Our Founding
As a high school freshman still unsure of new surroundings and figuring out passions and aspirations, I was surprised to feel so at home in my school’s newspaper room. While I had always been interested in writing and reading, I had never thought that all the thoughts in my head could have an outlet in something like a newspaper. Coupled with an interest in volunteering and community issues and a new position of editor-in-chief, in my junior year of high school, I decided that I would create a newspaper of my own. To be specific, it would be a newspaper for second-generation Korean Americans. Growing up in a traditional Korean home and experiencing a shockingly different American culture at school, I often struggled to balance the two worlds. In the 130 years since Koreans have immigrated to the Chicago area, there has been little to no literature reflecting my feelings and only Korean or only English newspapers. With this, I realized that there needed to be something to bridge that gap: articles, literature, and more in a language second generation Koreans could understand. Even more urgently, with Korean culture exploding across America, I wanted to create an outlet to discuss the new phenomenon. Understanding that I might not be the only one feeling that way, I envisioned a newspaper that would provide a platform for students like me to express their stories, explore their culture, and address community issues. By giving junior and high school students, along with their parents, the opportunity to write and read articles on issues relevant to them, I hope Bright Han Times, a name derived from both English and Korean, will foster feelings of belonging and encourage diverse conversations.
Our Mission Statement
At the Bright Han Times, our mission is to illuminate the stories, experiences, and voices of second-generation Korean Americans. We are dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of our rich cultural heritage while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by our community. Through insightful journalism, thoughtful commentary, and diverse perspectives, we strive to empower and connect Korean Americans, celebrate our contributions to society, and inspire future generations. Our commitment is to provide a platform that bridges the past and the present, honoring our roots while embracing the vibrant, dynamic future of our community.
Editoral Staff
Sarah Park
Founder & Editor-In-Chief
Yehee Mun
Co-Founder & Editor
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Joelle Kim
Rising Scholars Editor
Ryan Kim
Opinions Editor
Hyeongjun Choi
Culture Editor
Adam Kim
Culture Editor
Lauren Oh
Advisory Editor
Yelynn Choi
Academics Editor