MEET KATIE HAE LEO
City of current residence:
Rochester, Minnesota. We moved here two years ago, when Gary (my husband) got a job at Mayo Clinic. It’s a nice, small city with a
growing arts scene.
Adoption details:
Holt, August 26, 1972; I came over on a plane with a bunch of other babies. There was an article in the Chicago Sun-Times about it,
with the headline, “Tearful Parents Greet Jet Stork.” I still have the clipping. My Korean name was Boo Hae Ryun, and I was 10 months
old, as far as I know.
How has being a KAD shaped your career?
Being a Korean adoptee has had a huge influence on my career and life. Growing up Asian American and adopted in Indianapolis, I always felt like an outsider. But, I think now that that gave me a unique perspective on the world. I have to admit, I’ve never felt totally “normal,” but now I see that as a strength. And, I think that’s what made me an artist. My writing has always been interested in questions of identity, belonging, and place. As I’ve gotten older and kept growing, the questions have broadened out a bit and moved beyond adoption alone. But, I think my central curiosity about what makes a person who she is remains the same.
Thoughts on the KAD community in MN (and/or nationally/internationally)?
It’s very exciting and a huge honor to be part of the KAD global community. As I said in my opening comments at the recent Parenting As Adoptees book launch, we as a group are constantly inventing ourselves. That’s because there’s never before been a group quite like us. We are artists, academics, teachers, students,
mothers, fathers, lawyers, activists, etc.—so different from the infantilized, tragic orphan story. Every day we are changing the way the broader public—locally, nationally, and internationally—thinks about adoption. We are resisting the narratives that have been passed down to us about who we are and writing our own. And, we are forming coalitions with adoptees outside of the Korean diaspora to rethink the entire project of adoption. I feel very blessed to be part of this community.
Any favorite Korean artists, dramas, movies, etc?
I am soooo out of it when it comes to K-pop, K-drama, K-anything. Uh…I like Steven Yuen on The Walking Dead, does that count? I think his character has moved beyond tired Asian male stereotypes to become an integral member of the cast and viewer favorite. Plus, he’s really cute. I haven’t seen a Korean movie since The Host, which is one of my favorite movies of all time. I tried watching Boys Before Flowers but couldn’t finish it. I got sick of yelling at the computer screen, “Come ON!! Seriously?! Instead of assuming why he did that, why don’t you just ask him?!”
Fave Korean food?
Kimchee chigae. I have a sensitive tummy, and for some reason, kimchee chigae always makes me feel better. I’ve been really impressed by how many of my KAD friends are exceptional cooks when it comes to Korean food. I want to organize a big potluck in Rochester one of these days.
Check out Katie's website: www.katiehaeleo.com
Rochester, Minnesota. We moved here two years ago, when Gary (my husband) got a job at Mayo Clinic. It’s a nice, small city with a
growing arts scene.
Adoption details:
Holt, August 26, 1972; I came over on a plane with a bunch of other babies. There was an article in the Chicago Sun-Times about it,
with the headline, “Tearful Parents Greet Jet Stork.” I still have the clipping. My Korean name was Boo Hae Ryun, and I was 10 months
old, as far as I know.
How has being a KAD shaped your career?
Being a Korean adoptee has had a huge influence on my career and life. Growing up Asian American and adopted in Indianapolis, I always felt like an outsider. But, I think now that that gave me a unique perspective on the world. I have to admit, I’ve never felt totally “normal,” but now I see that as a strength. And, I think that’s what made me an artist. My writing has always been interested in questions of identity, belonging, and place. As I’ve gotten older and kept growing, the questions have broadened out a bit and moved beyond adoption alone. But, I think my central curiosity about what makes a person who she is remains the same.
Thoughts on the KAD community in MN (and/or nationally/internationally)?
It’s very exciting and a huge honor to be part of the KAD global community. As I said in my opening comments at the recent Parenting As Adoptees book launch, we as a group are constantly inventing ourselves. That’s because there’s never before been a group quite like us. We are artists, academics, teachers, students,
mothers, fathers, lawyers, activists, etc.—so different from the infantilized, tragic orphan story. Every day we are changing the way the broader public—locally, nationally, and internationally—thinks about adoption. We are resisting the narratives that have been passed down to us about who we are and writing our own. And, we are forming coalitions with adoptees outside of the Korean diaspora to rethink the entire project of adoption. I feel very blessed to be part of this community.
Any favorite Korean artists, dramas, movies, etc?
I am soooo out of it when it comes to K-pop, K-drama, K-anything. Uh…I like Steven Yuen on The Walking Dead, does that count? I think his character has moved beyond tired Asian male stereotypes to become an integral member of the cast and viewer favorite. Plus, he’s really cute. I haven’t seen a Korean movie since The Host, which is one of my favorite movies of all time. I tried watching Boys Before Flowers but couldn’t finish it. I got sick of yelling at the computer screen, “Come ON!! Seriously?! Instead of assuming why he did that, why don’t you just ask him?!”
Fave Korean food?
Kimchee chigae. I have a sensitive tummy, and for some reason, kimchee chigae always makes me feel better. I’ve been really impressed by how many of my KAD friends are exceptional cooks when it comes to Korean food. I want to organize a big potluck in Rochester one of these days.
Check out Katie's website: www.katiehaeleo.com
