Deep South Korean | Korean Adoptee

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All Things Deep South Korean

My Stories

Ear Candy

I remember when I first heard someone use pop psychology to say that I was the reason why my life didn’t look the way I wanted it to. I was offended and a little angry because there was no way that I had chosen that, but I had

It wasn’t as direct as me saying, “I want this,” then it occurred like a wish to a genie. I wasn’t attracting terrible men. I was just blind to the red flags that would prevent me from dealing with them in the first place.

While I told myself that I loved myself, my actions didn’t match up. I wasn’t sleeping or eating right, I was allowing myself to lay in bed for hours on end and rot in a hole–for the record, I am a fan of bed rot to a certain extent, but you need to know your limit–and I wasn’t doing anything positive for myself. I didn’t love myself. I wasn’t taking care of myself.

I started by doing the things that you get from the fortune cookies of advice.

Love yourself
Have me time
Rest is ok

I don’t know when it precisely happened, but it did. Things actually started to get better. I also stopped talking negatively about myself or my life. So you might argue that my perspective got better, not my life.

Maybe that’s true for the beginning. Maybe it really was the placebo effect, but it was enough for me to keep going. It was enough for me to try and step outside of my comfort zone to find things that made everything else feel a little more tolerable.

I’m not saying that it’s a guarantee. What I am saying is that you might be surprised at what you can achieve when you get out of your own way. I believe in you.

I’m not a therapist, just a person who has had some experience with climbing out of a hole. If you’d like to learn about the things that I did to do that, please join me February 1-16 for some helpful habits to bring you into the new year.

#mentalhealth #journey #newhabits #peace

I remember when I first heard someone use pop psychology to say that I was the reason why my life didn’t look the way I wanted it to. I was offended and a little angry because there was no way that I had chosen that, but I had

It wasn’t as direct as me saying, “I want this,” then it occurred like a wish to a genie. I wasn’t attracting terrible men. I was just blind to the red flags that would prevent me from dealing with them in the first place.

While I told myself that I loved myself, my actions didn’t match up. I wasn’t sleeping or eating right, I was allowing myself to lay in bed for hours on end and rot in a hole–for the record, I am a fan of bed rot to a certain extent, but you need to know your limit–and I wasn’t doing anything positive for myself. I didn’t love myself. I wasn’t taking care of myself.

I started by doing the things that you get from the fortune cookies of advice.

Love yourself
Have me time
Rest is ok

I don’t know when it precisely happened, but it did. Things actually started to get better. I also stopped talking negatively about myself or my life. So you might argue that my perspective got better, not my life.

Maybe that’s true for the beginning. Maybe it really was the placebo effect, but it was enough for me to keep going. It was enough for me to try and step outside of my comfort zone to find things that made everything else feel a little more tolerable.

I’m not saying that it’s a guarantee. What I am saying is that you might be surprised at what you can achieve when you get out of your own way. I believe in you.

I’m not a therapist, just a person who has had some experience with climbing out of a hole. If you’d like to learn about the things that I did to do that, please join me February 1-16 for some helpful habits to bring you into the new year.

#mentalhealth #journey #newhabits #peace

A man of his word, @natepebbs delivered on his promise of naked hotdogs. You'll have to catch the full episode to see if he actually eats them, though 😜

Dropping at 5 pm today for your ride home, don't forget to listen to your favorite KADs on any of your favorite streaming services. For video, tune into YouTube channel @deepsouthkorean

#podcast #kad #hotdog #newepisode

A man of his word, @natepebbs delivered on his promise of naked hotdogs. You'll have to catch the full episode to see if he actually eats them, though 😜

Dropping at 5 pm today for your ride home, don't forget to listen to your favorite KADs on any of your favorite streaming services. For video, tune into YouTube channel @deepsouthkorean

#podcast #kad #hotdog #newepisode

Join me and @jasonroars for the rest of the conversation. We're sharing some of our dating experiences and having the best time laughing ourselves.

Part 2 is on Spotify and YouTube now💜💜🎙️🎙️

#korean #podcast #dating

Join me and @jasonroars for the rest of the conversation. We're sharing some of our dating experiences and having the best time laughing ourselves.

Part 2 is on Spotify and YouTube now💜💜🎙️🎙️

#korean #podcast #dating

For New Years, I made kimchi jigae. Well... sort of.

Growing up in southern WV, cabbage rolls were the traditional food of choice to bring good fortune and blessings for the year. If you've never had them, they're simply meatballs wrapped in cabbage and roasted in tomato sauce with sauerkraut.

I love them. As I got older, I requested extra sauerkraut for mine. As an adult, I would make cabbage roll soup to get a quick fix. Who would know that it was my body craving something I didn't know I knew?

When I say I sort of made kimchi jigae, it's because I made it with a cabbage roll in mind. In lieu of pork belly (I didn't want to deal with it😅), I made pork meatballs (do not reget it) and added some pork dumplings at the end. I skipped the tofu because it would just go to waste.

