Join us for The Lives and Stories of Korean American Authors, a special children’s literature K-Culture Talk celebrating Korean-heritage author experiences for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, featuring Ginger Park and Frances Park, co-authors of Suka’s Farm!

Ginger Park and Frances Park will share their experiences growing up Korean-American and how it informed their journey to becoming successful authors. They will also discuss the real-life story behind their enchanting new children's book, Suka's Farm. Families are encouraged to attend, and those with a child will receive a complimentary copy of Suka’s Farm to have signed and to take home, but quantities are limited.

This event also celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, observed every May to honor the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants to the United States. To mark the occasion, the authors’ will share insights into their personal journeys and perspectives, discuss their writing process and key themes of their new book, and read excerpts. Visitors can also have their books signed after the program (books will not be for sale at the event, so visitors may bring their own copy).

The Lives and Stories of Korean-American Authors
May 21, 2025 (Wednesday), 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!

About the Authors

Ginger Park was an energetic gymnast as a child. After her father's sudden passing two days before her seventeenth birthday, however, she realized how little she knew about her parents' lives and struggles in Korea. Determined to learn more, she spent months going through old photos with her mother and hearing stories of their homeland. This process of discovery led her to document her family's history, from Sinuiju to Seoul. It was through this journey that she began her writing career, uncovering both her family’s past and her own voice as a writer. For her award-winning work, Ginger has been interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered and Weekend Edition, featured in USA Today, the Washington Post, and Koream. Her work has been translated into five languages.

Frances Park is a Korean American author of novels, memoirs and children’s books. At age 10, she typed a 200-page story on an Underwood typewriter—blue ink, onionskin paper, reading aloud to anyone who would listen. Since then, she’s spoken at The Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian, The New Executive Office Building, Wolf Trap, and the Korean Embassy. For her award-winning work, she’s been interviewed by NPR, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, CNN, The Diane Rehm Show, and Good Morning America.

About Suka’s Farm

Life in 1941 Korea is hard for Aoki and his family. Under colonial rule, many of the country’s resources are being exported to Japan. One night, as Aoki’s hunger keeps him awake, he hears his parents worrying about their dwindling rice supply. Though he’s only a child, Aoki is desperate to help—so desperate that he asks Mr. Suka, a Japanese farmer, for a job. Mr. Suka’s first instinct is to turn the boy away, but he is moved by Aoki’s plea. He teaches Aoki how to care for a herd of goats, and soon what began as an act of charity becomes a genuine friendship that brings them both joy.