Hope Bancorp Extends CEO Kevin S. Kim Employment Through 2031

What Happened

• Hope Bancorp, Inc. (and its subsidiary Bank of Hope) filed an 8-K on August 25, 2026 reporting an Extension of the Fourth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Kevin S. Kim dated August 24, 2026. Mr. Kim will continue as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. The Extension modifies the employment term dates in the agreement originally dated April 22, 2022.

Key Details

• Extension effective August 24, 2026; 8-K filed August 25, 2026.
• The Initial Term of the Employment Agreement now ends on August 31, 2031 (unless earlier terminated).
• The Employment Agreement’s automatic renewal feature may not extend the Term beyond August 31, 2033.
• The full Extension agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to the 8-K.

Why It Matters

• This filing confirms continued leadership continuity at Hope Bancorp by preserving Kevin S. Kim as CEO through at least 2031, which can be material for investors assessing strategic direction and management stability. The specified limit on automatic renewals clarifies the maximum potential contract duration through 2033. The 8-K points investors to the full extension document for complete terms.