I poured my finished product over rice and ate with roasted seaweed. I feel like it's a perfect representation of me, and it's a reminder that my Korean identity is as big as I want it to be. I'm also amazed whenever I find similarities between Korean and Appalachian culture or cuisine. It reminds me that home was never that far away....

#kad #adoptee #korean #newyear #kimchi

For New Years, I made kimchi jigae. Well... sort of.

Growing up in southern WV, cabbage rolls were the traditional food of choice to bring good fortune and blessings for the year. If you've never had them, they're simply meatballs wrapped in cabbage and roasted in tomato sauce with sauerkraut.

I love them. As I got older, I requested extra sauerkraut for mine. As an adult, I would make cabbage roll soup to get a quick fix. Who would know that it was my body craving something I didn't know I knew?

When I say I sort of made kimchi jigae, it's because I made it with a cabbage roll in mind. In lieu of pork belly (I didn't want to deal with it😅), I made pork meatballs (do not reget it) and added some pork dumplings at the end. I skipped the tofu because it would just go to waste.

I poured my finished product over rice and ate with roasted seaweed. I feel like it's a perfect representation of me, and it's a reminder that my Korean identity is as big as I want it to be. I'm also amazed whenever I find similarities between Korean and Appalachian culture or cuisine. It reminds me that home was never that far away....

#kad #adoptee #korean #newyear #kimchi

We chose life over oysters lol. But we will be hitting a happy hour hard today 🤣😂😜

#newyear #redo #snowedin #cle #winterishere

We chose life over oysters lol. But we will be hitting a happy hour hard today 🤣😂😜

#newyear #redo #snowedin #cle #winterishere

I don’t know how many times I’ve watched this, and I’m still amazed at where I am ending 2025. There was a time when I would have given anything to be here. Not saying this is the finish line, but “here” is a major milestone for me. Survival. If you’ve ever had to, you know there is a break after the storm. Just for a moment, you don’t see all of the work ahead of you. You see the end and you see how far you’ve come and it doesn’t seem quite so impossible anymore.

You can rebuild. It’s not about making it through, it’s time to grow. A lot changed for me this year, but I would be wrong to think that it all happened in one year. You could say a lifetime, but for sure, the past four years. I’ve been burning crops, feeding and turning the soil. (You’ll have to forgive the analogy.) 2025, I got to plant some seeds. 2026 is gonna be harvest season, I know it.

If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be this.

You may be feeling like you can’t breathe right now. You may feel alone and lost. Keep going. Even without a direction–keep going. I won’t lie. There isn’t a guarantee. No instruction manual or easy button, but there is an end to it. It just takes one step at a time.

Get therapy. Journal. Hydrate. Exercise (yea, I know). Stay present–you’re learning. Baby Steps…

If you’re still reading, thank you so much for being here. I will continue to be amazed at your interest in me and the things I care about. Here's to another year together💜💜💜✨✨✨

Happy New Year🎉🎉🎉🔥🐴

#nye #firehorse #babysteps #growth

I don’t know how many times I’ve watched this, and I’m still amazed at where I am ending 2025. There was a time when I would have given anything to be here. Not saying this is the finish line, but “here” is a major milestone for me. Survival. If you’ve ever had to, you know there is a break after the storm. Just for a moment, you don’t see all of the work ahead of you. You see the end and you see how far you’ve come and it doesn’t seem quite so impossible anymore.

You can rebuild. It’s not about making it through, it’s time to grow. A lot changed for me this year, but I would be wrong to think that it all happened in one year. You could say a lifetime, but for sure, the past four years. I’ve been burning crops, feeding and turning the soil. (You’ll have to forgive the analogy.) 2025, I got to plant some seeds. 2026 is gonna be harvest season, I know it.

If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be this.

You may be feeling like you can’t breathe right now. You may feel alone and lost. Keep going. Even without a direction–keep going. I won’t lie. There isn’t a guarantee. No instruction manual or easy button, but there is an end to it. It just takes one step at a time.

Get therapy. Journal. Hydrate. Exercise (yea, I know). Stay present–you’re learning. Baby Steps…

If you’re still reading, thank you so much for being here. I will continue to be amazed at your interest in me and the things I care about. Here's to another year together💜💜💜✨✨✨

Happy New Year🎉🎉🎉🔥🐴

#nye #firehorse #babysteps #growth

Stay tuned to see if I risk my life for an oyster🫠

#happynewyear #nye #cle #winterishere

Stay tuned to see if I risk my life for an oyster🫠

#happynewyear #nye #cle #winterishere

I swear, I don't hate men, but learning to be the love I needed has made me more... discerning.

I swear, I don't hate men, but learning to be the love I needed has made me more... discerning.

My annual reminder to choose better 💜✨

My annual reminder to choose better 💜✨

This year I WILL have my cake and have it eaten, too 💁🏻‍♀️🍑

Yea. You read that right 🤣😂😜

#cake #fitness #workout #glutebridge #motivation

This year I WILL have my cake and have it eaten, too 💁🏻‍♀️🍑

Yea. You read that right 🤣😂😜

#cake #fitness #workout #glutebridge #motivation

I hope your holiday was as happy as mine. If I could influence anyone on anything, it would be to stop trying to live up to the social and capitalist expectations of EVERY holiday.

