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Growing Up Korean-American - A Complicated Relationship with Heritage
Growing up Korean-American meant walking a fine line.
I was proud of my roots, but often felt disconnected from them.
Korea was a place of family stories and traditions,
but not something that fully felt like mine.
It was a pride I held quietly, almost apologetically.
Duty and Distance - Serving America While Longing for Roots
Serving in the U.S. Army brought its own pride—
wearing the uniform, protecting the nation.
But it also created a distance from my Korean identity.
Patriotism filled one part of my heart.
The other part, the part longing for deeper roots, stayed silent.
It wasn’t until much later that music would bridge the gap.
Discovering BTS - Pride Through Authentic Storytelling
When I first encountered BTS, I didn’t expect to be moved.
But their honesty, their vulnerability, their strength—
it all hit me harder than I could explain.
Songs like "Epiphany," "Spring Day," and "Mikrokosmos" showed me
that Korean pride isn't about shouting the loudest.
It's about carrying resilience, empathy, and authenticity in every step.
Through BTS, I saw a Korea that was proud, not because it was perfect,
but because it kept growing and healing.
Experiencing BLACKPINK - Confidence Without Apology
BLACKPINK taught me something different—
how powerful unapologetic confidence can be.
Watching them dominate global stages,
owning their talent, their style, their identity without hesitation,
made me realize that Korean pride could also be fierce, modern, and boundary-breaking.
It wasn’t about fitting in anymore.
It was about leading.
Living in Korea - Seeing Korean Pride Everywhere
Now living in Korea,
I feel Korean pride in ways I never could have imagined before.
It’s not just in K-pop.
It’s in the bustling markets, the late-night cafés, the quiet respect for history,
and the roaring ambition for the future.
Korean pride here isn’t loud.
It’s woven into everyday life like a steady heartbeat.
A Deeper Connection - Reclaiming My Korean Identity
Thanks to BTS and BLACKPINK,
I no longer see my Korean side as something secondary.
They helped me reclaim a part of myself I didn’t even realize was missing.
Their music reminded me that heritage is not a weight.
It’s a foundation.
Now, my pride is not hesitant.
It’s grounded, real, and growing stronger every day.
Carrying Pride Forward - Lessons That Stay With Me
The Army taught me honor and sacrifice.
K-pop taught me authenticity and courage.
Thanks to BTS and BLACKPINK,
I’ve learned that true pride doesn’t come from perfection—
it comes from resilience, creativity, and the ability to keep moving forward,
no matter where you start.
And today, I carry that Korean pride everywhere I go.
