¨	Preliminary Proxy Statement

¨	Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

x	Definitive Proxy Statement

¨	Definitive Additional Materials

¨	Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

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DATED:	April 30, 2019

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Q:	Why did you send me this Proxy Statement?

A:

We are delivering this Proxy Statement and the enclosed Proxy Card to you because our board of directors is soliciting your vote at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This Proxy Statement summarizes the information we believe you need to know to cast an informed vote at the Annual Meeting. However, you do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the enclosed Proxy Card by mail. You may also vote by Internet or telephone, as instructed on the Proxy Card.

Q:	What am I being asked to vote on?

A:	Our board of directors is soliciting proxies from holders of our common stock as of the Record Date to vote on the following matters:

▪	Election of 14 persons to serve as members of the Hope Bancorp board of directors until the next annual meeting and until their successors are elected and have qualified;

▪	Ratification of the appointment of Crowe LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019;

▪	Approval, on an advisory and nonbinding basis, of the compensation of the Company’s “Named Executive Officers” as described in this Proxy Statement;

▪	Approval of the Hope Bancorp, Inc. 2019 Incentive Compensation Plan; and

▪	Such other matters, if any, that may be properly presented for consideration and action at the Annual Meeting.

Q:	What is the vote required to approve each proposal?

A:	The vote required to approve each proposal is as follows:

▪	Election of Directors. The 14 director nominees who receive the most votes will be elected. Accordingly, if you do not vote for a particular nominee or you indicate “withhold authority to vote” for a particular nominee on your Proxy Card, your abstention will have no effect on the election of directors.

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▪

Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The ratification of the appointment of Crowe LLP (“Crowe ) as Hope Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019 will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting. Stockholder ratification of the Audit Committee’s selection of Crowe as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required. We are submitting the selection of Crowe to you for ratification to obtain our stockholders’ views. If you abstain, your abstention will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” this proposal.

▪

Nonbinding Advisory Vote to Approve the Named Executive Officers’ Compensation. The advisory and nonbinding vote to approve Named Executive Officer compensation will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting. Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the board and may not be construed as overruling any decision by the board or Human Resources and Compensation Committee. However, the board and the Human Resources and Compensation Committee may, in their sole discretion, take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements. If you abstain, your abstention will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” this proposal.

▪

Approval of the Hope Bancorp, Inc. 2019 Incentive Compensation Plan. The approval of the Hope Bancorp, Inc. 2019 Incentive Compensation Plan will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting. If you abstain, your abstention will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” this proposal.

Q:	How does the board of directors recommend that I vote at the Annual Meeting?

A:	The board of directors recommends that you vote as follows:

▪	“FOR” the election of each of the 14 director nominees;

▪	“FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Crowe LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019;

▪	“FOR” the approval, on a nonbinding, advisory basis of the compensation paid to our “Named Executive Officers”;

▪	“FOR” the approval of the Hope Bancorp, Inc. 2019 Incentive Compensation Plan; and

▪	in the discretion of the proxies as to any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

Q:	What do I need to do now?

A:

After you have carefully read this Proxy Statement and have decided how you wish to vote your shares, please vote your shares promptly so that your shares are represented and voted. If you hold stock in your name as a stockholder of record, you must complete, sign, date and mail your Proxy Card in the enclosed postage-prepaid return envelope as soon as possible, or use the Internet as described in the instructions included with your Proxy Card or voting instruction card or call the toll-free telephone number. If you hold your stock in “street name” through a bank or broker or other nominee, you must direct your bank or broker or other nominee to vote by following the instructions you have received from your bank or broker or other nominee.

Q:	What constitutes a quorum for the Annual Meeting?

A:

The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Hope Bancorp common stock as of the Record Date will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will be included in determining the number of shares present at the Annual Meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

Q:	If my shares are held in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, will my bank, broker or other nominee vote my shares for me?

A:	No. Your bank, broker or other nominee cannot vote your shares without instructions from you, except for certain routine matters. You should instruct your bank, broker or other nominee as to how to vote your shares, by following the directions your bank,

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Q:	Why is my vote important?

