May 15·edited May 15Liked by K-Culture with Jae-Ha Kim
Thanks for sharing this story—it's a reminder that Korea's past is not so distant and yet how far they've come so quickly. But clearly, still not far enough when it comes to some social issues (like the fact a baby can still be sent out of the country to be adopted). I recently watched 12.12: The Day and am watching Citizen 1958, and looking forward to Uncle Samsik—all because I want to know more about the history of this period. A couple nights ago I stumbled upon the slides my mom used when she gave presentations trying to get others to adopt Korean babies. It made me understand why I had the picture of Korea seeming more like the North Korean village in CLOY in my mind all these years.
I'm glad to hear Insoon was able to rise above her circumstances and have success in both her personal and professional life. No doubt it wasn't easy, but it goes to show that not all orphans and/or mixed kids were doomed if they weren't sent away from their homeland. My parents were told I was mixed, but in 2014 23andMe told me otherwise. Now, I wonder if the "mixed" thing was a narrative used to justify sending even more babies out of the country. People questioned me my whole life when I said I was mixed because they didn't think I looked mixed (that's a whole different discussion). As a mixed baby I was doomed to become a prostitute—something one of my sisters reminded me of not so long ago (sigh). But without that (hyped) narrative what was the reason I needed to be shipped out?
What if? You asked that question recently on IG. I would go back and change things if I could. But similar to you I want the wisdom of what I have gained to make those changes—and I also want the magic wand of a K-drama to make it possible for me to have some of the same things without having to make the same choices. ;)
Thank you for sharing all of these compelling thoughts, Kat. Insooni once said that everyone assumed back then that she was the product of a G.I. and a Korean barmaid/prostitute. Her mother didn't work in a bar. She worked several jobs trying to make ends up. But that narrative was so strong back then. I can't imagine how her mother (and Insooni) survived all of that prejudice and discrimination.
And I think a lot of different narratives were told to get babies out of Korea.
In-Sooni came and gave a speech when I was an exchange student at the Korean Air Force Staff College. Even with her using a crappy speaker and microphone, I was absolutely blown away how beautiful her voice was in person.
Not only is this a heartfelt story for Mother's Day, it could qualify for Father's Day, too! Kudos to Ronald Lewis and his friends. We need more stories like this one. So glad you wrote about it!
Absolutely! They saw a need and did what they could to help out.
I read somewhere that Insooni gave a talk to soldiers. And one of the things she told them was that they need to be responsible and NOT go around impregnating women and then just leaving them behind to deal with the consequences. I am so glad that she said that.
(Tone: Grateful) Your shares are always heartfelt & touching and among much else filled with special insight & wisdom (that I believe all who read benefit from); thank you!
(Tone: Reflective) I like to believe that everyone does the best they can (aside: too often harshly judged by those ignorant to context/not involved) and this is mirrored in the subtext shared by the grandmother to your young mother by saying “…it was our only choice.” I like to see it as every other feasible option was tried.
Another take away, how fortunate that there were those of the ‘more fortunate’ who did take in the children…heartbreaking that some took them in as servants…even more heartbreaking that some didn’t take them in at all…(in an ideal world no one would have had to give up their children in the first place…be it for starvation or due to being biracial but I digress). What I wish to say is- fortunately there were those who opened their hearts & homes- mother figures are everywhere whether they give birth or not (but again- I digress…)
(Tone: Sincere) Once again- happy Mother’s Day (as every day is Mother’s Day after all)!! 🤗💜🖤✌🏼
Thank you, Scarlett. Your take on the grandmother's words is so kind. Some might think the halmoni was making an excuse. But during that time, it was a no-win situation for everyone involved. I think most parents/grandparents want their children to be well fed and educated. And when they can't provide that, they look for other choices that must have been unbearable to make.
