[REVIEW] 'Ties That Bind' explores Korean-US ties through a century of personal stories
A variety of books published in the new millennium illustrate the experience of Americans in Korea and the experience of Koreans in America. Central to these experiences is cross-cultural contact, on both the personal and institutional levels. Hannah Kim’s rigorously researched monograph "Ties That Bind" succeeds in both respects. The book takes readers through several decades of cross-cultural…
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The book "Ties That Bind" delves into the complex relationship between the United States and Korea over the course of a century, as seen through the personal stories of Americans and Koreans alike. Author Hannah Kim's meticulous research brings to light the cross-cultural interactions that have shaped the two nations' histories, from the perspective of both sides.
The narrative begins with the life of Philip Jaisohn, hailed as the first Korean American. The story continues through the tumultuous era of Japan's occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945, culminating in the U.S. declaration of war against Japan and Korea's eventual liberation in 1945. The post-war period is also explored, including the start of international adoptions that saw over 160,000 Korean children sent abroad for adoption.
The final chapter of the book focuses on a tragic event from 1955 - the murder of In-Ho Oh, a Korean student studying in the U.S. The victim was beaten to death by a group of young Black individuals who had been denied entry to a dance at an Episcopal church. The response to this horrific crime was marked by the Christian community in Philadelphia and notable political figures.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
