Interviewee: Daniel Ju
Interviewer: Jacob Ju
Interview Synopsis
I interviewed my father, Daniel Ju, a 53-year-old South Korean immigrant from Seoul, South Korea for my oral history project. He currently works as a Project Manager in the construction industry (Exbon Development) in Los Angeles, California. Daniel hails from a unique family background with his parents originating from opposing sides of Korea, and in our conversation, he describes his mother’s harrowing journey from North Korea. He also delves into his relationship with his older brother, who eventually moved to Puerto Rico after meeting his wife at medical school in Mexico He and his family have experienced many challenges immigrating from South Korea to the United States, the biggest challenge being balancing life amidst familial responsibilities at the family’s liquor store in Los Angeles. He discusses topics surrounding his physical and mental hardships as a child, his mother’s harrowing journey as a North Korean defector to South Korea, the kinship of family, the sociopolitical climate in South Korea before he migrated, socioeconomic challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs in Los Angeles, and the immigrant experience in starting a new life in America.
The interview was conducted via Zoom, enabling us to connect and share these stories despite the physical distance between us.
My name is Jacob Ju, a second-year Economics major, Science, Technology, and Society minor at Colby College, with a keen interest in exploring and preserving the intricate stories of Korean immigrant journeys, particularly those within my own family.
Biography: Daniel Ju
Daniel Ju, born in 1970, is a 53-year-old whose early life in Seoul, South Korea, was characterized by significant challenges. Although he was raised in a poor neighborhood, his family was not impoverished. His father worked in public works, dealing with financial and taxation matters, while his mother was a typical housewife of that era. Despite frequent hospitalizations and absences from school due to health issues, Daniel attended a public school. His older brother, who played a protective role in his life and later pursued a career in medicine, attended a private elementary school.
The Ju family immigrated to the United States driven by economic hardships and the pursuit of better opportunities. Daniel’s father first moved to the U.S. on a religious visa, taking various jobs before starting a street vending business. His mother joined him later, facing numerous challenges, including legal issues and financial struggles. The family eventually started a liquor store business, with Daniel and his brother helping to manage it amidst challenges like crime and long working hours.
In the U.S., Daniel overcame language barriers, acclimatized to a new culture, and experienced a significant improvement in his health. The family dynamics were complex yet strong, particularly highlighted by the bond between Daniel and his brother. Interestingly, their mother had defected from North Korea as a child, adding a unique dimension to their family history.
Reflecting on his journey, Daniel acknowledges the shaping influence of the hardships his family faced in both Korea and the U.S. He cherishes the moments of family bonding and shared experiences. Despite his childhood dream of becoming a professional baseball player being unfulfilled due to financial constraints and family obligations, Daniel expresses gratitude for the life he has built and admires his family’s resilience through various hardships. His brother now lives in Puerto Rico, continuing his medical career.