The demographic that these editors belong to is the same one the radio station managers, US recording industry, grocery conglomerates and most members of Congress belong to: old, out-of-touch white men. There. I said it. In the not-too-distant future, they will be a true minority. Similar attitudes are prevalent in the UK and the European Union. White, male DJ's and editors just don't get it. So while your frustration is palpable, I truly feel you are making a difference. So stand your ground! (And a good spreadsheet is a thing of beauty!!!!!)
Thank you so much, Mary. Why do I have the feeling that even when *they* will be the minority, they will still expect to be treated as the majority ...
"If these groups are only well known 'internationally,' then who is buying tickets to all of their U.S. shows? Make it make sense!" Hook, line and sinker to them on that one! Thank you for your continued efforts to help small minded people grow. There's absolutely nothing wrong nor worth challenging about good media coverage of non-problematic entertainers. This publication clearly favors missing out.
I got the feeling that the readers had no issue with what I was writing. It was this specific editor who was projecting. And to be honest, I really doubt that the average reader is keeping a spreadsheet of what I write or even remembers them. So for that person to be so pressed that there were two features on two separate Korean bands is...unfortunate. For them.
i'm so glad i found your substack. i'm using k-dramas lately as a gateway to learn more about my roots (i'm adopted). it's been so difficult to find worthwhile sources about korean culture in english, other than a simple list of already well-known "best k-dramas." i look forward to becoming a fan of anything you might cover here that i would have missed out on otherwise!
Wow, I'm glad you're here, Bee. I've written some pieces about Korean adoptees in various outlets, highlighting their voices. If you'd like, I would be happy to share the links. Just let me know. 🫰
🥹 I’m thrilled to help inspire! Super excited to read it when it’s up. I haven’t been on here long but this place is more than living up to the support and community I was hoping to find, thanks to you! I’m going to dig into all of these!
I learned so much from all your articles. So many great resources were linked to in them that I had to start a new bookmark folder to save many of them (Kat Turner's site, the Adapted podcast, etc!). Bee is my pen name here (Bee is for Britt) and I'm going to follow you on instagram now under britt.choisunmee. Thanks again, Jae-Ha!
The demographic that these editors belong to is the same one the radio station managers, US recording industry, grocery conglomerates and most members of Congress belong to: old, out-of-touch white men. There. I said it. In the not-too-distant future, they will be a true minority. Similar attitudes are prevalent in the UK and the European Union. White, male DJ's and editors just don't get it. So while your frustration is palpable, I truly feel you are making a difference. So stand your ground! (And a good spreadsheet is a thing of beauty!!!!!)
Thank you so much, Mary. Why do I have the feeling that even when *they* will be the minority, they will still expect to be treated as the majority ...
"If these groups are only well known 'internationally,' then who is buying tickets to all of their U.S. shows? Make it make sense!" Hook, line and sinker to them on that one! Thank you for your continued efforts to help small minded people grow. There's absolutely nothing wrong nor worth challenging about good media coverage of non-problematic entertainers. This publication clearly favors missing out.
I got the feeling that the readers had no issue with what I was writing. It was this specific editor who was projecting. And to be honest, I really doubt that the average reader is keeping a spreadsheet of what I write or even remembers them. So for that person to be so pressed that there were two features on two separate Korean bands is...unfortunate. For them.
i'm so glad i found your substack. i'm using k-dramas lately as a gateway to learn more about my roots (i'm adopted). it's been so difficult to find worthwhile sources about korean culture in english, other than a simple list of already well-known "best k-dramas." i look forward to becoming a fan of anything you might cover here that i would have missed out on otherwise!
Wow, I'm glad you're here, Bee. I've written some pieces about Korean adoptees in various outlets, highlighting their voices. If you'd like, I would be happy to share the links. Just let me know. 🫰
Great topic that deserves highlighting! Thank you wow I would appreciate the links so much! 🫰🏼🫰🏼
I'm turning in early tonight, but I'll put some together for you tomorrow. Good night, Bee!
I’m looking forward to it. It means a lot. Thanks!
Good morning, Bee. Here are a few articles you may want to start with:
How 'Broker' and 'Return to Seoul' reveal hard truths about Korean adoption (MASHABLE)
https://mashable.com/article/broker-return-to-seoul-adoption
K-drama Adoption Storylines Are Making Positive Strides, But There’s More Work to Do (TEEN VOGUE)
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/k-drama-adoption-storylines-south-korean-history
Don't believe the K-dramas: Look to "Return to Seoul" for a more realistic view on Korean adoptees (SALON)
https://www.salon.com/2022/12/10/return-to-seoul-korean-adoption/
‘Vincenzo’ and adoption myth entrenched in Korean society (KOREA TIMES)
https://www.jaehakim.com/2021/12/vincenzo-and-adoption-myth-entrenched-in-korean-society/
This latter link was written by Lee Kyung-eun, who’s a former head of Amnesty International Korea. (I had interviewed her for my Teen Vogue piece.)
Your comment has inspired me to work on a future Substack post about K-dramas with adoption story arcs…
🥹 I’m thrilled to help inspire! Super excited to read it when it’s up. I haven’t been on here long but this place is more than living up to the support and community I was hoping to find, thanks to you! I’m going to dig into all of these!
I learned so much from all your articles. So many great resources were linked to in them that I had to start a new bookmark folder to save many of them (Kat Turner's site, the Adapted podcast, etc!). Bee is my pen name here (Bee is for Britt) and I'm going to follow you on instagram now under britt.choisunmee. Thanks again, Jae-Ha!