[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…
In Hannah Kim's meticulously researched book, "Ties That Bind," readers embark on a journey through the century-long relationship between the United States and Korea. The narrative begins with Philip Jaisohn, the pioneering Korean-American, and traces the evolution of cross-cultural interactions throughout the 20th century. From the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1910s to the U.S. declaration of war against Japan in 1945, and the post-war period marked by the commencement of international adoptions, the book paints a vivid picture of the intertwined histories of both nations.
A poignant chapter delves into the 1955 murder of In-Ho Oh, a Korean student brutally killed by a group of African-American youths. The subsequent Christian community response in Philadelphia and the involvement of political leaders add depth to the story. Through these personal accounts, the author effectively illustrates the complexities and nuances of the Korean-US relationship, showcasing the impact of cultural exchange on individuals and society at large.
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