Interview with Kathleen “DJ K-Sly” Taylor

Kathleen Taylor is a recognized and respected DJ and radio/TV personality. A talented and driven individual, she has risen to prominence in a relatively male-dominated industry.

DJ K-Sly, as she is known in the entertainment world, has amassed a following with stints on major radio stations such as KKBT 100.3 The Beat in Los Angeles and WHTA Hot 107.9 (formerly Hot 97.5) in Atlanta. She has also appeared as a DJ and announcer/host on TV shows such as Dance 360 and Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge.

In 2009, K-Sly released a remix album titled The Outkasts! which featured a full album of remixed Outkast songs and was her first foray into music production.

The Los Angeles-based K-Sly can currently be heard on The Ten Spot on Sprint Mobile Radio. She also spins at a variety of events and clubs in the Los Angeles area and is routinely booked throughout the country.

We are pleased to present this interesting look at Kathleen “DJ K-Sly” Taylor and her views on being mixed Korean, DJ’ing, music and more.

Please note that HalfKorean.com comments/questions are in BOLD.

Background: The Basics on Kathleen Taylor

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Seoul, Korea and left when I was one. My Korean side of the family immigrated here to Los Angeles. My dad was in the Army. When I was seven years old we left LA and moved to Virginia. We stayed there for two years and then moved back to Korea. I went to four different elementary schools including Hobart Elementary in LA, one in Virginia and two in Seoul. My parents divorced and then we moved to Kansas. My little sister and I were so upset since we had always lived in big cities. We went back to LA for holidays. I went to high school in Kansas and college at Kansas State. I wanted to go to UCLA. I got a BA in Sociology. That’s the short story on my personal life. I got my first job after college in Atlanta with Hot 97 which is now called Hot 107.9. That was my first radio job. I had done college radio throughout my four years.

How did your parents meet?
My parents met when my father was stationed in Korea.

Do you have any brothers and/or sisters?
I have two sisters and one little brother. I am the oldest.

Are you fluent in Korean?
Since I was the oldest, I had to learn Korean. Just from living in Korea I learned to speak pretty well. I also lived in LA where you can speak your native tongue. When I was younger I could understand pretty much everything. I don’t know why but I would always speak back in English. I think I was maybe shy and felt like I wasn’t good enough so I wouldn’t speak it.

Now, my Korean is not that great but I can actually speak better. I went to Sogang University (서강대학교) in Korea a year and a half ago. I lived there for six months and participated in the Korean program. I didn’t realize how much I knew and my speaking got a lot better and I could write and all of that.

So, did you go to Korea to study Korean?
I went because I was very bitter. Even though my family is Korean I never felt accepted. It had been about 15 years since the first time I had been back. I never wanted to go back and hated Korea because, in general, they were so mean and racist to me. They were very condescending towards mixed Koreans. When I was around ten years old, I would be called twi-gi (튀기). When you are young it makes you sad but when you get older it makes you mad and bitter. I didn’t go back for a long time.

In 2006, I finally went back for a DJ gig. My friends were in a group and were opening for a Ciara concert. In the back of my mind I always wanted to DJ in Korea to kind of feel good about myself and to make me feel like I made it.

When was the last time you have been to Korea?
The last time was in 2008 when I went for the Korean program at Sogang University.

Did you grow up around other half/mixed Koreans (or people of mixed heritage)?
When I lived in Korea, I met a lot of half Koreans.

Did you ever experience any identity issues while growing up?
Yeah, I did. My sister looks more Caucasian than me, especially when she was younger. People didn’t really know she was mixed. With me, a lot of Americans just thought I was Asian since I look more Korean. Kids are mean. If you are different then you are weird. Being made fun of would make things awkward. They would call me pancake face and other names, the usual stuff. I had a hard time fitting in and I always felt like an outcast. It wasn’t really all racial but it was also partially my social skills. Being the oldest, I felt more pressure because I was the example. Plus we moved around a lot so that put a damper on things.

