Culture is not only preserved through physical objects such as artifacts or historical records—it is sustained through people who choose to live it, share it, and pass it on. That belief has shaped both my personal journey and my vision for Jeong Art & Culture.

Growing up in Shanghai, I was immersed in a multicultural environment that taught me to appreciate the richness of different traditions and perspectives. At the same time, I came to realize how easily one’s own heritage can feel distant when there are few opportunities to experience it as part of everyday life. Although I participated in Korean traditions and learned about Korean culture, I often felt that I was observing my heritage rather than truly living it. That changed when I began studying Korean traditional dance. With every rehearsal and performance, I discovered not only the beauty of the art itself, but also the history, values, and resilience it carries across generations. Through dance, my heritage became something I could experience, not simply inherit.

That realization inspired me to co-found Jeong Art & Culture. What began as a small group united by a shared passion for Korean culture has grown into an organization dedicated to making Korean traditional arts more accessible to diverse communities. Today, as Co-founder and President, I see Jeong Art & Culture not simply as a performing arts organization, but as a place where culture becomes a bridge—bringing people together through education, artistic expression, and meaningful community engagement.

To me, leadership is not defined by title, but by the opportunities we create for others to grow. As Co-founder and President, one of my greatest responsibilities is mentoring younger members and helping them discover confidence through cultural expression. Watching students who once stood quietly at the back of rehearsals gradually grow into passionate performers and thoughtful leaders has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my journey. It reminds me that preserving culture is ultimately about investing in people who are willing to embrace it, live it, and carry it forward.

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of working alongside fellow students, traditional artists, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to organize performances and cultural programs throughout Southern California. From Angels Stadium and the Richard Nixon Presidential Library to multicultural festivals and educational events, our mission has never been simply to present Korean culture on stage. Rather, we strive to create experiences that invite people of every background to engage with Korean traditions, ask meaningful questions, build genuine relationships, and discover the shared values that connect us across cultures.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue expanding Jeong Art & Culture through educational outreach, partnerships with cultural institutions, and programs that make Korean traditional arts more accessible to future generations. I believe culture is most powerful when it brings people together—not by emphasizing our differences, but by revealing our shared humanity. Through every performance, every workshop, and every young person we inspire, I hope to help ensure that Korean heritage is not only preserved, but lived, shared, and carried forward for generations to come.