Jin Young Choi, the first Fulbright Scholar from Korea, passed away on September 7, 2025. A trailblazer in education, her life and achievements continue to inspire future generations.

e, our 1st Place Winner, performs her piece “The Art of Bowing” at the first live Virtual ROAR Story Slam 2021. e is an attorney with a disability affecting her speech and mobility, but not her spirit.

Hee Shin Suh was born to a noble, or yangban, family in 1924 in Jangsu, Jeollabuk-do. Mrs. Suh grew up with hired help and openly shares she wasn’t familiar with household chores when she immigrated to Ohio.

Mary Kim passed away on January 5, 2022. Mary Kim, born in North Korea, grew up in Seoul during both the Japanese occupation and the breakout of the Korean War.

Jean Kim passed away on July 3, 2021. Born in 1935 in what is now North Korea, Jean Kim lived through the Japanese occupation and the Korean War.

Dr. Yoon Soo Park passed away at the age of 96 on April 16, 2026. While widely recognized for his achievements in science, Dr. Yoon Soo Park remembers a childhood marked by occupation and war. His journey reflects both personal hardship and global accomplishment.

Dju Hyun Park passed away at the age of 92 on December 2, 2025. Growing up in North Korea, Dju Hyun Park faced both privilege and sudden loss after her father’s passing. Her story reflects family, survival, and resilience.

During times of unrest, Seung Nam Lee took action to protect his community. His story reflects courage and responsibility in moments of crisis.

Grace K. 금순 Lee passed on May 4, 2025. Ms. Lee was interviewed by her daughter, Marie Myong-Ok Lee, for our Legacy Project series, released on November 12th, 2015.

Jung Sook Choh, beloved mother of Korean American Story’s co-founder Theresa Choh-Lee, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025. Born in what is now North Korea, Jungsook Choh reflects on early life during independence and war. Her story carries the memory of separation and survival.

A turbulent childhood shaped Lisa Chong’s path toward resilience and service. Her work in the nonprofit sector reflects a commitment to helping others. Lisa Chong passed away on March 15th, 2025. Lisa of Los Angeles, interviewed by HJ Lee, founder of KoreanAmericanStory.org in UCLA, Los Angeles on August 29th, 2013.

After escaping North Korea alone, Dr. Byoung Choh built a life in the United States while carrying memories of separation. His reflections explore identity and the meaning of home.