The Wild, the City, and Everything Inbetween
You know that moment when you’re so immersed in something awe-inspiring that the rest of the world fades away? That’s when I feel most alive.
Whether it’s climbing, skiing, or hiking—it’s in those moments of adventure that I find meaning. And let’s be honest, it’s not always “fun.” There are sunburns, scraped knees, exhaustion, and sometimes the tough decision to turn back before the summit. But it’s the challenges, the setbacks, the unpredictable twists—that’s what shapes my journey. That’s why I keep going back out there.
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Left, Ice climbing in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. Mountaineering in the Cordillera Blanca, Peruvian Andes. Right, Embarking on a hike in Adirondack Park, New York.
Ski touring in the Austrian Alps.
That sense of wonder has been with me since childhood. I was always exploring—on my bike, through books, in nature.
Pippi Longstocking was my childhood idol. Fearless, independent, a little wild—she lived by her own rules, and I wanted to do the same.
Left, Journeying on horseback through the Chilean Andes. Right, Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren—a passionate advocate for children's rights and social issues.
My dad fueled that spirit with movies—Westerns, Hitchcock, Kurosawa—and endless hours of music. From Johnny Cash to The Beatles, opera to jazz, our turntable spun the soundtrack of my life. My mom, an artist, made sure creativity was always in the mix, teaching me to see the world through an artistic lens.
Left, Fun fact: In his 20s, Dad was a state champion in weightlifting. Right, Marlon Brando, The Beatles.
Then came the big shifts—high school in Korea, college at RISD, moving 7,000 miles from home. New York City became my playground, where I immersed myself in art, music, and photography. CBGB’s, Bowery Ballroom, underground galleries, capturing the city’s raw energy—it was electrifying. The city gave me purpose. But something was missing.
Left, As a young fan, I was captivated by Kim Wan Sun. Dubbed the "Korean Madonna." Right, An intaglio print from my RISD days.
Because after every adventure—every climb, every trek, every moment standing on top of a mountain—I come back to New York. And there’s this jarring contrast, like waking up from a dream. One minute, it’s endless sky and rugged peaks, the next, it’s steel and glass stretching toward the clouds.
Top, Modern NYC vibes at Hudson Yards.. Left, Rooftop summer soirée in the West Village; Right, On set, bringing products to life.
For many, NYC is the dream. For me, it’s the balance between both worlds that makes life whole. The wilderness fuels my soul; the city keeps me grounded.
Celebrating the year at town hall.
That’s why I travel. Not just to see new places, but to connect—to people, cultures, and stories. Everywhere I go, I’m reminded that at our core, we’re all just trying to survive, to make a life, to find meaning. And that shared struggle, that connection, is what unites us.
Top and left, A remote village in Peru's Andean Highlands. Right, Traversing cloud forests on the path to Machu Picchu, Peru.
And through all of this, one thing remains clear—our planet, this breathtaking, fragile world, needs protecting. Climate action isn’t just something I care about—it’s personal. Every adventure, every step into the wild, reminds me why it matters. Because this isn’t just about us—it’s about future generations, about every living being that depends on this earth.
Left, Autumn hues in Adirondack Park, New York. Right, ‘If a Tree Falls’ poster design for the Sundance Film Festival.
I’ve also learned a lot from animals—especially my dogs, who were with me for over a decade. They taught me something profound: Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s a choice. A responsibility. It’s what we do, every day, in the smallest moments.
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So whether it’s chasing adventures, embracing creativity, or fighting for the planet—what matters is that we show up. With curiosity. With intention. And with the willingness to live fully, in every moment.
Top, On a road trip through Gaspésie, Quebec. Bottom, Exploring the vibrant streets of New York City's Lower East Side.