If I have learned anything the past five years, it has been that you shouldn't need a holiday to celebrate your love for those around you--including yourself. A few gifts under the tree don't compare to showing up in little ways day after day. This has always been a hope for me, but it has recently become a reality.

By loving myself, I have found better habits and beliefs and much better relationships. You know who you are 💜. There isn't a gift in this world greater than you, and you remind me each day how distance and busy lives are only minor details when it comes to true connection. I may have had a table for one, but I was far from alone.

If you're reading this, let my gift to you be the permission to be happy. Stop trying to live up to expectations that aren't meant for you. Be kind. Be proactive. Be yourself. The rest will actually fall into place.

💜💜Deep South Korean💜💜

#happyholidays #adoptee #thischristmas #influence #clevelandbraider @foodincleveland @clevelandvibes @funshisushi @sasacleveland

I hope your holiday was as happy as mine. If I could influence anyone on anything, it would be to stop trying to live up to the social and capitalist expectations of EVERY holiday.

If I have learned anything the past five years, it has been that you shouldn't need a holiday to celebrate your love for those around you--including yourself. A few gifts under the tree don't compare to showing up in little ways day after day. This has always been a hope for me, but it has recently become a reality.

By loving myself, I have found better habits and beliefs and much better relationships. You know who you are 💜. There isn't a gift in this world greater than you, and you remind me each day how distance and busy lives are only minor details when it comes to true connection. I may have had a table for one, but I was far from alone.

If you're reading this, let my gift to you be the permission to be happy. Stop trying to live up to expectations that aren't meant for you. Be kind. Be proactive. Be yourself. The rest will actually fall into place.

💜💜Deep South Korean💜💜

#happyholidays #adoptee #thischristmas #influence #clevelandbraider @foodincleveland @clevelandvibes @funshisushi @sasacleveland

Seoul Searching is back to finish the inaugural season with our interview episodes. Join me as I sit down with friends and creators alike who have a story to tell.

My hope with this next chapter of the podcast is to shed light on the many way we can view our lives and experiences and, hopefully, not remain victims of it. The people I talk with have not had "easy" lives, but they are thriving anyway. I have come to love their spirits, and I so admire their resilience.

Kicking us off is @jasonroars today at 5 PM EST. You can find all episodes on Spotify and YouTube. Links are in my bio.

#podcast #interview #seoulsearching #creator

Seoul Searching is back to finish the inaugural season with our interview episodes. Join me as I sit down with friends and creators alike who have a story to tell.

My hope with this next chapter of the podcast is to shed light on the many way we can view our lives and experiences and, hopefully, not remain victims of it. The people I talk with have not had "easy" lives, but they are thriving anyway. I have come to love their spirits, and I so admire their resilience.

Kicking us off is @jasonroars today at 5 PM EST. You can find all episodes on Spotify and YouTube. Links are in my bio.

#podcast #interview #seoulsearching #creator

Yes. I'm shameless. @anthonyjoshua call me😜

Yes. I'm shameless. @anthonyjoshua call me😜

Bored now... but feel free to let everyone know how starved for attention you are.

#tictac #cocktailstraw #mini #micro #tiny

Bored now... but feel free to let everyone know how starved for attention you are.

#tictac #cocktailstraw #mini #micro #tiny

PBS’s Between Goodbyes tells a story many people still don’t want to sit with.

Korean adoption wasn’t one single narrative — it was a convergence of trauma, war, and policy. Orphaned children born around U.S. camptowns. Mixed-race children rejected by a rigid society. Children abducted, sold, or funneled into adoption through coercion and fraud. Families broken by poverty, shame, and impossible social expectations.

Some adoptions were born from desperation. Others from exploitation. Many from a system that prioritized removal over support.

This documentary doesn’t offer easy answers — and that’s the point. It asks us to reckon with how mass international adoption became normalized, profitable, and exported as “good,” while the voices of adoptees and first families were silenced.

For those of us in the middle — adoptees, diaspora, survivors — our stories are not one-size-fits-all. And they deserve to be told with honesty, nuance, and humanity.

If you’ve never watched Between Goodbyes, this is your sign. And if you have — you already know how much it lingers.

🎬 Watch Between Goodbyes on PBS:
👉 https://www.pbs.org/video/between-goodbyes-7g47s0/

#adopteevoices #koreanadoptee #internationaladoption #betweengoodbyes #aapihistory #kad #adoptiontruth #camptowns #transracialadoption #pbsdocumentary #adopteecommunity

PBS’s Between Goodbyes tells a story many people still don’t want to sit with.

Korean adoption wasn’t one single narrative — it was a convergence of trauma, war, and policy. Orphaned children born around U.S. camptowns. Mixed-race children rejected by a rigid society. Children abducted, sold, or funneled into adoption through coercion and fraud. Families broken by poverty, shame, and impossible social expectations.

