www.koreanamericanstory.org

I Am Korean American: FAMILY

"I Am Korean American: FAMILY" is the second in the series of 5 videos produced by RKTV. These videos explores what it means to be Korean-Americans today. KoreanAmericanStory.org will be posting the remaining 3 videos in the series in the coming weeks.

One of the biggest struggle for Korean families living in America is the language barrier between the first generation and the second generation. That is, the generational gap resulting from the Korean mentality of the Konglish-speaking parents and the American mentality of the English-speaking second generation children continue to build a barrier between them.

In this episode, second generation Korean-Americans share touching stories about their relationships with their first generation parents and third generation children

Stories from Koko Living's Night at the Rooftop

KoreanAmericanStory.org recorded stories of Korean Americans at the KoKo Living Magazine's "Night at the Rooftop" event on October, 21, 2011. "Night at the Rooftop" was the first lifestyle expo and fashion show targeting Korean American women. Marja Vongerichten, author and the star of the PBS show "Kimchi Chronicles" was honored as the KoKo Living Magazine's Woman of the Year. Check out the recap of the evening and some great stories shared by the attendees.

I Am Korean American: IDENTITY

"I Am Korean American: IDENTITY" is the first in the series of 5 videos produced by RKTV. These videos explores what it means to be Korean-Americans today. KoreanAmericanStory.org will be posting the other 4 videos in the series in the coming weeks.

Whether in America or Korea, second generation Korean-Americans are labeled 'outsiders.' Although their passports may say they are American, they are still seen as 'immigrants.' Though they are Koreans in appearance, they are seen as 'foreigners' in the eyes of native Koreans

Are second generation Korean-Americans Koreans or Americans? An even more difficult question is, how should half-Koreans identify themselves?

The struggle over the issue of their identity is not easily understood by their parents or even friends. The question of one's cultural identity can only be answered by the individual alone. The answers to these questions vary greatly among second generation Korean-Americans.

In this episode, Korean-Americans share their hardships and how they have overcome the struggles to find their own answers to these difficult questions.

Corona Senior Center of Korean Community Services

In this video piece, Kimberly So Jin Kim of KoreanAmericanStory.org provides a glimpse of the Corona Senior Center, a service that is run by the Korean Community Services of New York (KCSNY.org) to meet the staff members, volunteers and the elderly Korean-Americans who utilize their services.

According to the 2010 US Census, there are approximately 65,000 Korean-Americans living in Queens, about 70% of total Korean-American population living in New York City.  Providing community services for the Korean-Americans in New York City since 1973 is the Korean Community Services of New York.  One of the key programs they provide is the Corona Senior Center.

Video Highlights of Our Annual Fundraiser

This video contains highlights from the First Annual KoreanAmericanStory.org funraiser with David Kim, the Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, that took place on June 4th, 2011.  

Heard 'Em All by Ameriie

Check out Ameriie's music video: Heard 'Em All.

Ameriie is a popular Grammy nominated singer who is half Korean and half black, and this music video is a companion piece to the Profile of Ameriie written by Julie Young.

Music Video courtesy of Ameriie.  (C) 2009 The Island Def Jam Music Group

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Editor's note:  For optimal experience, try reading this piece out loud.

All these stats are just driving me crazy
But are they driving you crazy too?
‘Cause I don’t see it.
When these dying survivors are trying to tell their stories
To the stone-faced, unconcerned juries
But that’s only the few able to share
And once they do the prospect of doing it again is so rare
What about those who we’re shunned to hear from?
The news can overplay it, and so the case is simply done
Rape is so rampant, our feelings towards it become numb
There’s assaults and mass exploits but it’s a given when it comes to war
And does anyone ever talk about Darfur, Bosnia, the rape of Nanking, comfort women anymore?
It’s funny what we call survivors these days
“Comfort women.”  Are they really comforting as military sex slaves?

Photos from the 6-4-2011 Benefit Recital

KoreanAmericanStory.org held its inaugural fundraiser which was a Benefit Recital with David Kim, the Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, on June 4, 2011.  We had a diverse group of attendees who witnessed an amazing performance by David Kim accompanied by Gail Niwa on the piano.  David played 5 musical pieces, and in between each piece, he paused to share his story in a genuine and authentic manner that captivated the audience and moved them to laughter and tears simultaneously. As one attendee commented it was a "once-in-a-lifetime experience".

We will be dedicating nearly $10,000 to commission artists and journalists to create content about Korean-American immigrants from the 1970's and 1980's.  We will be sending out a call of submissions soon.  Special thanks to all the volunteers, attendees, donors and supporters who helped to make this event a success.  A heart-felt thanks to David Kim for the donation of his time and talents and Sue Lee Chong for spearheading our inaugural fundraiser.

Here are some photos from the evening.  CLICK HERE to see the photos