Sometimes, People Write About Me
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Korean adoptee in the U.S. quits local mayor position and returns to her mother country after 40 years
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Royersford mayor stepping down to return to South Korea
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A Korean who went to Korea in search of identity and vacated the mayor position
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It’s been important to me personally that a balance is struck in how I share my story: while my dual reunion here in Korea has been a miracle, the emotional impact upended my life leading to major disruptions and reality shifts that have been hard as hell.
It’s all fortunate. And people have been hurt. And it’s been filled with joy, but it’s not a fairytale. We are more than the events that led to our adoption… everything that comes afterwards is the hard part that we can (attempt!) control our reactions to. Speaking personally, I haven’t always handled it well. But with the soft landing among those who support me, I am attempting to find my way to a better version of my self every day.
Thanks to Laurie Vogler and Claire Magenheimer for a dynamic and empowering conversation about asking for help, sharing our truths, recognizing our flaws, and moving forward even when it’s difficult. Click below or find Episode 40 on your favorite podcast platform
I want to thank Kaomi for the opportunity to share where I am 18 months after accidentally discovering information on my 1st family. Having agency over my own story is empowering and, frankly, scary. It means accepting that it is constantly evolving. As someone who wants to connect with others, I feel a responsibility to be authentic and honest about the difficulties and inner turmoil I’ve faced - and continue to face - as I navigate a reality I didn’t understand was possible two years ago. If you’ve heard previous interviews from me, the first 30 minutes will sound familiar. Thanks to the care and guidance of Kaomi’s questions, the next 60 will take you on a journey of where I’ve been. Listen on Adapted with Kaomi Lee, season 7, episode 4.
Even when it’s ‘ideal, it’s not easy.
I unexpectedly found my birth family. And I had a happy childhood. Movies and the media would have you believe it’s a fairytale ending. Or that I’m self-loathing and tragic. It’s neither. It’s both.
There’s more to our stories.
And you’re not alone in discovering yours.
Euphoric About My Return to Korea
Shortly after my first trip back to Korea since being adopted as a 1-year-old, I had an opportunity to sit down with Patrick Armstrong (@patrickintheworld) to unpack my trip. This was the fall of 2022. Listening now, I wish I had taken more time prior to our interview to process my emotions. In doing so, I would have been able to explain my experiences in more depth. Weeks after our conversation, I would go on to have what I call a psychological “crash” as all of the complex emotions and implications on my life caught up with me. As all of our experiences are, this interview is a snapshot in time. Thanks, Patrick.
An Interview with Fellow Korean Adoptees
In the fall of 2022, I had an opportunity share my story with hosts of The Janchi Show! I so appreciate Nathan, Patrick, and KJ taking the time to hear my story and perspective. A podcast by Korean American Adoptees for Korean American Adoptees, their mission to build community and empower us within it. Their work inspires me every day.
My Story.
”Global Korean”
In 2021, YTN featured my journey as Mayor of Royersford and a bit about my adoption journey in a series called “My Story”! Thank you, In Young Cho for putting together such a beautiful clip!
Me & Korea: Mosaic Tour
Me and my fellow participants for the 2022 Me & Korea Mosaic Tour!
Designed for adult adoptees to learn more about their past, Korean culture, and history.
