Korean American Christian Media

Light From My Heart

Where did you grow up? What was life like for you growing up?

I was born in Pusan, Korea. I migrated with my family to the U.S when I was 2 years old. My biological father was a Korean movie star in the early 1960’s. My mother a dancer and actress. My bother and sister are both a part of the Hollywood scene in Los Angeles. I spent most my the early part of my life in growing up in Hawaii. I was a bit of rascal kid but always had an interest in the arts be it film making or music.

How did you first come to faith?

Growing up I attended a small school in the Hawaiian rain forest called Hawaii Baptist Academy. Though I didn’t really follow or understand the strict religious protocol of my schooling in Hawaii I did have a early understanding of the Bible. Frankly, I didn’t really understand the significance of sacrifice of the Lord for my sins until I myself had to come to terms with my own mortality.

I had moved to L.A 15 years ago and worked in the entertainment industry as a film Producer/actor and I was climbing the ladder of success. I starred in the Twentieth century fox film, ‘Behind enemy lines 2’. I had also produced a film called ‘Dragon Wars’, with director/comedian Shim Hyoung Rae, which was the #1 sci-fi box office hit in Korea a few year back.

And yet the more successful I became the more empty I felt inside then I choose to fill it with Drugs and Alcohol. Bad choice. Within a period of 6 months I lost my apartment, friends and job. I became homeless in Hollywood. I felt a spiritual darkness closing which threatened my life and connection with Christ.   In my desperation I turned to the Lord. Somehow with the fervent prayers of my mother, I felt the Holy Spirit come to my rescue. I became born again. Since then I’ve worked for my new boss. The Lord Jesus Christ.

how long have you been writing and singing?

I’ve been singing professionally most my life but writing songs has been a recent miracle in my life. The doctor at cider sinai hospital in Los Angeles had told me that I may possibly lose the use of both hands due to infections. After surgery I would need to rehabilitate them daily. So my mother brought me a guitar. I have never studied music formally but somehow with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have wrote over 20 songs in a years time. Most of them have been recorded. If anyone would have asked me that I was going to be a songwriter 4 years ago I would have told them to get lost. My love for the Lord is my inspiration behind these songs.

What is the most difficult thing about being a Christian artist?

I haven’t really run into difficulties along the way as of yet. Of course there will be bumps along the way but I think as long we pray and seek fellowship with other Christians it will be a joyous adventure promoting and introducing this music to the public.

Who are some of your musical influences?

I would have to say many of the secular bands in the 80’s, 90’s. Boston, Eagles etc. currently I like some of One Republic’s stuff. I like Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman and Nicole C Mullen. What hit me the most in my early childhood is attending youth camp and growing up to Christian music that was sung around a campfire with just a guitar. I kinda miss that.

How did you first get involved with Haitian street children?

I was reacquainted with a film director friend of mine whom I had worked with before. Young Man Kang had been one of my friends who I neglected back when I was running amok in Hollywood. He had found it in his heart to forgive me for my reckless behavior and we looked into starting a project together once again. After living a life of self indulgence, I felt I wanted to give back.   In this I find my purpose. So with the knowledge I gained in Hollywood and the arts, I decided to use it for the betterment of those who suffer the most. This is why we wanted to bring worldwide awareness with the documentary ‘the Haitian Street Kids’. To focus on the plight of the street/slave children. We wanted to produce this album to coincide with the release of a film that would direct all of its proceeds to be used to help the children in Haiti. My mother, who was recently ordained as a minister, has used her own resources to fund these projects and is looking to premiere the documentary and album worldwide.

What is the current situation in Haiti? What can an individual do to help?

The situation is Haiti is getting worse for the children. Because of the economic downturn of the US and the corrupt behavior of those in the government of Haiti, the street children are not getting the sustenance and support of previous years.

I will be returning in late June with the director to reshoot some footage.   When we are finished with the documentary we would like to be able to show it to the Christians in Korea and the US who can make a difference in these children’s lives. We would like to spread the word and make sure people know that these children need food, education, shelter and above all the Lord in their hearts.

We have built a foundation, www.lovegivehope.com to help provide this relief for the children. Anyone can call or donate to his cause at this site. No big corporation or red tape. Meaning we can send money to the children tomorrow, with your donations, the children will have food on the table in a matter of a few days. That’s how we set up the ministry because time is critical to get relief for these children.

To be honest without my early exposure to Jesus in my life I would have had no one to turn to in my most desperate hour. That’s what these children need.

What are some future projects you're working on?

Right now this project takes up much of my days and nights. We just finished the music video and will finish the full length documentary by September. The album will be released at the end of June. It’s a multi faceted effort on all multi-media fronts to bring exposure to this dire situation in Haiti.

I see this as something that will be a part of my life for the next 20 years. My interest will remain in the arts and I believe many in other congregations and friends of Christ from around the world will join this mission as well.

How can we pray for you?

Please pray for this project that it may bring awareness to those who can help. Pray that many more will be like Jesus in his mercy and that the children don’t despair and continue to believe that help is coming soon. Pray that the Lord protects those involved in putting together this project. That people have mercy and love for these children as well.

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