The following is a list of notableKorean Americans , including original immigrants who obtained American citizenship and their American descendants.
To be included in this list, the person must have a Wikipedia article showing they are Korean American or must have references showing they are Korean American and are notable.
Dana Tai Soon Burgess , choreographer, cultural figureRichard Chai , fashion designerFrank Cho , comic book artist (Spider-Man ,The NewAvengers ), writer, and creator (Liberty Meadows )David Choe , abstract artistMichael Choi , comic book artist (Witchblade ,X-23 andX-Force )Doo-Ri Chung ,fashion designer Peter Chung ,animator , creator ofcult animated TV seriesÆon Flux CYJO (Cindy Hwang), photographer, "KYOPO project"Dennis Hwang , artist,Google doodler , game designer and artist ofPokémon Go Derek Kirk Kim , cartoonist and author of critically acclaimed graphic novelSame Difference and Other Stories Nic Cha Kim , founder ofGallery Row in Downtown Los AngelesScott Kim , puzzlemaster, artist, computer game designerYu Yeon Kim , curator of artGrace La , designer, principal of La Dallman, professor of architecture,Harvard University Graduate School of Design Il Lee , artistJae Lee , comic book artist (Namor the Sub-Mariner ,Inhumans )Jim Lee , best-selling comic book artist (X-Men ,Batman ,Superman ) and co-creator (Gen13 ,WildC.A.T.s ); co-founder ofImage Comics ; publisher andchief creative officer ofDC Comics Lela Lee , actress and cartoonist, creator of the comic strip and animated cartoonsKim ,the Angry Little Asian Girl andAngry Little Girls [ 1] Jiha Moon , artistNam June Paik , Korean-born artist; father ofvideo art Greg Pak , writer, director, actor (Robot Stories )Andy Park , comic book artist (Tomb Raider ,X-Men )Peter Shin , a director ofFamily Guy Peter Sohn , animator atPixar Animation Studios (The Good Dinosaur ,Elemental )Amy Sol , contemporary artist based inLas Vegas, Nevada [ 2] Tommy Yune , comic book writer and artist (Speed Racer ,Robotech ) and animation director (Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles )Nelson Chai , investment banker and former CFO of theNew York Stock Exchange Do Won Chang , founder ofForever 21 Charlotte Cho , esthetician, author and co-founder ofSoko Glam Timothy Hwang , founder and CEO ofFiscalNote and president of the National Youth Association (NYA)Sabrina Kay , founder and chancellor ofFremont College [ 3] David Kim , former CEO ofBaja Fresh Daniel J. Kim , founder ofRed Mango James Kim , founder ofAmkor Richard Park , entrepreneur and physician, founder and CEO of urgent care company,CityMD Jim Kim , founder of venture capital firmFormation 8 Moon Kook-jin , founder ofKahr Arms , manufacturer of theDesert Eagle Brian Lee , co-founder ofLegalzoom.com ,ShoeDazzle.com , andThe Honest Company Chong Moon Lee , founder ofDiamond Multimedia Curtis Lee , founder and CEO ofLuxe David Lee , real estate developerKewsong Lee , CEO ofThe Carlyle Group Young Lee , co-founder ofPinkberry Thai Lee , CEO and president ofSHI International , billionaire[ 4] Ilhan New , founder ofLa Choy Jane Park , founder ofJulep , cosmetics company[ 5] James Park , founder and CEO ofFitbit [ 6] Sung Won Sohn , professor of economics at California State University, former president of LA Hanmi BankDaewon Song , co-founder ofAlmost Skateboards [ 7] James Sun , CEO and founder of GeoPage.com;The Apprentice finalistLisa Song Sutton , businesswoman, attorney, former Miss Nevada United States and former congressional candidate[ 8] [ 9] Gideon Yu , co-owner of theSan Francisco 49ers and Executive Chairman and CEO ofBowers & Wilkins Richard Yoo , founder and former CEO ofRackspace Community leaders and activists [ edit ] Ahn Changho , early 20th century immigrant community activist and leader, member ofKorean independence movement Kenneth Bae , imprisoned by North Korea for human rights activityEmil J. Kang , non-profit arts administrator, curator, professor. Youngest president and first Asian-American to head a major symphony orchestra. First Korean-American to be nominated by the president of the United States for membership in the National Council on the ArtsNational Endowment for the Arts Angela E. Oh , attorney and social/political activist best known for her role as spokesperson for the Korean American community after the1992 Los Angeles Riots and her position on PresidentBill Clinton 'sOne America Initiative Park Yong-man , early 20th century immigrant community activist, member ofKorean independence movement Song Oh-kyun ,Korean independence activist (originally fromPyongyang, North Korea )Song Yi-kyun ,Korean independence activist and aviator (originally fromPyongyang, North Korea )Danny Bowien , chef and owner of Mission Chinese Food in San Francisco and New YorkDavid Chang , chef, owner of Momofuku Noodle Bar, Momofuku