Founder of Emperor’s College and Pioneer Passed Away at 81
By Namwook Cho
SANTA MONICA, CA — A Celebration of Life to honor the legacy of Dr. Bong Dal Kim, the visionary founder of Emperor’s College and a pioneer of East Asian medicine in the United States, will be held this Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Santa Monica.
Dr. Kim passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on October 12, 2025. He entered his eternal rest, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family, passing quietly and without suffering after a life of extraordinary service and grace.
Dr. Kim was a member of the first generation of licensed acupuncturists in California, dedicating his life to the professionalization of the field. In 1975, his instrumental lobbying efforts with then-Governor Jerry Brown led to the formal regulation of acupuncture, establishing the legal and professional standards that define the industry today.
In 1983, he founded Emperor’s College, which he grew into one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions for East Asian medicine. Under his guidance, the college forged landmark integrative medicine partnerships with major institutions, including the Greater Los Angeles VA, UCLA Arthur Ashe Student Health Center, and the Disney Family Cancer Center.
During his half-century career, Dr. Kim provided more than 250,000 treatments, embodying his philosophy that a “Superior Doctor” must lead with an open heart. A beloved mentor to thousands, he was famously known for his warmth—often hand-roasting chestnuts to share with students and faculty, a simple gesture that reflected his deep wish for the happiness of those around him.
For 42 years, Dr. Kim led Emperor’s College with immense pride, stewarding the institution through numerous challenges to maintain its position as a premier center for East Asian medicine. Even when faced with the inevitable decision to close the college, he remained a pillar of strength. While those around him expressed deep concern, Dr. Kim accepted the conclusion of this chapter with remarkable equanimity, describing it simply as “destiny.” His calm acceptance in his final years served as a final lesson in wisdom to his family and colleagues.
Service and Memorial Information
The memorial service will be held both in person and virtually this Saturday.
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Location: 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90402
- Virtual Attendance: For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed via Zoom. Meeting details will be announced shortly.
[Memorial Contributions] In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dr. Bong Dal Kim Fund at Korean American Family Services (KFAM), a nonprofit that Dr. Kim long supported and that provides social services to underserved communities.
- Donation Link: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=ETDK37BY2DNYL
