“I Am Korean American” is a new documentary series produced by RKTV and Arirang TV that has been airing this past week on the National Geographic Channel on DirecTV (channel 2086). The series started on November 15, 2010 and ends today November 19, 2010 at 8PM PST (11PM EST). There will be a re-run of it on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 3PM PST (6PM EST). It is to also air on Arirang TV later this month.

There is extra significance for us since Arirang filmed quite a bit of our 2010 Los Angeles Meet. Not too sure what exactly was used as we’ve yet to see it. We have confirmed that some footage was used in the first episode, I Am KA: Identity. Please let us know if anyone out there has seen any of it so far.

We want to give thanks to Jenna Song from Arirang and Celina Kim from RKTV. Also, a very special thank you to Jackie & Julie Kim for connecting us with Arirang/RKTV and this documentary!

For those interested, here is some further information regarding the documentary series from RKTV and Arirang TV:

About “I Am Korean American”
“I Am Korean American” is an interview styled documentary series about the lives of 2nd generation Korean Americans through their experiences and viewpoints. Korean-American’s are mixed within two cultures, sometimes even more.. Second generation Korean American’s often have trouble as to which culture to delve into- usually being raised in a household that only spoke Korean, but raised in a country of diversity. There are many unique stories that we have documented and compiled into 5 themes: Family, Love, Work, Culture and Identity. Each theme is developed by personal interviews of unique participants who shared their honest understanding, misunderstanding, conflicts, and their deepest emotions.

Episode #1: “I Am KA: Identity”
As a Korean American, you would be identified as a “foreigner” from both Korean and American societies. Even though you may have an American citizenship, you would be referred to as an immigrant. On the other hand, they are “foreigners” in Korea, even though they have Korean blood. These are stories of those who have found their identity and those who are still figuring out their identity.

Episode #2: “I Am KA: Family”
Family is the number one group that has a great influence on an individual’s growth. Everyone is born into a family, sometimes adopted, but you can’t choose your ethnic background. Though most families are created by love, there are always challenges to face and eventually overcome.

Episode #3: “I Am KA: Love”
What is love..? For each individual, it’s different.
There may be similarities or mixed opinions about love. Some are looking for Korean / Korean American partners and some have found love with Non-Korean partners. Who you choose to love and to give love reveals a part of who you are and how you grew up. It also reveals the possibilities of a future family together.

Episode #4: “I Am KA: Work”
A successful second generation Korean American gains recognition not only from the Korean community and Korea, but also from mainstream America. The career path chosen sometimes has limitations, but as each individual struggles towards their goals, they cultivate themselves to be who they want to be.

Episode #5: “I Am KA: Culture”
Adapting to the American culture while living in a home of Korean traditions- sometimes there are conflicts as to which culture to relate to. There are also confusions as to what is “right” in each culture. There are cultural differences when you take Being Korean American, you are in the middle of two cultures, making your own “Korean American” culture.

“I Am Korean American” is produced by RKTV and Arirang TV.

About RKTV™:
TV Korea USA, INC. dba RKTV is the television division of Radio Korea Media Group™, which is the largest and most prominent media outside of Korea – as recognized by the Korean government. RKTV programs two (2) 24-hour channels on the DIRECTV platform (National Geographic Channel – Korea [Ch. 2086] & YTN – 24hr Live News Channel [Ch. 2082]); RKTV also programs KXLA’s Ch. 44-5 (Los Angeles) & WRNN’s Ch. 48-3 (NY/NJ) with 24-hour Korean programming in English. Radio Korea™ broadcasts 24/7 via KMPC AM1540 Los Angeles and throughout the US with its 11 affiliate stations (DC, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Honolulu, Anchorage, etc.)

About Arirang TV:
Arirang (Korea’s Global TV) attempts to present an unbiased view and reliable information about Korea to the world through the wide range of programs in English, such as: Current Affair News, World News, Documentaries, Cultural News (Travelog, Lets Speak Korean, Cuisine Tour…), Entertainment Programs (Pops in Seoul, Showbiz Extra, Heaven’s Fate, e-Sports…) and more- 24 hours a day.

Sources/Links:
“I Am Korean American”
National Geographic Channel-Korea