Los Angeles is home to the largest community of Korean Americans in the country. Whether it’s the multi-billion dollar K-pop industry or the stable of top tier Korean directors like Bong Joon-ho or Park Chan-wook, it’s hard to think of a time when Korean culture had a bigger share of the global zeitgeist.
Enter Club Hue, LA’s latest swanky members-only institution that plays directly to the city’s growing infatuation with all things Korean and will be the first private club in Koreatown.
Nestled in the historic Chapman Plaza, Club Hue is set to open its doors this July to a small group of, “cultural vanguards and creative visionaries,” according to membership director Chris Cutjapan. Initiation fees cost $7,500 with a $3,600 annual membership fee, while a lifetime membership will run a cool $120K. (Patrons under the age of 30 will receive a discount.) The club’s eyeing under 1,000 total members, it says.
Ahead of the official opening of Club Hue (inspired by the Korean word Hueshik / 휴식, meaning “rest”), Page Six Hollywood hit a preview of the spot including a five-course meal by Michelin-starred chef Hiroo Nagahara.
In addition to entry at Hue and a network of private clubs around the world, membership also includes car service in BMW i7s, preferred pricing on AERO flights, South Korean travel concierge service from Travel Different, preferred rates at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air, and access for private member concierge platform Velocity Black.
Inside the LA club, a main bar area boasts vaulted wooden ceilings, industrial lotus-shaped chandeliers and a mural by Michael Haight, inspired by his time living in South Korea. From an elevated perch in the middle of a bar, a live singer crooned covers of songs from “Too Sweet” by Hozier to “Sail” by Awolnation.
An Orient Express-inspired private lounge intended for karaoke and small gatherings has two-way mirrors that allow patrons to see the venue without being seen themselves. And there’s also a custom piece by contemporary graffiti artist Retna.
Also at a press preview were reporters from outlets including Complex and Time Out, and dishes included a buttery waffle with matcha-infused butter and Petrossian caviar, a panzanella salad, sashimi and ohitashi. (The service was more than a bit leisurely as the club works out the kinks: We were seated at 6:30p.m. and it was 11:30p.m. by the time we were done.) But chef Hiroo’s food was certainly worth the wait, including Wa-gyu bone-in beef short rib, kaizen donabe gohan and a toasted tea basque cheesecake with cherries jubilee.
Time will tell if LA’s upscale private club scene — which includes San Vicente Bungalows, Soho House and The Bird Streets Club — has room for one more.