A:	If you do not vote by proxy or in person, it will be more difficult to obtain the necessary quorum to hold the Annual Meeting. In addition, your failure to submit a proxy or vote in person, or failure to instruct your bank or broker or other nominee how to vote, or abstaining from voting will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” certain of the proposals for the Annual Meeting.

Q:	Can I attend the Annual Meeting and vote my shares in person?

A:

Yes. All holders of common stock of Hope Bancorp, including holders of record and holders whose shares are held through banks, brokers, nominees or any other holder of record, are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Holders of record can vote in person at the Annual Meeting. If you are a holder of record and wish to vote in person, you should bring the enclosed Proxy Card and proof of identity. If you hold your shares in street name through a broker, or beneficially own your shares through another holder of record, you will need to bring with you and provide to the inspector of election proof of identity and a letter from your bank, broker, nominee or other holder of record confirming your beneficial ownership of common stock as of the Record Date and authorizing you to vote such shares (a “legal proxy” from your holder of record) at the Annual Meeting. At the appropriate time during the Annual Meeting, the stockholders present will be asked whether they wish to vote in person. If you wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you should raise your hand at this time to receive a ballot to record your vote.

Q:	Can I change or revoke my vote?

A:	Yes. If you are a holder of record of Hope Bancorp common stock, you may change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by:

1.	signing and returning a Proxy Card with a later date;

2.	delivering a written revocation letter to the Company’s corporate secretary;

3.	attending the Annual Meeting in person, and voting by ballot at the Annual Meeting (attendance at the Annual Meeting alone will not revoke your proxy); or

4.	voting by Internet or telephone at a later time but before the cutoff time for voting.

Q:	How many votes do I have?

A:	Each share of common stock that you own entitles you to one vote. The Proxy Card indicates the number of shares of common stock that you own. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

Q:	How do I vote by proxy?

A:

Whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting or not, we urge you to complete, sign and date the enclosed Proxy Card and return it promptly in the postage prepaid, self-addressed envelope provided. You may also vote by Internet or telephone as described on the enclosed Proxy Card. Returning the Proxy Card or voting by Internet or telephone will not affect your right to attend the Meeting and vote in person, but will assure that your vote is counted if you become unable to attend the Annual Meeting.

▪	“FOR” the election of each of the 14 director nominees;

▪	“FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Crowe LLP our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019;

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▪	“FOR” the approval, on a nonbinding, advisory basis of the compensation paid to our “Named Executive Officers”; and

▪	“FOR” the approval of the Hope Bancorp, Inc. 2019 Incentive Compensation Plan; and

▪	in the discretion of the proxies as to any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

Q:	How do I vote by Internet or telephone?

A:

Stockholders of record and many stockholders who hold their shares through a broker or bank will have the option to submit their Proxy Cards or voting instruction cards by Internet or telephone. Please note that there are separate arrangements for using the Internet and telephone depending on whether your shares are registered in our stock records in your name or in the name of a broker, bank or other holder of record. If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other holder of record, you should check your Proxy Card or voting instruction card forwarded by your broker, bank or other holder of record to see which options are available.

▪	through the Internet by visiting a website established for that purpose at www.investorvote.com/HOPE and following the instructions provided on that website; or

▪	by telephone by calling the toll-free number 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada on a touch-tone phone and following the recorded instructions.

Q:	How do I vote in person?

A:

If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, we will give you a ballot form when you arrive. However, if your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank, or other nominee, you must bring a properly executed legal proxy from the nominee authorizing you to vote the shares and indicating that you were the beneficial owner of the shares at the close of business on the Record Date.

Q:	What will be the effect of broker non-votes?

A:

“Broker non-vote” is the term commonly used to describe the situation in which a broker who is present at a stockholder meeting cannot vote shares with respect to a particular proposal under applicable stock exchange rules because the broker has not received voting instructions from the broker’s customer and the proposal is not considered a routine matter under applicable stock exchange rules. (See “How Do I Vote by Proxy” above.) Broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting, but will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of votes present in person or by Proxy and entitled to vote with respect to a particular proposal.

