Diana Son shares her lifelong passion for storytelling, from theater to television. Even with a celebrated career, she continues to push herself creatively, driven by curiosity and growth.

Peter Sohn reflects on how his parents’ immigrant journey shaped his voice as a filmmaker. His work captures the emotional depth and complexity of the Korean American experience.

Growing up biracial during a time of deep division, MiRan Powell found confidence and self-expression through acting. Her journey is one of identity, resilience, and using her voice to advocate for peace.

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.

From feeling like an outsider in a large family to becoming a celebrated artist, Wonsook Kim’s journey is rooted in observation and self-discovery. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to creativity and giving back.

Shaped by family struggles and the pressures of the American Dream, Sam Hyun reflects on the emotional toll of the immigrant experience. Today, he works to reshape narratives and empower Asian American communities.

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.

A writer who found her voice through multiple careers, Eugenia Kim explores identity through storytelling. She believes creative expression is a powerful way to answer the question of who we are.

Marked by war, abandonment, and adoption, Thomas Park Clement’s early life was defined by survival. He went on to become an inventor, using his success to give back to the adoptee community.

Surviving war and displacement, Jung Ja Lee reflects on a life built across countries and generations. Her story carries both resilience and warmth, grounded in her love for family.

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.

NAYA (나야): Shaman Mudang follows New York–based practitioner Jennifer Kim as she transforms personal trauma into a path of spiritual healing. Through her work, she seeks to mend relationships and address the deep-rooted han within the Korean diaspora.

Taking on responsibility at a young age, Myung Hee Jung reflects on sacrifice, migration, and unrealized dreams. In the end, she finds fulfillment in the family she built.

Working at the intersection of journalism and community advocacy, Lily Kim highlights the unique role of Korean American media. Her reporting has helped drive meaningful change at the local level.

Growing up Blasian in Koreatown, Vida reflects on identity, belonging, and the complexities of family acceptance. Her story is deeply tied to place, memory, and community.

For Judy Han and Jennifer Chun, identity has never been singular. In reflecting on their experiences as queer Korean Americans, they explore the complexities, tensions, and evolving sense of self that come with living between worlds.

Navigating both queer and Korean identities, Jamie Issuh reflects on the search for belonging across communities. Through connection and openness, she continues to embrace her full self.

For Lori Song, self-acceptance came later in life after years of internal conflict around gender identity. Her journey is a powerful reminder to live authentically, no matter when that moment arrives.

From post-war Korea to building a life in the United States, Lana Yu’s journey is shaped by resilience and family. Her story centers on acceptance and the importance of support.

A life defined by constant change, Kyung Wan Kim reflects on hardship, migration, and reinvention. Her perspective is grounded in resilience and learning to move with life’s flow.