What do people think your ethnicity is?
Koreans usually knew that I was Korean-American and especially when I was with my sister. While we look like sisters, she looks more white than me. But, I would sometimes just get Korean-American, which you know also gets treated differently even if you are full.

I’ve found that some Korean-Americans seem to treat half-Koreans and full native Koreans (as some call them “fobs”), differently. And found that the ones in Korea now seem to treat us foreigners better than we treat them. It’s like they switched places. Look at the laws that they’ve implemented. Korea didn’t have to do that but they take responsibility. As foreign Koreans, we can now obtain a two-year visa to live and work there.

I think the reason that some Korean-Americans (재미교포 chae-mi kyopos) may act this way is that most likely they’re stuck back in time, holding onto how Korea used to think through their parents or grandparents. After living in Korea as an adult, then returning to the U.S., I’ve discovered this. It’s pretty crazy. I think it’s an ethno-centric attitude. Plus, many Koreans born outside of Korea, have never even been to Korea or have made very short visits… and should go! Going to Korea as an adult blew my mind. I’m open! My old bitterness was diminished and I’m very grateful to be welcomed as a Korean. Although I’m mixed, I’ve always felt more Korean. That might be because my Korean side had more of a hands-on influence versus my dad’s family.

I also get Japanese and sometimes I get dirty looks (from Koreans). When I was living in Korea, I threw my trash in the wrong bin. All the trash is separated with recycling, etc. This guy starts yelling at me that I was Japanese and I told him “No! I’m half Korean.” Then he was like “Oh, okay! Nice.” He was older and comes from that generation where they are mad (towards Japan).

What is your favorite Korean food?
Oh my God, what isn’t? I don’t like soondae (순대). I just can’t do it. I don’t feel bad because I know other Koreans don’t like it either! And no dog! I’ve never had boshintang (보신탕)! I love naengmyun (냉면). I don’t know, it’s so simple, but I love it and also moolnaengmyun (물냉면). I like kimchijigae (김치찌개). I love the usual and simple things. I can eat kimchi with everything. My mom would serve it with spaghetti. There must be crack in kimchi because it is so addictive. Even the no-MSG ones, so it is not the MSG. That reminds me, I saw a $14 dollar bottle of kimchi in Whole Foods that was the size of a tiny mayonnaise bottle and it was a “no salt added” kimchi. At least they were realizing the benefits of kimchi but you have to have the salt to ferment it.

Entertainment: DJ K-Sly, Music & More

Where did you get the name “K-Sly” from?
In middle school, my best friend at the time and I wrote down a list of characteristics about ourselves and took the first initial of our name and put it together. I had “sly” because my friend said I was sneaky, clever and sly. So, ever since I was 13 I’ve been “K-Sly” and this came about around the same time I started DJ’ing.

How supportive were your parents in regards to your career pursuits?
My family thinks that choosing to live professionally as a DJ is a big risk. My mom constantly worries but with good cause. It’s a risky business and you have to keep your spirits up. It’s always been a struggle as I’m the “black sheep” of the family. I’m the weird one and have always been rebellious. I should be a better example because I’m the oldest. My dad thinks it is cool as long as I’m not doing any bad stuff such as hurting others or myself. He’s real laid back and is okay as long as I’m happy and taking care of myself.

How did you get into DJ’ing?
People would come up to me asking about songs and I’d put people up on music. I’d always go the music store. It wasn’t like I was some big deal DJ but they would come up to me and ask me to do parties. In college I started doing radio and I felt like I knew what people liked. I mean, you are not going to please everyone but, in general, I think I knew what people liked. I try to balance a little bit of the hip hop purist since my first love was hip hop. I had all the J-Dilla records, known as Jay-Dee back then, Heltah Skeltah & Boot Camp Click, and the Roots back in the day. But I also balanced with other music of whomever was popular and mainstream. Some people are going to like this and some people will like that. A backpacker will not like all backpacker music. I felt like I had an ear for that. I did a lot of college parties and just worked from there. I put together my radio demo and won the college award for radio journalism. After that I sent my demo out to radio stations. My main goal was to work for The Beat, the LA hip hop radio station.

