Raised in Seoul by a missionary family with deep roots in Korea, Laura Underwood grew up immersed in Korean culture while feeling disconnected from her own origins and identity. Through DNA testing, adoption records, and connection with the adoptee community, she has begun reclaiming her story and redefining it on her own terms.

Growing up in Seoul in an American missionary family, Sarah Weber was surrounded by Korean culture while feeling increasingly disconnected from it. Her journey as a transracial adoptee led her to confront questions of language, identity, and belonging, shaping how she now supports her own daughter as an intercountry adoptee.

Heather Schultz Gittens reflects on a childhood shaped by adoption, the loss of her mother, and years of uncertainty about her identity and belonging. Through motherhood, somatic healing, and connection with fellow adoptees, she has found new ways to understand her past and support others on their own journeys.

Growing up in a predominantly white community, Emily Flynn spent years without the language to articulate what it meant to feel different. Her journey toward embracing her Korean identity, reconnecting with her birth family, and finding community has shaped her commitment to helping other adoptees feel less alone.

After returning to Korea and meeting her birth mother, Alisha Bennett began a journey of reclaiming her Korean identity and confronting the grief that had long gone unacknowledged. Her experiences as a Korean adoptee now inform her work as a therapist and her commitment to supporting others in the adoptee community.

After discovering her adoption file as a teenager, Marissa Martin began a lifelong journey to understand her Korean heritage and the circumstances of her adoption. Her story explores reunion, belonging, and the complicated process of embracing an identity she hopes one day to simply call Korean American.

After returning to Korea and reconnecting with both her early memories and biological family, Hollee McGinnis began exploring the complex intersections of adoption, identity, and belonging. Her work as a scholar and community organizer focuses on preserving these histories and building support for intercountry adoptees and future generations.

A discovery about her adoption records changed Tanya Kaanta’s understanding of her own story and set her on a long journey toward understanding her identity. Today, she combines her experience as a transracial adoptee and social worker to support others through heritage travel and community building.

Through art and personal reflection, Youngsun explores the complexities of adoption, identity, and grief. Their story highlights the importance of self-compassion, honoring one's emotions, and finding healing on one's own terms.

Growing up as a Korean adoptee, Adam Goodman reflects on identity, belonging, and the emotional complexities of adoption. Today, he is dedicated to building community and mentoring the next generation of adoptees as they navigate their own journeys.

After growing up in rural Michigan, Abby Smith began exploring her identity as a Korean adoptee after moving to New York City. She reflects on finding community, embracing her heritage, and preparing for her first trip to Korea.

As a comedian and writer, Edward Pokropski uses storytelling to examine identity, adoption, and what it means to feel truly seen. His journey reflects the power of humor to foster understanding and build community.

Growing up in Koreatown, Jimmy Kim found purpose through Los Angeles' parks and recreation programs, setting him on a path of public service. Today, he leads the department with a commitment to creating safe, accessible spaces that strengthen communities and support those who need them most.

As an urban planner, Connie Chung is helping shape cities that are more resilient, inclusive, and prepared for the future. She reflects on how climate change, housing, and community development are deeply connected to people's everyday lives.

Working at the intersection of environmental justice and public health, Kaylee Cho advocates for healthier, more resilient communities in Los Angeles. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to addressing systemic inequities and creating lasting change for the neighborhood that helped shape her.

Carrying forward a family legacy rooted in early Korean American history, Billy Yoon preserves cultural memory through his stewardship of Koreana Gifts and Arts. His journey reflects the importance of honoring heritage, collecting stories, and keeping traditions alive for future generations.

From a childhood shaped by storytelling to becoming the creator of Pachinko, Soo Hugh reflects on the power of stories to build empathy and connection. Her journey explores identity, imagination, and the responsibility of using storytelling to help us better understand one another.

Raised between multiple cities and cultures, Jiwon Shin found belonging through K-pop and creative self-expression. Her journey reflects the healing power of performance and the freedom that comes from living authentically.

After immigrating to the United States as a child, Marina Lee witnessed her mother’s long struggle with mental illness while navigating life between cultures. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and the importance of openly discussing mental health within families and communities.

Born into a once-prominent family in prewar Korea, John Young Ho Lee witnessed his family lose everything under Communist rule following liberation. His journey reflects survival through political upheaval, rebuilding a life through education and work before immigrating to the United States for his children’s future.