Robin Anderson, 45, is a Korean-American adoptee who has been living in Korea for the past three years. He talks about his decision to return and of his path to landing a teaching position at arguably the most prestigious university there, Seoul National University. Anderson is also frank about discussions he’s had with his parents about his decision to make Seoul home, for more or less the rest of his life. He also talks about what he’d like his students and Koreans, in general, to know about adoptees; and what he’s learned about trying to become more Korean since he’s made Korea home again.

Music Credits:
Jahzarr “Schmaltz”
Blue Dot Sessions “Greyleaf Willow”
Blue Dot Sessions “Tumblehome”
Blue Dot Sessions “Shade Ways”
Blue Dot Sessions “Roundpine”
Blue Dot Sessions “Even Dreams of Beaches”

Logo: Rusty Detty

Michael Mullen, 48, president of Also Known As (AKA), a New York City-based transnational adoption group, raises a thoughtful take on his identity as a Korean-American adoptee; that being an ethnic Korean, an American and an adoptee are three separate identifiers that are equally important. Mullen recalls moving to Korea after watching the ’88 Summer Olympics and how that and a second relocation to Korea and the years after helped him realize that just focusing on reclaiming his Korean heritage to compensate for not being raised in a Korean family wasn’t fully who he is. Mullen is also a father of two and discusses about what passing on his adoption experience to his kids looks like.

Music Credits:
Jahzzar “Schmaltz”
Audiobinger “Walking on Clouds”
Audiobinger “Memory Lane”
Audioginger “My Downfall”
Audiobinger “The Wake Up”
Audiobinger “Cooling”
Audiobinger “In the Hearts of Men”
Blue Dot Sessions “Greyleaf Willow”
Blue Dot Sessions “Roundpipe”
Blue Dot Sessions “Tumblehome”

Logo Credit:
Rusty Detty

Author and Korean-American adoptee Julayne Lee talks about her new collection of poems, “Not My White Savior,” and of the importance of maintaining an authentic voice. Now in her 40s, she currently lives in California and is active within the vibrant literary scene. Lee also discusses her thoughts on identity and of how she hopes the work will impact the larger adoptee community. 

From Not My White Savior, by Julayne Lee, Copyright 2018. With the permission of the publisher, Rare Bird Lit.

Morgan Pearson, 27, is a Korean adoptee who grew up in the Twin Cities suburbs and talks candidly about her struggles with race and identity, alienation, sexual abuse and addiction, and mental health. Part of her personal exploration involves participating in a short-term study program in Korea, during her first trip back to her native Korea. A budding comic and podcaster, Pearson talks about how she is finally able to look towards a healthy future after shedding many of her demons.

Music Credits:
Jahzzar “Schmaltz”
Jahzzar “Siesta”
Cellophane Sam “Awestruck”
Computer Music All-stars “May the Chords be With You”
Audiobinger “Cabin Fever”
Audiobinger “China Town”

Alex Hamel, 31, is about to move back to her native country, Korea, for a third time. A Korean adoptee who grew up in Minnesota, she talks critically and honestly about her adoption experience and describes the evolution of her own identity and relationship with Korea.

Music Credits:
Jahzzar “Schmaltz”
Jahzzar “Reunion”
Knit Your Own Sweater “Agur”
Knit Your Own Sweater “Bilbao”
Makaih Beats “Cool”