As you mentioned, you were a on-air radio DJ at Kansas State University. I’m curious what is the music scene like out there?
For hip hop, it’s been influenced mainly by the South and West but also a little by the East. It was like a gumbo pot.

Who are some of your musical and/or DJ influences?
I didn’t have any influences as far as DJ’ing other than the usual. Like a Jazzy Jeff or I would only wish I was as good as Q-Bert as a turntablist. You can like and admire pieces of everyone but you have to really be yourself. They all did it their own way so I wanted to do it my own way too. There weren’t that many female DJs especially in the 90s and especially Asian female DJs. Nowadays, it is like everybody is a DJ. I don’t think I had met another female Asian DJ until, maybe, the last five years. It’s weird and not necessarily bad but there is this whole wave of so called DJs who just want to look cute next to the turntables and their outfit.

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?
First, I would say to study other DJs. Read their bios and stories. Study the greats, just like any field, and then decide if you really want to do this. Take a look at local DJs and see how their lives are and see if that is what you want to do. Ask them a couple questions about what are their daily sacrifices in their career.

If you decide to still pursue DJ’ing, you will need to really learn your music. Now that we have gone through another decade of music you really need to study. Hip hop, what I’m specifically talking about, has been around even longer now. You have to learn about hip hop from the 70s, 80s and 90s; especially the early 90s, where the music broke a lot of molds and was an amazing time.

After you study the music and read up on the history, you will still need to practice, practice, practice. Just like piano lessons. You will never become a pianist if you don’t practice. Same with a DJ, just because you have been DJ’ing for a few years doesn’t make you a DJ. I never really got comfortable and stood my ground as a DJ until I was about seven years into it. And then it became very natural to me and at ten years I really knew my style. You are going to go through different eras of music, music changes. But if you have a foundation it’ll keep you grounded and you’ll know your flow and style. There are so many good DJs but not everyone is going to like that particular DJ. Not everyone will like me as a DJ because of my style. We all play a lot of the same stuff but it is how you play it.

As a DJ, what is one song that is guaranteed to get a party started?
In my classic R&B/Soul sets, I always play Michael Jackson. If nothing else is working, if you play Michael you are going to win. That is it. But, you better know what to play after. If you don’t know how to follow up after you have the crowd on the floor you will have a problem. Michael Jackson always works no matter what party, genre or anything.

“Poison” by BBD also always works, every time. I don’t always like to play it because I feel like everyone plays it in their old school sets. But, you know what, it works.

Any favorite location in the world to DJ?
I don’t have any particular favorite. I just like to perform for people who want to have fun. There is nothing worse for a DJ than to perform for a grumpy or snobby crowd. Those are the worst. They are either unsatisfied with life or everybody’s music critic. Did you come out to critique or did you come out to party? Lately I have being going to Canada and I really enjoy DJ’ing out there.

Any memorable event or party that you have participated in?
I would have to say when I hosted the Atlanta leg of the Outkast Stankonia tour. I had fun with that one because they are my favorite hip hop group and I got to host in their home town for the Stankonia tour. You can’t really get any bigger than that. I also got a Stankonia tour leather jacket, thank you very much!

Obviously you are an established and respected DJ and personality now. What was it like when you were first breaking into the DJ/radio/music industry?
I was blessed to meet the right people at the right time. I met a lot of encouraging people. It was only really in Kansas that I would get any racial issues. I was scared to go to Atlanta but felt drawn to it. That was my favorite city and is my second home. There was something about Atlanta and was depressed and sad when I left to go to Vegas. I didn’t ever have any problems in Atlanta but people were surprised a lot. One time my partners, Ludacris and Poon Daddy, and I did an appearance in a McDonald’s and this guy came and was like, “Oh shit, you Chinese shorty!” It wasn’t anything negative but I shocked him.

