A pair of twin brothers who stirred up a tee time broker controversy in the Los Angeles golf scene are facing federal charges of failing to report income to the IRS.
In an announcement made last Thursday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California said Se Youn “Steve” Kim, 41, of Buena Park, is charged with two counts of tax evasion, one count of making and subscribing to a false tax document and two counts of willful failure to pay tax. Hee Youn “Ted” Kim, 41, of Pomona, is charged with two counts of tax evasion, in addition to three counts of willful failure to pay tax.
In 2024, the Los Angeles Times reported on a tee time brokerage scheme the brothers were running. In that story, the Times quoted Ted Kim saying “it’s not like I’m taking advantage of technology. I’m booking myself. I’m not doing anything illegal.” Kim also said at the time he was making a couple thousand dollars a month as a broker.
As brokers, the twins were scooping up tee times at several municipal golf courses and reselling them for $30 to $40. Golfers would then still have to pay the greens fees at city courses such as Griffith Park, Rancho Park and Hansen Dam, which typically charge residents between $40 and $60. Many locals were frustrated with the online booking system that repeatedly showed all tee times being reserved in a matter of minutes…