Where are you from? 🇰🇷🇹🇷🇬🇧🇵🇭

The simplest answer to this question is, "I am from South Korea." I was born there and completed two years of mandatory military service as a South Korean citizen. However, it is a little more complicated than that. Growing up in an itinerant family, I lived in the Philippines, Korea, England, and Turkey—spanning the East, West, and Middle parts of the world.

I was privileged to spend most of my life in Istanbul, a beautiful city that bridges the East and the West. Istanbul's unique location as a crossroads between cultures played a significant role in shaping my perspective. Being immersed in such a diverse and vibrant city, I absorbed the essence of both East and West, fostering a sense of adaptability and appreciation for cultural differences. 

I also had the privilege of attending an international school at Istanbul during my entire secondary education, where I made friends from all corners of the globe. These diverse friendships enriched my life, exposing me to various traditions, languages, and viewpoints. As I navigated this tapestry of experiences, it became evident that my identity had evolved beyond a single origin.

These multifaceted encounters make it challenging to pinpoint a single answer to the question "Where are you from?" While my roots lie in South Korea, my heart resonates with the identity of a global citizen, cherishing my heritage while embracing the world as my home.