Seoul Searching
with Deep South Korean

My Stories

Seoul Searching with Deep South Korean

Since the beginning of this social media journey, I have decided to embrace the direction of the waves. In less than 6 months, I have...

Navigating Korean Identity: A Transracial Adoptee's Journey

As a transracial adoptee navigating the complexities of Korean identity, it can be a rollercoaster of emotions, internal conflicts, and...

Time is Running Out: Korean Adoptee's Search Story

Are you a Korean adoptee who is currently on a journey to find your birth parents? If not, you may be surprised to find that the search...

Podcast

Creating a space to communicate

Driven by a passion for authentic connection, this project is to document the heartfelt journey of a Korean adoptee in pursuit of self-discovery and reconnection. Together, we create a community that embraces diversity, supports mental well-being, and fosters understanding among transracial adoptees. Join me in exploring the complexities of identity and the power of shared experiences.

First episode this Friday, March 7, 2025!!

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Growing through the pain can be difficult and exciting. I continue to be grateful for your support and your stories that you share with me.

#notalone #korean #adoptee #transracialadoptee #podcast #website #hardlaunch #asian

I forgot my bonnet. Not tonight, though lol

Stop waiting. If you've been thinking about it and planning it out and ruminating for months.... Do the thing. Whatever it is.

Bet on yourself. Take the leap of faith. Fill your cup.

It will be uncomfortable, but that's why they call them growing pains.

#korean #asian #adoptee #mentalhealth #transracialadoptee #koreanadoptee #podcast #seoulsearching #notalone #uk #england

Whether you go solo or with a friend, make it an experience✨✨

#EnjoyTheMagicOfTheMovies #BBTheatres #BackstagePass #BBBrandAmbassador
#BrandAmbassador

I could never, but impressed that you can lol Did this age me? Hahahaha

#gym #workout #millenial #eldermillenial #question #thong

Thanks for all of the well wishes! I’m feeling much better. Don’t forget to wash your hands!

#update #birthsearch #reunification #korean #adoptee #transracialadoptee

How you living? Shout out to the parents of small children. I know you have been through the trenches lately.

I don't get sick very often, so I'm a big crybaby when I am. Thank you Sudafed and NyQuil for allowing me to breathe.

#flu #sick @nyquildayquil @sudafedus #voice

All Korean adoption agencies will be handing over their files to the Korean government agency NCRC (National Center for the Rights of Children). This transfer is scheduled to begin in July 2025.

If you are interested in a birth search, I highly recommend starting now. From what I understand, it can take up to 90 days for the government to make contact with your bio family AFTER your request has been filed and process. That means the window for a timely reunion could be closing.

#korean #adoptee #birthsearch #transracialadoptee #reunification #ncrc

Sometimes the fear of the unknown is the biggest hurdle to overcome. If I had known how easy and accesible it would be to start the process, I might have done it years ago. If not knowing what to expect is holding you back, let me help you.

It doesn't take much information to get started, but the most challenging part, for me, has been to answer some of the thoughtful questions the agency had in their questionnaire. Well, that and the current waiting.

But there is support. There is a community. And it's more fulfilling than scary.

#transracialadoptee #asian #korean #adoptee #birthsearch #reunification

@jasonroars are you in? Lol

While I'm at it, I'll pick up @itslovelymimi27 and @rainaiscrazy too hahaha. Could you imagine!

#designingwomen #reboot #manifest #tv #asianpersuasion

Growing up, I think I was too removed from my identity to think much about reunification. As I got older, I didn't want to facethe potential disappointment.

I preferred the fantasy I created in my mind that explained or justified my adoption. It was more comforting to live in the delusion that one day my omma would find me and save me from the life I had been living, and I would finally know the security having a family would bring.

Whatever the reason for my fear, I no longer have the energy to carry it anymore. The relocation of adoption files to the NCRC was enough to kickstart me on this journey. Sources on Paperslip are advising that you begin before the end of February for best results.

3 letters and 90 days

#korean #asian #adoptee #koreanadoptee #reunification #birthsearch

One of the things that I received from Catholic Charities was an article written around these questions. I think they're valid and will be/should be asked along the way.

What was a tough question you had to ask yourself along your adoption journey? Have you begun the reunification process?

#transracialadoption #korean #adoptee #reunification #birthsearch

I ruminated over posting this for a minute. I don't want to make a habit of crying on the internet, but I feel like I am developing a space that demands raw realness... So here we go, folks...

It's funny how people scattered across the globe, reaching out through the internet can create such a safe space for honesty. I grew up in a time when the internet and social media was still trying to figure out what they were. I suppose you could say that we grew up together.

