Meet Yoojin Kang | Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yoojin Kang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yoojin, why did you pursue a creative career?
Going into art wasn’t about the money for me. I was on the lawyer/diplomat track, which in Korea, is a big deal. But deep down, I wasn’t into it. It was all about the prestige. Then, getting sick was a wake-up call. It made me think, ‘If I want to write this badly, why not just go for it?’ So, I did. No regrets. Honestly, being an artist is just cool. Saying you’re an artist, getting to be creative, and even binge-watching shows for ‘research’? It’s a bit of pressure, sure, but everything being potential material for my work? That’s the best part.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a reflection of my journey across cultures and continents. Born and raised in Korea, my worldview expanded dramatically through my experiences living in the Philippines and Germany. These experiences introduced me to a kaleidoscope of stories and perspectives that profoundly impacted my sense of identity and artistic expression.

What sets me apart is my commitment to exploring and sharing the stories that often go untold or misunderstood. The stories of Kopinos, immigrants, and others living on the fringes of society have deeply influenced my work. I strive to give voice to these narratives, not just as an observer but as someone who empathizes with the feeling of being caught between worlds.

Navigating my own cultural identity crisis, I’ve experienced firsthand the complexity of looking at life from the outside in, recognizing the vast diversity of human experience. This journey hasn’t been easy. Embracing such a wide array of stories, especially when they’re not my own, comes with a responsibility to represent them truthfully and sensitively. It’s a challenge I’ve learned to navigate with humility and an open heart.

Living in the US has only broadened my perspective further, exposing me to even more diverse stories and deepening my conviction that art has the power to connect disparate worlds. I’ve witnessed the extremes of our global landscape — from conflict and division to progress and openness. This duality inspires my belief in the possibility of a more peaceful, unified world. Through my art, I aim to contribute to this vision, advocating for diversity and understanding in the media and beyond.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are many, but perhaps the most crucial is that listening is an art form in itself. Listening to the stories of others, really hearing them, is the first step toward creating something truly impactful. It’s through this process that I’ve found my voice and my mission.

I want the world to know that my brand and story are about more than just the fusion of cultures I’ve lived through. They’re about a deep-seated belief in the power of art to bridge divides, to highlight our common humanity amidst our differences, and to pave the way for a world where peace prevails over conflict. My art is my contribution to this ongoing narrative, a narrative I hope inspires others to see the beauty in our diverse stories and the potential for harmony in our interconnected world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Seoul, my hometown, reminds me a lot of New York with its fast pace. Everything changes so quickly there. Like, I visited my favorite bookstore last year, and this year, it’s gone. It feels like you blink, and you’ve missed the latest trend. Growing up with this constant change has been a bit overwhelming, and it’s not just me feeling this way. With all the retro vibes making a comeback, it’s clear many of us are missing the simpler times of the past.

As a ’90s kid, I find myself longing for the days before everything was on autopilot, where not every single thing was smart or connected. But finding traces of that era in Seoul is tough. And even when you do, the place is usually packed with people who are there for the same nostalgic fix.

That’s why Koreatown Plaza in LA is like a breath of fresh air for me. It’s got this ’90s feel, maybe even older, that just hits right. The way it’s designed, with its tiles, banners, and menus, it takes me straight back to the ’90s, and the best part? It’s not crowded. It feels like a living museum dedicated to those of us who miss the South Korea of decades past.

It’s fascinating to think that Koreatown Plaza might have been created by people who missed Korea in the ’70s or ’80s. They built it from their memories to help deal with homesickness, and now, here we are in 2024, with ’90s kids flocking to the place to reconnect with a past we’re just old enough to remember. It’s this incredible spot where different generations find common ground, connected through time by this preserved piece of history.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to take a moment to shine the spotlight on the most instrumental figures in my journey: my parents. In life’s quest for change and the pursuit of dreams, the path is often strewn with challenges that demand not just determination, but also a foundational support system. For me, that support has unwaveringly come from my parents.

Their belief in me, especially when I aimed to shift the direction of my life towards something better and more fulfilling, has been nothing short of transformative. Achieving my dreams and savoring every bit of life, including its inevitable lows like sickness or tough days, has been made possible because of their unconditional support and presence.

Having parents who stand by you ‘no matter what’ isn’t just comforting; it’s the most substantial asset anyone could wish for. Their love, encouragement, and the security they provide form the backbone of my resilience and ambition. In a world where the value of material success often overshadows the more subtle, yet profound, aspects of emotional and moral support, my parents’ role in my life is a testament to the incredible power of familial bonds.

So, this shoutout is dedicated wholeheartedly to my parents. Their sacrifices, efforts, and unwavering faith in me deserve more than just recognition; they deserve every bit of credit for the person I am today. Without them, the narrative of my life would have been drastically different. Their support is a gift I cherish deeply, fueling my journey and inspiring me to pay forward the love and strength they’ve instilled in me.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/adaadafighting/

Image Credits
Chaewon Suh