Q:	Who will pay the costs of solicitation of proxies?

A:

The Company will bear the cost of this solicitation of proxies, including the expense of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement and the additional materials used in this solicitation of proxies. The proxies will be solicited principally by mail, but our directors, officers and regular employees may solicit proxies personally or by telephone. Although there is no formal agreement to do so, we will reimburse banks, brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in forwarding these proxy materials to their principals. In addition, we may pay for and utilize the services of individuals or companies we do not regularly employ in connection with the solicitation of proxies.

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Q:	Will any other matters be considered at the Annual Meeting?

A:

We are not aware of any matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting other than the proposals discussed in this Proxy Statement. If other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting and may properly be acted upon, then the persons named as Proxies will have the authority to vote all properly executed proxies in accordance with the direction of the board of directors, or, if no such direction is given, in accordance with the judgment of the persons holding such proxies on any such matter, including any proposal to adjourn or postpone the meeting.

Q:	How do I present proposals or director nominees for consideration at next year’s annual meeting of stockholders?

A:

For a stockholder proposal regarding new business or a director nominee to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders next year, proposals or nominees will need to comply with timing and other requirements of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 14a-8 regarding the inclusion of stockholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials. Rule 14a-8 provides in pertinent part that the proposal must be received at the Company’s principal executive offices not less than 120 calendar days before the date of the Company’s proxy statement released to stockholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting. Proposals and nominees that stockholders seek to have included in our Company’s 2020 proxy statement must deliver the notice to our Legal Department not later than December 28, 2019. However, if the Company did not hold an annual meeting the previous year, or if the date of this year’s annual meeting has been changed by more than 30 days from the date of the previous year’s meeting, then the deadline is a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and send its proxy materials.

Q:	Do I have rights of appraisal or similar rights of dissenters with respect to any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting?

A:	None of the proposals to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting and discussed in this Proxy Statement carry rights of appraisal or similar rights of dissenters.

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▪	diversity of professional disciplines and backgrounds;

▪	experience in business, finance or administration

▪	familiarity with national and international business matters;

▪	familiarity and experience with the commercial banking industry;

▪	personal prominence and reputation in the community, and ability to enhance the reputation of the Bank in the business community;

▪	availability of time to devote to the work of the board and one or more of its committees;

▪	specific qualifications which complement and enhance the overall core competencies of the board and/or specific committee assignments;

▪	activities and associations of each candidate;

▪	interests of the stockholders as a whole;

▪	independence determination;

▪	how the candidate will further the strategic goals of the Company;

▪	how the candidate’s skill set fills a specific need identified by the Committee; and

▪	the extent to which a nominee may otherwise add diversity to the board of directors.

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▪

Yearly Elections. We believe that yearly elections hold the directors accountable to our stockholders, as each director is subject to re-nomination and re-election each year. Effective February 22, 2018, the Company adopted a plurality-plus voting standard coupled with a mandatory resignation policy for nominees who fail to achieve an affirmative majority of votes cast. Under this policy, if a nominee for election (or re-election) as director in an uncontested election does not receive at least a majority of the votes cast at any meeting called for, among other things, the election of directors, at which a quorum has been confirmed, the director, duly elected in accordance with the requirements of the Delaware General Corporation Law, shall nonetheless tender his or her resignation (conditioned upon acceptance by the Board) from the Board to the Nomination and Governance Committee promptly (and in any event within 2 business days) following said election. In the event that any director does not tender his or her conditional resignation in accordance with this Policy, he or she will not be re-nominated by the Board for re-election at the next annual meeting.

▪

Independent Oversight. All of our directors are independent, except for Steven S. Koh, Kevin S. Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and David P. Malone, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. The board has affirmatively determined that the other 11 directors are independent under SEC and Nasdaq Stock Market corporate governance rules, as applicable.

▪

Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board is appointed annually by the board of directors. Scott Yoon-Suk Whang has served in the capacity of Chairman since July 6, 2017 and his responsibilities include, among others, presiding at and calling board and stockholder meetings and preparing meeting schedules, agendas and materials in collaboration with our President and Chief Executive Officer.

