Striving to Be What I Want to Be | Kesung Anderson | Legacy Project Korea

Kesung Anderson was born in Arlington, Virginia, and spent some time in New York before moving to Korea around the age of 5. After completing a few years of school in Korea, his family decided to move to Minnesota to be with his grandparents. As the new kid in middle school, Kesung remembers being picked on and treated like an outcast. He was scrawny, didn't like to curse like the other kids, and still wore clothing brought from Korea, making him very aware and self-conscious of his differences from his peers. One day, he had the opportunity to participate in the running event at school and surprised everyone when he began to pass his classmates. Kesung was ultimately recruited for the track team and ended up beating the top runner at a sectional meet, thus helping him grow out of his shell and gaining confidence as well as respect from his peers.
After working in medical sales for 12+ years and noticing a shift in the industry, Kesung realized it wasn’t the right fit for him and wanted to reconnect with his childhood memories. Through meeting new people, he sought the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the culture by settling down in Korea. As Kesung continues his life in Korea, he hopes to keep striving for what he wants to be and encourages folks to be curious and explore different things.
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CREDITS
Interviewer: Becky White
Videographers: Becky White ‪@TheHalfieProject‬ + Cedric Stout ‪@skycedi‬
Editor: Kimberly Young Sun www.kimberlyyoungsun.com
Motion Designer: AJ Valente ajyval.myportfolio.com
Music Composer: Jang Hyeong Yoon
Executive Producer: HJ Lee
KoreanAmericanStory.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and preserve the stories of the Korean American experience.

[@r.j.4405]

I first saw this handsome man on KDOC TV. He is a really charming guy. He should be a regular on a TV show

[@ytaccount11]

He's here!? I was wondering how he has been doing after I saw him in a Korean show. It's good to see him again. He really has a friendly vibe.

[@bbabylay2011]

He is so handsome and friendly. I love his personality.

[@gj4257]

The part where he imitated the older koreans who bicker and criticize younger koreans who don’t speak korean cracked me up. I’ve seen that so many times. 🤣

[@kyungryungpark8724]

I’v been seeing him in a TV program many times and I thought he had a great sense of humor. I love it. Good luck with your job!!!

[@denachea7533]

He’s such a humble guy!

[@ELEKTRARE]

He is handsome in every way , charming as hell, hoooooot man , he looks down to earth , i am so into him 😊😘

[@latenightswipe]

Hey Kesung. My name is Daniel Kim. I'm a 29 year old Korean-American. I had a hard life growing up and got bullied often for my appearance. I relate to you a lot. Your story makes me tear up. You inspire me to keep being positive. To take care of my mind and body. I started Korean lessons and although I feel shame for not knowing Korean at my age... I'm finally at a point in my life where I embrace my Korean heritage and am no longer ashamed of it. I've never been to Korea before. But if I end up going I'm going to reach out to you and try to get a beer. And I mean that.

[@PK-us1de]

If I may ask, I’m curious to know where in the states did you grow-up…?

[@famousamos]

Ah hearing your story, makes me really want to move to the motherland lol.

[@sthepromise5054]

Thank you for sharing your story. I love it.

[@Moss_piglets]

I really like Ke sung. I first saw him on a Korean show and was wondering what happened to him. Glad to see him here again. He's so genuine and his confidence is very admirable. As a multiracial myself, hearing him talk about his experiences as a biracial child is relatable. I didn't belong anywhere either since I grew up all over before coming back to the US. I think it's common among many bi/multiracial kids to feel out of place. We are often made to choose one or another but then not fully be accepted. I think being able to speak your parents native tongue is very important too and know their heritage. It builds confidence as you learn more about your place in this world.

[@almightybald1]

Way to go Kesung! Love this man.

[@dalvarita6181]

He is a cool Guy! Handsome and só interesting. Hope the best for him. Need courage to change life, country...

[@JRspeaking]

He's 44 years old?? Holy cow! I would have thought he was in his early 30s. He looks FANTASTIC!

[@Kimmy234L]

People need to travel more, and experience the beauty of different cultures If you can't afford to travel, make sure that you become friends with tourists and foreigners that wish to settle in your country....it will enrich your life ✌️🤝❤

[@puzzlehead340]

Attractive people are often targets simply because they are attractive and people are jealous. They can't have what you have so they try to break you down.

[@elainecampbell8083]

Good for you Kesung! You could have listened to the bullies and those who harassed you and made yourself think that you were less than others. I am so glad for you that you decided to strive to be the best you could be. You are like me, you never stop trying, and never stop learning. My personal motto is "no matter what, keep moving forward". You have done that very well and it's paid off! May you have many happy and bright days ahead of you! Hello from Pennsylvania! :D

[@lostresgarcias1738]

All the best! You can do it!

[@robertdepesci3418]

so korean yet so korean american. love this guy lol

[@Boston1995-y9f]

Much respect. Interesting story.

[@justshei]

*subscribed* from ig, down to here😂👋 🇵🇭

[@wahalwali8361]

🤩

[@wildcharm911]

He's good looking

[@roshr7102]

He should be on Koren serial already

[@Howiee]

44 years old???

[@shivanipde]

Hello Gorgeous 😍🦋

[@noorsmind7174]

DID HE JUST SAY 44 SIR

[@7avocado]

If u goto Europe , everyone wear speedo not boxer like all american men do. So it's alright.

[@giuliab8484]

What the hell are you talking about lmao