by governing law, require the reimbursement (with interest) or cancellation of any bonus or other incentive compensation, including stock-based compensation, awarded to Mr. Kim if all of the following factors are present: (a) the award was predicated upon achievement of financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement, (b) the board of directors of the Company or the Bank, as applicable, determines the Mr. Kim has engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (c) a lower award would have been made to Mr. Kim based upon the restated financial results.&#160;&#160;The Agreement further provides that in no event shall the total compensation paid upon departure of Mr. Kim from the Company be in an amount that exceeds the level of compensation that applicable bank regulatory authorities consider to constitute safe and sound at the time of such payment, taking into account applicable laws, regulations and regulatory guidance.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The Agreement includes provisions requiring Mr. Kim to maintain the confidentiality of confidential and proprietary information of the Company, as defined in Company policies, and to use such information only for permitted purposes.&#160;&#160;Mr. Kim has also agreed that during the term of the Agreement and until the first anniversary of the date of termination of his employment he will not solicit any employee of the Company or any individual employed by the Company within six (6) months of Mr. Kim&#8217;s date of termination for the purpose of inducing the employee to leave the employ of the Company.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Also on April 27, 2017, the board of directors of the Company and the Bank approved the appointment, effective May 1, 2017, of Alex Ko, age 50, to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank.  Prior to this </font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">appointment, Mr. Ko served as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Strategist and Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and prior to the consummation of the merger of Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. with and into BBCN Bancorp, Inc. and Wilshire Bank with and into BBCN Bank, Mr. Ko served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Wilshire Bancorp and Wilshire Bank.  Mr. Ko does not have any family relationships, and is not involved in any related party transactions that are required to be disclosed herein pursuant to applicable SEC statutes, rules or regulations.  Other than the change in Mr. Ko&#8217;s position reported herein, there are no changes to any of the material terms of Mr. Ko&#8217;s employment relationship with the Company or the Bank.  </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Concurrent with the effectiveness of Mr. Ko&#8217;s appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank, Douglas Goddard stepped down from his position as the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank.  Mr. Goddard will continue in his role as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Finally, as discussed in greater detail in the press release, dated May 3, 2017, which is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.2, as part of certain changes to the organizational leadership structure of the Company, four new positions have been created to perform the duties and responsibilities previously performed by the Head of Community Banking.  Effective May 1, 2017, as approved by the board of directors of the Company on April 27, 2017, Kyu Kim, who previously held the Head of Community Banking position, was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Regional President of the Eastern Region.  The remainder of the duties and responsibilities previously performed by the Head of Community Banking will be performed by David Song, the newly appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Jason Kim, the newly appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer and David W. Kim, the newly appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer.  Certain other appointments approved by the board of directors of the Company on April 27, 2017, and effective May 1, 2017, are noted in the press release, dated May 3, 2017, which is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.2. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The information included in this report pursuant to Item 5.02 of Form 8-K (including Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2) shall not be deemed to be &#8220;filed&#8221; for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#8220;Exchange Act&#8221;), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(c) Exhibits</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Exhibit No. &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Description of Exhibit                                                  </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:96px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:9px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:144px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">99.1 </font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">News release dated April 28, 2017 announcing the appointment of David P. Malone as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:9px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:144px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">99.2</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">News release dated May 3, 2017 announcing the extension of President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin S. Kim&#8217;s employment agreement and enhanced organizational leadership structure.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:9px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:9px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:9px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:9px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:29px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:82.03125%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:52%;"></td><td style="width:48%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Hope Bancorp, Inc.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:53px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:53px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:53px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:53px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date:  May 3, 2017</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;">/s/ Kevin S. Kim</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Kevin S. Kim</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">President and Chief Executive Officer</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT INDEX</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Exhibit No. &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Description of Exhibit                                                  </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:96px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:9px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:144px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">99.1 </font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">News release dated April 28, 2017 announcing the appointment of David P. Malone as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:9px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:144px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">99.2</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">News release dated May 3, 2017 announcing the extension of President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin S. Kim&#8217;s employment agreement and enhanced organizational leadership structure.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div>	</body>
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<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 99.1