Ko and Momofuku Ssäm Bar in New York CityRoy Choi , co-founder and head chef ofKogi Korean BBQ food trucks and restaurants inLos Angeles Judy Joo , chef, owner of Jinjuu Restaurant (London and Hong Kong) Iron Chef onIron Chef UK ; judge onIron Chef America andThe Next Iron Chef ; host ofKorean Food Made Simple Cooking Channel; judge on Kitchen InfernoAnn Kim , chef and co-owner of Young Joni and popular pizzerias in Minneapolis, MinnesotaBeverly Kim , finalist onTop Chef (Season 9); first winner ofTop Chef Last Chance Kitchen ; chef-owner of Parachute, Chicago, IllinoisKristen Kish , winner ofTop Chef (Season 10); chef at Stir, Boston, MassachusettsCorey Lee , chef-owner ofMichelin -starredBenu inSan Francisco ; former head chef atThe French Laundry Edward Lee , contestant onTop Chef (season 9); host of television showCulinary Genius Maangchi (Emily Kim, 김광숙), author, popularizer of Korean cuisine and its preparationPhilip Ahn , actorRalph Ahn , actorAmy Anderson , stand up comedian and actressAubrey Anderson-Emmons , actress (Modern Family )Fred Armisen , actor, comedianAwkwafina , also known as Nora Lum, rapper, actress and comedian of Chinese and Korean descentNicole Bilderback , actressMoon Bloodgood , actressJohnny Yong Bosch , actor, best known asAdam Park inPower Rangers Steve Byrne , comedian, actorTheresa Hak Kyung Cha , author, video and filmmakerKatie Chang , actressTimothy Chang , comedian and actorKaren Chee , comedian and comedy writer,Late Night with Seth Meyers Arden Cho , actress,Teen Wolf Henry Cho , comedian and actorJohn Cho , actor born inSeoul, South Korea and raised inLos Angeles, California he appeared in theAmerican Pie franchise andHarold & Kumar Go to White Castle as well as theStar Trek reboot series asHikaru Sulu ; singer for the groupLeft of zed Margaret Cho , comedian, former star of thetelevision sitcom All American Girl Smith Cho , actressSungWon Cho , actor, voice actor andYouTuber Kelly Choi , model, television presenterKenneth Choi , actorJustin Chon , actorDaniel Chun , writer, co-producer (The Simpsons )Charlet Chung , actress and voice actressJamie Chung , actressPhilip W. Chung , playwright, founder and Artistic Director ofLodestone Theatre Ensemble Morena Corwin , model andPlayboy playmatePiper Curda , actress and singerJoy Dietrich , film directorMichaela Dietz , voice actress (Steven Universe )Joanna Gaines , star ofFixer Upper Tati Gabrielle , actressJon Gosselin , father ofsextuplets ; a subject of the reality showJon & Kate Plus 8 Mark Fischbach (Markiplier), YouTuber and actorBong Soo Han , "father of AmericanHapkido "; choreographed and performed in the fight scenes ofBilly Jack Daniel Henney , model, actor in South KoreaGene Hong , producer, writer, and actor onWild 'N Out Chanel Iman , modelKen Jeong , comedian, actorGrace Jung , comedian, writer and directorJoseph Kahn , music video and movie directorAngela Kang , television showrunner, producer, and writerMichael Kang , writer/director (The Motel ,West 32nd )Sung Kang , actor (The Motel ,Better Luck Tomorrow ,The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift )Tim Kang , actor (The Mentalist )Alan Kim , actor, youngest nominee forBAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role Catherine Haena Kim , actress and modelDaniel Dae Kim , actorEvan C. Kim , actor, best known for his role in the 1977John Landis comedyThe Kentucky Fried Movie Grace Kim ,Playboy playmateIrene Kim , model and fashion designerJacqueline Kim , actressRandall Duk Kim , actorYunjin Kim , actressEsther Ku , comedianYul Kwon , contestant onSurvivor: Cook Islands Alexander Sebastien Lee , actor, filmmakerAlice Lee , actressBecky Lee , contestant onSurvivor: Cook Islands Bobby Lee , comedian, actor, podcasterC.S. Lee , actorChris Chan Lee , filmmakerKi Hong Lee , actor (The Maze Runner )James Kyson Lee , actorLee Ji-ah , actressJustin Lee , actorLela Lee , actress and cartoonist[ 1] Liz Lee , actress,My Life as Liz Patricia Ja Lee , actress, best known asCassie Chan inPower Rangers Raymond Lee , actor (Quantum Leap (2022 TV series) )Rex Lee , actor (Entourage )Stephanie Lee , actress and modelSung-Hi Lee , model who appears mostly in soft-core nude photoshoots[ 10] Will Yun Lee , actor (Die Another Day )Ma Dong-seok , actorCharles Melton , actor (Riverdale ,The Sun Is Also a Star )Mike Moh , actor, martial artist, stuntman (Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight )Leonardo Nam , actorRicky Lee Neely , actorSoon Hee Newbold , filmmaker, actress, martial artistDennis Oh , actorSandra Oh , actressSoon-Tek Oh , actorDennis Joseph O'Neil , model and actorJoy Osmanski , actressHettienne Park , actress (Hannibal )Ho Sung Pak , actor,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles , Liu Kang and Shang Tsung inMortal Kombat Grace Park , actress,Battlestar