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.

Spanning generations and vastly different eras of international adoption, Thomas Park Clement and Youngsun reflect on the shared complexities of the Korean adoptee experience. Their conversation explores trauma, identity, reunion, and the ways adoptees are creating new paths toward healing, advocacy, and community.

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.

Coming from different Korean American experiences, Abby Smith and Maddy Park reflect on identity, belonging, and the journeys that shaped their connection to Korean culture. Their conversation explores how community, creativity, and storytelling helped each of them embrace what being Korean American means.

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.

Through humor and honest conversation, Ed Pokropski and Kathy Kim explore adoption, loss, identity, and the importance of asking difficult questions. Their dialogue reminds us that meaningful connection begins when we're willing to listen and share openly.

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.

Having fled North Korea during the Korean War, Reverend David Jungdo Park built a life rooted in faith and perseverance. His journey reflects survival through occupation, war, displacement, and decades of ministry across both Korea and the United States.

From Japanese occupation to war and displacement, Sun Ok Hwang’s life was shaped by survival and constant movement across Korea. She reflects on building a new life with her husband through shared experience, finding strength in family across generations.

Across three generations, the Rheem family reflects on how war, displacement, and Korea’s modern history reshaped their lives and relationships. Their conversation reveals how, despite loss, family remains a lasting source of identity, memory, and what they call a “network of love.”