▪

Lead Independent Director. In the case where the Chairman of the Board is not deemed to be independent, we believe an independent director should be designated to serve in a lead capacity as a liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman. Our Chairman of the Board Mr. Scott Yoon-Suk Whang is deemed to be independent, and, as such, we currently do not have any board member serving in the capacity of Lead Independent Director.

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▪	Personal and professional ethics and integrity, including prominence and reputation, and ability to enhance the reputation of the Company;

▪	Diversity among the existing board members, specific business experience and competence, including an assessment of whether the candidate has experience in, and possesses an understanding of, business issues applicable to the success of the banking industry;

▪	Financial acumen, including whether the candidate, through education or experience, has an understanding of financial matters and the preparation and analysis of financial statements;

▪	Professional and personal accomplishments, including involvement in civic and charitable activities;

▪	Educational background; and

▪	Whether the candidate has expressed a willingness to devote sufficient time to carrying out his or her duties and responsibilities effectively and is committed to service on the board.

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•	In particular, the Board Risk Committee assists our board of directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility with respect to regulatory, compliance and operational risk and enterprise risk management issues that affect the Company and works closely with the Company’s legal and risk departments.

•	The Audit Committee helps the board of directors monitor financial risk and internal controls from a risk-based perspective and oversees the annual audit plan. It also reviews reports from the Company’s internal audit department.

•	The Director’s Loan Committee oversees credit risk by identifying, monitoring, and controlling repayment risk associated with the Bank’s lending activities.

•	The Asset/Liability Committee oversees the implementation of an effective process for managing the Bank’s interest rate, liquidity, and similar market risks relating to the Bank’s balance sheet and associated activities.

•	In overseeing compensation, the Human Resource and Compensation Committee strives to design incentives that encourage a conservative level of risk-taking behavior consistent with the Company’s business strategy and in compliance with all laws and the Interagency Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies.

•	Finally, the Company’s Nomination and Governance Committee approves the code of conduct and business ethics policies relating to employees and directors, respectively. In addition, it conducts an annual assessment of corporate governance policies and potential risk associated with governance and related party matters.

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(1)	Amounts shown include payment of annual board membership retainer fees for the Company and Bank board meetings, committee membership fees, specific purpose committee membership fees, and chairmanship and honorary chairmanship annual retainers.

(2)	Amounts include payments made to directors for or in lieu of receiving health insurance coverage paid by the Company: $15,000 each to Messrs. Byun, Didion, Doo, Ha, Jhung, Koh, Lee, Lewis, Taylor, Whang and Zuehls. Amounts also include the estimated value of the Director Survivor Income Plan coverage during 2018 of $4,944 for Messrs. Jhung and Lee based on IRS life insurance valuations.

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•	Review the quarterly and audited annual financial statements;

•	Review the adequacy of internal control systems and financial reporting procedures with management and the independent auditor; and

•	Review and approve the general scope of the annual audit and the fees charged by the independent auditor.

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•	Reviewed and discussed the financial statements with management and the independent auditors;

•	Discussed with the independent auditor the matters required to be discussed under Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees; and

•	Received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditor required by the PCAOB and Independence rule 3526 regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee also discussed any relationships that may impact the objectivity and independence of Crowe, and satisfied itself as to Crowe’s independence.

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*	Our 2017 financial results included a one-time, non-cash, incremental income tax expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income of $25.4 million resulting from the revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities and low income housing tax credit investments due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) on December 22, 2017.

•

Base Salaries: Our board of directors believes that continuity of leadership is critical to the long-term success of the Company. Our Chief Executive Officer received a base salary increase of 13% following a compensation analysis completed in December 2017 that demonstrated his salary was more than 15% below median to our Peer Group. All of our other NEOs, other than Mr. Hung Van who joined the Company mid-year, received base salary increases between 3% and 6% in 2018, moving their base salaries closer to market-competitive levels and commensurate with increasing responsibilities

•

Annual Incentive Awards: In an effort to instill a greater ownership culture in the Company and further align the annual performance-based incentive compensation program with the long-term interests of our stockholders, the Compensation Committee implemented a new annual performance incentive strategy in 2018 that ties a portion of the annual incentive consideration, which was traditionally paid 100% in cash, to equity that vests over two years.