Speaking of Ludacris, you worked with him while at Hot 97 in Atlanta. Did you ever imagine he’d become such a successful rapper and entertainer?
I wasn’t surprised that he became big. I knew he had been working on music for a long time. He freestyled all the time. He worked really hard and he just had it.

Was it hard to gain respect within the hip hop/DJ community being that it is still fairly male-dominated?
The DJs in Atlanta would give me pointers all the time. I wasn’t professional on the radio as it was my first commercial radio job and they would help me out and tell me what I did well and what I needed to work on. I was scared because it was my first shot at becoming a professional. You would assume that everyone just wants to take your spot but I was super blessed to have the BEST people guide me. In LA, it is different. Even if you are good or do something good they don’t want to give it up easily. They’re a bit more protective, territorial and guarded here. It’s just a different city; different culture. Just to emphasize, we’re talking about “peers” right now, not audience. There are a few peers who do want you to grow, they help, don’t hesitate to encourage you and give you a lot of guidance. You’ll never forget them. As for the people of Los Angeles… they’re amazing and just as encouraging as angels. I love LA!

What are your opinions of the DJ Hero video game series?
I didn’t really have an opinion. It’s just like Guitar Hero. You are not going to become a guitarist by playing Guitar Hero. Technology can help and it can hurt at the same time. Creative technology is not the same for everyone. Just because you have two turntables and a computer doesn’t mean you can creatively use them. Real DJs will once again reign!

What equipment do you use?
When I DJ at clubs I use Serato. I’m not going to lug around records. I do have great crates. I research for hours for new music and artists. I can’t always play that at clubs because that is not what people pay me for. But, I always find the newest and oldest music. I never stop learning. I learn a lot about the history of an artist, of an era or a certain genre. Everybody has something to give. I love the early 90s. That was my favorite era for hip hop. It was fun. Not all of it was the best quality but it was fun and had a message. Now it is all robotic and ringtone-sounding. I think we’re getting old.

For radio, at least, it seems as though Atlanta was your favorite location?
Yeah. Just in terms of radio, it’s generally known that Atlanta, Miami and New York are trendsetting cities for music and are known to the corporate world as “test markets.” That means you try to break records there and if it works in those cities, then they move to other key markets. A lot of music comes from those cities and are very in tune with the street. Although all radio stations are political because it is a corporation and music is a business but it does go hand in hand. The music comes from the street first usually. LA radio stations generally like to play it safe by sticking to the hits. So, it’s really hard for DJs to break records. You gotta really fight for a record and when the streets speak up, then you really have no choice. For example, I broke Lil Jon’s “Get Low” out here in LA. I had people telling me that “Get Low” wasn’t going to work and that nobody else was playing it. I asked if I could play it, then played it and it worked.

How was the experience on Dance 360 and how long did you do that for?
It was actually really fun and diverse and was my first experience with a TV show. It was mostly people from LA with all kinds of different backgrounds and ethnicity. It was like a party. I had to be at work at 8AM to 7PM for the taping and had to go to radio station for my show right after. And TV pays! It was on for two years in the USA and was originally only supposed to be for one season. Claude Brooks gave me my first shot on TV and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Out of all of the things that you are involved in, which one do you enjoy the most?
I just love being involved in music. I also wanted to be a journalist. So I kind of knocked two birds with one stone by being on radio and TV with some sort of journalism while hosting. I always enjoyed radio no matter the politics whether it was Atlanta or LA. With radio it was good to meet people and influence people and women.

How did you get involved in the remix project, The OutKasts!, in 2009?
Outkast is my favorite group within the last generation. I really admire them and although they have gotten so much notoriety and attention that they still don’t get all the respect in hip hop. They have contributed so much to music. To me they are real artists. I don’t call all rappers and singers artists. There is a difference between just an entertainer and an artist. They are real artists and are amazing. So I thought it would be cool to remix their songs. It’s never going to be better than the original so I wanted to do the respect thing as a tribute. I had some friends, the Drop Squad, and I asked them if they wanted to do it and we did it. I can produce but only on a certain level. It actually put in to action a lot of my musical ideas. I learned a lot.

