Jina Lee | 이지나
When I moved from Korea to the United States, I found myself navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture. For a while, I lived like any other student—attending school, studying, and trying to fit in. But everything changed when I unexpectedly joined the Korean Traditional Dance Club at school. That experience became a powerful reconnection to my roots, awakening a deeper understanding of who I am and where I come from.
As I learned and performed various forms of traditional Korean dance, I began to rediscover the meaning of being Korean. I developed a growing sense of pride in my heritage and found joy in sharing the beauty of Korean culture with others in a country far from home. Through this club, I not only embraced my identity, but also became determined to expand the reach of Korean traditions and create more opportunities for others to experience them.
Motivated by that vision, I became a co-founder of Jeong Art & Culture, where I currently serve as the organization’s first Chairman. In this role, I’ve taken the lead in planning and organizing a wide range of cultural events that introduce the richness of Korean heritage to diverse audiences. I actively engage with many cultural institutions and community organizations across Southern California—collaborating, communicating, and continuously exploring how we can more meaningfully present Korean culture in ways that resonate with local communities.
Whether coordinating performances, hosting Hanbok fashion shows, or inviting traditional artists to share their craft, I approach each project with a strong sense of identity, cultural pride, and responsibility. Through Jeong Art & Culture, I’ve found not only a platform to celebrate my roots, but also a purpose: to serve as a cultural bridge and contribute to a deeper global appreciation of Korea’s timeless traditions.
Seoyun Lee | 이서윤
Since moving from Korea to the United States just before entering high school, I have been deeply committed to sharing and preserving Korean culture. At Crean Lutheran High School, I serve as the Events Chair of the Korean Student Association, where I lead efforts to introduce Korean traditions to the broader school community. In this role, I not only help plan and execute events, but also collaborate and communicate with various stakeholders—from students and faculty to community partners—to ensure meaningful and engaging experiences.
As a co-founder and current Vice-Chairman of Jeong Art & Culture, I continue to expand my passion for cultural outreach beyond the school setting. I take pride in playing an active role in organizing performances and programs that highlight the richness of Korean heritage. Driven by a strong belief in the power of cultural expression, I constantly seek new ways to make Korean traditions more accessible and appreciated by diverse audiences.
My dedication extends beyond cultural promotion to artistic performance as well. As a committed member of the Korean Traditional Dance Club, I have trained in a variety of traditional dances, learning not only the movements but also the deep meaning and philosophy behind them. At the same time, I am actively involved in classical music, performing violin and viola in competitions and public events. These dual pursuits have helped me develop a nuanced understanding of both Eastern and Western art forms, and have deepened my appreciation for the ways in which different cultures express beauty, identity, and emotion.
What drives me most is the ability to inspire others—whether through performance, leadership, or cross-cultural connection. Each project I take on is grounded in purpose and passion, and I view every opportunity as a chance to bring people closer together through creativity. These experiences continue to shape who I am: a bridge between cultures, a dedicated artist, and a passionate advocate for meaningful connection.
Minjoo Hong | 홍민주
From a young age, I have carried a deep and unwavering passion for dance. What began with an innocent fascination with K-pop and hip-hop quickly grew into something much more—a lifelong love for movement, expression, and storytelling through the body. Although I began formal dance training later than many of my peers, my dedication and joy have only deepened with time. Dance became not only a personal outlet but also a bridge connecting me to the world. Growing up abroad and attending international schools, I was immersed in a wide spectrum of cultures and traditions, which broadened my worldview. Yet, this multicultural upbringing also left me with a sense of distance from my own Korean identity—a realization that lingered quietly in my heart.
That awareness eventually blossomed into a profound interest in Korean traditional culture. I was drawn to its elegance, discipline, and deep emotional resonance. As I delved into the world of Korean traditional dance and music, I began to see these art forms as more than performances—they are vessels of history, identity, and spirit. Within the graceful arcs of a fan or the rhythmic beat of a drum, I could feel the soul of a people—their joys and sorrows, their quiet strength, and enduring pride. Each movement told a story passed down through generations, and I felt an increasing responsibility to honor and share this cultural legacy.
With that calling in my heart, I co-founded Jeong Arts & Culture, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the richness of Korean heritage. Through performances, workshops, and cultural programs, we aim to create spaces where the beauty of Korean traditions can be experienced and appreciated by broader audiences. Our mission is not only to perform but to educate and connect—to invite others into the warmth, grace, and humanity found within Korean traditional arts. In doing so, I have discovered a sense of purpose that continues to guide my journey as both an artist and a cultural advocate.
Looking ahead, I remain devoted to shining a light on Korean culture, not only for the sake of preservation but as a living expression of identity that can continue to evolve and inspire. I believe that art has the power to transcend borders and generations, to spark curiosity and foster empathy. By sharing the stories and spirit embedded in Korean dance and music, I hope to contribute to a world where cultural understanding is celebrated and where every heritage has its rightful place on the global stage.
Stephanie Soo Yeon Suh | 서수연
From a young age, I have felt a profound connection to my cultural roots, and dance became the most powerful way for me to express and share that connection with others. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I was constantly surrounded by diverse traditions and perspectives. While this exposure broadened my worldview, it also sparked a longing to understand and embrace my own heritage more deeply. This led me to explore the grace and depth of Korean traditional dance—an art form that captures the soul of a people through movement, rhythm, and storytelling.
At Crean Lutheran High School, I founded and led the Korean Traditional Dance Club to create a space where my peers could experience the beauty of Korean culture. Through workshops, performances, and cultural exchange, we celebrated the elegance of traditional dance and the stories embedded within each gesture and rhythm. At the same time, I pursued rigorous training in classical ballet, blending the discipline of Western technique with the spirit of Eastern expression. I was honored to be recognized as a semifinalist in the Artist of the Year competition, a moment that affirmed my dedication to dance as both an art and a form of cultural dialogue.
My passion continued to grow beyond the school setting. As a co-founder of Jeong Arts and Culture, I take great pride in working alongside my fellow founders and mentoring younger members as the most senior among them. Together, we organize performances, workshops, and cultural outreach programs that bring Korean traditional arts to wider communities. It is incredibly meaningful to me to help introduce others to the richness of Korean heritage, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility and fulfillment in guiding the next generation of cultural ambassadors. Each event we prepare becomes an opportunity not just to perform, but to educate, connect, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the spirit and beauty of Korean traditions.
After being admitted to Columbia University, I made the deliberate choice to take a gap year to further my artistic development. I joined Nevada Ballet Theatre II, where I trained and performed alongside professional dancers in an environment of high expectations and continuous growth. This intensive year allowed me to mature not only as a performer but as a person—sharpening my discipline, expanding my expressive range, and deepening my understanding of dance as a lifelong pursuit. These intertwined paths—of cultural advocacy and artistic growth—have shaped who I am and continue to guide the person I aspire to become. As I prepare to begin my academic journey at Columbia, I carry with me a deep commitment to honoring my heritage, nurturing my creative voice, and using the arts as a way to inspire understanding, pride, and connection.