•	Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (“Legacy LTIP”): The Company did not meet the required performance targets for a full contribution of deferred compensation. As a result, and in accordance with the terms of our Chief Executive Officer’s plan, the Company contributed 27.0% of the maximum potential award, or $6,750 to the deferred compensation account of Kevin S. Kim.

•

2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”): In a continuing effort to align, motivate and reward participants for their contributions to the Company’s long-term financial success and growth and to move the overall compensation of our NEOs closer to market-competitive levels, the Compensation Committee awarded equity grants to our NEOs, other than Mr. Hung Van, under the 2016 Plan that are 50% time-based and 50% performance-contingent on a three-year time frame.

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•	Stock ownership policy;

•	Clawback policy;

•	No tax gross ups;

•	No automatic “single trigger” vesting upon a change of control;

•	Independent compensation consultant retained; and

•	No excessive perquisites.

•	levels of base salary that are competitive with companies in our peer group;

•	annual cash incentives that are tied to our financial results, achievement of our yearly strategic goals and achievement of individual performance objectives;

•	long-term equity incentive awards that encourage NEOs to focus their efforts on building stockholder value by meeting longer-term financial and strategic goals; and

•	long-term cash incentives that deliver opportunities for performance-based contributions to select NEOs’ deferred compensation accounts.

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(1)	We are not permitted to disclose regulatory ratings.

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(1)	We are not permitted to disclose regulatory achievements.

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Kyu S. Kim became a Legacy LTIP participant in 2008. According to the terms of her individual Legacy LTIP agreement, Kyu S. Kim was entitled to have up to $30,000 per year, for a ten-year period beginning in 2008 through 2017, credited to a deferred compensation account which accrues interest at an annual rate of 6.25%, to be paid out starting when she reaches 65 years of age. The agreement had a five-year vesting cliff of 50% of her total contribution amounts plus accrued interest in her deferred compensation account, with an additional 10% of the total contributions plus accrued interest vesting in each of years six through ten.

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•

Kevin S. Kim became a Legacy LTIP participant in 2014. According to the terms of his individual Legacy LTIP agreement, Kevin S. Kim is entitled to have up to $50,000 per year, for a five-year period beginning in 2014 through 2019, credited to a deferred compensation account which accrues interest at an annual rate of 6.25%, to be paid out starting when he reaches 65 years of age. The agreement has a three-year vesting cliff of 50% of his total potential contribution amount plus accrued interest in his deferred compensation account, with an additional 25% of the total contributions plus accrued interest vesting in each of years four and five.

•	Attract and retain the services of individuals who are likely to make significant contributions to the Company’s success;

•	Encourage ownership of the Company’s common stock by employees;

•	Align executives with shareholder interests; and

•	Ensure sound risk management by providing a balanced view of performance and aligning rewards with the longer-term time horizon of risk outcomes.

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(1)	Cumulative earnings per share over an 11-quarter period from April 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. The threshold, target and stretch performance levels will be disclosed following the completion of the performance period.

(2)	Total Shareholder Return measured on a relative basis against a defined group of Peer Banks over an 11-quarter period from April 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. Peer Banks for this purpose will consist of all companies included in the KBW Regional Banking Index (KRX) as of December 31, 2020, excluding the Company if included in the KRX as of that date.

(3)	If the Company’s absolute Total Shareholder Return performance over the period is negative, the payout for this measure will not exceed the target payout regardless of the relative performance ranking.

(1)	Excludes Mr. Van who joined the Company effective May 2, 2018.

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(1)	Mr. Van joined the Company effective May 2, 2018 and therefore did not qualify for an LTIP equity award grant in 2018.

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(1)	The amounts reported in the Salary column reflect the actual amount paid in each year.

