By JOSEPH KELLARD
Ho Yong Kim, 52, and his wife, He Sun Kim, 45, who operated Beautiful Nails at 80 East Park Avenue, were found dead in separate rooms of their Oakland Gardens co-op on Feb. 25.
One of their neighbors said an explosion that shook the ground woke him at about 6:30 that morning, and when he looked out his window he saw flames coming from the Kims’ apartment. The Kims’ daughter, Jieun Kim, 20, a graphic design student at Queens College, was not home at the time.
That day the couple were scheduled to appear in Long Beach City Court and attend an eviction hearing for their salon. According to a court clerk, the property owners, listed as Sand Partners, located at 84 East Park Avenue, filed a $6,640 lawsuit against the owners, Ho Yong Kim and his partner (not his wife), for months of back rent. The case was adjourned to March 3, when a final judgment for possession was made in favor of the landlord.
“There was a judgment for them not for money, but the tenants must leave,” the clerk said. “They have to vacate the premises by March 18.”
Topper Reality, located next door to the nail salon, managed the property. Sharon Topper did not return phone calls for comment.
A flyer providing information about the couple’s March 2 funeral service in Flushing — which at the bottom reads: “The Kim family thanks all of you for your support” — is taped on the front door of the nail salon, along with a bouquet of flowers and a handwritten purple note that reads: “Rest in Peace Michelle, We miss you.”
Shimon Hausner, who owns a clothing store on East Park Avenue, one block east of the nail salon, said mourners had initially placed candles outside the salon door.
“I can’t believe it, it’s very tragic,” said Hausner, who said Ho Yong Kim, who he called “very friendly,” passed his store each day to frequent a neighboring convenience store.
“When I asked him how’s business,” Hausner added, “he’d say ‘good, good, good.’ He never had anything bad to say about it.”
Comments about this story? JKellard@liherald.com or 569-4000 ext. 213.