Some adoptions were born from desperation. Others from exploitation. Many from a system that prioritized removal over support.

This documentary doesn’t offer easy answers — and that’s the point. It asks us to reckon with how mass international adoption became normalized, profitable, and exported as “good,” while the voices of adoptees and first families were silenced.

For those of us in the middle — adoptees, diaspora, survivors — our stories are not one-size-fits-all. And they deserve to be told with honesty, nuance, and humanity.

If you’ve never watched Between Goodbyes, this is your sign. And if you have — you already know how much it lingers.

🎬 Watch Between Goodbyes on PBS:
👉 https://www.pbs.org/video/between-goodbyes-7g47s0/

#adopteevoices #koreanadoptee #internationaladoption #betweengoodbyes #aapihistory #kad #adoptiontruth #camptowns #transracialadoption #pbsdocumentary #adopteecommunity

Let's go!!! Just for fun, let's make a list of all the things you could have done with your time that was better than this.

I'll start... Being an actual man instead of an emotionally stunted, chipped shouldered little boy.

I bet you have the personality of curdled milk.

#clapback #micropenis #manchild #happysunday

Let's go!!! Just for fun, let's make a list of all the things you could have done with your time that was better than this.

I'll start... Being an actual man instead of an emotionally stunted, chipped shouldered little boy.

I bet you have the personality of curdled milk.

#clapback #micropenis #manchild #happysunday

Product list in bio!

Product list in bio!

It is definitely an adventure, but not all adventures are good ones

What I am learning from my male friends is that we are all a little apprehensive. No one knows what is ok or acceptable behavior. There are so many games to play, and you don’t always know which one you’re playing. Some may not even know that they’re playing at all.

Add to it the levels of trauma and relationship baggage that weighs us all down… the waters get murky. There seems to be an infinite amount of possibilities when it comes to the type of relationship someone even wants. While I love the freedom of expression and the ability to have what you want, I wish there were fewer variations to make it easier to find a match.

Then there’s the communication barrier. We may as well be speaking a different language. Word to the wise: listen to your friends. I have been learning from my male friends that there is A LOT that gets lost in translation. It’s ridiculous.

Last but not least, I am no longer dating with desperation. No judgement to those who are. We’ve all been there. I don’t NEED a man. I’d just like one. This new position has greatly influenced how I approach dating this time around.

I’m not the only one talking about it, though. I see it in conversations from people all around me. We’re dating in our late 30s to 40s, and we have a new perspective on relationships and what we want from them. We’re working on ourselves and trying to be better than before.

And it will all be so much easier if we could just be honest with ourselves and other people about who we are and what we want. Go figure.
#single #dating #asian #hinge @hinge (collab?)

It is definitely an adventure, but not all adventures are good ones

What I am learning from my male friends is that we are all a little apprehensive. No one knows what is ok or acceptable behavior. There are so many games to play, and you don’t always know which one you’re playing. Some may not even know that they’re playing at all.

Add to it the levels of trauma and relationship baggage that weighs us all down… the waters get murky. There seems to be an infinite amount of possibilities when it comes to the type of relationship someone even wants. While I love the freedom of expression and the ability to have what you want, I wish there were fewer variations to make it easier to find a match.

Then there’s the communication barrier. We may as well be speaking a different language. Word to the wise: listen to your friends. I have been learning from my male friends that there is A LOT that gets lost in translation. It’s ridiculous.

Last but not least, I am no longer dating with desperation. No judgement to those who are. We’ve all been there. I don’t NEED a man. I’d just like one. This new position has greatly influenced how I approach dating this time around.

I’m not the only one talking about it, though. I see it in conversations from people all around me. We’re dating in our late 30s to 40s, and we have a new perspective on relationships and what we want from them. We’re working on ourselves and trying to be better than before.

And it will all be so much easier if we could just be honest with ourselves and other people about who we are and what we want. Go figure.
#single #dating #asian #hinge @hinge (collab?)

Life update... I've rejoined a dating app, and I hate it. But if you'd like to sponsor my experience for content hmu @hinge 🤣😂

Who wants to take bets on whether or not I give up again before finding someone? 🙃

#dating #korean #woman #datingapp #hinge

Life update... I've rejoined a dating app, and I hate it. But if you'd like to sponsor my experience for content hmu @hinge 🤣😂

Who wants to take bets on whether or not I give up again before finding someone? 🙃

#dating #korean #woman #datingapp #hinge

“Hot Dogs & Aliens… When does size matter?” We cover everything from condiments, survival skills, and conspiracy theories.

The OnlyKADs Pod - streaming NOW on your favorite platform.

