Through the Fog: Thomas Park Clement & Youngsun

Crossing a generational divide of forty years and entirely distinct eras of international adoption, Thomas Park Clement, a Korean War-era biracial adoptee, philanthropist, and lifelong inventor, joins Youngsun, Korean American Story’s Director of Production, for a reflective dialogue on the evolving contours of the Korean adoptee experience. Their conversation speaks to the varied, all-consuming, and all-encompassing traumas of being occupied with survival in many forms, from navigating the bomb-stricken landscape of a belligerent peninsula, to developing heightened senses of emotional perception in childhood to secure personal wellbeing.

Moving beyond antiquated narratives of rescue and gratitude, the pair delves into the history of international adoption to articulate how adoptees’ traumas are symptomatic of broader institutional shortcomings.

Rather than leaving these histories to linger in the abstract, both have taken their personal experiences to outline paths for healing and advocacy. Thomas has funneled his lifelong resourcefulness into the tangible infrastructure of reunion, supplying DNA kits through initiatives like 325Kamra (@official325kamra) to help fellow adoptees bridge geographic divides in uncovering genealogical roots. Likewise, Youngsun’s work in visual storytelling has given shape to the complex psychological landscapes of displacement, building accessible spaces where those complex experiences can be seen, shared, and affirmed.

Together, their ongoing work moves past reflection to construct the networks, tools, and shared spaces necessary for the broader adoptee community.

Special thanks to the Thomas and Wonsook Foundation for their generous support in making this project possible.