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HalfKorean.com was able to catch up with Issac Mooring, a Defensive End for the University of North Carolina Football Team. Issac was born on December 23, 1981 to an African American Father and Korean mother in Seoul, Korea. He, like so many of us of mixed Korean heritage, grew up and lived in many different locations in the world. He has not had much contact with his Korean family for some time (as his parents are divorced), but maintains his roots of being of Korean and African American heritage.
Coming into the 2002 Tar Heel football season, many eyes (including the UNC coaching staff and college media) were on Issac as he was moving into the starting position that was vacated by All-American and current NFL rookie Julius Peppers. In his 2001 season, Issac was considered the top reserve at Defensive End and UNC played and won in the Peach Bowl. Although the 2002 season has not turned out as expected thus far for both UNC and Issac due to various injuries on the team (including Issac), he is hopeful that he will make an impact next year.
We discussed various aspects to find out more about him and who is Issac Mooring.
Please note that HalfKorean.com comments/questions are in BOLD.
Background
I know that you were born in Korea (Seoul), how long did you live there and where else have you lived?
I was born in Korea and lived there for 14 months. After that, I moved to Maryland and lived there for 7 years and then moved to Ankara Turkey and lived there for 5 years. From Turkey, I then moved to North Carolina. I’d have to say that I enjoyed living in Turkey the most because the people are nice and also because I enjoy traveling.
How did your parents meet?
My dad works for the US government and was on assignment in Korea and that is how they met.
Do you have any brothers and/or sisters?
I have a younger sister who attends Wake Forest University.
Do you speak Korean?
No, I only know one word – “kamsahamnida”.
Do you like Korean food and, if so, what is your favorite?
Yeah, whenever I can find some kimchi, I eat it.
Did you grow up around other half/mixed Koreans (or people of mixed heritage)?
In Turkey, there were a couple Black/White kids, but there wasn’t any Black/Korean or anything like that.
Did you ever experience any racism/prejudice growing up as a person of mixed heritage?
Not really, as far as ethnicity, everything was fine. It was mixed with everyone coming from so many different backgrounds that nobody ever really said anything about it.
Any identity issues while growing up?
Not really, my dad made sure that we saw everybody as just who they are not their skin color.
College and Football
How long have you been playing football?
I’ve been playing since 7th grade.
What is your major of study at UNC?
I’m a senior studying Communications.
How hard is it to balance your studies and college athletics (football)?
It was really hard at first. I’m now in my 4th year, so it is starting to get a little bit easier. It’s just a constant schedule. During the football season there is not much free-time and there isn’t much time in the off-season either as there still is training and classes.
Are you only playing football at UNC? I read in your bio that in high school you played basketball and baseball too.
I’m only playing football at UNC.
What do you plan on doing in the future after college? Will you try to play professionally?
If it goes that way, I’ll do it (playing professionally). But, I have a two year old daughter and if it happens it happens. It’s not something I’m pressing to do. Once I graduate, I will have a degree from North Carolina so I’ll be able to find a job in whatever I plan to do. I kind of saw myself going in to some type of advertising or owning some type of small business, nothing really big.
I know that you were playing behind Julius Peppers (All-American and 2nd pick of the Carolina Panthers in the 2002 NFL draft) the past few seasons, what is it like “replacing” him?
I learned a lot of things from him and watched how he carried himself. It was a really good experience for me. When I came to UNC, I knew he was here, so I figured it would be a good chance for me to play with him and learn some things from him. I didn’t really see myself as “replacing” him, but I felt like I needed to take a leadership role after he left.
Considering the expectations of this year for you and UNC, has it been frustrating with your hand injury and how the season has turned out?
Yeah, definitely it has been frustrating. I mean, the way it happened (the hand injury), it was just something stupid and didn’t have any control over and I just wasn’t paying attention because it was just something you do every day and basically was a freak injury. After putting in all of these hours and working out during the summer for this to happen was disappointing.
Now that you have been cleared to play again, are you back in the starting lineup?
No, I’m not starting right now. Coach Webb (James Webster, UNC Defensive Ends Coach) has been bringing me along slow. I’ve played in three games since my injury and I missed four. He brought me along real slow in the first two games and I played a little bit more in the last game. But, I’m still having a hard time because the Doctors have told me that my bones are healing kind of slow and they don’t know why.
This injury is not going to be something that holds you back for next year, right?
Oh no, I’ll be ready for next year.
While playing sports, have you met or played with/against other half/mixed Koreans/Asians?
Not that I know of; nobody comes to mind right now.
Has your ethnic background ever been brought up while playing sports (trash talking, etc.)?
No, not really because the average person does not see any Asian in me from just looking at me.
What has been the highlight of you college playing career at UNC?
Probably the game between us and Florida State last year when we beat them 41-9 and also last year’s Peach Bowl between us and Auburn which we won.
Personal
Do you have any hobbies or interests that you do to relax?
Whenever I get a chance I like to play with my daughter and spend time with her, watch movies with my girlfriend and things like that.
When growing up, or even now, is there anybody that you respect and/or look up to?
I would say my dad. I look up to him and watch how he carried his life and try to follow his tracks the best I can. I still talk to him just about every day. My dad has pretty much been to every game that I’ve played in sports.
In general, do you think that the Korean-American community is accepting of Koreans of mixed heritage (half/mixed Koreans)?
I would say yes, as in my personal experience nobody has ever really said anything bad about it (being of mixed heritage).
Either now or in the past, have you had any preferences in dating and/or general attraction?
No, I’ve been open with no preferences. If you find someone that you care about, just be with that person.
This is football related again, but are you aware of Hines Ward and Will Demps (who are both excelling in the NFL)?
Yes, I’m aware of Hines Ward. Actually, I didn’t know that Hines Ward was half Korean until I saw it on HalfKorean.com and it was kind of surprising. I guess not really surprising, but it kind of shed light on things. It’s great for everybody. I know that Hines Ward played quarterback in college and to make a transition to wide receiver and play at a level that he’s at in the NFL and making the Pro Bowl is great.
Do you get on the Internet often?
Basically, whenever I have time. I don’t really have a whole bunch of time to just get on and surf. But, I do get on there and check my e-mail and also check out ESPN.com, but that’s about it.
Do you have any thoughts on HalfKorean.com?
I think it’s great; I wish everybody would get a chance to take a look at it. Some people don’t even know that they might have some Korean in them, so it would be great to see what their people are doing.
To finish off, any words that you would like to pass on to everybody?
Keep working hard and keep faith and you can do whatever you want to as long as you put your heart and mind to it.
Well, thank you Issac for taking time out of your very busy schedule to do this short interview with HalfKorean.com. We wish you continued success in your collegiate career as well as whatever your future holds for you.
With a clearly disappointing season drawing to a close (both personally due to injury as well as for UNC which is currently 2-7 heading into its game against Florida State on November 16, 2002), Issac mentioned that he will be playing again next year for the UNC football team. Hopefully this season can be put behind him (and UNC) and he will be fully recovered and can make an impact for UNC next year. Stay tuned as HalfKorean.com will keep you updated on his status.
Special thanks to Kevin Best at UNC Media Relations for his help in coordinating this interview.
Interview by: David Lee Sanders
Posted: 11/17/2002
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