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<div><a name="sa76ec23847e849cf9f47187a18c58e44"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:174%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:174%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:right;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">News Release</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:right;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:right;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">HOPE BANCORP APPOINTS DAVID P. MALONE SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">&amp; CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF BANK OF HOPE</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">LOS ANGELES - April 28, 2017 - </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Hope Bancorp, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) (NASDAQ: HOPE), the holding company of Bank of Hope (the &#8220;Bank&#8221;), today announced the appointment of David P. Malone as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of its wholly owned subsidiary Bank of Hope, effective May 15, 2017. Malone will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin S. Kim and be responsible for overseeing all support and administrative units of the Bank. As an executive officer, Malone will also continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and Bank (the &#8220;Board&#8221;) and be designated a non-independent director. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8220;David Malone is recognized as one of the most accomplished bankers in Southern California, but more importantly, he has been a tremendous asset to the Board during the most transformative phase of growth for the Bank,&#8221; said Kevin S. Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer. &#8220;With David leading the helms of all support and administrative functions, I look forward to dedicating the majority of my time on business generation in a more active role working more closely with our front line executives. Having served on the Board for the last three years, he joins our leadership team already familiar with our executives, the Bank, our customer base and the markets in which we operate. We look forward to his valued contributions as we continue to execute on our strategic priorities as the only super regional Korean-American bank in the United States.&#8221;  </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Malone, age 66, has been a director of Hope Bancorp, Inc. and Bank of Hope, formerly known as BBCN Bancorp, Inc. and BBCN Bank, since May 20, 2014.  Previously, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Bank from June 26, 2014 up until the closing of the merger with Wilshire Bank.  Prior to joining the Company,  Malone  completed a 15-year tenure at Community Bank in Pasadena, California, where he served as Chairman in 2013, President and Chief Executive Officer from 2008 to 2013, and Chief Operating Officer &amp; Chief Financial Officer from 1998 to 2008.  Under Malone&#8217;s leadership, Community Bank grew into one of the leading financial institutions in Southern California.  While at Community Bank, Malone was responsible for transforming the company into a relationship-oriented community bank, developing a high performing sales culture, introducing new business lines, and expanding the bank&#8217;s geographical footprint.   Malone&#8217;s efforts helped Community Bank achieve consistent profitability throughout the last recession, generate five consecutive years of balance sheet growth and post record profitability in his last two years as President and Chief Executive Officer.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Prior to Community Bank, Malone served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Metrobank and Merchant Bank of California.  He began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant with Arthur Andersen, where he later served as a Senior Manager, providing strategic and operational consulting services to financial institutions in the Western United States. Malone earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California State University, Northridge.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Investor Conference Call</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The Company will host an investor conference call on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time / 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time to review financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.  Investors and analysts are invited to access the conference call by dialing 866-235-9917 (domestic) or 412-902-4103 (international), and asking for the &#8220;Hope Bancorp Call.&#8221;  Other interested parties are invited to listen to a live webcast of the call available at the Investor Relations section of Hope Bancorp&#8217;s website at www.ir-hopebancorp.com.   After the live webcast, a replay will remain available in the Investor Relations section of Hope Bancorp&#8217;s website for one year.  A telephonic replay of the call will be available at 877-344-7529 (domestic) or 412-317-0088 (international) for one week through May 5, 2017, replay access code 10104107.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">About Hope Bancorp, Inc.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Hope Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company of Bank of Hope, the first and only super regional Korean-American bank in the United States with $13.5 billion in total assets as of March 31, 2017. Formed through the merger of BBCN Bank and Wilshire Bank, the top two commercial lenders in the market, Bank of Hope is headquartered in Los Angeles and serves a multi-ethnic population of customers across the nation. Bank of Hope operates 67 full-service branches in California, Washington, Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama. The Bank also operates SBA loan production offices in Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, and Portland, Oregon; a commercial loan production office in Fremont, California; residential </font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">mortgage loan production offices in California; and a representative office in Seoul, Korea. Bank of Hope specializes in core business banking products for small and medium-sized businesses, with an emphasis in commercial real estate and commercial lending, SBA lending and international trade financing. Bank of Hope is a California-chartered bank, and its deposits are insured by the FDIC to the extent provided by law. Bank of Hope is an Equal Opportunity Lender. For additional information, please go to </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;color:#0000ff;text-decoration:underline;">bankofhope.com</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Forward-Looking Statements</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;">This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections and management assumptions about the future performance of the combined company, as well as the businesses and markets in which the combined company operates and is expected to operate. These statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to assess and  are not guarantees of future performance and.  Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect the Company&#8217;s financial results and business, described in documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and particularly the discussions of business considerations and certain factors that may affect results of operations and stock price set forth therein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">#  #  #</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Contact:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Angie Yang</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">SVP, Director of Investor Relations &amp;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Corporate Communications</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">213-251-2219</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;color:#0000ff;text-decoration:underline;">angie.yang@bankofhope.com</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div>	</body>
