I AM KOREAN AMERICAN

Own Words

In 2009, I returned to South Korea for the first time since birth as a means to explore the relationship between culture, identity and society. Adopted as an infant and possessing minimal knowledge of my birth history, I hoped a year in Korea would clarify what questions I had related to my adoption. Anticipating this experience would yield challenging moments, it did help me understand what it means to be Korean-American.

I often struggle to answer the question, “Where are you from?” Despite growing up in America, I cannot help but reflect on my experiences in Korea and consider the argument for nature vs. nurture. Am I product of my environment? My genetic make-up? Can I consider both elements? On the outside I appear Korean, but my soul speaks American. I’ve realized one’s categorization of themselves can fluctuate and people don’t have to isolate their home as solely “Korea” or “America”. Experiences take us across multiple borders and cultures, ultimately changing our perception of the world and ourselves. By answering, “Korea” and “America” we allow ourselves to accept and embrace these wonderful cultural characteristics particular to each country.

Currently in New York City, I am using photography and writing to explore how we understand ourselves, and society. What is race? Ethnicity? Is it something that can be captured through a photograph? I hope to use these images and direct my work toward helping individuals gain a better understanding of how they operate in this global society. Whether I’m Korean, or American, or Asian-American, or whether a search still ensues, it’s important to recognize I am part of a culture that can be used to help others.

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