Galactica Joon Park , actorLinda Park , Korean-born actress (Enterprise )Randall Park , actor (Fresh Off the Boat )Soo Joo Park , modelSteve Park , actor (In Living Color )Sydney Park , actress (Spork ,Instant Mom ,The Walking Dead ,Spirit Riding Free ,Wish Upon ,Lifeline ,Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists )Soon-Yi Previn , actress; wife ofWoody Allen ; adoptive daughter of Mia FarrowLindsay Price , television actressPhillip Rhee , actor (Best of the Best movies), Tae Kwon Do andHapkido masterEddie Shin , actorKeong Sim , actorSonja Sohn , actressStephen Sohn , modelJames Sun , first runner-up,The Apprentice 6 Brian Tee , actor (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift )Jenna Ushkowitz , actress and singer (Glee )Suzanne Whang , host of HGTV'sHouse Hunters , Polly on NBC'sLas Vegas , award-winning stand-up comedianJoe Wong , comedianEugene Lee Yang , filmmaker, actor, and co-creator of the online comedy seriesThe Try Guys Niki Yang , animator, writer, storyboard artist and voice actressHan Ye-seul , actressSteven Yeun , actor (The Walking Dead )Aaron Yoo , actor (Disturbia )Christine Yoo , scriptwriter and director ofWedding Palace Ji-young Yoo , actress (Expats )Johnny Yune , comedian and actor (They Call Me Bruce? )Karl Yune , model and actor (Memoirs of a Geisha ,Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid , brother of Rick Yune)Rick Yune , model and actor (Die Another Day ,The Fast and the Furious )Lee Sung Jin , writer and directorVirginia Cha ,CNN News anchorJuju Chang ,ABC News anchor and reporterAlina Cho ,CNN News correspondentLiz Cho ,ABC News anchor and reporterSophia Choi , formerCNN Headline News anchor, now atKVBC-DT Sarah Jeong , journalist specializing ininformation technology law and other technology-related topics; former member of the editorial board ofThe New York Times Jay Caspian Kang ,Vice News Tonight correspondentArnold Kim , founder ofMacRumors James Kim , former senior editor at CNETLee Ann Kim , anchor and reporter forKGTV ; executive director of theSan Diego Asian Film Festival Lisa Kim ,NBC News news anchor for NBC11Michael Kim ,ESPN anchorSeung Min Kim ,White House correspondent forThe Washington Post Mina Kimes ,ESPN JournalistKyung Lah ,CNN News correspondentJean H. Lee , formerAssociated Press bureau chief inSeoul andPyongyang Michelle Ye Hee Lee ,The Washington Post reporter and current president of theAsian American Journalists Association MJ Lee ,CNN News political correspondentCorina Knoll ,Los Angeles Times reporterSuchin Pak ,MTV News anchor and reporterAmara Sohn-Walker ,CNN News correspondentEun Yang , NBC4/WRC-TV News anchor and reporter, Washington, DC[ 11] Paula Yoo , journalist, children's and young adult's author, and television screenwriterEunice Yoon , China Bureau Chief and Senior Correspondent forCNBC Phil Yu , founder and owner of theAngry Asian Man blogYoung Jean Lee , New York Times writerJudgeHerbert Choy , appointed to theU.S Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ; first Asian American appointed to the federal bench Julie J. Chung , diplomat, ActingAssistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs JudgeMichael Hun Park ,United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit JudgeKenneth K. Lee ,United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Wendy Lee Gramm , former head of theCommodity Futures Trading Commission and theOffice of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA); wife of former United States SenatorPhil Gramm Yumi Hogan ,First Lady of the State of Maryland ; first Korean American first lady of aU.S. state and the firstAsian American first lady in the history of MarylandBJ Kang , FBI agent, lead investigator of insider trading case againstRaj Rajaratnam Young Woo Kang , policy advisor of the National Council on Disability of the US White House in 2001Michael Kim , trial lawyerHarold Hongju Koh , dean ofYale Law School and former AssistantSecretary of State during the Clinton administrationLucy H. Koh , judge, US District Court for the Northern District of California, appointed 2010Ronald Moon , Chief Justice of the Hawai'i Supreme CourtAnnabel Park , founder ofCoffee Party USA Meroe Park , associate deputy director of theCentral Intelligence Agency from 2013 to 2017John Yoo ,Berkeley lawprofessor and former DeputyAttorney General in theUnited States Department of Justice Sung Kim ,US Ambassador to the Philippines Martha Choe , city councilmember in SeattleJohn Choi , county attorney ofRamsey County, Minnesota and formerSaint Paul City AttorneyJun Choi , former mayor of Edison, New JerseyDr.Steven Choi Ph.D,California State Assemblyman ,68th District Christopher Chung , the first elected mayor ofPalisades Park, New Jersey , where Koreans constitute the majority of the population[ 12] Jake Fitisemanu , member of theUtah House of Representatives (2025–present)Helen Gym , member of the Philadelphia City Council (2016-2022), first Asian American woman to be elected to the position in the cityMary Hayashi , member of the California State Assembly (2006–2012)Soo Hong , Republican member of Georgia's State House of Representatives, first Korean American woman elected to Georgia's General Assembly, representing the 103rd district (2023–present)Hoon-Yung Hopgood , member of Michigan State House of Representatives, first Korean American elected to public office in MichiganSukhee Kang , former Mayor ofIrvine, California Mark L. Keam , member of the Virginia House of Delegates (2010–2022)Andy Kim , Democratic United States senator fromNew Jersey , first Korean American elected in theUnited States Senate . Former Congressman fromNew Jersey's 3rd congressional district (2019-2024), US diplomat and national security officialHarry Kim , former Mayor ofHawaii County Jane Kim , Supervisor inSan Francisco Jay Kim , former Republican Congressman fromCalifornia (1993-1999), first Korean American elected in theUnited States Congress Patty Kim , State Representative ofPennsylvania Ron Kim , first Korean American elected in theNew York State Assembly (2013–present)Tammy Kim , former Vice Mayor ofIrvine, California Young Kim , Republican Congresswoman fromCalifornia's 40th congressional district (2021–present)Sylvia Luke , lieutenant governor ofHawaii , first Korean American elected to a statewide office in the U.S.A.Dave Min , Democratic Congressman fromCalifornia's 47th congressional district (2025–present), former state senator for California's 37th senate district (2020–2025)David Oh , member of thePhiladelphia City Council (2012-2023), first Asian American to be elected to the position in the citySam Park , Democratic member of Georgia's State House of Representatives, first Korean American and the first openly gay person of color elected to Georgia's General Assembly, representing the 101st District (2017–present)Maria Robinson , Director of the Grid Deployment Office (2022– 2025), member ofMassachusetts House of Representatives , representing the 6th Middlesex District (2019–2022), first Korean-American to be elected to theGeneral Court of Massachusetts Cindy Ryu ,Washington House of Representatives , first female Korean American Mayor in the United States (Shoreline )David Ryu , first Korean American elected to the Los Angeles City Council (2015–2020)Paull Shin , formerWashington state senator (1999-2014); Korean adopteeAnna Song , trustee on the Santa Clara County Office of EducationMichelle Steel , Republican Congresswoman fromCalifornia's 48th congressional district (2021–2025)Marilyn Strickland , Democratic Congresswoman fromWashington's 10th congressional district (2021–present)Leezah Sun , member of the Arizona House of Representatives (2023–2024)Julie Won , New York City Councilor (2022–Pres)Sam Yoon , Boston City Councillor (2005–2009), first Asian American to be elected to the position in the citySeeKorean American writers for a more extensive list.
Matthew J. Baek , illustrator, children's book author, and graphic designerSteph Cha , novelistLeonard Chang , novelist, short story and TV writerAlexander Chee , fiction writer, poet, journalist, and reviewerJulia Cho , playwright and television writerKah Kyung Cho , philosopher and writerFranny Choi , poetMary H.K. Choi , authorSook Nyul Choi , children's storybook writerSusan Choi , novelistHeinz Insu Fenkl , novelist, folklorist, and translatorJenny Han , author of children's and young adult novels, including the 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before Series'Lee Herrick , poetEuny Hong , journalist and author ofThe Birth of Korean Cool: How One Nation is Conquering the World through Pop Culture Hyun Yi Kang , scholar and writerMinsoo Kang , historian and writerYounghill Kang , early Asian American writer; has been called "the father of Korean American literature"Crystal Hana Kim , authorElaine H. Kim , writer, editor and professor in Asian American StudiesElizabeth Kim , journalist and novelistEugenia Kim , authorMike Kim , authorMyung Mi Kim , poetNancy Kim , author, lawyerRichard E. Kim , author, professor of literatureSuki Kim , author, investigative journalist, novelistSuji Kwock Kim , poet, playwright, author ofNotes From The Divided Country Corina Knoll , editor, journalistCecilia Hae-Jin Lee , writer and artistR. O. Kwon , authorDon Lee , author, editorEd Bok Lee , poet, writerMin Jin Lee , novelistMary Paik Lee , author of Quiet Odyssey(1990)Walter K. Lew , poet and scholarNami Mun , novelistGary Pak , writer, editor and professor of English, noted as one of the most important Asian Hawaiian writersLinda Sue Park , American-born writerRonyoung Kim , novelistT. K. Seung , philosopher and literary