Podcast · Business

Korean American Perspectives

by Council of Korean Americans · English · Business

Welcome to Korean American Perspectives, a podcast launched by the Council of Korean Americans. Visit www.councilka.org for more information.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 51 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2025
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2025 · 42 min

Beyond the Plate: A Conversation on Cooking, Culture, and Celebrity

In the final episode of our season, host Abraham Kim sits down with the incomparable Kristen Kish—chef, television host, and the recipient of the 2024 Council of Korean Americans’ Inspire Award. Kristen takes us on a journey through her distinctly Midwestern childhood as a Korean adoptee, her path into the culinary world, and the pivotal moments and mentors that shaped her along the way. We hear Kristen reflect on her experiences from culinary school, the humbling realities of starting out in the restaurant industry, and her unexpected foray into the media spotlight as a Top Chef winner and…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S4 · E9 · 7 Oct 2025 · 31 min
Leading with Purpose: A Trailblazing Executive’s Impact on Positive Change, with Paul Kim
This episode features a conversation with Paul Kim, the Founder and Principal of LaSalle Asset Management, CEO and Managing Partner of Aventis Asset Management, and Founder and Partner of 2DS Productions in Chicago. Moderated by CKA President Abraham Kim, this conversation was recorded as part of Mr. Kim’s Honoree recognition at the 2024 CKA Envision Gala and Summit. Mr. Kim was honored for his business accomplishments and humanitarian efforts to aid and fund community development projects in North America, Asia, and Africa. Paul Kim is the founder and managing partner of LaSalle Asset…
S4 · E8 · 30 Sep 2025 · 38 min
Honoring Our Elders: Revolutionizing Korean American Elder Care
This episode of the Korean American Perspectives podcast features a conversation with veteran nurse and elder care pioneer Sue Song, featured on HLAG’s Elderly Care Series hosted by the CKA Health and Life Sciences Affinity Group. Moderated by HLAG co-chair Andrew Kim, this discussion explored how Ms. Song is revolutionizing Korean American elder care in the United States. Sue Song is the Administrator of Golden Living for Korean Seniors, Director of Life Renewal Mental Health Services, and Commissioner for Long-Term Care Administrators of the State of Maryland. She has spent decades as a…
S4 · E7 · 23 Sep 2025 · 39 min
From Vision to Victory: A Korean American Corporate Icon’s Success Story
This episode of the Korean American Perspectives podcast features a conversation with Founding Chairman & CEO of Kizan International Bill Kim. Mr. Kim was one of the esteemed honorees at the 2024 CKA Envision Gala and Summit in recognition of his trailblazing business career, as well as his extraordinary contributions to philanthropy and support for Korean art and culture in the U.S. Born in South Korea, Bill Kim came to America in 1964 at the age of 17. Mr. Kim got his start working manual labor, gardening and dishwashing to support himself while attending community college. His…
S4 · E6 · 16 Sep 2025 · 47 min
Illustrating our Story: A Conversation with a Korean American Graphic Novelist and Environmental Justice Warrior
This episode of the Korean American Perspectives podcast features Eddie Ahn, Executive Director at Brightline Defense, artist, and writer of the national bestselling graphic novel Advocate. Mr. Ahn sits down with CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim to discuss his passion for graphic storytelling, his experiences leading an environmental nonprofit, and the impact of his work with underserved communities. Eddie Ahn has been an environmental justice attorney and nonprofit worker for fifteen years. While working as the executive director of Brightline Defense, a San Francisco–based environmental…
S4 · E5 · 9 Sep 2025 · 46 min
Cracking the Code: A Korean American Pioneer in Tech and Artificial Intelligence
This episode of the Korean American Perspectives podcast features a conversation with Songyee Yoon, a leading venture investor and strategic advisor recognized for her early and insightful bets on artificial intelligence and frontier technologies. Known for her deep understanding of both technological inflection points and global market dynamics, Songyee brings decades of experience at the intersection of AI, systems design, and product innovation. Moderated by CKA Board members Lisa Yang and Catharina Min, this conversation was part of a Women’s Affinity Group webinar series presented by…
S4 · E4 · 2 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Opening Doors: Building Pathways of Hope for Underserved Students
This episode of the Korean American Perspectives podcast features Raymond John, CEO and founder of 12+, a nonprofit organization committed to increasing educational equity by transforming school culture and supporting students beyond high school. In this inspiring conversation with Abraham Kim, President and CEO of the Council of Korean Americans, Raymond shares his journey to change the lives of thousands of Pennsylvania students. A child of Korean immigrants, Raymond John was raised in Northern Virginia and initially pursued medicine before discovering his passion for community service.…
S4 · E3 · 26 Aug 2025 · 48 min
