G5 Kinsey Stapleton – APIS Korean Class

Through APIS Korean class, Kinsey not only learned the Korean language and culture but also embraced the values of “kindness, empathy, and peace.” These experiences have helped her grow into a global leader who understands, connects with, and cares for others. Watching Kinsey take steady steps forward, both in her personal growth and in her blossoming Korean skills, has been truly heartwarming. We are so proud of how far she has come and excited to see all the wonderful things she will continue to achieve.

G5 Ever Kasmarick – K-pop

Ever shares how K-pop is more than just catchy songs and dances. K-pop teaches valuable Korean cultural values such as respect, dedication, teamwork, and community. Through observing K-pop idols’ years of practice and their strong connection with fans, Ever learned the importance of persistence, supporting others, and working together. K-pop not only spreads Korean culture and language around the world but also inspires meaningful personal growth, making learning both fun and impactful.

G7 Yuki(Caleb) Kunihisa – Korean Food

Caleb learned that through sharing meals, Korean food culture teaches the beauty of giving, the warmth of love, and the spirit of caring for one another. By experiencing traditions like kimchi, he came to feel how food can connect hearts across generations, nurturing both his understanding of Korean culture and his own sense of belonging. His growing love for Korean food also inspired him to deepen his Korean language skills, helping him connect even more closely with the culture he cherishes.

G5 Jameson Chung – Korean History

Jamo reflects on Korea’s colonial history and journey to independence, emphasizing how the nation overcame repeated invasions through perseverance and resilience. Through learning about this part of Korean history, Jamo came to deeply understand the value of persistence and was inspired by the Korean people’s unwavering spirit in the face of hardship. This project was part of a unit focused on learning the values embedded in Korean culture, and Jamo’s video captures his personal takeaway—that even in difficult times, we must not lose hope or give up.

G 8 Kaia Chung – K-pop and my identity

Kaia explored not only the history, impact, and evolving nature of K-pop, but also reflected deeply on its cultural significance and human side. She shared how K-pop began with “SeoTaiji and Boys”, grew through artists like PSY, BTS, and BLACKPINK, and continues to evolve with new generations and global influences. Beyond enjoying the music, Kaia showed a thoughtful awareness of the challenges idols face and emphasized the importance of treating artists with respect and care. Her journey with K-pop has helped her better understand Korean culture and discover her own love for exploring the world through music. It has been wonderful to watch Kaia grow not only in knowledge but also in empathy and global awareness, and we are proud of the thoughtful and passionate learner she is becoming.

G9 Rocco Kasmarick -APIS NPCA Program

Rocco prepared his presentation with excitement, looking forward to participating in the New Pacific Century Academy (NPCA), one of APIS’s signature programs. Through this special visit to the Seoul campus, he hopes to experience Korean culture firsthand, deepen his understanding of the values of respect and community spirit, and strengthen his identity as a future global leader. Rocco’s journey reflects not just a language and cultural exchange, but a meaningful step toward building true global connections and a heart that embraces different cultures. His growing Korean skills and thoughtful reflections make us proud, and we are excited to see how this experience will help him continue to grow.

G12 Elisa Nakai – K-Beaty

Elisa explored the global rise of Korean beauty, tracing its roots from traditional skincare practices in the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties to the modern innovations led by companies like Amorepacific and Dr. Jart+. She explained how Korean beauty emphasizes natural ingredients, innovation, and holistic self-care, evolving from rigid beauty standards to a more diverse and self-expressive culture today. Through her research, Elisa reflected on how the values behind K-beauty—such as patience, confidence, and self-discipline—can positively influence personal growth and behavior.

G9 Cuartero-Majors, Samantha – K-POP

Samanta explores the influence of K-pop in the United States, highlighting how it has given many Americans a sense of recognition, pride, and self-confidence. She emphasizes how influential figures like BTS have helped spread Korean culture globally while delivering messages of hope and resilience. Inspired by these values, Samanta shares her personal commitment to never lose hope, even in difficult times. Although this is her first year studying Korean, her ability to express these thoughtful reflections in Korean shows remarkable growth and progress, demonstrating not only her language development but also her deep emotional connection to the culture.

G11 Katya Learner – MUK BANG

In her Discover Korea video, Katya shares her insights into Korean food culture through the lens of mukbang. Mukbang is a Korean word combining “muk” (eating) and “bang” (broadcast). It refers to live-streamed or recorded videos where hosts eat large amounts of food while interacting with viewers. Through this lesson, she learned that Korean meals are more than just food—they reflect warmth, a deep sense of togetherness, and strong community values. Katya explores how mukbang videos, while entertaining, also offer emotional comfort and a feeling of connection, especially for people eating alone. Her reflection highlights how Korean culture expresses gratitude and affection through shared meals, leaving her with a lasting appreciation for the cultural depth behind eating together.

G10 Rikka Fujimoto – K-Pop

Rikka began learning Korean for the first time this year and has shown remarkable growth. Through her Discover Korea project, she shared how K-POP, especially her favorite group LE SSERAFIM, inspired her passion for Korean language, dance, and culture. Moved by their powerful performances and messages of confidence, resilience, and self-acceptance, Rikka reflected on how K-POP helped her build greater confidence and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. She also explored the history and global spread of K-POP, highlighting how it connects people around the world and embodies key Korean values such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-expression.

G11 Luca Cuniberti, Korean Transportation

Luca highlights how Korea’s transportation system reflects important cultural values such as maximizing citizens’ convenience, efficiency, and speed in daily life. Through the development of extensive high-speed rail networks, an interconnected subway and bus system, and innovative solutions like T-Money cards and bike-sharing services, Korea demonstrates a cultural emphasis on creating fast, seamless, and accessible public transit. This focus not only supports the fast-paced lifestyle of Korean society but also shows a strong commitment to public service, technological advancement, and collective well-being.

G10 Seira Tokitsu – K-pop

Seira explored the development of K-pop from its early beginnings with Seo Taiji and Boys to its global influence today, highlighting its unique blend of music, dance, and cultural connection. Through K-pop, Seira discovered a new sense of creativity, identity, and confidence, especially inspired by her favorite group, ENHYPEN. For Seira, K-pop is more than just music; it is a powerful form of self-expression and emotional support, with messages of hope and perseverance that have deeply impacted her personal growth.

G11 Jared Fishers, Korean Delivery Culture

Jared explores the speed and efficiency of Korea’s unique delivery culture. Starting from its historical roots in the Joseon Dynasty to today’s fast-paced modern systems, he explains how Korea’s delivery service reflects a national value of maximizing time, money, and efficiency. Through this topic, Jared not only learned about an important aspect of daily Korean life, but also internalized the value of productivity. Inspired by this, he now applies the same mindset to his own life—managing his time more effectively, finishing tasks quickly, and striving to be more diligent and responsible in both school and personal pursuits.

G10 Jacob Walker , Tae Kwon Do

Through his Taekwondo presentation, Jacob discovered that Taekwondo is more than just a martial art—it is a powerful symbol of Korean culture. While researching and preparing, he deepened his understanding of key Korean values such as respect, perseverance, and self-discipline. He also showed significant growth in his Korean language skills and cultural awareness, confidently organizing and presenting his ideas in Korean. Most importantly, Jacob realized that Taekwondo represents Korea’s identity and tradition on a global stage, and this experience strengthened his appreciation and respect for Korean culture.