Ken Hakuta was born in Korea in 1951. While specifics of his early childhood are relatively private, his Korean heritage and upbringing undoubtedly influenced his later entrepreneurial ventures and his ability to bridge cultural gaps in the American market.

Hakuta immigrated to the United States during the 1960s. Adapting to a new culture and language likely instilled in him a resourcefulness and adaptability that would serve him well in his future endeavors.

Hakuta attended Harvard University, where he studied economics and East Asian studies. This rigorous academic background provided him with the analytical skills and knowledge base crucial for navigating the complexities of business and international markets.

While visiting Korea, Hakuta stumbled upon a simple, sticky toy called the 'Wacky WallWalker.' Recognizing its potential appeal to American consumers, he secured the rights to import and market it in the U.S.

Hakuta launched the 'Wacky WallWalker' in the United States and aggressively promoted it through clever marketing strategies, including television commercials and appearances on talk shows. He adopted the persona of 'Dr. Fad,' a catchy and memorable moniker that helped him connect with consumers. The WallWalker became a massive hit, selling millions and transforming Hakuta into a celebrated entrepreneur and marketing guru.

Riding on the success of the Wacky WallWalker, Hakuta continued to explore and introduce other novel products to the American market. While none achieved the same level of iconic status, they solidified his reputation as an innovative entrepreneur.

Hakuta shifted his focus to other areas, including technology and media. He has been involved in various ventures, demonstrating a sustained interest in innovation and finding new ways to connect with audiences. He has become known as a media personality and continues to provide commentary on business, marketing, and culture.

Ken Hakuta founded the board game company 'Brain Games' in 2003, where he created the award-winning game, 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' based on the popular television show. This venture demonstrated his ability to diversify and capitalize on trends in entertainment and education.