Dropping the first Wednesday of each month (or whenever we can get around to editing)

Join us for some fun with your OnlyKADs crew from all over the east coast and Asia:
April (@deepsouthkorean)
Jenna (@mayor.jenna.explores)
Claire (@claire_magenheimer) &
Nate (@natepebbs / @color_shift_tra)
We spill unfiltered truths and unhinged laughs with late-night, group-chat energy.. We just can’t help ourselves

Heads-up: Mature language and topics! Keep little DoKAD ears away

Got a topic or a question? Email us onlykadspod@gmail.com

#onlykads #koreanadoptee #adopteevoices #podcastlaunch #kadcommunity #unfilteredchats #onlykadspod #koreanamericanadoptee #kadvoices #transracialadoptee #adoptee #podcast

“Hot Dogs & Aliens… When does size matter?” We cover everything from condiments, survival skills, and conspiracy theories.

The OnlyKADs Pod - streaming NOW on your favorite platform.

Dropping the first Wednesday of each month (or whenever we can get around to editing)

Join us for some fun with your OnlyKADs crew from all over the east coast and Asia:
April (@deepsouthkorean)
Jenna (@mayor.jenna.explores)
Claire (@claire_magenheimer) &
Nate (@natepebbs / @color_shift_tra)
We spill unfiltered truths and unhinged laughs with late-night, group-chat energy.. We just can’t help ourselves

Heads-up: Mature language and topics! Keep little DoKAD ears away

Got a topic or a question? Email us onlykadspod@gmail.com

#onlykads #koreanadoptee #adopteevoices #podcastlaunch #kadcommunity #unfilteredchats #onlykadspod #koreanamericanadoptee #kadvoices #transracialadoptee #adoptee #podcast

I wouldn't share if I didn't love it myself. This pillow has a great bounce back which makes it super supportive and soft at the same time. I like that I can add extra filler to adjust to my comfort level.

I'm a side or back sleeper, and I like the standard shape. They do, however, offer a crescent shape for those who prefer it.

Use code DEEPSOUTHKOREAN or go to coopsleepgoods.com/DEEPSOUTHKOREAN to get 20% off your first purchase🎉🎉

I have been a fan of their Comphy sheets before they were bought out by @coopsleepgoods 💜

They are the best sheets, and I wouldn't want to sleep on any other. I'll share those soon!

#pillow #memoryfoam #discount #comphy

I wouldn't share if I didn't love it myself. This pillow has a great bounce back which makes it super supportive and soft at the same time. I like that I can add extra filler to adjust to my comfort level.

I'm a side or back sleeper, and I like the standard shape. They do, however, offer a crescent shape for those who prefer it.

Use code DEEPSOUTHKOREAN or go to coopsleepgoods.com/DEEPSOUTHKOREAN to get 20% off your first purchase🎉🎉

I have been a fan of their Comphy sheets before they were bought out by @coopsleepgoods 💜

They are the best sheets, and I wouldn't want to sleep on any other. I'll share those soon!

#pillow #memoryfoam #discount #comphy

Due to the holidays, we’re a little behind on recording. This month’s episode will be released this coming Wednesday, December 10.

Until then, show your support by purchasing merch for the pod ❤️❤️

#pod #onlykadspod #merch #shopsmall #support

Due to the holidays, we’re a little behind on recording. This month’s episode will be released this coming Wednesday, December 10.

Until then, show your support by purchasing merch for the pod ❤️❤️

#pod #onlykadspod #merch #shopsmall #support

Birthdays can be difficult for many of us. The day is a marker of so many things: one of them being loss. At the very least, it is a tether to a life that splintered into two paths. It is often the only thing that was ours and never taken.

Imagine the jarring sensation upon realizing that the day you thought was your birthday wasn't your birthday at all. It isnt as rare as you'd think.

Gotcha Days are also strange. Perhaps it's my own personal interpretation, and I wouldn't dispute someone else's experience. I just find it odd to celebrate the day a child was displaced into a stranger's home to be raised as their own. And don't people do that for their pets, too? It's just weird🤷🏻‍♀️

If you're an adoptee, how do you celebrate your birthday? Do you celebrate it at all? What would you like to do?

#birthday #adoptee #korean #koreanadoptee #transracialadoptee

Birthdays can be difficult for many of us. The day is a marker of so many things: one of them being loss. At the very least, it is a tether to a life that splintered into two paths. It is often the only thing that was ours and never taken.

Imagine the jarring sensation upon realizing that the day you thought was your birthday wasn't your birthday at all. It isnt as rare as you'd think.

Gotcha Days are also strange. Perhaps it's my own personal interpretation, and I wouldn't dispute someone else's experience. I just find it odd to celebrate the day a child was displaced into a stranger's home to be raised as their own. And don't people do that for their pets, too? It's just weird🤷🏻‍♀️

If you're an adoptee, how do you celebrate your birthday? Do you celebrate it at all? What would you like to do?

#birthday #adoptee #korean #koreanadoptee #transracialadoptee

It's my birthday week, and I am kicking it off with a treat to myself. Thank you, @groupon for making it possible lol

I've never done body sculpting of any kind before, but @keiyinbodywork does that, too!

This is not a sponsored ad or collab. I just like to show support for #smallbusiness. Especially, when they have great customer service.

