Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea - 1930's

My great-grandmother was born into a wealthy family in 1932 in Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. At that time, Korea was under Japanese colonial rule. From 1910 to 1945, the country experienced significant cultural oppression, economic exploitation, and political control.

My great-grandmother attended school under a Japanese system and was not allowed to speak Korean. As a result, she struggled with her studies, since she was not fluent in Japanese.

After Korea’s liberation in 1945, she went to Busan to pursue further education. During school vacations, she often visited the countryside, a habit she continued even after graduating from high school.

One night, North Korean soldiers—who had remained in the Jirisan region—came to her house, took her father away, and shot him to death. To this day, she has never forgotten the heartbreak of losing her father to those soldiers.

My great-grandmother dreamed of becoming a Korean teacher because she loved reading books. However, the societal expectations at the time made it difficult for women to pursue higher education. Women were encouraged to become good wives: to marry, have children, and support their husbands. Despite these challenges, she graduated from Yangjae College two years after finishing high school.

Today, my great-grandmother is 93 years old and lives peacefully in Ilsan, Korea, with her daughter. She stands as an unwavering reminder of the power of perseverance and resilience.