Interviewee: Samuel Jun
Interviewer: Jackson Brielmann
Interview Summary
This interview is with Samuel Jun, born August 8, 1960, in South Korea. Samuel is a
small business entrepreneur and owner of Lein Cleaners, located on Long Island, New York. He
lives in Locust Valley, about ten minutes from his shop, with his wife and son. Samuel also has a
younger brother and spoke about the passing of his mother and movement of his father.
In our conversation, Samuel reflected on his experiences as a small business owner
serving his local community, as well as on broader themes of education, language learning,
racial discrimination, migration, and isolation. He discussed how Korean cultural values shaped
his perseverance and how society has shifted over time, from one rooted in compassion and
connection to one more transactional and self-focused. Samuel emphasized that while the world
has become faster and more impersonal, he still finds meaning in genuine relationships and
everyday human kindness.
I was connected to Samuel through my father, one of his longtime clients, and conducted the
interview via Zoom at 6 p.m. The interview was conducted by Jackson Brielmann, a junior at
Colby College majoring in Economics and minoring in East Asian Studies. Through our
conversation, I felt a strong bond with Samuel as we reflected on how society has changed and
on the rare but meaningful connections that endure through empathy and shared values.
Biography
Samuel Jun was born 1960 in South Korea. In 1978, he immigrated to the United States with his parents
and younger brother in search of a better future. After studying English and business at a community
college in New York, he and his family opened Klein Cleaners in Locust Valley, where he has worked
for over 36 years.
As one of the first Korean business owners in the area, Samuel built lasting relationships with
customers and helped foster a growing Korean-American presence in the community. His story reflects
hard work, family values, and perseverance through long hours and cultural challenges. Today, he
continues to live in Locust Valley with his wife, remaining active in his church and close to his family
in New York and California.