Born in Pyeonggang County, Kangwon Province, Jung Sook Han recalls a childhood shaped by farming life in the highlands of the Taebaek Mountains and the quiet closeness of family. When war and division erased her home and separated her from her sister, her memories became a place of return—and a hope that future generations might one day reunite.

From her family’s business roots in Korea to running a beloved restaurant in Los Angeles, Young Hee Shon’s story is one of perseverance and care. Her success is built on community trust and word of mouth.

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.

Having lived through war and migration, Nancy Cho built a life grounded in family and resilience. In Los Angeles, she found a sense of home within the Korean community.

Born in Cheongpyeong, South Hamgyeong Province, Keum Ja Park recounts a childhood shaped by displacement and a harrowing evacuation from Heungnam. Decades later, her return to North Korea to reunite with her father reveals the emotional distance created by time, separation, and a homeland transformed.

Raised across multiple countries and cultures, Kyu Min Lee’s life has been anything but linear. His journey reflects risk, reinvention, and embracing the unexpected.

From post-war hardship to a long career as a teacher, Jaesook Kim reflects on a life of perseverance. She carries both gratitude and longing as she reflects on her journey.

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.