(2)

Each current NEO received holiday bonuses made up of gift cards aggregating approximately $1,050 in the fourth quarter of 2018. During 2018, Ms. Kyu S. Kim and Mr. Ko received anniversary service awards of $3,000 and $1,000, respectively. Amounts also include cash incentive bonuses of $52,500, $92,500 and $57,500 for Mr. Ko, Mr. Malone and Ms. Kim, respectively, for services rendered during 2018, but paid in the subsequent year, as more fully described in the CD&A. Due to the discretionary nature of the grant, the portion of the 2018 PIP bonus that will be paid in the form of an equity grant will be shown in the equity column of next year’s summary compensation table.

(3)

Pursuant to SEC regulations regarding the valuation of equity awards, amounts in the “Stock Awards” column represent the aggregate grant date fair value for restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance-contingent restricted stock units granted in each respective year in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of forfeitures. Under the 2016 Plan and in accordance with the objectives of the Company’s long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP”), which is more fully described in the CD&A, Kevin S. Kim, Mr. Ko, Mr. Malone and Ms. Kim were granted 34,261, 4,696, 9,737, and 5,168 time-based restricted stock units, respectively, and 34,261, 4,696, 9,737, and 5,168 performance-contingent restricted stock units, respectively, on April 26, 2018. The closing price of the Company’s Stock on April 26, 2018 was $17.33. The LTIP time-based restricted stock units vest one-third each on the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The actual number of LTIP performance-contingent restricted stock units to be earned for the 2018 grant will be based on two performance measures, as more fully described in our CD&A. Pursuant to the 2016 Plan and in conjunction with his joining the Company, Mr. Van was granted 13.500 time-based restricted stock units on May 24, 2018, which vest 20% each on the first five anniversaries of the grant date. The closing price of the Company’s Stock on May 24, 2018 was $18.42. See Note 11 of the Hope Bancorp consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, incorporated by reference for information regarding assumptions underlying valuation of equity awards.

(4)

The amounts reported in the Options Awards column represent the aggregate grant date fair value for stock options granted in each respective year. There were no stock options awarded to the NEOs in 2018. Note that the amounts reported in this column represent the applicable grant date fair values of stock options in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, which do not necessarily correspond to the actual economic value that will be received by the NEO from the options. See Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for information regarding assumptions underlying valuation of equity awards.

(5)

For Kevin S. Kim, amounts shown represent the CEO’s annual cash incentive bonus, in accordance with his employment agreement, for services rendered during the year indicated, but typically paid in the subsequent year, together with Company contribution credits to the CEO’s deferred compensation account under the legacy Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (the “legacy LTIP”). For 2018, Kevin S. Kim was awarded an annual incentive bonus of $518,595 and a contribution of $6,750 to legacy LTIP deferred compensation account. For Mr. Ko, Mr. Malone and Ms. Kyu, amounts shown for prior periods represent annual cash incentive bonuses as more fully described in the CD&A. For Ms. Kim, amounts shown for prior periods also include Company contribution credits to her legacy LTIP deferred compensation account. For Mr. Van, amount shown represents a cash bonus incentive agreed upon his joining the Company effective May 2, 2018.

(6)	Amounts shown are above-market interest on LTIP deferred accounts, based on the difference between the 6.25% annual interest rate provided on the LTIP accounts and 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate (compounded monthly) in effect at the time the LTIP was established, which was 3.06% for Kevin S. Kim and 4.60% for Kyu S. Kim.

(7)	For 2018, all other compensation for each NEO includes perquisites, matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) Plan and auto allowance. The Company made matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) Plan for 2018 in the amount of $16,200 each for Kevin S. Kim and Mr. Ko,

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(1)	For Kevin S. Kim, reflects annual cash incentive bonus opportunity approved by the Compensation Committee available to be earned based on the achievement of annual profitability, balance sheet growth, efficiency, and regulatory and strategic goals.

(2)	For all other NEOs, reflects target annual cash incentive bonus opportunity administered by the Chief Executive Officer and subject to approval by the Compensation Committee, based upon historic target payouts of 45% for Senior Executive Vice Presidents and 40% for Executive President and to be earned based on the achievement of Bank performance and individual performance evaluations.

