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Well, we all knew it was coming.

After a group of Korean-Americans assumed ownership of the 250,000 square-foot Little Tokyo Shopping Center back in May, news reports of big changes to the three-story mall swept local headlines.

The threat of Korean businesses replacing long-standing Japanese tenants has prompted many to defend the neighborhood’s heritage, though shifting demographics in recent years are taking things in a new direction.

Consequently, investors are moving forward with plans to reposition their asset to a more Korean-themed center, a resolution that marks a turning point for the area.

Jason Kim of Coldwell Banker tells angelenic that Korean grocer H Mart is lined up to replace Mitsuwa Marketplace, a 40,000 square-foot Japanese grocery that’s something of an anchor for Little Tokyo. Though the deal has not been finalized, Kim explains negotiations are in advanced stages and the switch could happen as early as next year.

H Mart is an East Coast-based chain expanding their presence in Southern California with a new location being readied in Irvine to follow up their Diamond Bar super store.

-little seoul mall? new owners to evict japanese businesses

Photo via flickr user jeremy!.