Faith, Leadership, and Legacy: One Man’s Journey to Inspire a Generation, with Dave Gibbons
In the third episode of our season, we sit down with Dave Gibbons—pastor, author, and social innovator—for a deeply moving conversation rooted in his newly released memoir, The Shape of My Eyes: A Memoir of Race, Faith, and Finding Myself. What begins as a personal reckoning with trauma, identity, and estrangement unfolds into a powerful story of forgiveness, healing, and purpose. Dave opens up about confronting family secrets, processing personal tragedy, and navigating anxiety and spiritual awakening. Through it all, he shares how these experiences shaped his journey into leadership,…
S4 · E2 · 26 Aug 2025 · 46 min
Elevating Korean Flavors: A Conversation with Award-Winning Chefs, with Edward Lee, Beverly Kim, and Danny Lee
The second episode of our season features an engaging live conversation with award-winning Korean American chefs Beverly Kim and Danny Lee, moderated by Edward Lee. Edward Lee is the celebrity chef and star of Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars, Beverly Kim is a James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner of Anelya and Parachute HiFi in Chicago, and Danny Lee is acclaimed chef and restaurateur behind celebrated Washington, D.C. restaurant group The Fried Rice Collective. This fireside chat, held at the National Museum of Art, delves into the chefs' inspiring journeys and their innovative…
S4 · E1 · 26 Aug 2025 · 26 min
Breaking Barriers: A New Vision of Leadership in the U.S. Military, with JoAnne Bass
A fireside chat with JoAnne Bass, the former 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and the first woman to become the highest senior enlisted leader in any U.S. military service. Moderated by CKA Board Member Debbie Shon, this live conversation was presented at the 2024 Envision Summit held in Washington, D.C. “JO” Bass grew up as a military child both stateside and overseas but calls Mililani, Oahu, Hawaii, home. The daughter of a Korean mother and a retired U.S. Army warrant officer, she enlisted in the Air Force in 1993, specializing in aviation resource management. Over her…
S4 · 18 Aug 2025 · 2 min
KAP Season 4 Episode 0
We welcome you to Season 4 of the Korean American Perspectives Podcast, brought to you by the Council of Korean Americans (CKA). Our podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Korean American leaders and changemakers across various sectors, including corporate, media, and political arenas. Each episode features an in-depth conversation with a distinguished guest, exploring their unique journey and the broader topics that connect to their stories. This introductory episode is a brief description about what is in store for Season 4. Stay tuned!
S3 · E8 · 10 Jun 2021 · 53 min
Everything That Rises Must Converge: Jennifer Koh
Our seventh and final episode of season 3 of the Korean American Perspectives podcast features Jennifer Koh, Internationally-Acclaimed Violinist and Founder & Artistic Director of ARCO Collaborative. To speak with her, we have world-class concert pianist and music educator Alpin Hong as our guest host. In this interview, Ms. Koh shares with us her many musical accomplishments as a gifted violinist and how her own family history and Chicago upbringing have shaped her tireless efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity in the arts. Join us as our distinguished guests candidly discuss the…
S3 · E7 · 27 May 2021 · 1 hr 23 min
Leading with Authenticity and Core Values: Marshall Cho
In our sixth episode of season 3 of the Korean American Perspectives Podcast features Marshall Cho, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Lake Oswego High School. In this interview, Marshall recounts how an early career in teaching coupled with a childhood love of sports first introduced him to the world of coaching. Later, he describes his endeavors in Mozambique where he participated in high-profile international basketball programs with the NBA and Nike before returning to the States to coach players at the high school, college, and national level. Join us as Marshall shares with us his coaching…
S3 · E6 · 12 May 2021 · 1 hr 12 min
Pushing the Envelope by Following Your Bliss: Debbie Shon
In our fifth episode of season 3 of the Korean American Perspectives Podcast, we speak with Debbie Shon, Chief Strategy Officer of USA Gymnastics, legal and political advisor, NBA registered agent, and Vice Chair of the Smithsonian National Asian Pacific American Center. Debbie Shon is a third-generation Korean American and a woman of many firsts. In this interview, she shares with us her fond memories of growing up on USC’s campus, the towering influence of her mother, and the detours in her career that turned into surprising opportunities in law, politics, sports, and advocacy. As we track…
S3 · E5 · 26 Apr 2021 · 1 hr 7 min
Leveraging Your Talent for Entrepreneurial Pursuits and Philanthropy: Dow Kim
In our fourth episode of season 3 of the Korean American Perspectives Podcast, we sit down with Dow Kim, a former leading Wall Street financier, philanthropist, and loving father. In this interview, we discuss how Dow leverages his talents and love for finance, his tenure at Merrill Lynch & Co, and his philanthropy work as the President of the Dow Kim Family Foundation. Join us as we explore the life of successful financier and philanthropist, Dow Kim. We dig deep into his life and ask key questions: What was the secret behind his meteoric career in finance? Why is he focusing his…
