Humans of Korea

Category: Community Members

Korea’s Creative Engine with Veteran Broadcast Writer Hyunhee Lee

In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, young creatives around the world are looking to understand how stories are made, and who makes them. Hyunhee Lee is one of the leading figures shaping Korean entertainment. As a veteran broadcast writer with more than two decades of experience across major talk shows and music programs, she has helped build many of the formats that define Korea’s vibrant media culture. Now working as a freelance creator whose concepts are sold both domestically and abroad, Lee offers a unique perspective on how Korean writers think, collaborate, and innovate. Her journey reveals how creativity, cultural adaptability, and relentless curiosity form the foundation of successful storytelling in a global era.

What exactly does a broadcast writer do? What kind of work are you currently engaged in?

Hyunhee: A broadcast writer’s role is incredibly wide in scope. We participate in nearly every step of the production process, from the moment a program is conceived to the moment it is completed. I often compare it to building a house. We start by creating the framework, the program concept, and then move on to designing the inside: deciding how many rooms there should be, how the bathrooms should be arranged, and so on. In the same way, writers determine the cast, secure guests, develop rules and formats for the show, and later take part in shaping the “interior design,” such as how the final edit should feel. In short, writers and producers work together to build something from nothing and turn it into a beautiful, fully realized program. I currently work as a freelancer, participating in various production processes, but my main focus is creating Korean entertainment show formats. I develop new concepts not only for domestic networks but also in response to requests from foreign broadcasters and format companies. Some of the shows I create are even sold overseas.

This is a photo of Hyunhee, working in broadcasting system.

You’ve worked for a long time as a writer across a wide range of TV programs, from talk shows to music shows. Has that work changed any of your daily habits or lifestyle?

Hyunhee: Yes, definitely. Since my main field has included talk shows and music programs such as KBS Sangsang Plus, Hello Counselor, JTBC Hidden Singer, and KBS LET’S BTS, I’ve been involved in entertainment production for nearly 25 years. Naturally, I’ve developed certain habits without even realizing it. For example, I can’t simply enjoy TV as a regular viewer anymore. While watching, I find myself thinking, “That scene must have been so difficult for the PD and writers,” or “That set must have cost a fortune.” I evaluate programs from a staff member’s viewpoint rather than just enjoying them as entertainment. I suppose that’s what you would call an occupational habit. And honestly, I think it’ll stay with me for a long time — maybe even after I retire.

Have you ever experienced cultural differences or challenges while working with international partners?

Hyunhee: Yes, very much so. About four years ago, I worked for more than two months with a team from Israel to develop a new entertainment show format. That experience made one thing clear: Korea truly lives up to its “ppalli-ppalli” (“hurry-hurry”) culture. In Korea, writers and producers usually develop an entire program concept within roughly three months — an extremely fast pace. We work intensely, shaping the idea, creating the format, producing, and broadcasting it. Meanwhile, the Israeli team found even two to three Zoom meetings per week overwhelming. I still remember them asking me, “Why do you work so much?” During brainstorming sessions, they were also surprised by how many ideas I brought each time. My experience with a British team was similar; they repeatedly told us, “Korean staff work unbelievably fast. You never run out of ideas.” It really showed me how the Korean “ppalli-ppalli” mindset shapes the DNA of Korean broadcast writers. Because of this, Korean writers are highly valued in the global market today. Overseas networks actively want to collaborate with Korean creators, saying Korean writers are exceptionally fast and full of ideas. I believe this presents great opportunities for Korean PDs and writers in global media collaborations.

This is a photo of Hyunhee, working in broadcasting system.

Do you have any advice for students who hope to work in broadcasting or other creative media fields?

Hyunhee: My biggest advice is: see as much as you can. Anything: films, media, books, exhibitions, even people on the street. No form of learning beats the power of seeing and experiencing widely. I became a “hobby collector” myself, I watch films, read books, explore art exhibitions, and lately I’ve developed a love for dance performances. Because of that, my mind is now full of countless sources and references. When I need a new idea, those accumulated experiences become invaluable. So don’t say, “Art museums are boring.” Just go. While walking around, you might unexpectedly discover a painting you love. If you think you don’t enjoy movies, go anyway– buy your favorite drink, watch something to the end, and you might find an actor you love. As you build these habits, you’ll gain the ability to truly enjoy content created by experts from around the world. So whatever it is, just start by looking and watching.

