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At the young age of 33, second-generation Korean-American author Christine Hyung-Oak Lee faced and overcame the challenges of a stroke. Documenting her journey, she penned an insightful essay revealing profound truths about life, now published for readers worldwide. Lee never forgets her identity as a 'Korean,' attributing her unique storytelling to her heritage. In an exclusive interview, we delve into the experiences and perspectives of this sincere creator.
Interview by Cindy Park • Translation by Lee Young-sun
You were born in New York, yet much of your writing is rooted in Korean culture. How did you maintain such a close connection, and what influence did it have on you?
Though I was born in the U.S., Korean was my first language. My parents, who immigrated in the 1960s, wanted me to speak English without an accent, sparing me their struggles. I was thus immersed in both cultures. Despite speaking flawless English and adapting culturally, I always considered myself Korean. From age 17 to 21, I spent every summer in Korea with my aunt and grandmother, which was instrumental in deepening my cultural understanding.
When did you first begin writing?
I regard writing and publishing as distinct journeys. I aspired to be a writer since the age of 8, though my parents viewed it as merely a dream, doubting that Americans would embrace a Korean-American author's work. Consequently, I also pursued medicine. Fortunately, my debut book melds these aspirations. I began writing seriously in my early 30s, with my first work, "Bile," published in 'Zyzzyva'. The journey wasn't easy, but it was rewarding.
What important lessons did you learn from experiencing a stroke, and how did it affect your writing?
Tell Me Everything You Don’t Remember narrates the story of my stroke at 33 and my recovery. My experience as a daughter of Korean immigrants significantly influenced my healing journey. I learned resilience, always finding strength to rise again, which profoundly impacts my writing. Writing demands perseverance, but courageously sharing your truth is deeply fulfilling.
How does being Korean-American shape your life and writing?
My identity as Korean-American influences every aspect of my life, a fact I'm immensely proud of. It constantly enriches my writing journey, allowing for daily discoveries. Reading Korean authors like Han Kang and Kyung-sook Shin, I see how my English prose mirrors their minimalistic style.
What are your future goals?
Had someone predicted my current life at 43, I would have been skeptical. Initially unplanned, my life now feels like a dream fulfilled. I cherish being a mother and an active writer, treasures I'll never relinquish. My goal is to continue valuing these gifts wholeheartedly.
Can you give some advice for second-generation Korean-Americans aspiring to become writers?
Continue reading and writing. Never give up. Speak your truth.
Photo Credits:
At one of my favorite writing spots in Oakland - Pizzaiolo Cafe, December 2016
Sunday Salon Reading, November 2011
About the Author:
Christine Hyung-Oak Lee is a second-generation Korean-American author born in New York, an alumna of UC Berkeley, and a Mills College master's graduate. Her book Tell Me Everything You Don’t Remember, released in early 2017, draws from her stroke recovery experiences. She is currently working on a novel, Golem of Seoul, set for 2018 release.
Reporter: Cindy Park
A student of film studies at Vassar College in New York, Cindy is an aspiring bilingual journalist, contributing to Korean documentaries and interning at TV productions.
