Wilshire Bancorp (WIBC) 8-K Departure of Directors or Certain Officers

Exhibit 17.1

Richard Y. Lim

May 29, 2013

Mr. Steven Koh

Chairman of the Board

Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.

Wilshire State Bank

Los Angeles, CA

Dear Mr. Koh:

I hereby submit my resignation as a Director of Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. and Wilshire State Bank as of May 29, 2013 in keeping with the age restrictions of the Board Succession Plan.

It has been a great privilege to serve the shareholders of both entities as a founding Bank Director some 33 years ago.

I sincerely thank each of the Board Members for their help and support and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors.

Best regards,

/s/ Richard Y. Lim

Richard Y. Lim