Mike Kim
Mike Kim was born and raised in a predominantly white town in the San Francisco Bay Area and felt he was constantly navigating between two worlds. Having conservative parents and being the first born in his family, he was expected to have deep connections to his Korean roots and focus on his education. However he embraced a more American mindset and culture and developed a passion for sports and the outdoors.
After spending all his life in the Bay Area and about twelve years working in Silicon Valley, Mike realized his lifestyle plateaued to a constant routine. While on a trip to visit family in Korea, he had the opportunity to meet with the CEO of Baedal Minjok and was offered a job even though he wasn’t fully fluent in Korean. He took a leap of faith, accepted the job and has since called Korea his home. While living in Korea as a gyopo, or Korean American, Mike found himself understanding more of what his parents’ immigration experience was like and the cultural differences they have faced. As Mike continues his life in Korea, he hopes to apply what he’s learned and take advantage of the opportunities to continue to leave an impact.