33 Keys to Understanding the Korean Wave 

#27 K-Adoptees Sparkle in Culture

*Note to Readers

The columns published in the Zoom section of NYCultureBeat contain selected excerpts—typically the opening paragraphs—from each chapter of the book 33 Keys to Understanding the Korean Wave: Beyond BTS, Parasite, and Squid Game (2025). These previews are meant to introduce the book’s themes and tone.

The complete book—featuring 33 updated chapters and new cultural insights—is available in both paperback and hardcover editions:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7HYLVCL

Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7HZ34Y3

© Sukie Park. All rights reserved. These excerpts are for preview purposes only and may not be reproduced in full or redistributed.

Adopted Koreans grew up with new families in foreign lands, taking on new names and adapting to unfamiliar cultures. Many experienced identity struggles during adolescence, grappling with confusion, feelings of abandonment, and sorrow over their unknown biological roots. As adults, many have visited Korea in search of their origins and embraced their Korean heritage and talents, excelling in fields such as poetry, art, classical music, opera, ballet, film, comics, and cuisine—truly embodying the phrase “blood is thicker than water.”

Several prominent adoptees are shaping the global cultural landscape and contributing to the ongoing Korean Wave. Among them: opera singer Andrew Gangestad, who has performed on major international stages; ballerina Jennifer Whalen, who danced with American Ballet Theatre; Sara Sejin Chang (Sara van der Heide), whose work explores healing and decolonization through spiritual and historical narratives; filmmaker Deann Borshay Liem, who has chronicled adoption in powerful documentaries; and chef Danny Bowien, known for his bold Chinese flavors in the culinary scenes of San Francisco and New York City.

Although not an adoptee himself, violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill—whose mother was adopted from Korea—has brought Korean identity to the forefront of classical music through his performances and cultural ambassadorship. During my time as a reporter for The Korea Daily New York and a writer for NYCultureBeat.com, I had the privilege of meeting or interviewing these talented individuals—except for O’Neill.

NYT: "Adopted Chefs, Korean Cuisine, and Identity"

NYT, Adopted Chefs, Korean Cuisine, and Identity, July 31, 2022/ Peter Serpico's cookbook 'Learning Korean' (2022)

27. Korean Adoptees and Cultural Legacy  387

Between Roots and Routes   387

Bass Andrew Gangestad (Jeong Woo-geun)   388

Ballet Dancer Jennifer Whalen (Nam Ji-yeon)   389

Violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill    391

Artist Sara Sejin Chang (Sara van der Heide)   392

Filmmaker Deann Borshay Liem (Kang Ok-jin)   393

Chef Danny Bowien (Choi Won-sung)   395

Chef Kristen Kish (Kwon Young-ran)   396

NYT: “Adopted Chefs, Korean Cuisine, and Identity”  397

K-Adoptees Shaping Culture   398