criticCathy Song , poetJane Jeong Trenka , author ofThe Language of Blood Monica Youn , poet, National Book Award finalistYoung Jean Lee , playwright and directorJi-Yeon Yuh , reporter, writer, editor and professor in Asian American historyJoAnne S. Bass , 19thChief Master Sergeant of the Air Force , first female senior enlisted service member of any United States military branch, first Asian American to hold the senior enlisted position in the Air ForceDan Choi , U.S. Army officer and gay rights activistSusan Ahn Cuddy , first femalegunnery officer in theUnited States Navy Major Gen.Sharon K.G. Dunbar , Commander of the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW); Commander of the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing, headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland Jeff Hwang , U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and 1999 winner ofMackay Trophy Andrew Kim , former head of CIA's Korea Mission CenterRichard C. Kim , U.S. Army brigadier general, Deputy Commander ofUnited States Army North ColonelYoung-Oak Kim , highly decoratedU.S. Army combat veteran ofWorld War II and theKorean War ; first non-white to command an Army combatbattalion in US history Fred Ohr , World War II ace fighter pilotPeter M. Rhee , trauma surgeon and military veteran[ 13] Sue Mi Terry , CIA intelligence analyst specializing in East Asia1nonly , rapperAhn Trio ,Juilliard -educated classical music trio, featured in print and television ads for GapPriscilla Ahn , alternative/folk singerAilee , singer based in South KoreaAleXa , singer based in South KoreaAmerie , R&B singer-songwriter, actress[ 14] Anderson Paak , singer, rapper and multi-instrumentalistAaron Kwak , also known as Aron, member of South Korean boy bandNU'EST BoyWithUke (Charley Yang), singer and social media personality.Sarah Chang , classical violinist and recipient of theAvery Fisher Prize [ 15] Arden Cho , model, actress who also displays her singing and songwriting talents on YouTubeDavid Choi , singer-songwriter and YouTube sensationJae Chong , music producer, formerly of R&B group SolidClara Chung , singerDumbfoundead , rapper Jonathan Edgar ParkDia Frampton , musician, younger sister ofMeg Frampton Meg Frampton , musician, older sister ofDia Frampton Shinik Hahm , conductor, professorJoe Hahn , founding member ofalternative rock bandLinkin Park , multi-platinum andGrammy Award winner[ 16] Heejun Han , singer andAmerican Idol finalist (season 11)Laine Hardy , singer andAmerican Idol winner (season 17)Hei-Kyung Hong , soprano with The Metropolitan Opera CompanyJoshua Hong , singer, and member of South Korean boy groupSeventeen Huh Yunjin , singer and member of South Korean girl groupLe Sserafim Huening Kai , singer and member of South Korean boy bandTomorrow X Together Huening Bahiyyih, singer and member of South Korean girl groupKep1er Kim Samuel , former Produce 101 Contestant & SoloistDanny Im , member of South Korean hip hop group1TYM , R&B singer based in South KoreaYuna Ito , Korean-Japanese, American-bornJ-pop singer and actressJessi , singer and rapperBrian Joo , member of South Korean duoFly to the Sky , R&B singer based in South KoreaJessica Jung , singer, musical actress of the South Korean version ofLegally Blonde: The Musical ; former member of groupGirls' Generation ; sister of Krystal JungKrystal Jung , singer, dancer, actress, model; member of South Korean groupf(x) ; sister of Jessica JungNicole Jung , singer, dancer, rapper and former member ofKARA Crystal Kay ,J-pop (Zainichi Korean ) singer[ 17] David Kim , concertmaster of the Philadelphia OrchestraDennis Kim , concertmaster of the Pacific Symphony OrchestraEun Sun Kim , conductor of the San Francisco OperaEarl Kim , pianist and composer;Harvard University professorEli Kim , member of South Korean boy bandU-KISS George Han Kim (also known as Johan Kim), singer and member of former R&B group SolidPaul Kim , classical pianistRebecca Kim , rapper, ex-member of bandAfter School Stephanie Kim , singer, dancer and member of South Korean girl groupThe Grace Soovin Kim , violinist from New York CityAndy Lee , singer, actor, and member of South Korean boy bandShinhwa JinJoo Lee , guitarist and member ofDNCE .Kodi Lee , pianist and singer-songwriterMegan Lee , singer, actressSean Lee , violinist, four-season concertmaster and teaching assistant atJuilliard Sunny Lee , singer, radio host, member of South Korean groupGirls' Generation Kevin Kwan Loucks , pianist and arts entrepreneurNancy McDonie , singer and member of South Korean groupMomoland Lucia Micarelli , violinistEric Mun , rapper, actor and leader/member of South Korean boy bandShinhwa John Myung ,bass guitar player ofprogressive metal bandDream Theater [ 18] Eric Nam , singer and TV host based in South KoreaSoon Hee Newbold , composer, conductor and