Finding a Homeland Far from Home
Producer/Director
This documentary sheds light on a lesser-known but significant chapter in the history of the Korean diaspora. A century ago, on the second anniversary of Korea’s March 1st Movement, Koreans in Manhattan gathered to honor their homeland’s fight for independence. Inspired by this historic moment, the Korean community abroad worked to sustain the spirit of the independence movement and foster solidarity. This effort culminated on April 28, 1921, with the founding of the New York Korean Church and Institute.
Far more than a religious institution, this organization became a vital hub for patriotic efforts and cultural innovation. Within its walls, Eaktai Ahn composed the Korean National Anthem, and the first Korean typewriter was invented. In the 1970s, it played a critical role in nurturing Korea’s democratic ideals through the Thursday Prayer Meetings, which brought together leading democratic scholars.
The documentary delves into the historical significance of this institution and its relevance in modern times, exploring how it once served as a lifeline for diasporic communities, fostering unity and contributing to the evolution of Korean society.
Supported by the Korean government, the film captures the interconnected themes of history, creativity, and resilience, offering a unique perspective on how efforts made far from home shaped the Korea we know today. It premiered in New York and received significant spotlight in the news in both the United States and South Korea.
Life in COVID
Executive Producer / Director
Executive Producer / Director
Life in COVID is a deeply personal and globally resonant documentary born from an unprecedented moment in history. Shortly before the pandemic, I arrived in New York after a 16-year career as a producer and director in Korea, seeking to expand my skills and connect with the international film community. However, as the world came to a standstill, so did our productions—even at film school. The frustration was palpable, not only for me but for my young peers from diverse corners of the globe, all grappling with the same uncertainty and loss.
Determined to channel this shared experience into something meaningful, I conceptualized Life in COVID. The film reflects the resilience of humanity in the face of despair, capturing voices from around the world as we navigated a new reality. Our collective strength as a global community became the focus: despite being separated by borders, we found unity in our shared hope.
The documentary resonated with audiences and earned recognition as a Semi-Finalist at the 2020 Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival. Life in COVID is more than a film; it is a message of optimism, reminding viewers that even in the darkest times, the human spirit has the power to inspire and persevere.
Record Beyond the Number
Producer / Director
March 2009 – October 2011
Producer / Director
March 2009 – October 2011
Record Beyond the Number is an ambitious sports science documentary created to commemorate the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Athletics, hosted in South Korea. As Producer and Director, I led a multi-national production spanning Korea, Japan, China, the USA, and Jamaica, capturing the relentless drive and scientific breakthroughs behind world-class athletic performances.
The project, awarded the prestigious “High Quality Broadcasting Program” designation by the Korean Communication Agency in 2009, received $300,000 in government funding. The documentary aired on SBS nationwide in May 2011 and was exported to seven additional countries, showcasing its global appeal.
Upon release, Record Beyond the Number achieved significant acclaim, ranking second on NAVER, Korea’s largest search engine, for viewer retrieval. It also recorded impressive viewer ratings, cementing its status as a standout production in sports documentary filmmaking.
By blending cutting-edge sports science with compelling human stories, the film not only celebrated athletic excellence but also demonstrated the power of international collaboration and innovative storytelling in connecting audiences worldwide.