(3)	Represents performance-contingent awards to our NEOs made under the 2016 Plan and in accordance with the objectives of the new LTIP, as more fully described in our CD&A.

(4)	The closing price of the Company’s Stock on April 26, 2018 was $17.33. The closing price of the Company’s Stock on May 24, 2018 was $18.42.

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(1)

Terms of outstanding stock options are for a period of ten years from the date the option is granted. Vested options may be exercised during a period not to exceed three months following the termination of an optionee’s continuous service to the Company for any reason other than disability or death or earlier expiration of the option. If an optionee becomes disabled or dies during his service to the Company, the optionee’s

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(2)

Kevin S. Kim was granted 30,000 shares of restricted stock pursuant to the 2007 Plan on April 11, 2014, which vest 20% on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date. Mr. Ko was granted 6,756 restrict stock units on March 16, 2016, 25% of which vested immediately and 25% on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The equity award granted to Mr. Ko on March 16, 2016 was a grant made by Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. prior to the merger and assume by the Company under the 20167 Plan with the same vesting terms. Mr. Ko and Ms. Kim were granted 7,000 and 9,000 restricted stock units, respectively, pursuant to the 2016 Plan on September 1, 2016, which vest 20% on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date. Under the 2016 Plan and in accordance with the objectives of the Company’s LTIP, which is more fully described in the CD&A, Kevin S. Kim was granted 28,656 time-based restricted stock units and 28,656 performance-contingent restricted stock units on June 26, 2017. Under the 2016 Plan and in accordance with the objectives of the Company’s LTIP, Mr. Ko, Mr. Malone and Ms. Kim were granted 2,000, 8,500, and 2,500 time-based restricted stock units, respectively, and 2,000, 8,500, and 2,500 performance-contingent restricted stock units, respectively, on July 27, 2017. Under the 2016 Plan and in accordance with the objectives of the Company’s LTIP, Kevin S. Kim, Mr. Ko, Mr. Malone and Ms. Kim were granted 34,261, 4,696, 9,737, and 5,168 time-based restricted stock units, respectively, and 34,261, 4,696, 9,737, and 5,168 performance-contingent restricted stock units, respectively, on April 26, 2018.

(3)	Value based on $11.86, the closing price per share of our common stock on December 31, 2018.

(1)	Values were determined by multiplying the number of stock options exercised by the difference between the closing market price of our common stock on the date of exercise and the stock option exercise price.

(2)	Values were determined by multiplying the number of shares or units, as applicable, that vested by the closing market price of our common stock on the vesting date.

(3)

Kevin S. Kim was granted 30,000 shares of restricted stock on April 11, 2014, which vest 20% on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date. Of these restricted stock shares, 6,000 vested on April 11, 2018, on which date the closing market price of our common stock was $18.15. Kevin S. Kim was granted 25,000 shares of restricted stock units on September 1, 2016, one-third of which vested immediately and an additional one-third vests on each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date. Of these restricted stock units, 8,334 vested on September 1, 2018, and the closing market price of our common stock on the first trading day following the vesting date was $17.52.

(4)

Mr. Ko was granted 5,767 restricted stock units on April 8, 2015, 25% of which vested immediately and 25% on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Of these restricted stock shares, 1,441 vested on April 8, 2018, on which date the closing market price of our common stock was $17.90. Mr. Ko was granted 6,756 restrict stock units on March 16, 2016, 25% of which vested immediately and 25% on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Of these restricted stock shares, 1,689 vested on March 16, 2018, on which date the closing market price of our common stock was $19.32. Mr. Ko was granted 7,000 restricted stock units on September 1, 2016, which vest 20% each on the first five anniversaries of the grant date. Of these restricted stock units, 1,400 vested on September 1, 2018, and the closing market price of our common stock on the first trading day following the vesting date was $17.52.

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(5)	Mr. Malone was granted 13,500 restricted stock units on September 1, 2016, one-third of which vested immediately and an additional one-third vests on each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date. Of these restricted stock units, 4,500 vested on September 1, 2018, and the closing market price of our common stock on the first trading day following the vesting date was $17.52.