violinistKaren O , lead singer of theYeah Yeah Yeahs Eugene Park , electric violinist in South KoreaJae Park , singer-songwriter, composer, and former guitarist for South Korean bandDay6 Jay Park ,hip hop singer, rapper, b-boy, dancer, and former ex leader of2PM John Park , singer and first runner up ofSuperstar K2 , Korean version ofAmerican Idol , semi-finalist on American Idol.Park Joon-hyung , rapper and leader/member of South Korean pop groupg.o.d Lena Park , K-pop,R&B singer, songwriter, composerMike Park , ska and punk musician, founder ofAsian Man Records [ 19] Teddy Park , member of1TYM , singer/rapper/producer based in South Korea.Todd Park Mohr , lead vocals/guitars/keyboards/saxophone ofBig Head Todd and the Monsters Peniel Shin , rapper, and member of South Korean boy groupBTOB Son Hoyoung , singer and member of South Korean pop groupg.o.d Susie Suh , singer-songwriter, signed withEpic Records [ 20] T (Tasha Reid), R&B singer based in South KoreaNosaj Thing (Jason Chung),electronic musician Tiger JK , musicianTim , R&B singer based in South KoreaTokimonsta (Jennifer Lee), electronic music artist, producer, and DJKevin Woo , singer, dancer and member of South Korean Boy BandU-KISS Kiki Wong , guitarist ofSmashing Pumpkins Yaeji Lee , singer, producer, and DJSteve Seung-Jun Yoo , singer and dancer formerly based in South KoreaScott Yoo , conductor, host ofNow hear this on the PBS network.Tiffany Young , singer, musical actressFame as Carmen Diaz; member of South Korean groupGirls' Generation Michelle Zauner , singer and songwriter who performs under the nameJapanese Breakfast Su Bong ,Soen Sa Nim in theKwan Um School of Zen and the designated heir ofSeung Sahn 's lineagePeter Ahn , translator of theNew American Standard Bible Eugene Cho , President ofBread for the World Hae Jong Kim ,Bishop of theUnited Methodist Church Julius Kim , President ofThe Gospel Coalition Walter Kim , President ofNational Association of Evangelicals James A. Lee , President ofSouthern Reformed College and Seminary Michael Oh , CEO ofLausanne Committee for World Evangelization Andrew S. Park , theologianAngela Warnick Buchdahl , rabbi Science, technology and education[ edit ] Tae-Ung Baik , professor of law at the University of Hawaii ManoaWilliam S. Richardson School of Law ; legal scholar of international human rights law and Korean lawVictor Cha , professor in Asian studies, former Director for Asian Affairs in the White House's National Security CouncilDennis Choi , neuroscientist at Emory University, member of theInstitute of Medicine of the National Academies, former executive vice president for neuroscience atMerck , former chairman of the department of neurology atWashington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Howard Choi ,spinal cord injury specialistEsther Choo , emergency physician and professor at theOregon Health & Science University John Chun , designer ofAC Cobra andShelby Mustang GT350 and GT500 models;Tonka Toys designer[ 21] Jefferson Han , one of the main developers of "multi-touch sensing" technology, owner ofPerceptive Pixel companyMoo-Young Han , physicistDennis Hong , professor and the founding director of RoMeLa (Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory) of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department at UCLA[ 22] Waun Ki Hong , Division Head and Professor at theUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and pioneer in field of cancerchemoprevention and cancer medicine.[ 23] [ 24] Hyun Yi Kang , scholar and writer; chair of Women's Studies and Associate Professor in Comparative Literature and English at University of California, IrvineMinsoo Kang , historian and writer atUniversity of Missouri Sung-Mo "Steve" Kang , chancellor ofUniversity of California, Merced ; former professor of electrical and computer engineering at various institutionsLarry Kwak , world-renowned physician and scientist who has pioneered breakthrough innovations in immunology and cancer vaccines; and named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2010.[ 25] Jaegwon Kim , William Herbert Perry Faunce Professor of Philosophy atBrown University Jeong H. Kim , president ofBell Labs Jim Yong Kim , Francois Xavier Bagnoud Professor Health and Human Rights at Harvard University; former director of HIV/AIDS at theWorld Health Organization ; 17th president ofDartmouth College ; president of theWorld Bank June Huh , 2022 Fields medalist mathematician, professor atPrinceton University Peter S. Kim , president ofMerck , formerMIT -Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research biochemist, member ofNational Academy of Sciences Howard Koh , professor of the Practice of Public Health; associate dean for Public Health Practice at theHarvard School of Public Health ; former Massachusetts Commissioner of Public