Hello! My name is Vivian Hark, and I’m excited to introduce myself as KKOOM’s new Admin and Operations Coordinator! From my experiences in Korea to my passion for community, I can’t wait to begin this new chapter with KKOOM.
One of my favorite things to do is travel to new places and photograph the food, people, and culture around me. I love being able to look back at the pictures I take and see the stories they tell. As a photographer, I primarily work in sports and portrait photography. I also love to play soccer and learn martial arts, both of which ended up connecting me to Korea in ways I never expected.
How Korea Became Part of My Story
I have always loved learning about people and their different cultures. Growing up, I practiced Taekwondo competitively which gave me one of my first connections to Korean culture. My aunt is also Korean, so my family and I would travel to Korea every few summers. I always looked forward to those trips, and as I got older, my interest in Korea continued to grow.
When I got to college, I immediately enrolled in Korean classes and had my first opportunity to study in Korea during the summer of 2022. I enrolled in Korea University’s language center and got to take an intensive Korean course which is what really solidified my interest and love for Korea.
While I was there, I continued my Taekwondo training and spent as much time as I could learning about Korean culture. Before I knew it, the summer was over and I was heading back to college in the States. However, I knew I wanted to return for longer.
In the fall of 2023, I returned to Korea as a Korea University student for a full year. My time there allowed me to experience life as a Korean university student while continuing Taekwondo and reigniting my passion for soccer. I first joined Aegis, a local women’s futsal team, and later joined the Seongbuk-gu Women’s Soccer Team, where I met so many amazing people.
That experience gave me the confidence to try out for the Korea University Women’s Football Club, and I made the team! From tournaments and team events to MT, a team bonding trip, and Ipselenti, Korea University’s annual festival, I got to experience so much of university life alongside my teammates. It’s an experience I will never forget.
How I Found My Way to KKOOM
I found KKOOM through a friend who was a U.S. Fulbright Korea English Teaching Assistant (ETA) and who had previously volunteered at some of KKOOM’s events. I had always been involved in the Chinese adoptee community, but at the time, I didn’t know much about Korea’s children’s welfare system, or the work being done to support Korean youth.
Through my friend, I learned more about KKOOM, her experiences with the organization, and how much she loved being involved. When this position opened, she later mentioned it to me and thought it would be a great fit for me.
I’ve always wanted a job that meant more than just going to work. I wanted to find something where I could use my skills while also making a positive impact on someone’s life. When I saw the opportunity with KKOOM, I knew I wanted to apply, and the rest is history!
I was so excited to join KKOOM, and I’m even more excited to get involved, meet everyone, and contribute to the amazing work this organization is doing.
“Joining KKOOM feels like a meaningful way to bring together so many parts of my journey.”
Looking Ahead
KKOOM is such an amazing organization, and I’m excited to see how I can contribute and make a positive difference. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and building relationships with the wonderful volunteers who help make KKOOM what it is. Working with KKOOM, I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m excited to work hard, take on new challenges, and help KKOOM continue to grow and thrive.
Most of all, I’m looking forward to meeting new people, learning from everyone around me, and seeing where this new chapter takes me. I’m so grateful to be joining KKOOM and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!