Is production and music creation something you are looking into doing more of?
I’ve been doing it and getting better. It is very hard as far as putting together something like a masterpiece. Anybody can try to imitate Timbaland or Pharrell. Then there is Just Blaze and J-Dilla which I’ve yet to hear anyone come close. Not everyone can make beats like that. That’s music. There is something special about how they make their music. And also Alicia Keys. Something that stands out. They have something extra you just got to have it and have it click.

What’s your opinion on the current state of hip hop music?
The good side is that it has really grown. But the bad side is that it is over-saturated now. Going back to DJs, you have the iPod DJs and gimmick DJs. You also have the gimmick rappers and producers. That is fine because they are getting their hustle on. At the same time, it kind of hurts as it drowns out the real artists and it makes it that much harder to be noticed and have people appreciate good quality music. I don’t think it is all bad, I like some ignorant songs! Every era has the gimmicky, bad quality songs. Overall, in general, people do want to hear good music.

I do feel that there is another turn in hip hop soon as the lyricists are coming back. Right now there are a lot of songs that are all about the hook. But, now we have some artists like J. Cole and Wiz Khalifa and other young artists who are lyrical and cater to the general audience along with the hip hop heads.

What are your thoughts on the recent commercial success of Asian American artists such as Far East Movement? Do you see that this might be the breakthrough needed for other Asian American acts to gain commercial success as well?
It wasn’t just timing. For Far East Movement, people didn’t know that they were Asian. I have to say that it worked in their favor. Since people didn’t know what race they were and didn’t have a chance to pre-judge them and were introduced to their music first. I think it was a good thing. They have been working hard. You know they were hip hop backpackers. They just went with the trend. The difference between going with the trend and being gimmicky is the quality. They had a foundation. That is what sets them apart from just being a trendy, gimmicky group. They have been hustling for so long and have what it takes to keep going and they did it. They get the formula and have the right team behind them.

I think we need to not focus on ethnicity if you are an Asian American artist or group. Just prove yourself and let your music speak for itself.

You have done some gigs out in Korea. How was that experience (DJ’ing in Korea)? Do you plan to do more of it in the future?
You’ve got to go through a company because the majority of the clubs in Korea, as you probably know, are run by the Korean mafia. When I was there, my uncles were telling me to not DJ and to relax and that the clubs are run by really bad people. I did have a bad experience at a place called Club Volume. The manager was this short guy who was mad and was so stereotypically chauvinistic and rude. He did not like me and was drunk and beating up his friend in a VIP room. I was like “I’m outta here!” Another time at Club Circle, I got jipped. They didn’t pay me what I was supposed to be paid. I was doing it on my own over there and I was a woman. If you work in the clubs, even if you are a man, they look at you as uneducated or ignorant.

I would only do it again through a company or professional representation. They rarely fly out foreign DJs to Korea unless it is House music like a Tiesto or Groove Armada. The only reason I got gigs was because I was up in their face! They rarely hire foreign DJs for clubs, unless it’s a special themed event or a concert, in which the artist hires you, not anyone in Korea.

Do you keep up with the Korean music scene at all?
I will admit that I’m a secret K-pop fan. I don’t remember all their names. I know that Rain has that boy group. They are pretty good. I just don’t particularly like how they dress though.

As far as Korean hip hop, not really. There is that one girl Tasha. She is dope. When I first heard her rapping in Korean I thought this was the first time I heard a Korean rapping like this. Most of the time they all sound the same and you couldn’t tell who was rapping. Drunken Tiger is different because they have that American influence. Tasha is the only Korean hip hop artist that made sense to me. Everybody else is pop and to me they are not really rappers. The underground hip hop is actually cool. But, it is still not there yet and is still a pop thing. It’s a very small country and you can’t be mad. I like it. I don’t care. Don’t judge me! I like Korean pop!