Thanks for sharing this story—it's a reminder that Korea's past is not so distant and yet how far they've come so quickly. But clearly, still not far enough when it comes to some social issues (like the fact a baby can still be sent out of the country to be adopted). I recently watched 12.12: The Day and am watching Citizen 1958, and looking forward to Uncle Samsik—all because I want to know more about the history of this period. A couple nights ago I stumbled upon the slides my mom used when she gave presentations trying to get others to adopt Korean babies. It made me understand why I had the picture of Korea seeming more like the North Korean village in CLOY in my mind all these years.
I'm glad to hear Insoon was able to rise above her circumstances and have success in both her personal and professional life. No doubt it wasn't easy, but it goes to show that not all orphans and/or mixed kids were doomed if they weren't sent away from their homeland. My parents were told I was mixed, but in 2014 23andMe told me otherwise. Now, I wonder if the "mixed" thing was a narrative used to justify sending even more babies out of the country. People questioned me my whole life when I said I was mixed because they didn't think I looked mixed (that's a whole different discussion). As a mixed baby I was doomed to become a prostitute—something one of my sisters reminded me of not so long ago (sigh). But without that (hyped) narrative what was the reason I needed to be shipped out?
What if? You asked that question recently on IG. I would go back and change things if I could. But similar to you I want the wisdom of what I have gained to make those changes—and I also want the magic wand of a K-drama to make it possible for me to have some of the same things without having to make the same choices. ;)
I hope you had a nice Mother's Day. :)
Thank you for sharing all of these compelling thoughts, Kat. Insooni once said that everyone assumed back then that she was the product of a G.I. and a Korean barmaid/prostitute. Her mother didn't work in a bar. She worked several jobs trying to make ends up. But that narrative was so strong back then. I can't imagine how her mother (and Insooni) survived all of that prejudice and discrimination.
And I think a lot of different narratives were told to get babies out of Korea.
I hope you have a nice Mother's Day, too...
In-Sooni came and gave a speech when I was an exchange student at the Korean Air Force Staff College. Even with her using a crappy speaker and microphone, I was absolutely blown away how beautiful her voice was in person.
Oh wow, I'm sure that was a special moment to behold. Thank you so much for sharing!
Not only is this a heartfelt story for Mother's Day, it could qualify for Father's Day, too! Kudos to Ronald Lewis and his friends. We need more stories like this one. So glad you wrote about it!
Absolutely! They saw a need and did what they could to help out.
I read somewhere that Insooni gave a talk to soldiers. And one of the things she told them was that they need to be responsible and NOT go around impregnating women and then just leaving them behind to deal with the consequences. I am so glad that she said that.
(Tone: Grateful) Your shares are always heartfelt & touching and among much else filled with special insight & wisdom (that I believe all who read benefit from); thank you!
(Tone: Reflective) I like to believe that everyone does the best they can (aside: too often harshly judged by those ignorant to context/not involved) and this is mirrored in the subtext shared by the grandmother to your young mother by saying “…it was our only choice.” I like to see it as every other feasible option was tried.
Another take away, how fortunate that there were those of the ‘more fortunate’ who did take in the children…heartbreaking that some took them in as servants…even more heartbreaking that some didn’t take them in at all…(in an ideal world no one would have had to give up their children in the first place…be it for starvation or due to being biracial but I digress). What I wish to say is- fortunately there were those who opened their hearts & homes- mother figures are everywhere whether they give birth or not (but again- I digress…)
(Tone: Sincere) Once again- happy Mother’s Day (as every day is Mother’s Day after all)!! 🤗💜🖤✌🏼
Thank you, Scarlett. Your take on the grandmother's words is so kind. Some might think the halmoni was making an excuse. But during that time, it was a no-win situation for everyone involved. I think most parents/grandparents want their children to be well fed and educated. And when they can't provide that, they look for other choices that must have been unbearable to make.
Ah, Insooni. Discovered her when she took part in a song for the first season of Unpretty Rapstar—incidentally, one about mothers: Kisum's "To Mom".
She has had quite the career and her vocals are still amazing. She is always up to something!
Happy Mother's Day, Jae-Ha! As always, I love reading your posts and learn so much from them.
Thank you, Alyssa!