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.

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. Beyond survival, Dju Hyun Park reflects on building a life through love, education, and family. Her story carries both hardship and hope.

Dju Hyun Park passed away at the age of 92 on December 2, 2025.  An escape marked by danger and uncertainty defines Dju Hyun Park’s journey to South Korea. Her vivid memories capture the reality of survival during wartime.

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.

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.

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.