Interviewee: Brian Baik
Interviewer: Cynthia Li
Synopsis
This interview explores Koreanness through the life of Brian Baik. He is a 25-year-old Korean American who was born in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, grew up in Jinju, South Korea, and currently lives in Buena Park, California. Brian describes his life growing up in the Korean countryside and in Orange County, including school and leisure time. He compares and contrasts the different environments he lived in, and the shaping of his cultural identity and values over time, and briefly discusses his relationship with Christianity. This interview covers topics such as everyday life, the Korean community in various locations, value shaping, and leisure activities. I was introduced to Brian in 2017 through a relative in California. We have kept in touch throughout the years and he has acted as both a mentor and older sibling figure, even tutoring me in chemistry and math via Zoom throughout high school. The interview was conducted on October 24th, 2023 via Zoom as the interviewer was studying in Maine and the interviewee was a student in California. My name is Cynthia Li, and I am a second-year student at Colby College currently pursuing a major in Global Studies and Art History. This project is meaningful to me as it allows me to explore the lived realities of diasporic identities through someone I have a personal connection with.
Biography
Brian Baik is a 25-year-old Korean-American who was born in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. He has a unique background that spans living in both Korea and the United States. Brian was born in Saipan while his family was on vacation, but spent a portion of his childhood in Korea, primarily raised by his grandmother. He later moved to Los Angeles, California where his mother was, and is currently pursuing his second bachelor’s degree in computer engineering at CSUF. Previously, he has also studied education, psychology, and digital media design, and Brian’s interests include photography and dance, particularly hip-hop.