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<div><a name="s0057663501f9405f8cb28fc01450b673"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:right;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">News Release</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:right;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">HOPE BANCORP EXTENDS CEO KEVIN KIM&#8217;S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT; </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">ANNOUNCES ENHANCED ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE; </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">NAMES KYU KIM REGIONAL PRESIDENT, EASTERN REGION </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">LOS ANGELES - May 3, 2017</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;- Hope Bancorp, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) (NASDAQ: HOPE), the holding company of Bank of Hope (the &#8220;Bank&#8221;), today announced that its Board of Directors (the &#8220;Board&#8221;) has entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin S. Kim, 60, extending his tenure through March 31, 2022. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8220;Kevin Kim has done an outstanding job leading the organization through the initial physical integration following the transformative merger of equals completed last year,&#8221; said Chairman of the Board Steven S. Koh. &#8220;This extension of his employment agreement underscores the Board&#8217;s confidence and appreciation of his leadership as we continue making progress with the establishment of a new organizational culture that will foster greater achievements for years to come.&#8221; </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Following the previously announced appointment of David P. Malone as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank, the Company also announced the following changes to its organizational leadership structure, effective immediately and designed to establish a new foundation for improved organizational capacity, employee engagement, risk mitigation and customer experience:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Kyu S. Kim, 56, was named Senior Executive Vice President and Regional President of the Eastern Region, responsible for commercial lending in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">David Song, 53, was named Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, responsible for commercial lending in the Western region, including California and Washington.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Jason Kim, 50, was named Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer, responsible for SBA and commercial real estate lending, loan operations and international trade operations.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">David W. Kim, 51, was named Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer, responsible for oversight of the branch network, credit card department, wealth management, online/mobile banking, deposit operations and treasury management services operations.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Alex Ko, 50, was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company&#8217;s subsidiary Bank of Hope.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Alex Kim, 51, was named Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Banking Officer, responsible for syndication and specialty finance lending targeting the larger corporate entities with annual revenues above $200 million.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8220;I sincerely thank the Board of Directors for their trust and faith and look forward to working in close collaboration with them as we pursue our strategic growth objectives,&#8221; said Kevin S. Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer. &#8220;I would also like to commend Kyu Kim for her strong leadership. She has done an excellent job integrating and retaining the front line following the merger and continues to be a tremendous asset to the organization. With the physical integration now behind us, we are positioning the Company to better align all of our resources for greater growth and organizational efficiencies. With my extended engagement and enhanced organizational leadership structure that enables me to dedicate the majority of my time on business development, I believe the prospects are stronger than ever for Bank of Hope as the only super regional Korean-American bank in the nation.&#8221; </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">About Hope Bancorp, Inc.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Hope Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company of Bank of Hope, the first and only super regional Korean-American bank in the United States with $13.5 billion in total assets as of March 31, 2017. Formed through the merger of BBCN Bank and Wilshire Bank, the top two commercial lenders in the market, Bank of Hope is headquartered in Los Angeles and serves a multi-ethnic population of customers across the nation. Bank of Hope operates 65 full-service branches in California, Washington, Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama. The Bank also operates SBA loan production offices in Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, and Portland, Oregon; a commercial loan production office in Fremont, California; residential mortgage loan production offices in California; and a representative office in Seoul, Korea. Bank of Hope specializes in core business banking products for small and medium-sized businesses, with an emphasis in commercial real estate and commercial lending, SBA lending and international trade financing. Bank of Hope is a California-chartered bank, and its deposits are </font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">insured by the FDIC to the extent provided by law. Bank of Hope is an Equal Opportunity Lender. For additional information, please go to </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;color:#0000ff;text-decoration:underline;">bankofhope.com</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Forward-Looking Statements</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;">This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections and management assumptions about the future performance of the combined company, as well as the businesses and markets in which the combined company operates and is expected to operate. These statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to assess and  are not guarantees of future performance.  Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect the Company&#8217;s financial results and business, described in documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and particularly the discussions of business considerations and certain factors that may affect results of operations and stock price set forth therein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">#  #  #</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Contact:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Angie Yang</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">SVP, Director of Investor Relations &amp;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Corporate Communications</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">213-251-2219</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;color:#0000ff;text-decoration:underline;">angie.yang@bankofhope.com</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:right;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div>	</body>
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