Growing up biracial during a time of deep division, MiRan Powell found confidence and self-expression through acting. Her journey is one of identity, resilience, and using her voice to advocate for peace.

Marked by war, abandonment, and adoption, Thomas Park Clement’s early life was defined by survival. He went on to become an inventor, using his success to give back to the adoptee community.

Growing up Blasian in Koreatown, Vida reflects on identity, belonging, and the complexities of family acceptance. Her story is deeply tied to place, memory, and community.

For Lori Song, self-acceptance came later in life after years of internal conflict around gender identity. Her journey is a powerful reminder to live authentically, no matter when that moment arrives.

Vanilla Honey (she/they) is a queer architect and community organizer based in New York. Growing up on Long Island, Honey was never taught Korean by their mother, but they connected with their family and other Koreans through humor and playfulness.

Alexander Chee (he/him) is a bestselling author, essayist, and Professor of English and Creative Writing at Dartmouth College. Born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, to a white American mother and Korean father, Chee's journey is a tale woven with humor and wit.

Growing up biracial, Anthony Hull grappled with belonging before ultimately embracing being fully Black and fully Korean. Today, he tells the stories he’s always wanted to see through his work in film and production.

Adopted at a young age and raised between cultures, Jacky Lee spent years navigating identity and belonging. Later in life, she began reclaiming her Korean roots and embracing her full self with pride.

Born in South Korea and later adopted by a Black American family, Milton Washington’s life is shaped by both loss and belonging. His story reflects the complex intersections of identity, history, and resilience.

At the center of Jim Lee’s story is family, resilience, and unwavering support through hardship. Together, he and his wife built a life grounded in love, advocacy, and gratitude.

Born in Hong Kong to a Chinese mother and Korean father, Michael Jhin’s early life was shaped by war stories, migration, and adaptation. He went on to become a pioneering healthcare executive, defining his identity through leadership and impact.

Growing up biracial in a predominantly white community, Tiffany Justice often felt different from those around her. Through journalism, she found her voice and a way to tell stories that reflect her own.

As a visual sociologist, Michael Hurt explores identity through photography and cultural observation. His work reflects the complexities of being both insider and outsider in Korea.

Describing himself as “perpetually on a bridge,” Alex Pryor reflects on life as a biracial Korean American navigating identity and belonging. Living in Korea has allowed him to redefine that space on his own terms.

Raised identifying as Black, Janet Russell didn’t fully connect with her Korean identity until adulthood. Moving to Korea opened the door to family, culture, and a deeper understanding of herself.

Raised between cultures, Kwon Teimchaiyapoom began exploring her identity more deeply through her family’s changing connection to Korean culture. Her journey is one of self-discovery and reflection.

A lack of belief from others left Cecelia to carry her experiences alone for years. Through sharing her story, she emphasizes the importance of speaking up and seeking support.

Growing up biracial, Hope Sacco sought connection within the Korean community. Through Sejong Camp, she found both belonging and a deeper understanding of identity.

Growing up in rural Ohio, Chris Packard balanced Midwestern life with helping his mother run small businesses. His journey through military service and personal struggle eventually led him to Korea, where he continues exploring identity and belonging.

Feeling “perfectly half-Korean,” Mandy Hwang embraced both sides of her identity from an early age. Living in Korea has deepened her understanding of culture and shaped her path as an educator.