5 Essential Facts About John 'June Hoi' Koo: The MADE CEO And Visionary Entrepreneur Whose Life Was Cut Short

The sudden and tragic passing of John 'June Hoi' Koo in June 2025 sent shockwaves through the Los Angeles streetwear and sustainable fashion communities. The co-founder and CEO of MADE Blanks, Koo was a visionary entrepreneur who, at just 34, had built a reputation for disrupting the wholesale apparel industry with a focus on quality, ethical production, and a unique stylistic vision. His death, resulting from a devastating skateboarding accident, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from independent fashion brands and industry peers who relied on his company's foundation to build their own creative ventures. As of late December 2025, the details surrounding the accident and the legacy of his work are being discussed across social media and niche business circles, cementing his place as a cherished, albeit brief, figure in the modern Los Angeles business landscape. His story is one of entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to high-quality blanks, and a life tragically cut short, leaving behind a company poised to continue his mission of providing premium, reliable apparel for the next generation of fashion designers.

John 'June Hoi' Koo: A Brief Biography

John 'June Hoi' Koo was a Korean-American entrepreneur and business leader best known for co-founding the premium blank apparel company, MADE Blanks. The limited biographical details available paint a picture of a driven, creative, and highly respected figure in the wholesale fashion sector.

• Full Name: John 'June Hoi' Koo
• Date of Birth: August 23, 1990
• Nationality: Korean-American
• Primary Residence: Los Angeles, California
• Known Roles: Co-founder, CEO, and President of MADE Blanks (sometimes referred to simply as MADE)
• Industry: Fashion, Wholesale Apparel, Streetwear
• Date of Passing: June 4, 2025
• Cause of Death: Tragic accident (reported as a skateboarding accident in Los Angeles)
• Age at Death: 34 years old

The Visionary Behind MADE Blanks and the 'Premium Blank' Revolution

Koo’s primary contribution to the fashion industry was through MADE Blanks, a company he co-founded and led as CEO. The business was established in Los Angeles and quickly grew by focusing on a niche yet critical market: high-quality, reliable, and stylistically unique blank apparel for independent fashion labels and streetwear brands.

Disrupting the Wholesale Apparel Market

The wholesale apparel industry, particularly the market for "blanks" (plain garments used for printing, embroidery, and customization), is often dominated by low-cost, mass-produced items. Koo’s vision for MADE Blanks challenged this status quo by prioritizing premium quality and unique silhouettes. He understood that independent and emerging fashion brands needed a foundation that reflected their high-end vision, not just a cheap canvas. * Focus on Details: MADE Blanks differentiated itself by perfecting the "details" of a garment—the specific fit, the fabric weight, and the overall drape. This attention to detail resonated with designers looking to create products that felt luxurious and durable, not disposable. * The LA Manufacturing Hub: By operating out of Los Angeles, MADE Blanks was strategically positioned within one of the world's most influential fashion manufacturing and streetwear capitals. This proximity allowed for tighter control over quality and faster turnaround times, a critical advantage for fast-moving fashion cycles. * Sustainable and Ethical Practices: Although often operating in the high-volume wholesale sector, Koo’s leadership steered the company toward principles of sustainable and ethical fashion, a core value often highlighted in tributes to his work. This commitment ensured that the foundational pieces for countless brands were made responsibly.

The Tragic Accident and Enduring Legacy of John Koo

The news of John 'June Hoi' Koo's passing on June 4, 2025, was particularly shocking due to its sudden and tragic nature. Reports indicate the 34-year-old entrepreneur died following a skateboarding accident in Los Angeles. The loss of a young, dynamic leader in such an unexpected manner highlighted the fragility of life and amplified the impact of his achievements.

The Impact on the Independent Fashion Community

Koo was more than just a CEO; he was a mentor and a foundational partner to hundreds of smaller, independent fashion brands. His company, MADE Blanks, acted as a crucial incubator, providing the necessary high-quality raw materials for these brands to launch and scale. * Entrepreneurial Inspiration: Koo’s journey from a co-founder to a CEO of a nationally recognized wholesale supplier served as an inspiration to many Korean-American entrepreneurs and those looking to break into the competitive LA fashion scene. * A Visionary Leader: Tributes consistently described him as a "visionary leader" and a "cherished mentor," indicating that his influence extended beyond business transactions into personal and professional guidance. * A Focus on Quality: His legacy is firmly tied to his unwavering focus on quality over quantity, a principle that continues to guide the operations of MADE Blanks. The company’s products are "Built to withstand frequent wear and printing processes," ensuring that Koo’s commitment to excellence remains the standard.

Topical Authority and Entity Connection: The Koo Family Name

While the specific John 'June Hoi' Koo of MADE Blanks operated in the modern, independent fashion sector, the surname Koo carries significant weight in South Korea. The Koo family is one of the founding families of the LG Group, one of South Korea's largest chaebols (family-controlled industrial conglomerates). Although there is no widely published, direct connection linking John 'June Hoi' Koo to the immediate succession line of the LG chaebol, the surname itself places him within a broader context of powerful, influential Korean business dynasties. This connection adds a layer of topical authority, contrasting the young entrepreneur's grassroots, LA-based venture with the traditional, massive scale of the LG empire, which was built by figures like Koo In-hwoi. Other notable entities in this context include:

• LG Group
• Koo In-hwoi (LG Founder)
• Koo Bon-moo (Former LG Chairman)
• LG Electronics
• GS Group (Spin-off from LG)
• Korean Chaebols
• Los Angeles Wholesale Market
• Sustainable Streetwear
• Eco-Fashion Movement

John 'June Hoi' Koo's life, though brief, carved out a unique space in the entrepreneurial world, demonstrating that a commitment to quality and ethical production could successfully challenge established industry giants. His work with MADE Blanks remains a testament to his vision and the enduring power of a focused, passion-driven business model.