Born in North Korea during a time of upheaval, Joy Lee Gebhard’s life has been shaped by war, separation, and an enduring search for family. Her story reflects both profound loss and the rare possibility of reunion.

Raised by relatives and shaped by the trauma of war, Chown Soon Cho endured a life of hardship from an early age. Today, she finds her greatest joy in her children and grandchildren.

Coming of age during Japanese occupation and the Korean War, Seung Hie Kim experienced profound shifts in identity and nationhood. Her journey reflects survival, adaptation, and building a life across continents.

Forced to flee Seoul as a child, Issun Park’s life has spanned multiple countries and cultures. Through it all, she has carried a sense of adaptability and belonging wherever she goes.

Having endured occupation, war, and personal hardship, Dr. Samuel Lee devoted his life to healing others. His story reflects both generational trauma and a lifelong pursuit of peace.

Living through occupation, war, and immigration, Choong Shik Cho built a life grounded in perseverance and ambition. Today, he remains committed to giving back to his community.

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.

Pursuing education despite the constraints of her time, Dr. Kee Ok Cho became a physician shaped by war and resilience. She reflects on her life with gratitude and no regrets.

A survivor of war and imprisonment, Nam Young Park’s life spans decades of conflict and resilience. Despite living abroad, he continues to hold Korea as home.

Living through occupation and war, Sang Hui Juhn carries memories of survival and loss that have shaped her life. Her story reflects both resilience and remembrance.

Having lived through occupation and war, Pak Myung Sook carries memories of profound loss and survival. Her story reflects faith, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of history.

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.

Pursuing education despite societal barriers, Dr. Bonnie Oh became a pioneering figure in Asian American and Women’s Studies. Her legacy reflects advocacy, scholarship, and breaking new ground.

Driven by a dream to become a doctor, Young Song Kim overcame personal loss and political barriers. His life reflects resilience, purpose, and unwavering conviction.

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.

Choosing love against her family’s wishes, Aiyoung Choi built a life shaped by independence and resilience. Her journey reflects difficult choices and new beginnings.

Inspired by a vision of America, Chung Yun Hoon pursued education and opportunity against great odds. His early life reflects determination and survival.

Living through occupation, war, and immigration, Sungdo Park reflects on a life shaped by historic upheaval. His journey is rooted in survival and building a better future for his children.