Actually, most other Korean girls scared me because well - I still, after all these years, haven t quite gotten the hang of of wearing liquid eyeliner or a retail radar for Italian pumps (of which, after writing for Koream for 6 years - I would not be able to afford). But writing for KoreAm made me feel like I belonged. That I was still, at my roots, very very Korean American and that my experiences - as different or similar as they were to other people from other states, was ok, accepted, and maybe even honestly funny.
My roommate s student s orthodontist recalls my name and tells her that she reads me monthly. I get an email from a DJ out in Chicago who thanks me for making her laugh once a month. I get introduced to other Korean Americans as being a good writer for the community.
I d only met the KoreAm publishing team a couple times. Jimmy, my editor, was a doll and patient with my persistant ability to be late for my writing. James, the publisher - I met only once and he bbqed for me.
When KoreAm had a new office opening, I flew down to LA for the shindig. It was great and while I still felt awkward at points (hello surrounded by scary LA Korean girls) I d sat in the parking lot, lied down on the asphalt, gazing up at the stars, (ok - 3 beers into it) and was digesting my introduction and meeting with the amazingly bold and solid writer known to all as BananaMan. At that point, acclaimed author Helie Lee, approached me and asked Excuse me, are you Min Jung Kim?
I read your writing. To which my typical self depracating remark was Oh my god. I m so sorry!
She laughed and we spoke for a moment. I think she was flattering me when she said that she sourced me as inspiration for a attitudinal, funny, and strong female character she was planning to use in one of her next books. When actor John Cho (the milf guy) came up to San Francisco to perform with his band, I asked him to sign my copy of KoreAm that had him on the cover.
When he asked me my name, I told him and he recognized me. I blushed and felt like total lactose-intolerant-cheese fan girl. Jimmy left his post at KoreAm earlier this year.
I am as ever proud of him and thankful for the opportunity he gave me and for his friendship. I never did make it down to LA for any of KoreAm s famous star galas. Then again, I was never invited - but like Groucho Marx, I d never belong to a club that would have me as a member.
Anyway, After getting April s issue of the magazine, I realized that my piece (about being old - 33 as old as jesus and what not) wasn t in the magazine. Did they get it? I checked my email accounts and found buried in the spam folder the following email sent 4/17.
(Email from the editor asking me for my piece on 4/9. My piece had been emailed to them 4/11) I wanted to thank you for the years of columns you ve given KoreAm and the time you ve put in each month. Unfortunately, we ve decided to change a few things editorially, including cutting Miscellaneous Mutterings.
Again, thanks for providing such entertaining stories to our readers. Hope all is well and I wish you the best! I noted that instead of publishing my piece, or giving me an opportunity to at least say thanks or farewell to all my readers or write to express my appreication for the years of writing and feeling part of the community, they published a letter to the editor that said the magazine would do a lot better if you got rid of Jane and Min Jung Kim.
Actually, most other Korean girls scared me because well - I still, after all these years, haven t quite gotten the hang of of wearing liquid eyeliner or a retail radar for Italian pumps (of which, after writing for Koream for 6 years - I would not be able to afford).
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