What are you up to right now? Tell us about The Ten Spot on Sprint Mobile Radio.
Now everything is pretty much satellite or mobile phone. There is a company called mSpot and they are one of the companies that handle all the global mobile media. So, if you have a Sprint phone you will have an app that is “Sprint TV” and then you have all these choices and under “Radio” I do The Ten Spot which is a mixture of pop, hip hop, metal and is just like a countdown.

Do you plan to go back to radio and be a on-air DJ and/or radio personality again?
I don’t know. I guess after the LA radio thing I was kind of burnt out. You don’t have any real influence to change the music scene and have to fit the pattern. I know some people will say “so and so” plays new music but I’m talking about breaking the pattern. Break the monotony and take a risk. But, you can’t really do that and you are confined. They are out of touch with the streets. I mean you could request a new song and get it played. We have some power but it would have to fit and nothing groundbreaking. So, like by playing Lil Jon, it changed the music scene. They wouldn’t allow us to play an underground artist that could eventually work in the mainstream. They are not going to take that risk and lose listeners. They are brainwashing listeners as it is, so why don’t they brainwash them with good music! We played artists like the Roots or a De La Soul. Like the track “Ooh” by De La Soul. We couldn’t get that on constant rotation and could only use it on the mix shows. I’m like why can’t songs like that be in regular rotation? I’m passionate about it and when you are passionate about something you will naturally be frustrated. In conclusion, it’s really up to the people. People buy and request the same music on the radio, so that’s what they get. The power is in the consumers’ hands.

What do you have planned for the near future?
I have a few things that I can’t give away right now. I’m still working on my production and my radio shows. I am the boss of me. I’m DJ’ing here and there at events. I’m also working on a couple behind the scenes things and I’m developing a docu-series. I don’t want to say exactly what it is yet but it is going to be good and it’s already being pitched. I’ll tell you about it if it happens. It’ll take a little bit of time but it is already in action.

Where can people catch you perform?
Lately I have been performing in Hollywood. No residency or particular club. It has been really fun. The last place I performed at was Hyde Lounge in Hollywood. Although the crowd was mixed, it was predominantly Caucasian. I thought I’d mix it up and play some pop, electro, new wave stuff along with hip hop but they were not trying to hear any of that. They wanted hip hop and I was like, “YES!” I loved it.

I will be performing in San Francisco on New Year’s Eve for Blended Events. It is going to be on a yacht. I don’t have all the details yet, but I’ll be there.

Random:

What is your current relationship status and do you have any preferences towards dating?
I’m single. It’s hard because it’s different for females in this kind of business. My career is first. For men, they can have this career and have a woman because there are women who understand and will stick by them. I haven’t met any man that will do that. They may do that initially, but they won’t stick around. Guys need attention more than girls. I have more time to focus now, so maybe later. I’ve been in relationships before and they just never worked out.

Do you have any hobbies or interests that you do to relax?
I like to go to the library. It is really weird because I never studied in school. I like going to pick books that I want to read instead of what I’ve been told to read. I like going there or Barnes & Noble. I also like to go hiking. I like to do simple things because I’m always out at these parties and networking, which I enjoy. But, I need balance. I like to find and go to these cafes that are cozy and intimate because they usually have good food & coffee. But, they are usually kind of expensive. Maybe I should start a food blog. Oh yeah, I’m supposed to go hot air balloon riding. I made a promise and now I have to do it.

Anybody you respect/look up to?
This has nothing to do with DJ’ing, but Johnny Depp is my favorite actor. I think he’s incredibly dope. He’s one of those people that you can take a blueprint of his career. He went from a “pop” show, 21 Jump Street, and then left the universe and completely re-invented himself. I really look up to people like that. There are so many DJs to name. For sure Spinderella! I love her! I have so much respect for the ones that have been in the game for ten years or more. Because they actually went in for the long haul and stuck to it. You have to respect that whether you think they are a great DJ or an average DJ. The point is that they are still DJ’ing and that’s what they love. They are going to keep doing it no matter what. They keep me going because if they are still doing it I’m going to still be doing it!