I share my story because you share yours. Some of you have reached out and thanked me for the representation, and I am honored, if not in disbelief, that I could be that for someone. Because I am human, and most definitely flawed, I can only hope that I continue to earn that honor.

The most rewarding part of it all, however, has been discovering the threads of connection. Thank you for following. I'm so glad we've found each other. We are not alone 💜

Also, shout out to Catholic Charities for being fully prepared to respond to my inquiry. Idk why I expected red tape and a long wait, but it is clear that there have been conscious efforts to make this process as seamless as possible.

#mentalhealth #korean #adoptee #birthsearch #reunification #seoulsearching #healingjourney

A little bedtime story... Only one installment left before I'm finished reading The Wizard of Oz! Check out the full video on YouTube 📖

#story #readtosleep #bedtime #oz #wizardofoz #audiobook #calm #relax

Don't forget to take time for yourself today. All you need is 5-15 minutes to just check in and get grounded.

How do you feel?
Try to relax your shoulders and release that tension.
Did you get enough sleep last night?
Did you eat today?
Let's make sure we nourish ourselves so that we can keep going.

#mentalhealth #meditate #somatichealing #takeabreak

📚 Books on Trauma & the Body: Adding to My Reading List 🌀

Lately, I’ve been really interested in how trauma affects not just our minds but our bodies and nervous systems. Traditional talk therapy is powerful, but sometimes, I feel stuck. Because a lot of my triggers feel physical, I am curious if somatic healing might be the missing piece.

I haven’t read all of these yet, but I’m excited to learn more! These books are on my radar because they dive into somatic therapy, the nervous system, and how we can heal from trauma beyond words.

📖 The Body Keeps the Score – A deep dive into how trauma rewires the brain and body, plus alternative healing approaches.

📖 Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma – Explores how trauma gets trapped in the body and ways to release it using Somatic Experiencing.

📖 The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy – Focuses on how the nervous system affects trauma responses and how to find safety in the body.

📖 Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program – A hands-on guide with exercises designed to help release stored trauma.

If you’ve read any of them, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Or if you have other recommendations, drop them in the comments! 💜

#SomaticHealing #TraumaRecovery #CPTSDHealing #MindBodyConnection #MentalHealth

Somatic therapy has helped me be more aware of myself. I don't think I ever realized how much I ignored my body and it's needs.

It's only been a few weeks since I started to use these exercises, but I am honestly surprised at how much it has helped with my anxiety over certain things.

As I continue my search for my biological family, I am swamped with questions and concerns that come with it. Reconnecting with my Korean culture is fulfilling and rewarding, but there are also moments of chagrin for not knowing more or starting sooner. Much like the white rabbit, I feel that there is much to do in very little time.

But I rejoice in the little victories. I reached 4k on IG this week🎉🎉 so perhaps it's not about the amount of time but the timing of it all.

I will continue to say it because I truly mean it. Thank you for being here💜

#korean #adoptee #somatichealing #mentalhealth #transracialadoptee

Somatic therapy has been floating in and out of therapy sessions for a few years now, but l’ve only ever pursued traditional talk therapy as it is the most accesible. Most recently, l’ve taken more consideration in therapy alternatives.

I know the cognitive steps, I can walk myself through the healthy process, and I am more self-aware than I would like to be. But my body didn’t get the memo that we were trying to heal.
It’s that tightening in my chest that happens before my brain can even create or perceive danger. It’s that mini panic attack I have for no apparent reason and have to talk myself down to reality again. Lists are my best friend.

With somatic therapy, I’m hoping to settle that neurological response that still lingers. Not only will it prevent me from falling into unhealthy patterns (because familiar is “safe”), but it will keep me from sabotaging the healthy ones, too.

Thank you for being here, for giving me this safe space to share. I hope that it gives you solace in knowing that while it is ongoing, healing is worth it.

#mentalhealth #cptsd #somatictherapy #relax #calm

Another one that #TikTok saw first, but #instagram loves me better

#funny #women #men #korean #gym #comedy #imjoking

🌿 Healing Beyond Words: My Journey with Somatic Therapy 🌀

For a long time, I thought healing was just about talking things through—until I realized my body was holding onto trauma in ways I didn’t even recognize. The tension in my shoulders, the way I held my breath without noticing, the sudden overwhelm—I wasn’t just thinking my trauma, I was feeling it.

That’s where somatic therapy comes in. It’s not about analyzing the past—it’s about helping your body feel safe again. Simple things like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and gentle movement have helped me process emotions that words couldn’t reach.

