Dr. Su Yon Pak and Mudang Sung Park reflect on their shared journey as queer Korean American elders—connecting over spirituality, care, and the quiet courage of living authentically across generations.

Sue Park-Hur explores how intergenerational trauma, faith, and history shaped her path as a peacebuilder. Through ReconciliAsian, she works to transform conflict into healing within communities.

Jung Won Jung has spent over two decades supporting survivors of domestic violence through advocacy and outreach. Her work empowers individuals toward independence and self-worth.

For Judy Han and Jennifer Chun, identity has never been singular. In reflecting on their experiences as queer Korean Americans, they explore the complexities, tensions, and evolving sense of self that come with living between worlds.

Straddling Korean and American identities, Janet Burt reflects on life as a 1.5-generation immigrant. Her work focuses on strengthening connections within the Korean American community.

Through her work in design studies, Esther Kang examines how culture, race, and systems shape the world around us. She challenges us to think critically about the impact of design.

Andrea Hong Marra (she/her), often known as Andy, is a trans activist and executive director of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF). From an early age, she knew who she was as a Korean American and person of color.

Mudang Sung Park (he/him) was born in Seoul, Korea, and immigrated to the Ridgewood/Bushwick area with his family when he was young. Growing up, they were the only Korean family—or East Asian family, for that matter—for blocks around, and although Sung tried his best to reproduce the joys of his Korean childhood from within New York, his new environment slowly changed aspects of his personality.

Sulkiro Song (she/they) is a queer, asexual, and aromantic pastor based in Virginia. Born in Seoul, Korea, to a family of ministers, their path seemed clear: carry on the family line and become a pastor.

Emmett Yoon (he/him) is a trans rights activist based in Houston, serving as the Executive Director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT). Born in South Korea and adopted by a white family in the Midwest, Emmett often felt out of place and confused as a transracial adoptee.

Adopted into an all-white community, Becky Belcore spent years searching for identity and belonging. Through activism and community work, she found purpose and connection to her Korean roots.

Raised in the Philippines as the child of missionaries, Dong Hyeon Jeong experienced a very different understanding of race before moving to the United States. Today, he promotes diversity and cultural understanding within his community.

Adopted twice across cultures, Joseph Oh’s journey is shaped by loss, rediscovery, and belonging. As a father now, he is committed to creating the stability and love he once searched for.

As an adoptee raised in Minnesota, Soon Young Oh navigated identity largely on her own before finding connection later in life. Today, she actively builds community while passing on her heritage to her son.

Growing up in a predominantly white environment, Matt Miller didn’t fully embrace his Korean identity until adulthood. Now a parent, he shapes his own version of culture, identity, and family.

Balancing identity across cultures, Bree Yoo-Sun McLeun faced isolation early in life before finding purpose through motherhood and community. Her journey reflects healing, resilience, and connection.

After growing up feeling out of place, Zach Benson found connection through dance and later through reconnecting with his birth family in Korea. His story is one of identity, movement, and belonging.

A moment of culture shock in Korea led Tae Kim to recognize a gap in mental health support. He responded by creating a platform to help others navigate similar struggles.

Initially driven by ambition, Sangmin’s path eventually led him back to faith and ministry. Today, he leads a community centered on purpose and spiritual growth.

A passion for film led Kyu Lee to introduce Korean cinema to global audiences. His work continues to shape how Korean culture is experienced in the United States.