S3 · E4 · 29 Mar 2021 · 59 min
Laying the Groundwork for the Next Generation: Tammy Kim
Our third episode of season 3 of the Korean American Perspectives Podcast features Tammy Kim, Vice Mayor of the City of Irvine and Founder & Managing Director of the Korean American Center in California. In this interview, we explore Tammy’s successful career path as a former Fortune 500 company executive, nonprofit leader, and now Vice Mayor. Despite her career success and achievements, Tammy shares with us the challenges and adversity she faces all the way from early in her life as a college student to now as an elected official. As we listen to Tammy’s family immigration journey to Flint,…
S3 · E3 · 11 Mar 2021 · 47 min
Deep Diving into "My Year Abroad" and the Asian American Experience: Chang-Rae Lee
Our second episode of season 3 of the Korean American Perspectives Podcast features Chang-Rae Lee, a celebrated Korean American novelist. To speak with him, we have guest host, Stephanie Han, Ph.D. who is an award-winning author, educator, and speaker. In this episode, Chang-Rae Lee and Dr. Stephanie Han take a deep dive into his latest novel, My Year Abroad. They explore the novel’s themes, its colorful characters, and adventures, as well as how food plays a role in Chang-Rae’s writing. They also connect the novel with the Asian American experience and discuss how identity formation is very…
S3 · E2 · 26 Feb 2021 · 55 min
Empowering Others Through Compassion, Relationships, and Racial Reconciliation: Steve Park
Our first episode of Season Three of CKA's Korean American Perspectives podcast series features Steve Park, the Founder and Executive Director of Little Lights Urban Ministries here in Washington, D.C. Since its founding in 1995, Steve Park dedicates his time and energy to serving those especially in need within the African American community. However, it was not always a walk in the park for Steve. In this interview, Steve paints a picture of his upbringing as a Korean immigrant, his transformation from being a devout atheist, the founding of Little Lights, and the work he currently does…
S3 · E1 · 26 Feb 2021 · 3 min
Welcome to Season Three: Abraham Kim
We’re glad to be back with Season Three of our podcast, Korean American Perspectives. This season, we’re introducing three new initiatives. First, we will be bringing in Korean American leaders within the Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Sports (ACES) space. Second, we will introduce discussions around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) by bringing in subject matter experts and other Korean American leaders dedicated to this work. Lastly, we are introducing a new video format so that you can both listen and see who are our guests. This means that our the Korean American Perspectives…
S2 · E11 · 5 Jun 2020 · 59 min
We Write the Stories of Our Community: Dr. Stephanie Han
Our eleventh and final episode of Korean American Perspectives features Dr. Stephanie Han, award-winning author of Swimming in Hong Kong. Many of us grew up reading books and novels, often very strongly identifying with the characters or stories we grew up with. But it’s difficult when we don’t see ourselves represented in books or literature, and for many Asian American writers and authors, it’s intimidating to be the first. Stephanie tells us that we must be brave and make that leap, both for ourselves and for others in our communities. Stephanie Han is a 3rd-generation Korean American…
S2 · E10 · 19 May 2020 · 1 hr 5 min
How to Change the World, One Day at a Time: Eugene Cho
This week’s episode of Korean American Perspectives features Eugene Cho, Founder and Visionary of One Day’s Wages and President-Elect of Bread for the World. You can’t talk about the Korean American community without mentioning faith and spirituality. For many of us growing up in immigrant families, the church often served as the bedrock that grounded our Korean American society here in the United States. Pastors would serve dual-purpose as family counselors, social workers, language interpreters, and more. Even today, the church continues to play a critical role in the health and welfare of…
S2 · E9 · 9 May 2020 · 51 min
From Fashion to Fighting Games: An Entrepreneur's Journey Towards Esports: Jinhee Ahn Kim
This week’s episode of Korean American Perspectives features Jinhee Ahn Kim, CEO and Co-Founder of UYU E-Sports Team. Jinhee Ahn Kim is a serial entrepreneur who has allowed her insatiable curiosity and her amazing ability to find gaps in the marketplace to lead her career from management consulting, fashion, law, education software, and now eSports. In our interview, Jinhee shares about rapidly-expanding gaming scene and what it’s like to work with pro gamers, as well as how she first got involved in the gaming industry.
S2 · E8 · 1 May 2020 · 51 min
Navigating to the Top: Corporate Leadership, Board Governance, and Diversity: David Chun
This week’s episode of Korean American Perspectives features David Chun, CEO and Founder of Equilar, the top provider of critical data on corporate executives, including 70% of the Fortune 500 companies. With his company, Equilar, having a unique view into the makeup of C-suites and board rooms, David discusses current executive hiring trends and the need to fix the lack of gender and ethnic diversity at the highest levels of corporate governance. If you’ve ever thought about what CEOs are getting paid, why we need to address race and gender pay disparities in major companies, and how you…