HealthBandy X. Lee , psychiatrist withYale University and the co-author of the book,The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump Benjamin W. Lee , theoretical physicist (influenced development of theStandard Model )Chang-Rae Lee , professor of creative writing at Princeton University; novelistJung-Min Lee , oncologist at theNational Cancer Institute David Oh , NASA engineer and lead flight director of theMars Curiosity rover [ 26] Andrew S. Park , Methodist theologianGary Pak , professor of English atUniversity of Hawaii at Mānoa ; one of the most important Asian Hawaiian writersNo-Hee Park , Dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of California, Los Angeles.Mark L. Polansky , NASA astronautMichelle Rhee , former chancellor ofDistrict of Columbia Public Schools ; education reform advocateSebastian Seung , computational neuroscientist, brain and cognitive sciences professor at MIT, and author ofConnectomes Nam-Pyo Suh , doctor of engineering of Carnegie Mellon University, 14th president of KAIST in South KoreaJeannie Suk , assistant professor of law at Harvard Law School; award-winning writerMeredith Jung-En Woo , dean of the college and graduate school of arts and sciences at the University of Virginia, professor of political science and Korean studiesJi-Yeon Yuh , professor in Asian American history and Asian diasporas at the Northwestern UniversityJoon Yun , radiologist; founder of Palo Alto InstituteKenny Allen Former NFL player; Father is from KoreaDarwin Barney , MLB player; grandfather is from Korea and grandmother is from JapanMarissa Brandt , Olympic ice hockey playerEugene Chung , formerNFL player, first Korean American to be drafted in the 1st round, playedoffensive line Rich Cho , NBA executive, Vice President of Basketball Strategy ofMemphis Grizzlies Simon Cho , Olympic speed skater; won the bronze medal in men's 5000 meter relay at the 2010 Vancouver GamesJohn Choi , e-sports playerScott Coker , former mixed martial arts founder and businessman forStrikeforce andBellator MMA Hank Conger , MLB playerLavi Crain ,artistic gymnast , mother is from Korea[ 27] Emily Cross , Olympic fencer; won the silver medal in foil team at the 2008 Beijing GamesToby Dawson , Olympic skier, won the bronze medal in men's freestyle skiing at the 2006 Torino GamesBill Demong , Olympic skier; mother is half Korean[ 28] Marcus Demps , American football playerWill Demps , American football playerDane Dunning , MLB PlayerJake Dunning , MLB playerTommy Edman , MLB player, mother is from Korea.Tom Farden , head coach of theUtah Red Rocks Marcus Freeman , head coach of Notre Dame Football, former NFL playerJames Hahn , professional golferKyle Hamilton , First-team All-American Notre Dame football playerBenson Henderson , mixed martial artist, formerUFC lightweight championSam Howell , American football quarterbackJohn Huh , professional golferVicky Hurst , professional golferAnthony Kim , professional golferChloe Kim , elite snowboarder, Winter X Games gold medalist (superpipe, 2015) Olympic gold medalist (halfpipe, 2018)[ 29] Christina Kim , professional golferKevin Kim , tennis playerJessica Pegula , tennis player; daughter ofTerry andKim Pegula Kim Pegula , businesswoman and co-owner ofPegula Sports and Entertainment (Buffalo Bills ,Buffalo Sabres , and other teams) alongside her husband Terry; born in Seoul and adopted by an American family at age 5Younghoe Koo , American football playerTae Man Kwon , Hapkido Grand Master; 9th degree Black BeltAlison Lee , professional golferBrandun Lee , professional boxerJeanette Lee , pool player, nicknamed "The Black Widow" for her tendency to wear black[ 30] John Lee , former football playerSammy Lee , diver, first American-born male Asian Olympic gold medalistDavid Lipsky , professional golfer; mother is from KoreaMoon Tae-jong , professional basketball playerKyler Murray ,NFL quarterbackKevin Na , professional golferNaomi Nari Nam , figure skaterJim Paek , NHL hockey playerAngela Park , professional golferJane Park , professional golferRichard Park , NHL playerB.J. Penn , mixed martial artist and formerUFC lightweight and welterweight championCasey Phair , South Korean professional footballerRob Refsnyder , MLB player; born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted by a couple from Southern California when he was five months old.Jhoon Rhee ,taekwondo master and entrepreneurTerrmel Sledge , MLB playerDaewon Song , professional skateboarderSonya Thomas , aka "Black Widow," competitive eater, holder of 29 world titlesHines Ward , football player,MVP ofSuper Bowl XL Michelle Wie West , professional golferAlex Yi , soccer playerAriane Andrew also known as Cameron, professional wrestlerMia Yim also known as Jade, professional wrestlerJames Yun , professional wrestlerBen Leber , NFL Linebacker^a b Lela Lee –[1] "I am Korean American. My parents immigrated and I was born here. I was actually the only daughter to be born in the U.S. I grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles, an hour east of Los Angeles. When I grew up, there were probably two other Asian families and we were made fun of. They would say, "Oh are you Chinese?" And I would say, "No." And they would say, "Are you Japanese?" And I would say, "No." And they would say, "Well, what are you then?" I would say, "I'm Korean" and they would say, "Where is that?" My parents were probably part of the first influx of Koreans to come to the U.S. at that time in the early 70s."