💡 Some ways somatic healing has helped me:
✅ Recognizing when I’m stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn
✅ Feeling more present instead of dissociated
✅ Learning to trust my body’s signals instead of ignoring them

I’m not a professional, just someone figuring this out like so many of us. But if you’ve ever felt stuck in your healing journey, maybe your body is trying to tell you something, too.

✨ Have you ever tried somatic practices? What’s helped you feel more connected to your body? Let’s chat in the comments! 💜

#SomaticHealing #CPTSDRecovery #HealingFromTrauma #MindBodyConnection #MentalHealth #healingjourney

TiTok saw it first, but I get more love on IG!

Here's some tough encouragement for those who need it. Being gentle wasn't gonna cut it for me today.

#happymonday #gym #workout #motivation #getup

I continue to be intrigued by the experience of other KADs as I continue to connect in person. The similarities and the differences between us seem to have created a cultural fusion that we all somehow share despite our upbringings. Or maybe I'm just seeing things where I want to see them lol

One thing is for certain, we are a resilient people. We are survivors and thrivers. We create and we inspire. And it fills me with pride to witness and discover.

Growing up, I never really felt enough to be American or Korean. Today, I can say that I am proud to be a Korean Adoptee, and, for now, that's enough for me.

#korean #adoptee #transracialadoptee #mentalhealth #identity

Let's get together! If you're a #Korean #adoptee living in the #Cleveland area, message me or comment below for more details.

Let's learn more about our culture together! Everytime I meet another KAD, I'm am reminded how gratifying it is for the soul to have that likeness in front of me. I want to spread that feeling of acceptance.

We don't have to be American enough or Korean enough. Together, we can hold space for both. Together, we can just be people💜💜💜

I can't wait to hear from you!!

I hope you have a wonderful day! You're doing great!

Making this made me think of anxiety and how it can steal the joy from the good moments because I'm so focused on the pending or possible doom. But I refuse to let it.

It's easier said than done, and sometimes it takes fully acknowledging my anxiety as an entity and telling it that I'm done for the day. I set my boundary, and I hold onto it for as long as I can. This doesn't happen overnight, and it isn't easy. But it's worth it.

I would rather exhaust myself in healing than settle for the depression and anxiety because I'm already there. Life may have tried to make me a victim, but I choose to be a survivor. For the record, my issues are not chemical--I have CPTSD. So, please, do not use my example for those who do have chemical imbalance as their experience is different.

#Anxiety #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #cptsd #cptsdawareness #wordsofencouragement

📖🥢 Cooking Your Way to Your Culture: Connecting Through Korean Food 🇰🇷

Food isn’t just about eating—it’s about storytelling, tradition, and connection. Whether it’s the comfort of a warm bowl of tteokguk on Seollal, the sizzle of bulgogi at a family gathering, or the tangy spice of kimchi passed down through generations, Korean cuisine is a gateway to culture and history.

If you’ve ever wanted to cook Korean food but felt intimidated, don’t worry—you don’t need to be a professional chef! These cookbooks break down the flavors, techniques, and traditions into easy, approachable recipes.

Cooking isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s a way to reclaim, explore, and celebrate heritage. Whether you grew up eating Korean food or are discovering it for the first time, every dish is a chance to connect with your Korean roots.

✨ What’s a Korean dish you’ve always wanted to try cooking? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️🔥

#Korean #Adoptee #Discovery #KoreanFood #FoodAndCulture #CookWithLove

I hope you had a wonderful day!

No matter how stressful life can be, we have to remember to take time for ourselves. That job, those people, those problems... unfortunately, they'll be waiting to stress you out when you get back. So don't force yourself to stew in it more than you have to. Because they won't be there when you burn out.

It's ok to rest. Say it with me. It's ok to rest💜

#encourage #mentalhealth #selfcare #calm

So I took some liberties with my food culture tour this week. Don't ask me how many pieces of cornbread I ate today. I will lie.

It may be a stretch, but it did give me a giggle to see a connection to banchan in my Appalachian roots. Nature or nurture? Who's to say?

To my fellow KADs, do you find whispers of your Korean roots despite never being exposed to them?

#food #korean #appalachian #banchan #asian #beans

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Seoul Searching with Deep South Korean

My Stories

Seoul Searching with Deep South Korean

Navigating Korean Identity: A Transracial Adoptee's Journey

Time is Running Out: Korean Adoptee's Search Story

Podcast

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Seoul Searching
with Deep South Korean