Welcome to Season Two of the Korean American Perspectives podcast. My name is Abraham Kim. I'm the Executive Director for the Council of Korean Americans and I'm also your host for this show. This podcast seeks to share the inspirational life stories of Korean American leaders and explore the complex issues that shape this community. On the show, we interview innovators, trailblazers, thought leaders and artists about their lives, their immigration story, their career journeys, and the important issues and challenges that they dedicated their lives to help address. Last season we talk with politicians, musicians, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. If you had not had the chance to listen to Season One, we point you to our website at councilka.org or search Korean American Perspectives on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcasting sites. 

We're glad to be back with a new season, ten episodes in all. We’re taking on some hot topics with leading Korean American experts and addressing some issues like mental health, shame, parent-children relationships and immigration issues to name a few. Looking ahead, we'll be kicking off the season with the release of three interview shows. One with celebrated pianist and music educator, Alpin Hong; the second, innovation corporate trainer, Monica Kang; and finally third, shame and vulnerability research expert and mental health counselor, Julia Park. Then each week afterwards we'll be releasing new episodes. I don't think the timing could have been better during this time of COVID-19 and all the uncertainties. I know many of you are indoors with your families and friends or perhaps just alone and as you exercise social distancing, this'll be a great time for you to listen to our many shows that are coming online. We're sending all of our love to you and we wish you safety, health, and also a bit of sanity.