Born near Haeju in Hwanghae Province, Myung Ki Min remembers a childhood marked by countryside play, sibling mischief, and azaleas blooming on the hills each spring. Separated from his father during the family’s flight south at the start of the Korean War, his letter reflects on loss, unanswered questions, and a plea for humanitarian reunification before time runs out.

Facing discrimination early on, Cathy Yi remained determined to build a better life in the United States. Her story highlights resilience and the power of personal choice.

Born in Unheung-ri, Hamheung, Sung Joo Kwon recalls a childhood shaped by the love of his oldest brother, who introduced him to music through recitals and long walks up Banryongsan Mountain. Their separation during the Heungnam Evacuation turned a promised temporary departure into a lifetime of longing—for reunion, family, and a return to his hometown.

Born in Changyon, Hwanghae Province, Sang Chul Kim reflects on a childhood defined by deep love for his parents and siblings, especially the younger brother who once cared for him. Forced to flee without farewell when the war began, his story carries a lifelong wish for reunification—for his family, his homeland, and the peace of those left behind.

Growing up immersed in both family business and personal ambition, Justine Yoon reflects on the balance between honoring sacrifice and pursuing her own path.

As a Korean Chinese immigrant, Aileen Kim navigates multiple cultures and identities. Her story highlights adaptability, language, and cultural pride across generations.

Following in her family’s footsteps, Laura Park built a hanbok business that bridges tradition and modern culture. Her work reflects the evolving identity of Korean heritage in the U.S.

Driven by a passion for food, Kyungbin Min built a career that blends culinary skill with cultural storytelling. His work introduces Korean flavors to broader audiences.

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.

Sammy Kim (they/them) is a multifaceted individual: a queer artist, writer, healer, sex worker, community organizer, caregiver, and friend. From a young age, Sammy took on a caregiving role when their mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, moving in with relatives as her condition progressed.

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.

Born in Sariwon, Hwanghae Province, Doh Kuk Kim recalls a childhood filled with friendship, schoolyard leadership, and long days spent climbing Jeongban Mountain. His family’s departure during the January Fourth Retreat—meant to last only a week—became a lifelong separation, leaving him with memories, love, and hope for reunion.

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.

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.

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.

Born in Manwol, Kaesong City, Hyo Sun Yang recalls a childhood marked by war and sudden loss, when her father was captured while working as a surgeon and never returned. Her reflection holds space for uncertainty—balancing hope for his survival with a longing for peace across generations and borders.

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.

Ellie Kim (she/her), known as SuperKnova (@superknova), is a genderfluid trans singer and musician based in NYC. Her relationship with music began early when her parents—like many Korean parents—enrolled her in piano lessons as a child.

Queer and trans stories have often gone unheard within the Korean American community. In Legacy Project: Queer Joy, nine LGBTQIA+ Korean Americans across generations share what queer joy means to them and the journeys that shaped it, offering space for connection, understanding, and celebration.