#treatyoself #lymphaticmassage #ohio

It's my birthday week, and I am kicking it off with a treat to myself. Thank you, @groupon for making it possible lol

I've never done body sculpting of any kind before, but @keiyinbodywork does that, too!

This is not a sponsored ad or collab. I just like to show support for #smallbusiness. Especially, when they have great customer service.

#treatyoself #lymphaticmassage #ohio

While it wasn't the worst situation, my adoption wasn't the success story people like to believe. I'd like to think that I have made some sort of peace with it.

Today is the last day of National Adoptee Awareness Month (#naam). Thank you for reading my story and the story of others as we navigate our journeys and get one step closer to who we are. We may not be able to change what happened to us, but we can make things better for future adoptees.

#adoptee #kad

While it wasn't the worst situation, my adoption wasn't the success story people like to believe. I'd like to think that I have made some sort of peace with it.

Today is the last day of National Adoptee Awareness Month (#naam). Thank you for reading my story and the story of others as we navigate our journeys and get one step closer to who we are. We may not be able to change what happened to us, but we can make things better for future adoptees.

#adoptee #kad

Movies to see this week at @bbtheatres in Macedonia.

I know there are a couple I want to see! I already saw Wicked: For Good. It's never going to be the musical, but I do think it was pretty good for an adaptation.

What did you think?

#bbtheatres #backstagepass #enjoythemagicofthemovies #brandambassador #screenx #mx4d #bbgrandscreen #screenplay #maxrelax

Movies to see this week at @bbtheatres in Macedonia.

I know there are a couple I want to see! I already saw Wicked: For Good. It's never going to be the musical, but I do think it was pretty good for an adaptation.

What did you think?

#bbtheatres #backstagepass #enjoythemagicofthemovies #brandambassador #screenx #mx4d #bbgrandscreen #screenplay #maxrelax

My birth search journey has not been a straightforward one, and I will admit that my own emotions are to blame as much as the paperwork. I'm not sure that anyone can fully be prepared for the rollercoaster ride that is reunification.

If you think that you may be interested in reunification, I highly recommend finding a group because you will need support from people who know and can relate to your experience.

There's still a few days left to participate in the #naam posts. Follow @blasiansays for more info.

#adoptee #kad #write #journal #birthsearch #reunification

My birth search journey has not been a straightforward one, and I will admit that my own emotions are to blame as much as the paperwork. I'm not sure that anyone can fully be prepared for the rollercoaster ride that is reunification.

If you think that you may be interested in reunification, I highly recommend finding a group because you will need support from people who know and can relate to your experience.

There's still a few days left to participate in the #naam posts. Follow @blasiansays for more info.

#adoptee #kad #write #journal #birthsearch #reunification

Playing catch up again for my #naam posts this month. They become a little deeper and a little more reflective with each prompt.

There's still a few days left to participate. Follow @blasiansays for more.

#kad #adoptee #reflect #loss

Playing catch up again for my #naam posts this month. They become a little deeper and a little more reflective with each prompt.

There's still a few days left to participate. Follow @blasiansays for more.

#kad #adoptee #reflect #loss

I don't care what you say. Nothing beats my solo holiday. No, I'm not joking. I still got all of the food, but I didn't have to deal with any of the drama. No fights over politics or toxic family discussions because someone is miserable but unwilling to do ANYTHING about it.

Just Peace

The biggest dilemma of the day was debating on going to the movies with a blizzard on the way, and my greatest inconvenience was temporarily getting stuck in the snow. Nothing a rollback and reroute couldn't fix.

So, no sadness here. I have no interest in the pity party for one when I can be living my best, most peaceful life exactly the way that I want. There's still one more holiday for you to give it a try 🤷🏻‍♀️😉

#soloholiday #itsgivingthankful #peace #regulated

I don't care what you say. Nothing beats my solo holiday. No, I'm not joking. I still got all of the food, but I didn't have to deal with any of the drama. No fights over politics or toxic family discussions because someone is miserable but unwilling to do ANYTHING about it.

Just Peace

The biggest dilemma of the day was debating on going to the movies with a blizzard on the way, and my greatest inconvenience was temporarily getting stuck in the snow. Nothing a rollback and reroute couldn't fix.

So, no sadness here. I have no interest in the pity party for one when I can be living my best, most peaceful life exactly the way that I want. There's still one more holiday for you to give it a try 🤷🏻‍♀️😉

#soloholiday #itsgivingthankful #peace #regulated

Being alone for the holidays isn’t a failure — it’s freedom.

No awkward small talk. No explaining your life choices. No pretending to like someone’s mystery casserole. Just vibes, snacks, and peace.

You get to decide the rules:
✨ Eat breakfast at 2 PM
✨ Watch whatever you want
✨ Create your own traditions (or… absolutely none)
✨ Zero family drama

The truth is, being solo doesn’t mean you’re lacking. It means you’re powerful enough to curate a holiday that fits your energy, your joy, and your boundaries.

