Seoul Conversations

Seoul Conversations

by Shene, Benny & Kara

Society & Culture Relationships Personal Journals

Season 3

Adoption Is Not The Solution

This week we are reacting to recent statements made by Supreme Court Justice, Amy Coney Barrett regarding safe haven laws and adoption. Listen as we unpack our personal feelings on the implications of promoting adoption as the solution to abortion as well as women’s rights, and how we respond when we are asked, “Aren’t you glad you weren’t aborted?” Please know that this episode is in now way intended to be commentary on whether someone should be pro-life or pro-choice. Our intention is to solely speak on the effects that the current dialogue and statements in the media have had on us as individual adoptees.

"I Hate The Field Trips To H-Mart"

Welcome to Season 3 of Seoul Conversations! We’re are shaking things up a bit this round and are really excited! On this week’s episode get to know our newest host, Kara DeLost (@kdelost). Listen to her take on K-Pop and K-Stans and find out what we’ve all been up to the past few months! In addition, listen to see what’s new this season and get all the details about what’s in store!

Season 2

S2 Ep10: Lost In Translation

We can’t believe that this is already our final episode for Season 2 of Soul Conversations! For our final episode we are joined by Korean adoptee, Ton Ferraro (xinsilmoonx), who is dropping some knowledge when it comes to the importance of adoptees in research and data. As adoptees, many of us encounter and disseminate data and participate in research in ways that we don’t even realize, yet when it comes to consciously participating in meaningful studies, we don’t always know where to start. Ton shares the ins and outs of research ethics, how they pertain to us as adoptees, and shares ways in which we can all be more active and discerning when it comes to how we interact with research for the betterment of the adoptee community.

S2 Ep9: Believe In What You're Doing

This week we sat down with KAD author and advocate, Hanna Lee (@TheHannaLee) to talk about her new book, "The Ones Who Misbehave" and to understand what motivated her to write about transracial and Asian American experiences. Hanna encourages listeners to "believe in what you're doing" and to go for whatever is most authentic to them when it comes to finding and sharing their voice within the adoptee community, as well as the rest of the world. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

S2 Ep8: Empowerment Over Obligation

On this week's episode, Benny sat down to talk with Cheon Shik Yang (Jeff Van Damme), a Korean adoptee living in NYC and immersing himself in the art and beauty of hanboks. Cheon Shik (@yang_cheon_shik) explains what initally attracted him to hanbok-wearing on a daily basis, and elaborates on how doing so helps him feel empowered as a Korean to be closer to his Korean heritage. Actively involved in the Asian arts community, Cheon Shik shares some advice on how to best authentically connect with and "revel in" one's culture.

S2 Ep7: Teetering On The Phase of Acceptance

We are switching it up a little bit this week and are joined by Chinese adoptees, Lauren Edwards (@helloitslaur) and Anna Ostrow (@annaaostrow)! Both Lauren and Anna are beginning their journeys when it comes to finding community and determining how they want to navigate their adoptee identities. Listen to find out some of the push-pull factors around each of them delving into theirr adopteee identities and what identity means to them.

S2 Ep6: A Need For Empathy

This week we had the pleasure of chatting with Korean adoptee, Nate Campbell (@natedog_45). Nate is in reunion with his birthmother after searching for her when he turned 18. Listen as we learn more about Nate’s experiences navigating his time in both the U.S. and Korea, and his perspective on the adoption triad, and what he feels is necessary in the adoption space.

S2 Ep5: Freedom To Be Your Whole Self

This week we sat down with Korean adoptee, mother, writer, and photographer, Brandi Ebersole (@Brandi_Ebersole)! In this episode we had a beautiful heart to heart about Brandi's unique position at the intersection of the many ways in which people can build a family. As a mother to two biological children, an adoptive parent, and a foster parent, Brandi shares how she hopes to foster empathy, confidence, and grace within her children --all while navigating her own journey as an adoptee.

S2 Ep4: Everybody Needs A Korean Friend

This week we had so much fun getting to know and chatting with the dynamic duo, Josh Bell & Sehun Park, who are the faces and creators of @CountryFriedKimchi! Josh is a Korean adoptee, and with the help of his Korean friend, Sehun, he is learning all about Korean culture one food at a time on their YouTube Channel, Country Fried Kimchi. Listen as we discuss what it means to be Korean from both Josh and Sehun's perspectives, what dishes Sehun can't wait to have Josh try, and why everybody needs a Korean friend.

S2 Ep3: Reconnection and Legacy

Join us this week as Benny catches up with an old friend and fellow KAD, Courtney Vossekuil (@cjvossekuil)! Courtney is just begining her journey in exploring her Korean heritage as well as reflecting on her identity and experiences as a KAD. Listen as they reminisce about their high school days and what they talked about, and interestingly--what they didn't talk about--when they were growing up together in rural Wisconsin!

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