In a predominately white place like New Trier, oftentimes POCs can feel disconnected and alienated from their culture. However, that’s why places like the Korean culture club exist. No matter if you are an immigrant feeling homesick, a child of immigrants wishing to connect to your culture, or somebody who thinks Korean culture is cool, the club exists for you. 

The makeup of the members reflect this sentiment, with a mixture of Korean-Americans and non-Korean-Americans.

But does this club accurately represent Korean culture, or does it just use the Korean aesthetic without acknowledging the actual traditions and beliefs?

Well, sort of. In club head Erin Lee’s words, “It’s more of an accurate representation of Korean-Americanness. Like, I have the brashness of an American, but I also have the background of a Korean person.”

Lee feels that the degree to which the club represents the culture is very dependent on its leader. She herself is Korean-American, whereas, she said, “The last leader actually moved from Korea, and the club became more Korean focused.” 

The club does a lot of activities that relate to the culture, namely having Korean snacks, which include things like Choco-pies and Nongshim Potato snacks.

They also watch Korean movies and TV shows, play traditional games, and celebrate holidays. Recently, they celebrated Chuseok, which is the mid-autumn harvest festival. The club members ate traditional foods and learned about the history behind the holiday. Chuseok is a time when Korean families get together and eat foods such as songpyeon, a rice cake-like meal. 

Korean culture club meets every Monday after school in room 103.