So if you’re spending the holidays by yourself? Congrats — you might actually be winning. 😌🎄💅

And remember, there’s probably someone jealous as hell that you get to nap in peace after your meal💁🏻‍♀️

#winning #Holidays #holidayseason #solo #soloholiday #peace

Being alone for the holidays isn’t a failure — it’s freedom.

No awkward small talk. No explaining your life choices. No pretending to like someone’s mystery casserole. Just vibes, snacks, and peace.

You get to decide the rules:
✨ Eat breakfast at 2 PM
✨ Watch whatever you want
✨ Create your own traditions (or… absolutely none)
✨ Zero family drama

The truth is, being solo doesn’t mean you’re lacking. It means you’re powerful enough to curate a holiday that fits your energy, your joy, and your boundaries.

So if you’re spending the holidays by yourself? Congrats — you might actually be winning. 😌🎄💅

And remember, there’s probably someone jealous as hell that you get to nap in peace after your meal💁🏻‍♀️

#winning #Holidays #holidayseason #solo #soloholiday #peace

If you're looking for a new book with adoptee representation, give this one a try. TO HAVE AND HAVE MORE follows Emery, a Korean adoptee, through her journey of identity in a privileged world.

Thanks @sanibel.ink for sharing this story!! I can't wait to share more of it with everyone.

#read #book #kad #naam #sanibelsversion

If you're looking for a new book with adoptee representation, give this one a try. TO HAVE AND HAVE MORE follows Emery, a Korean adoptee, through her journey of identity in a privileged world.

Thanks @sanibel.ink for sharing this story!! I can't wait to share more of it with everyone.

#read #book #kad #naam #sanibelsversion

Reclaim National Adoptee(Adoption) Awareness Month through the voices of adoptees. Follow along or write with us! Prompts can be found with @blasiansays and goes until the end of November.

#adoptee #naam #write #kad

Reclaim National Adoptee(Adoption) Awareness Month through the voices of adoptees. Follow along or write with us! Prompts can be found with @blasiansays and goes until the end of November.

#adoptee #naam #write #kad

Hey, friends!

From EP 02: “To Date or Not to Date… Fellow KADs” 💥A pro of KAD dating? Getting past first-date awkwardness — and finding your meet-cute at an adoptee conference or event 👀💞

🎧 The OnlyKADs Pod — streaming on your favorite platform NOW!

This isn’t just another Korean Adoptee podcast.
🗓️ New episodes drop midnight EST, every first Wednesday of the month!

🎙️ Your hosts — April (@deepsouthkorean), Claire (@claire_magenheimer), Jenna (@mayor.jenna.explores), and Nate (@natepebbs / @color_shift_tra) — spill unfiltered truths and unhinged laughs with late-night, group-chat energy they just can’t keep to themselves 💬🔥

🌎 Coming to you from across the US and Asia — it’s monthly hangouts, zero paywalls, zero judgment… and no feet pics 😏

⚠️ Heads-up: Mature language! Keep little DoKAD ears away 👂🚫

📩 Got a topic idea or question?
Email us 👉 onlykadspod@gmail.com

#onlykads #koreanadoptee #adopteevoices #podcastlaunch #kadcommunity #unfilteredchats #onlykadspod #koreanamericanadoptee #kadvoices #transracialadoptee #adoptee

Hey, friends!

From EP 02: “To Date or Not to Date… Fellow KADs” 💥A pro of KAD dating? Getting past first-date awkwardness — and finding your meet-cute at an adoptee conference or event 👀💞

🎧 The OnlyKADs Pod — streaming on your favorite platform NOW!

This isn’t just another Korean Adoptee podcast.
🗓️ New episodes drop midnight EST, every first Wednesday of the month!

🎙️ Your hosts — April (@deepsouthkorean), Claire (@claire_magenheimer), Jenna (@mayor.jenna.explores), and Nate (@natepebbs / @color_shift_tra) — spill unfiltered truths and unhinged laughs with late-night, group-chat energy they just can’t keep to themselves 💬🔥

🌎 Coming to you from across the US and Asia — it’s monthly hangouts, zero paywalls, zero judgment… and no feet pics 😏

⚠️ Heads-up: Mature language! Keep little DoKAD ears away 👂🚫

📩 Got a topic idea or question?
Email us 👉 onlykadspod@gmail.com

#onlykads #koreanadoptee #adopteevoices #podcastlaunch #kadcommunity #unfilteredchats #onlykadspod #koreanamericanadoptee #kadvoices #transracialadoptee #adoptee

Did I spend all weekend on this edit, maybe yes. Do I regret it? Maybe no.

I’m not a sound engineer, but I think Garage Band and I did ok.

#sing #cover #touchin #honeybxby

Did I spend all weekend on this edit, maybe yes. Do I regret it? Maybe no.

I’m not a sound engineer, but I think Garage Band and I did ok.

