Rooftop Koreans

Rooftop Koreans or Roof Koreans refer to the Korean American business owners and residents during the 1992 Los Angeles riots who armed themselves and took to the rooftops of local businesses to defend themselves. The unrest in urban areas was sparked by the acquittal of four Los Angeles Police Department officers in the beating of Rodney King and resulted in rioting, and looting, along with widespread violence and arson throughout the city. Many had felt abandoned by law enforcement, which was criticized for its slow response in Koreatown. The imagery of armed shopkeepers became emblematic of Korean Americans' struggle during the riots and has since been embraced by gun rights advocates as an example of the necessity of self-defense in the absence of state protection.

In the years following the riots, the "Roof Koreans" narrative has evolved into a cultural and political symbol. While initially a reference to the resilience of Korean-American shop owners, it has been widely adopted in pro-gun circles and Second Amendment advocacy, with some viewing it as a justification for private gun ownership in times of civil unrest. The meme has gained popularity online, particularly in gun rights communities, where it is often cited as an argument for armed self-defense.