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

Hi Yoontaek, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Seoul, South Korea, one of the most fast-paced and crowded cities in the world. Growing up there definitely shaped who I am today. I was always in a highly competitive environment, both at school and outside. This upbringing made me very driven and competitive, but sometimes I feel like I lost something in the process.

Since moving to LA, I’ve become more aware of how much I was influenced by living in such a fast-paced environment. My background helps me work quickly, but it doesn’t necessarily mean I work better than others. I appreciate my culture and background, but I’m learning to slow down and focus more on myself rather than constantly competing these days.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
During Covid, I was in Korea and honed my filmmaking skills while working in the Korean TV and film industry. Although I wasn’t entirely sure about my career path, I always knew I wanted to create my own art. So, about two years ago, I decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a B.A. degree and explore my artistic vision. I chose to study documentary filmmaking at California State University, Long Beach.

The first year in LA was challenging, especially in terms of building a network. I was eager to find opportunities to work on set and immerse myself in the industry. I worked on projects with AFI, local filmmakers, and student short films to gain exposure. However, I realized that despite these experiences, I wasn’t creating my own art.

During my senior year, I decided to focus fully on creating my own short documentary film. Last summer, I stumbled upon the Korean American Senior Center in Garden Grove. There, I met many seniors and listened to their stories, discovering a volunteer opportunity in food distribution. I began volunteering every other Tuesday, aiming to build trust with the center’s staff and volunteers over the first three months.

Through this process, I met Mr. Choe, who has been volunteering at the center for nearly three decades. Despite his age, he is incredibly energetic and well-acquainted with the seniors at the center. Inspired by his story, I decided to make a portrait documentary about him, focusing on his volunteer work and the impact of his recent loss—the passing of his beloved wife. I pitched this idea in my advanced documentary class, and it was selected. I even received funding from the Golden Globe Foundation.

As the director of this film, I’ve learned a tremendous amount throughout the entire process, from pre-production to post-production. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, solidifying my passion for documentary filmmaking and my commitment to telling meaningful stories. I am proud of my current work and excited to share this story with a larger audience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Long Beach because I know the area better than anywhere else. Long Beach has a lot of fun local spots. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a great place to see a variety of sea animals and enjoy some shopping nearby. Another favorite is 4th Street Retro Row, which has many unique shops and restaurants. I often go there to thrift clothes. For a night out, I recommend “The Good Bar” on E 7th St. It has a great atmosphere and excellent service, perfect for hanging out with friends and enjoying the evening.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a filmmaker, I want to give a shoutout to my Doc Class of 2024, who graduated from CSULB with me. We had such a great time learning filmmaking together. I wouldn’t have been able to make my thesis film without the support of my classmates and faculty. There are so many talented filmmakers around me, and I look forward to continuing to work with them and maintaining our friendships for a long time. The Class of 2024 just graduated in May, and I am excited to see what my friends and colleagues will create in the future.

Website:  yoontaek.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoontaeeek/

Image Credits
Sungbin Moon

Yoontaek Hong

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