^ "Myartspace>blog: Art Space Talk: Amy Sol" . Archived fromthe original on October 7, 2008. RetrievedJuly 3, 2008 .^ "Turning Adversity into Opportunity - YPO" .Ypo.org . October 6, 2014. RetrievedMay 27, 2018 .^ "Thai Lee Owns America's Largest Woman-Owned Business: Forbes" .KoreAm . Archived fromthe original on June 15, 2015.^ "Jane Park Co Founder (Julep)" .Startupgrind.com . RetrievedMay 27, 2018 .^ "Fitbit's launch in Korea a big step for company" .Korea JoongAng Daily . January 22, 2014.^ " "Dr. Chef" Jay Lee hopes his Ribsticks BBQ restaurant smokes the competition" .Cleveland.com . December 27, 2016. RetrievedMay 27, 2018 .^ Solis, Jacob (July 29, 2019)."Former Miss Nevada enters race for 4th Congressional District" . The Nevada Independent. RetrievedJuly 29, 2019 . ^ Fouriezos, Nick (January 27, 2020)."FROM SIN CITY MODEL TO GOP CONGRESSWOMAN?" .OZY . RetrievedAugust 30, 2021 . ^ Sung-Hi Lee –[2] Archived August 20, 2006, at theWayback Machine "Korean hottie Sung Hi Lee"^ "Eun Yang" .NBC4 Washington . October 13, 2008.^ Kristie Cattafi (January 3, 2019)."Palisades Park makes history in Bergen County, swears in first Korean-American mayor" . NorthJersey.com - part of the USA Today network. RetrievedJanuary 31, 2019 . ^ "The Making of Peter Rhee" .KoreAm . Archived fromthe original on August 6, 2015.^ "AskMen.com - Amerie" . Archived fromthe original on May 10, 2006. RetrievedMay 21, 2006 .^ "[v.5] SM CLUB USA" . Archived fromthe original on April 28, 2006. RetrievedMay 21, 2006 . "Meanwhile, under the subtitle “Becoming a World-Famous Violinist,” the unit also pays tribute to Korean-American violinist Sarah Chang..."^ "Archived copy" . Archived fromthe original on May 8, 2006. RetrievedMay 21, 2006 .{{cite web }}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link ) "Hahn, a Korean American..."^ "Sound Decision - Greeting(s)" .Animenewsnetwork.com . RetrievedMay 27, 2018 .^ "MetaKorean » Korean American Community » Interview with John Myung, Korean Poker Pro" . January 18, 2006. Archived fromthe original on January 18, 2006. RetrievedMay 27, 2018 .^ "Home" .Kaffeinebuzz.com .^ "San Francisco Observer:For Emerging Korean-American Singer Susie Suh, Songs are Like Tattoos" . Archived fromthe original on October 26, 2007. RetrievedMay 21, 2006 . "For Emerging Korean-American Singer Susie Suh, Songs are Like Tattoos"^ Walsh, Paul (July 18, 2013)."Obituary: John Chun, design wizard behind the Mustang Shelby sports car" .Star Tribune . RetrievedJuly 30, 2013 . ^ "Dr. Dennis Hong - RoMeLa" . Archived fromthe original on July 2, 2015. RetrievedJune 21, 2015 .^ "In Remembrance of Dr. Waun Ki Hong" .National Foundation for Cancer Research . January 4, 2019. RetrievedAugust 4, 2021 .^ Chu, Marian (May 23, 2018)."Korean-American oncologist offers valuable advice for physicians" .Korea Biomedical Review . RetrievedAugust 4, 2021 . ^ "Larry Kwak M.D., Ph.D., oncologist and researcher - City of Hope" .Cityofhope.org . RetrievedMay 27, 2018 .^ "David Oh, NASA Engineer, Switches Family to Mars Time After Curiosity Landing" .HuffPost . Archived fromthe original on June 18, 2015. RetrievedJune 18, 2015 .^ Firth, Sarah (August 8, 2025)."Family Ties: The Crain Sisters' Story" .USA Gymnastics . RetrievedSeptember 29, 2025 .The family's journey to gymnastics came through an unlikely geography: the state of Idaho. Their mother, Chloe, came to the U.S. from Seoul, Korea, to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Chloe later met the girls' father, Rob Crain, and the two settled in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. ^ "Helen Demong: an Adirondack woman who opens doors" . RetrievedAugust 31, 2012 .^ "Snowboarder Chloe Kim is a triumph for asian-americans" .www.outsideonline.com . RetrievedFebruary 23, 2018 .^ Jeanette Lee –"Jeanette Lee" . Archived fromthe original on August 24, 2000. RetrievedSeptember 2, 2006 . "As a first generation Korean American, Jeanette was raised in a bilingual household which stressed both Korean traditional values and the American ideal of opportunity."^ Thiessen, Mark (December 17, 2021)."New Miss America first Alaskan, Korean American title holder" .AP NEWS . RetrievedDecember 18, 2021 .