Hope Bancorp (HOPE) 10-K/A 2016 FY Annual report (amended)

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Kevin S. Kim, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this periodic report on Form 10-K/A of Hope Bancorp, Inc.; and

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report.

Dated: June 7, 2017 /s/ Kevin S. Kim

_______________________________

Kevin S. Kim

President and Chief Executive Officer