Hanmi Bank Teams Up with Major League Baseball Players Shin Soo Choo & Hyun Jin Ryu as Marketing Spokespersons

LOS ANGELES, April 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hanmi Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:HAFC), the holding company for Hanmi Bank announced that Shin Soo Choo of the Cincinnati Reds and Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Los Angeles Dodgers will serve as the bank's marketing spokespersons.

A press conference and signing ceremony was held at Garden Suite Hotel in Los Angeles to announce the agreement and introduce an outline of 2013 marketing plans, as well as a sneak preview of the new 2013 branding campaigns.

Shin-Soo Choo renewed the contract for 2 more years, which was originally signed in 2011. Hyun-Jin Ryu signed a 6-year contract to represent Hanmi, and he will serve as Hanmi's marketing spokesperson while he plays for the LA Dodgers. To increase the synergy between the two athletes, Hanmi will be actively engaging in marketing efforts to promote the two athletes.

"Shin-Soo Choo has successfully represented Hanmi to build a positive image during the past two years," said Jay S. Yoo, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This image we have built will serve as a solid foundation for Hanmi's future. Furthermore, Ryu's bold move to re-establish his career as a major league baseball player in Los Angeles, following his successful and flourishing career in Korea exemplifies our spirit of embracing new challenges and illustrates our dedication to growth. I am looking forward to the success of these two athletes in our marketing campaign."

Additionally, Hanmi will donate $1,000 for every home-run and stolen bases that Choo achieves during each season to the Choo Foundation, a charity organization founded by Choo to help the disadvantaged. Similarly, Hanmi will donate $100 for each strikeout during each season to the non-profit organization of Ryu's choice.

About Hanmi Financial Corporation

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Hanmi Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hanmi Financial Corporation, provides services to the multi-ethnic communities of California, with 27 full-service offices in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Diego counties, and a loan production office in Washington State. Hanmi Bank specializes in commercial, SBA and trade finance lending, and is a recognized community leader. Hanmi Bank's mission is to provide a full range of quality products and premier services to its customers and to maximize stockholder value. Additional information is available at www.hanmi.com.

CONTACT: Jenny Park
         FVP & Manager, Creative Strategy
         Direct Phone: 213-427-4255

Released April 16, 2013