#sing #cover #touchin #honeybxby

May the fear you have invoked be your demise and karma

May the fear you have invoked be your demise and karma

😏 I may try to actually record this🤔

😏 I may try to actually record this🤔

Guys, meet my new BF, James. He's in desperate need for attention-good or bad. Let's make sure he knows that we see him this holiday season💜

Be blessed, James, and thanks for the easy material that you are😉😏

#clapback #therapy

Guys, meet my new BF, James. He's in desperate need for attention-good or bad. Let's make sure he knows that we see him this holiday season💜

Be blessed, James, and thanks for the easy material that you are😉😏

#clapback #therapy

Koreans: You can admit it. We’re damn good-looking

From EP 02: “To Date or Not to Date… Fellow KADs” 💥
A pro of KAD dating… beyond the first-date awkwardness and why an adoptee meet-up may be the perfect setting for a meet-cute!

🎧 The OnlyKADs Pod — streaming on your favorite platform NOW!

This isn’t just another Korean Adoptee podcast.

🗓️ New episodes drop midnight EST, every first Wednesday of the month!

🎙️ Your hosts — April (@deepsouthkorean), Claire (@claire_magenheimer), Jenna (@mayor.jenna.explores), and Nate (@natepebbs / @color_shift_tra) — spill unfiltered truths and unhinged laughs with late-night, group-chat energy they just can’t keep to themselves 💬🔥
🌎 Coming to you from across the US and Asia — it’s monthly hangouts, zero paywalls, zero judgment… and no feet pics 😏

⚠️ Heads-up: Mature language! Keep little DoKAD ears away 👂🚫

📩 Got a topic idea or question?
Email us 👉 onlykadspod@gmail.com

#onlykads #koreanadoptee #adopteevoices #podcastlaunch #kadcommunity #unfilteredchats #onlykadspod #koreanamericanadoptee #kadvoices #transracialadoptee #adoptee

Koreans: You can admit it. We’re damn good-looking

From EP 02: “To Date or Not to Date… Fellow KADs” 💥
A pro of KAD dating… beyond the first-date awkwardness and why an adoptee meet-up may be the perfect setting for a meet-cute!

🎧 The OnlyKADs Pod — streaming on your favorite platform NOW!

This isn’t just another Korean Adoptee podcast.

🗓️ New episodes drop midnight EST, every first Wednesday of the month!

🎙️ Your hosts — April (@deepsouthkorean), Claire (@claire_magenheimer), Jenna (@mayor.jenna.explores), and Nate (@natepebbs / @color_shift_tra) — spill unfiltered truths and unhinged laughs with late-night, group-chat energy they just can’t keep to themselves 💬🔥
🌎 Coming to you from across the US and Asia — it’s monthly hangouts, zero paywalls, zero judgment… and no feet pics 😏

⚠️ Heads-up: Mature language! Keep little DoKAD ears away 👂🚫

📩 Got a topic idea or question?
Email us 👉 onlykadspod@gmail.com

#onlykads #koreanadoptee #adopteevoices #podcastlaunch #kadcommunity #unfilteredchats #onlykadspod #koreanamericanadoptee #kadvoices #transracialadoptee #adoptee

I should have waited until I got home for a better video lol. But I was too excited!!

Thank you @sarahharrisonphoto for the lovely, handmade gift. I will definitely be getting some use our of it this winter❄️🥶

#Gift #unboxing #mailtime

I should have waited until I got home for a better video lol. But I was too excited!!

Thank you @sarahharrisonphoto for the lovely, handmade gift. I will definitely be getting some use our of it this winter❄️🥶

#Gift #unboxing #mailtime

B!tch's first PR package☺️🎉😏

Idk where this path will take me, but it has blessed me lately.

I can't wait to share this book with you guys! Thank you, @sanibel.ink for thinking of me💜💜

If you're looking for a fun, new read, you can find "To Have and Have More" anywhere a book could be. Plus, you can find video readings of the book from Sanibel herself.

#book #tohaveandhavemore #prpackage

B!tch's first PR package☺️🎉😏

Idk where this path will take me, but it has blessed me lately.

I can't wait to share this book with you guys! Thank you, @sanibel.ink for thinking of me💜💜

If you're looking for a fun, new read, you can find "To Have and Have More" anywhere a book could be. Plus, you can find video readings of the book from Sanibel herself.

#book #tohaveandhavemore #prpackage

Now offering customized designs and non KAD designs!

Shop at deepsouthkorean.com for yours today!

Now offering customized designs and non KAD designs!

Shop at deepsouthkorean.com for yours today!

I'm feeling a little sentimental. Between my recent post about family and it being veteran's day, Ive had my papaw on my mind. He was a mess lol. And completely full of himself, but he was a good papaw.

He was also a WWII veteran. I'm sure he would be terribly disappointed with how progressive I am lol. But I think he'd still love me anyway.

To those who have served, thank you💜

#veteransday

I'm feeling a little sentimental. Between my recent post about family and it being veteran's day, Ive had my papaw on my mind. He was a mess lol. And completely full of himself, but he was a good papaw.

He was also a WWII veteran. I'm sure he would be terribly disappointed with how progressive I am lol. But I think he'd still love me anyway.

To those who have served, thank you💜

#veteransday

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