James Lee and his South Los Angeles Mobil gas station celebrate 50 years serving the community [Video]

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A local business in South Los Angeles is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the owner, a beloved member of the community, says this milestone is an American Dream come true.

The South L.A. community gathered at the Mobil gas station at Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and Buckingham Road as they cheered on James Lee, who bought the business in 1974.

“I’m so happy. This is the American Dream come true,” Lee said.

Lee immigrated from Korea in 1973 and started as a gas station attendant. Through dedication and hard work, he took ownership of the gas station just one year later, and for the past 50 years, he’s had a lasting impact on the community he serves.

“He’s watched the neighborhood grow and evolve through the decades. So he’s seen it through it all,” said Lee’s son, Fred Lee.

Through the past five decades, Lee has endured a lot …