Do you drink and/or like soju?
Oh my God! So, let me tell you about that. I don’t know what side I get it from because white people drink too. I don’t really drink. My Korean side, ironically, doesn’t drink and only drink like once in a blue moon. They might drink something like Makgeolli (막걸리). My mom might have a little champagne and she’ll be buzzing. Once in awhile I’ll take a shot of soju. They’ve got an alcohol problem in Korea, for real!

How do you feel about other prominent half/mixed Koreans and have you met any of them?
I DJ’d the KoreAm Gala party last year (2009) and I met Daniel Henney. I mean he is fine and whatever but I felt like he was like a brother for some reason. Maybe it’s the “half” thing. So, when I met him, I felt like I knew him. Of course to be famous, it seems as if you have to be extra hot and he is extra spicy with kimchi on top! He was very nice and humble. I usually get a vibe from people and he’s really cool and I was honored to meet him. I wasn’t disappointed. Sometimes when you meet someone you look up to, you can be disappointed. He wasn’t only nice to me but to everyone.

Since Los Angeles is your home, do you have any quick thoughts on the K-Town reality show project?
I just hope that Koreans will be shown in a good light. I’ve heard it’ll be ignorant and “Jersey Shore-ish.” If it does go the “Jersey Shore” way, I hope that they are funny at least.

What was your take on Korea’s reaction to Hines Ward after he was MVP of Super Bowl XL?
I think when it comes to humans accepting others; it is the same across the board. It makes no difference that Koreans do that or anyone else. It’s no different for Hines Ward. It just so happens that he is Korean and Black and he is successful. Anytime you become successful the people who may not have given you the proper respect will either be surprised or apologetic. My opinion is that Korea was apologetic and the culture still stands strong with respecting others. If they did something wrong they will apologize even though they are really stubborn people. They hold respect very high and I think in the end we can all say that Koreans hold respect at a high level. I think it was a great thing and a step forward in that they acknowledged the problem with the half Koreans and how they are treated. It was a kind gesture. The President didn’t have to do anything and they could have just given congratulations. No one is perfect. By him becoming successful; God works in mysterious ways and it showed that they had made mistakes or that they didn’t acknowledge it as a problem or all of the above. It made a big difference to have him come to Korea and speak to the half Korean kids and start his organization. I give the Koreans who were involved much respect because they didn’t have to show respect to him that he deserved and acknowledged and apologized for the problems. You can’t change people immediately. That was growth. I was surprised and impressed.

How involved are you with your website?
I have control issues. I didn’t make it but I’m very involved and it is how I wanted it. I like to do it myself because if you don’t do it yourself and the person doesn’t do it right it will take longer. I like to put my own personality into things and whatever I post on there is by me.

What are some of your favorite websites?
I’m on HalfKorean.com right now. I go to sites like TMZ.com and gossip sites. I don’t care! I go to a lot of music sites like datpiff.com, illroots.com and potholesinmyblog.com to look up different kinds of music. I can’t play everything in a club. I can play certain things in a lounge and that’s fine. But, I can’t necessarily play it in a commercial setting because that’s not what they paid me for.

How did you find out about HalfKorean.com and what did you think about HalfKorean.com when you first saw it?
I like it. I was surprised that someone did it. I thought it was just about being proud to be half Korean and I didn’t know that the site was also dedicated to actually bring awareness as well.

Any words that you would like to pass on to the community?
To all the half Koreans, be you and embrace the best of both worlds and who you are and where it can lead you. Everyone is going to be mixed one day. Plus, if it weren’t for two people of different backgrounds falling in love or however they got together then there wouldn’t be a lot of today’s influential people such as Halle Berry, President Obama, Hines Ward and Daniel Henney. In fact, you and I wouldn’t be talking right now because we wouldn’t have been born!

Big thank you to Kathleen for her time. You can check out her upcoming events, download mixes and learn more about her at her official website, DJKSLY.com. Also, follow her official Twitter and her Facebook page.

Interview by: David Lee Sanders

Posted: 12/8/2010