I AM KOREAN AMERICAN

Own Words

Hi everybody! My name is Raymond J. Lee and I am an actor / singer / entertainer living, breathing, and working in New York City.

I am the son of two wonderful hard-working parents who immigrated to the United States in the 70’s. I admire their bravery and courage for tackling a new country with different beliefs, customs, and a whole different language in order to give my brother and me the chance to live our dreams.

Because my dad worked for the US military, I grew up an army brat, attending 6 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 1 high school. We lived in many different places including California, Virgina, Washington D.C., and South Korea. It was interesting to see how Korean-Americans were perceived in all parts of the country and the world. I was made fun of in certain schools and almost did not know where I fit in.

I entered my freshman year at Northwestern University as a premed chemistry major, and ended up graduating with a major in radio/television/film and a minor in musical theater. New York was my next destination and I intended to conquer the city. It has been a fantastic home to me and I feel extremely blessed to have a wonderful core of friends and family in this awesome town.

I currently play the role of EDDIE in the Broadway Company of MAMMA MIA! (so you will all have to come and see it!). It has been a dream of mine to be on Broadway and I feel blessed to step onto that stage every day.

I am proud to be a Korean American, and I definitely embody that title. Although I was born in this country (ATL in the house), I am an avid lover of Kpop, Korean dramas, and of course Korean food (favs include Naengmyun on a hot summer day, ho-do-gwah-jah, melon bars, and of course shin ramen).

I hope to help pioneer the field of theater and entertainment, in order to give other Korean Americans a chance at getting work. Although it is still a challenge to be Asian American in this business, it is a challenge I wholeheartedly accept. And although it is very tricky to have parents that are from another mindset and culture, who have not always accepted my career, I am thankful for their constant support.

So thank you for reading my words and please continue to support Korean Americans in the arts and entertainment. And for more information, please check out my website: www.raymondjlee.com

I AM A KOREAN AMERICAN AND DARN PROUD OF IT!!!!