So May is Asian Heritage Month, and here is my story.

Most people know that I’m South Korean. But growing up, that wasn’t always something I felt proud to share.

As a child, I was often the only South Korean in my class—from elementary school all the way through middle school. I kid you not, I used to feel incredibly insecure about being South Korean.

At home, it was different. My parents, family, and family friends called me my Korean name, and being Korean felt safe there. But at school, I felt embarrassed and scared to stand out.

Back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Korean food, culture, and media weren’t as widely recognized or celebrated the way they are now.

I remember bringing seaweed to school as a child, and another student reacted with disgust. It really crushed me and made me feel ashamed of something that was such a normal part of who I was.

On top of that, people would often label me as Chinese without ever asking where I was actually from.

I want to be clear—there is absolutely nothing wrong with being Chinese—but as a child, constantly being misidentified made me feel like my own identity wasn’t seen or understood. Also, my Korean name, was something I kept more private growing up.

But fast forward to now, and it feels surreal. The same culture I once felt embarrassed to show is now something people are curious about, excited to learn, and openly celebrating—from Korean food to K-dramas, K-pop, and the Korean language.

I’ve also met friends who would sit and eat Korean food with me, wanted to learn about my culture, and took the time to learn my Korean name— even complimented it
something that would have meant so much to my younger self.

What once made me feel different is now something I deeply cherish.

My culture is a part of my story, my identity, and my heart—and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

God created each of us with purpose, culture, and identity. What I once struggled to embrace is now something I thank Him for.

Happy Asian Heritage Month 🤍✝️🇰🇷 #Asian
#IdentityJourney