Korean music became an interest of mine around 2018 when a friend introduced me to Kpop. As an Adoptee, with no connection to Korea at the time, I was completely ignorant to this music. However, as a musician and scholar I was fascinated by the apparent differences in sound between American/Western pop and Kpop. Eventually, as I began the arduous process of learning more about my heritage and reclaiming my birth culture, I had the chance to study a Korean traditional instrument known as the gayageum during a summer trip to South Korea. During my daily lessons with my teacher, I found myself more and more captivated by the sound of the instrument and the characteristics of Korean music. Now I aim to understand this music more deeply, so that it may inform my work as a composer in my efforts to create music for Adoptees in the space between being Korean and American.
Resources
Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.’L.) - founded in 1998 by overseas Korean adoptees who returned to Korea. It soon became, and remains today, the only adoptee-led non-profit and NGO in Korea.
Adoptee Bridge - To support transnational and transracial adoptees as they explore their identity, birthland, and adoption stories.
Subtle Asian Adoptee Traits (SAAT) - A space BY Asian adoptees FOR Asian adoptees. An active & welcoming Facebook community boasting over 3.5k members.
Resources
Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.’L.) - founded in 1998 by overseas Korean adoptees who returned to Korea. It soon became, and remains today, the only adoptee-led non-profit and NGO in Korea.
Adoptee Bridge - To support transnational and transracial adoptees as they explore their identity, birthland, and adoption stories.
Subtle Asian Adoptee Traits (SAAT) - A space BY Asian adoptees FOR Asian adoptees. An active & welcoming Facebook community boasting over 3.5k members.