Her reflections illuminate the often unseen artistry and discipline behind Korean entertainment, revealing how creativity is shaped not only by talent but by culture, pace, and relentless curiosity. Her experiences demonstrate that storytelling is a craft built from accumulated observations, from the shows she analyzes instinctively to the global collaborations that challenge her assumptions about how ideas are made. At the heart of her journey is a belief that creativity grows when we open ourselves to the world: its art, its people, and its countless moments of inspiration. For students aspiring to enter broadcasting or any creative field, her story offers a clear message: pay attention, look widely, and let what you see become the foundation of what you create. As the media landscape continues to expand across borders, the mindset she embodies, fast, imaginative, and deeply open to experience, represents the future of global storytelling.

October 15, 2025
‘A Library That Listens’ Ms Lim’s Vision for Korea’s Youth

Ms. Lim is the librarian at Daoom English Library, a community space designed to serve local elementary, middle, and high school students. The library provides a welcoming environment much like a neighborhood study room, offering a wide collection of English books, multimedia resources, and diverse programs for students seeking to strengthen their English skills or pursue their dreams through the language. Established by Daoom Church as a way to serve the community, the library has grown into a place of shared learning and joy for both students and volunteers alike. Ms. Lim plays a central role in organizing these programs, including the Newspaper in Education (NIE) sessions where volunteers from Lectio, including Kaiden and me, guide young students through interactive English activities. Through her dedication and care, Ms. Lim helps bridge language gaps and nurtures a space where curiosity and community come together.

Daoom English Library welcomes students from different backgrounds and learning levels. How do you see cultural diversity influencing the way children learn and interact here?

Ms. Lim: I think the diversity here helps students learn not only English but also about each other. Some children are more confident, while others are still shy with the language, but they naturally help one another. When they share ideas or stories from school or home, it creates a very open and kind atmosphere. It is not just studying; it is learning to understand different people. In Korean public schools, students usually focus more on grammar or exams, so they do not have much chance to speak freely. Because the world is becoming more globalized, I think spaces like Daoom are important for helping students build confidence in real communication.

What do you think makes the NIE program helpful or special for the kids who come here?

Ms. Lim: The NIE program connects English with real topics from newspapers. Instead of just memorizing words, the students think and talk about what is happening around them. It makes English feel more alive and useful. I can see their confidence growing as they express their thoughts in simple English sentences. Many Korean students learn English mainly through textbooks, so they often feel nervous using it in daily life. Here, they realize that English can be a tool for sharing their opinions, which fits the world they are growing into.

How is ur experience with the ovlunteers from different schools? How did they help with the library?

Ms. Lim: The volunteers bring a lot of energy and creativity. They make the lessons fun and help students feel more comfortable speaking. I also think the younger kids look up to them because they see that studying English can be enjoyable, not stressful. The volunteers also help organize activities and prepare materials, which really supports our small team here. Many volunteers also share stories from their own schools, showing students that English is used in many different ways. This kind of exposure helps children see English not as a test subject, but as a bridge to the wider world.

This is a photo of our volunteers!

Daoom feels like more than just a library; it’s like a community space. What do you think makes this place different for students?

Ms. Lim: Daoom is a warm and welcoming space. We want it to feel like a second home where students can relax, read, and learn freely. There is no pressure here, only encouragement. I think that is what makes it special. Many of our students stay after class to talk or read more, which shows that they feel safe and cared for here. In most schools, there is little time to explore English naturally, but here they can take their time. Because English is becoming more essential in global society, I hope this space helps students gain confidence step by step.

This is a picture of one of the worksheets our volunteers bring!

Ms. Lim’s interview shows how education can connect people from different cultures and experiences. At Daoom, learning English is not about getting every answer right but about gaining confidence and communicating with others. She reminds us that as Korea becomes more globalized, students need more opportunities to practice English in open and encouraging environments. Unlike the strict, exam-focused atmosphere in many schools, Daoom helps children discover that English can be part of daily life and friendships. Through Ms. Lim’s guidance, students learn that language is not just a subject but a tool to connect and grow together. Daoom represents how learning and community can come together through care and understanding.

