I AM KOREAN AMERICAN

Own Words

Born in Seoul in 1988. Along with many others, I was adopted into an American family in my infancy. I was raised in a rural Iowa town of about 1,000 people. It was as “white America” as you can get.

Being different never held me back, it just encouraged me to better myself, and better those around me. Raised on a strong foundation of family values, trust, honesty, loyalty, and hard work, I became the person I am today because of my amazing adoptive parents.

When my best friend died when I was 19, I packed a back pack and left Iowa. I went to San Francisco in hopes of becoming a chef, and with hopes of discovering more of my Korean heritage.

I got a job at a successful restaurant, and quickly made my way to Chef De Cuisine. And in that time, also working in some of the best kitchens in the country.

I’m adopted and proud. I’m proud to say I was raised with midwest German values.

I’m proud that I also have a Korean heritage. I’m proud that I come from a strong willed people, with such a rich culture.

I’m proud to say that I don’t belong to just one culture. I was raised in a German community. I’ve traveled Italy. I speak Spanish and Maya. I’m Korean.

I’m living my dream.