Hope Bancorp (HOPE) 10-Q 2008 Q2 Quarterly report

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

PUBLIC COMPANY ACCOUNTING REFORM AND INVESTOR PROTECTION ACT OF 2002

In connection with the periodic report of Nara Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Min Jung Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof, solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.

This Certification has not been, and shall not be deemed, “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Dated: August 5, 2008

/s/ Min J. Kim

Min J. Kim

Chief Executive Officer