September 22, 2025
“I’m Better Than Them” Standing Tall Against Racism

In today’s 21st-century global society, an increasing number of young students are growing up with diverse cultural experiences from an early age. Sua Park is one such student. Born and raised in Korea, she has followed an international education pathway since kindergarten, allowing her to develop a global mindset while staying rooted in her home country.

This is a photo of Sua, when she lived in Canada.

Could you please introduce yourself? What are your future plans after graduation?

Sua: My name is Sua Pak, and I’m currently a senior at Branksome Hall Asia. After graduation, I plan to move to the United States and major in graphic design. My goal is to gain experience in the industry, hopefully working in a company to build my career. I’m particularly interested in branding and may specialize in that area. Eventually, I hope to start my own business in the creative field.

Although you were raised in Korea, you attended international schools from kindergarten onward and followed a global curriculum. What are some advantages and challenges of having been educated in an international system, particularly the IB?

Sua: Since I’ve never experienced the Korean national curriculum directly, I can’t fully compare the two. But from what I know, international curricula like IB give students more space to explore topics independently and take initiative in learning. In contrast, the Korean system seems more rigid and structured—almost like working in a machine. I think that difference also reflects deeper cultural values, like tradition and emotional restraint. Because I’ve been learning in this independent way for a long time, I’ve developed stronger problem-solving skills than many of my peers, and I’ve been able to improve my English naturally without needing separate language study. That said, being in Korea while following an international curriculum can be tricky. Many Korean students still go to after-school academies (hakwons), which is a big part of student life here. Since I don’t attend hakwons, I’ve had to work two to three times harder on my own to keep up—which can be physically and mentally exhausting.

You lived in Canada for a short time—did you ever experience any culture shock or moments that stood out to you while you were there?

Sua: Outside of school, I didn’t feel much culture shock because I was usually with adults. But in school, I did face racism. Even though I was in the same class as an older Korean friend and I studied hard, both white and Black students made fun of me. One time, I brought a packed lunch with Yubu Sushi (Cone Sushi), and they teased me about the vinegar smell. And I could easily figure out that their stereotypical thoughts were exactly from the famous TV show that they watched at that time, which was very ridiculous. But honestly, I have a pretty tough mindset. I told myself, “I’m better than them,” and just moved on. That kind of mental control really helped me not to let it affect me too much.

Sua’s story highlights the quiet strength it takes to grow up between systems, cultures, and expectations. From learning to rely on herself without the extra support many of her peers receive, to facing moments of cultural bias abroad, she has developed a resilient mindset grounded in self-belief. Her journey shows that global education is not just about speaking English or attending international schools, it’s about learning to adapt, to think independently, and to find confidence in who you are. As she looks ahead to a future in design and entrepreneurship, Sua reminds us that individuality shaped by cross-cultural experience is not only powerful, it’s essential in an increasingly connected world.

August 25, 2025
From Nunchi to Mianzi – A Korean Venture Capitalist’s View

Younghoan Choi is the CEO of BDC Labs, a venture capital firm based in Seoul. He is Korean, with a strictly Korean education and cultural background, but has become accustomed to attending foreign conferences and working abroad, particularly in countries such as the United States, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. He has gotten used to switching styles of negotiation and basic communication according to where he’s working, and his experiences with hundreds of different startups provide insight into what is strategically demanded of emerging companies in various countries.

(This interview has been translated)

Sieun: Can you introduce yourself and your work?

Younghoan: My name is Younghoan Choi, the founder of BDC Labs. I’m a Korean venture capitalist, and have been working more and more with international clients and companies as globalization and specific industry trends demand it of us. I primarily invest in multiple companies at different stages of development simultaneously to sometimes minimize risk, or to take my risks efficiently. Considering companies from all over the world is part of this strategy.

Sieun: What are some key differences in the work culture of these foreign companies compared to domestic ones?

Younghoan: The most significant cultural difference that affects my business decisions is that of China. You know, Korea is often considered a very Confucian country, and therefore, our communication can be less straightforward. I’ve traveled a lot personally also, and I realize that Korean conversations are actually rather blunt compared to some parts in England or Japan in general. However, China’s culture of ‘Mianzi’, which means face, in recognizing and respecting each other’s social status, similar to the concept ‘Nunchi’, or reading the room, as seen in Korea, was the most unclear, or you could say, polite, form of communication that affected negotiations.

