November 6, 2001

Koreatown Gang Leader Gets Life Term for Rapes

BYLINE: From Times Staff Reports

BODY:
A Koreatown gang leader recently extradited to Los Angeles from South Korea was sentenced Monday to life in prison for his role in a series of rapes. Hyun Gu "Eddie" Kang, 32, fled the United States after his conviction in 1999 when his businessman father posted a $2.5-million bail pending sentencing.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Mike Carter said Kang was the mastermind in crimes involving six other gang members who rented hotel rooms with stolen credit cards, called escort services and then beat, robbed and sexually assaulted the women.

The other six have been convicted.