Annie was adopted from Korea as an infant and raised in Michigan, where she grew up with little connection to Korean culture or community. As a millennial who came of age alongside the rise of the internet, she often navigated identity in a time when access to diverse stories and cultural touchpoints wasn’t as immediate or widespread. It wasn’t until moving to Los Angeles over a decade ago that Annie began to explore and embrace her Korean identity more deeply. Becoming a fan of BTS marked a turning point in her journey—what started as a love for music opened the door to learning about Korean culture, history, and language. Equally transformative was connecting with the Korean adoptee community in Los Angeles, where she found shared experiences and a powerful sense of belonging. For Annie, being part of this community has meant validating the complex emotions surrounding adoption in a space where things don’t need to be explained to be understood. As a board member, she is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment where all adoptees feel seen, welcomed, and supported in their unique journeys.