When we talk to Chinese businessmen, they rarely say no in a straightforward manner. Even if they say yes right now, that doesn’t mean anything can be guaranteed, even orally, because they have so many layers of corporate and governmental approval before “sealing the deal.”

I sometimes find it inefficient, but their specific processes also buy time for us to rethink as well. I can’t say which is better, but it’s just that these kinds of cultural clashes make me rethink my priorities in efficiency, accuracy, and more from other perspectives.

Sieun: In what ways do you utilize these different foreign perspectives to gain more profit? Are they useful?

Younghoan: Honestly, when we’re having one-to-one conversations with clients and representatives, those perspectives make it harder to negotiate most of the time. However, looking at the services these foreign companies, especially startups, differentiate themselves with, they’re handy. Our firm looks firstmost in the character of the founders and how they structure and manage their human resources when deciding to invest or not, so that kind of inherently different perspectives(for example, not trying to generalize but, the Chinese paying more attention to detail in their pitches, or the Americans being more clear in their prospects). I guess in that sense, I’m more personally compatible with an Indonesian culture. I found their business extremely efficient in a new way!

Younghoan’s interview reflects on how cultural differences shape business both within and outside South Korea. He notes that although he might not personally resonate with certain ways of working, recognizing such different work cultures itself helps him be more open and analyze in different perspectives, rearranging his priorities. He adds that this kind of self-doubt is often needed yet overlooked as a way to elevate a working method, and that following a domestic tradition with tunnel vision passion isn’t always the most efficient leadership approach.

June 16, 2025
“The Best Communication Needs No Words” The Life of Kim Woo Hyun with Koryo-saram

Kim Woo Hyun is the team leader of Neomeo Incheon Koryoin Cultural Center (너머인천고려인문화원), located in Hanbak Village, Songdo. Koryoin is Koryo-saram, which refers to Koryo people in Korean, and this community space welcomes Koryo-saram youth every afternoon, offering them a place to feel connected and supported. With over 10 years of experience working with this community, Kim plays an important role in helping youth adjust to life in Korea. His work centers on bridging communication gaps through empathy, especially for children who struggle with Korean or English.

Kim has partnered with Chadwick International’s student-founded club Lectio, giving students the opportunity to volunteer and learn directly from the Koryo-saram community. His words provide a rare glimpse into the lives of minorities in South Korea, particularly in a small village few people know about. The Koryo-saram highlight what daily life looks like for these children and remind us of the individuals who deserve recognition for their steady and meaningful work in support of others.

Can you introduce yourself and tell me where you currently live?

Kim: My name is Kim Woo Hyun, and I live in Hanbak Village, Songdo, South Korea. I serve as the team leader of the Neomeo Incheon Koryoin Cultural Center, a community space where young Koryo children gather after school. I have been working with the Koryo community for over 10 years and joined this center in 2018 when it was first established.

Koryo-saram refers to ethnic Koreans who once lived in the former Soviet Union, especially in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Many have moved to Korea but still hold on to their Korean roots. Unfortunately, most Koryo-saram children are not fluent in Korean or English, which creates a communication barrier not only with their peers but also with student volunteers and staff like Janice and her school.

What is your connection to Korea and Korean culture?

Kim: I am Korean, and I really care about helping others adjust to life in Korea. I want to support foreigners and people with Korean roots who are trying to build a life here, helping the Koryo-saram connect with Korean culture and find their place. Many of these kids have Korean heritage but still feel like outsiders. I want to help Koryo-saram feel accepted and included. Minorities want to be heard, but no one is listening.

What are some cultural differences you have noticed between Korea and the people you work with? The Koryo-saram?

Kim: Language is the biggest difference. Many of the children are not fluent in Korean, and most of the Koryo-saram do not speak English either. So even though we share the same heritage, it is difficult to communicate. I also cannot speak Russian, though I try learning, haha, so there is no real communication. That is why we rely heavily on nonverbal communication.

The best communications are the ones where you do not need words. People often think that speaking the same language is the only way to connect, but that is not true. Things like empathy, gestures, facial expressions, and even eye contact can say more than words.

What advice would you give to others who might face similar experiences living between cultures?

Kim: Always stay open-minded and be willing to connect. Hand gestures and even eye contact can speak volumes. Everyone has their thoughts and ideas, so language should never be the reason to look down on someone.