S2 · E7 · 17 Apr 2020 · 47 min
A Journey to Find Meaning - Neurosurgery, Public Health, and North Korea: Kee B. Park
Our seventh episode of Season Two of CKA’s podcast, Korean American Perspectives, features Dr. Kee B. Park, Accomplished Neurosurgeon and Paul Farmer Global Surgery Scholar at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Park has practiced and taught neurosurgery in operating rooms across the world, from Ethiopia to Cambodia-- even North Korea. Dr. Park is also the Director of the North Korea Program at the Korean American Medical Association (KAMA). He leads the collaboration between U.S. and North Korean physicians and has made 18 visits to North Korea since 2007. In this highly polarized world, Kee Park…
S2 · E6 · 14 Apr 2020 · 55 min
Weaving Our Stories into the Cultural Fabric of America: Chil Kong
Our sixth episode of Season Two of CKA’s podcast, Korean American Perspectives, features Chil Kong, Artistic Director of Adventure Theater MTC. Chil has a long award-winning career with major theater companies across Boston, San Diego, Seattle, and L.A. and is currently the only Korean American aristic director of a major theater company in the United States. Facing the COVID-19 pandemic’s turbulent effects on the performing arts industry, Chil shares how some performing arts centers are trying to find new ways to engage with their audience. As a leading voice in the performance and…
S2 · E5 · 3 Apr 2020 · 37 min
Addressing Burnout and Trauma in Today’s Youth: Jeanie Chang
Our fifth episode of Season Two of CKA's podcast, Korean American Perspectives, features Jeanie Chang, Founder of Your Change Provider, PLLC, as well as a licensed marriage and family therapist. This week, we're back with Jeanie to discuss burnout seen in both students and professionals and how to address it. We delve into intergenerational trauma, cultural barriers, and societal pressures faced by today’s youth. We also touch upon health communication between college and high school students with their parents. Lastly, we discuss the value of meditation and just clearing your mind can go a…
S2 · E4 · 27 Mar 2020 · 58 min
Navigating Mental Health in Asian American Families: Jeanie Chang
Our fourth episode of Season Two of CKA's Korean American Perspectives podcast series features Jeanie Chang, Founder of Your Change Provider, PLLC, as well as a licensed marriage and family therapist. Jeanie is passionate about serving people, couples, and families alike through a holistic culturally competent approach. She shares valuable insight into navigating the perils of parenthood, as well as how we can be empowered to take care of our own mental health. Jeanie reminds us that our community’s strength depends on people supporting and looking out for one another. Throughout our lives,…
S2 · E3 · 20 Mar 2020 · 55 min
Practicing Self-Compassion and Vulnerability: Julia Park
Our third episode of Season Two of CKA's Korean American Perspectives podcast series features Julia Park, Founder of Relationship365, a well-being clinic for people to learn and apply research and evidence-based solutions that would enhance the quality of everyday relationships. Julia Park is a licensed marriage and family therapist who’s worked with people from all walks of life. In the interview, she discusses how vulnerability is more often a power rather than a weakness, and how the perfectionism we often see in Asians is directly related to shame. Julia reminds us that we are enough—…
S2 · E2 · 20 Mar 2020 · 46 min
Nurturing a Culture of Creativity and Innovation: Monica Kang
Our second episode of Season Two of CKA's Korean American Perspectives podcast series features Monica Kang, Founder and CEO of InnovatorsBox, as well as a creativity expert and corporate culture influencer. Monica Kang is a creative educator transforming today’s workforce through the power of innovation. She believes that everybody has creativity— it just needs to be noticed, nurtured, and allowed to grow. Monica reminds us that exploring outside of what we know is crucial for chasing new ideas and experiences. In times of uncertainty, it’s ever more crucial for innovative thinkers to rise…
S2 · E1 · 20 Mar 2020 · 59 min
Bridging the Gap Between Beethoven and Batman: Alpin Hong
Our first episode of Season Two of CKA's Korean American Perspectives podcast series features Alpin Hong, an Internationally Renowned Concert Pianist and Music Education Advocate. Alpin Hong isn’t your typical classically-trained piano virtuoso. He is a larger-than-life figure with a captivating personality and spellbinding music performances. Rooted in extensive classical training and a background in extreme sports, martial arts, and video games, Mr. Hong is a creative force unmatched in his vitality and charisma. From being a rollerblading ex-pre-med student to playing Superstar Etude with…

About Korean American Perspectives

Welcome to Korean American Perspectives, a podcast launched by the Council of Korean Americans. Visit www.councilka.org for more information.

Korean American Perspectives is a English business podcast from Council of Korean Americans. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Council of Korean Americans
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 51 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2025
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1465963922

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