(6)

Ms. Kim was granted 4,000 restricted stock units on June 26, 2013, which vest 20% each on the first five anniversaries of the grant date. Of these restricted stock units, 800 vested on June 26, 2018, on which date the closing market price of our common stock was $18.32. Ms. Kim was granted 9,000 restricted stock units on September 1, 2016, which vest 20% each on the first five anniversaries of the grant date. Of these restricted stock units, 1,800 vested on September 1, 2017, and the closing market price of our common stock on the first trading day following the vesting date was $17.52.

(1)	The full amount of these contributions is reported as 2018 non-equity incentive plan compensation in the Summary Compensation Table.

(2)	The earnings on the employee deferred compensation plans are calculated based on the total amount of interest accrued on account balances during 2018. The above-market portion of these interest amounts in 2015, which amounted to $4,609 for Kevin S. Kim and $1,746 for Ms. Kim are reported in the Summary Compensation Table.

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(1)

The 2007 Plan and 2016 Plan allow for vesting of all restricted stock and performance units and stock options upon a change in control, death or the finding of permanent disability. This calculation assumes that each NEO’s restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units were paid out in stock at the closing price on December 31, 2018, of $11.86 per share, and that unvested stock options were paid out in the amount of the difference between the stock closing price on December 30, 2018 of $11.86 per share and the option exercise price.

(2)

Pursuant to the terms of Kevin S. Kim's employment agreement, which is described in more detail beginning on page 38 of this Proxy Statement, Kevin S. Kim would have been entitled to cash severance of 150% of his annual base salary, or $1,425,000, for involuntary termination occurring on December 31, 2018, other than for cause and not in connection with a change in control of the Company, and 250% of his annual base salary, or $2,375,000 for involuntary termination occurring on December 31, 2018 within one year following a change in control.

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(1)

Except as otherwise noted, may include shares held by such person’s spouse (except where legally separated or if stock is held as separate property) and minor children, and by any other relative of such person who has the same home; shares held in “street name” for the benefit of such person; shares held by a family trust as to which such person is a trustee and primary beneficiary with sole voting and investment power (or shared power with a spouse); or shares held in an Individual Retirement Account or pension plan as to which such person (and/or such person’s spouse) is the sole beneficiary and has pass-through voting rights and investment power.

(2)	Includes shares which the named individual has the right to acquire through the exercise of vested stock options, and shares which the named individual has the right to acquire through the vesting of restricted stock units within 60 days of the Record Date.

(3)	The Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned is based on the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of the Record Date, March 28, 2019, which was 126,635,087.

(4)	Ownership includes 189,193 shares gifted to an irrevocable trust with his spouse as sole trustee to which Mr. Jhung retains the sole voting and investment power.

(5)	Ownership includes 19,933 shares owned by revocable trust and 18,500 shares gifted to his grandchildren, which Mr. Whang retains the sole voting and investment power.

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(1)	We have relied on the filings with the SEC on Schedule 13G of each of the listed stockholders in determining how many shares each stockholder owns. The public filings on Schedule 13G, including any amendments thereto, by these stockholders reflect ownership information as of December 31, 2018.

(2)	The percentage of shares beneficially owned is calculated based upon 126,635,037 shares of common stock outstanding as of our Record Date of March 28, 2019.

(3)	Based solely upon information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 28, 2019, BlackRock, Inc. has sole power to vote 18,429,391 shares; and sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of 18,737,782 shares.

(4)	Based solely upon information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2019, The Vanguard Group has sole power to vote or direct the vote of 122,714 shares; shared power to vote or direct the vote of 21,513 shares; sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of 13,117,653 shares; and shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of 130,047 shares.

(5)	Based solely upon information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 8, 2019, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP has sole power to vote or direct the vote of 9,764,215 shares; and sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of 9,957,239 shares.

(6)	Based solely upon information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2019, Fuller and Thaler Asset Management, Inc. has sole power to vote or direct the vote of 8,118,838 shares; and sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of 8,290,953 shares.

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