Engaging with someone who does not speak your language may be uncommon, but do not let that stop you from forming a bond. The best conversations often happen beyond words. You just have to be willing to try. A language barrier does not have to be a communication barrier. Learning to overcome these challenges is an essential skill, especially in today’s globalized world. As a starting point, try saying hello. When you greet the Koryo-saram with warmth, they tend to mirror that.

Mr. Kim’s interview reminds us that empathy can speak louder than language. Although many Koryo-saram’s children struggle to speak Korean or English, they still seek connection and belonging. As Mr. Kim says, “The best communications are the ones where you do not need words.” Even when language fails, gestures, tone, and presence can open doors. Throughout the interview, he emphasized how he, his team, and the volunteers are doing their best to support minorities in South Korea and that others should do the same. No matter where we are, behind every success story, there are often overlooked communities. We should help one another and work to overcome the most common barrier, language. Through his work, Mr Kim shows that true understanding begins with patience, sincerity, and the courage to connect.

Read the Blog About Viktor Kim a Koryo Student Living in Korea and Learning With Kim Woo Hyun!

March 15, 2025
Do You Know Who the Koryo-saram Are?

Viktor is a young Koryo-saram student living in Songdo, South Korea. He currently attends a local public school where all classes are taught in Korean. Koryoin is Koryo-saram, which refers to Koryo people in Korean, and they are ethnic Koreans whose ancestors moved to parts of the former Soviet Union, including countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. In recent years, many Koryo-saram families have immigrated to South Korea, often settling in neighborhoods like Hanbak Village due to improving visa options and seeking better educational and economic opportunities. However, young children like Viktor face challenges adjusting to life in Korea. Many speak Russian or Central Asian languages at home and often enter Korean schools without strong Korean or English skills.

I have known Viktor through an Initiative in Lectio, a student-founded club at Chadwick International where we had the chance to assist Koryo-saram students in learning Korean and English. Despite these difficulties, students like Viktor continue to show effort and openness as they build a new life in a country that is both familiar and unfamiliar to them.

Can you introduce yourself and tell me where you currently live? What do you do?

Viktor: I am Viktor. I live in Hanbak Village in Songdo, South Korea. I go to Sorae Elementary School and I am in Grade 2. I came to Korea with my family before I started school. At home we speak Russian. My mom and dad try to speak Korean to me but I still speak Russian most of the time.

What is your connection to Korea and Korean culture?

Viktor: My mom and dad are Korean. I am Korean too. But I do not speak Korean very well. I’m learning, but it is still hard for me.

This is my notebook that I use when the volunteers come to teach me.

What challenges have you faced while living in Korea related to culture or language?

Viktor: I do not speak Korean or English well so it is hard to talk to other kids. I want to play and be friends but I do not always understand. Sometimes I feel shy or nervous.

How have you adapted to your current environment? Was it difficult?

Viktor: Yes it was hard at first. I go to a Korean support class that helps me with language in this center. But still it is sometimes hard because I feel different from the Korean kids. Some kids do not talk to me and I feel a little sad. But this cultural center helps me. The teachers and volunteers play with me and talk to me. They make me feel happy. I like coming here.

Viktor’s interview offers a glimpse into the everyday life of a Koryo-saram child navigating life in South Korea. Though young, Viktor’s words show the real challenges that many immigrant children face when entering a new school system without the language skills needed to communicate easily. As someone who speaks Russian at home and only started learning Korean recently, Viktor finds it hard to make friends or fully understand what happens in class. Despite these difficulties, he expresses his desire to connect and adapt. Programs like Korean support classes and the Neomeo Incheon Koryoin Cultural Center (너머인천고려인문화원) have played an important role in helping children like Viktor feel seen and supported. His experience reminds us that adjusting to a new culture takes time and that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in a child’s life. I aim to contest the single story that all minorities in Korea face similar experiences. Since Korea is often considered a homogeneous society, people may assume that all Koryo children assimilate easily, especially when compared to Chinese immigrants, also known as Joseonkon, who are more visible and generally more fluent in Korean. Viktor’s story challenges this assumption by showing that each minority group encounters unique difficulties and experiences.

Read the blog about Kim Woo Hyun, the organizer of the Neomeo Incheon Koryoin Cultural Center!

March 8, 2025