NEW YORK — “HC, you are Korean, you need to shoot Korean!”

That is what my instructor recommended for his class at the International Center of Photography. He said there are lots of Koreans in New York, but there are very few Korean photographers. America barely knows about Koreans and their lives.

At first, I wasn’t too happy with his suggestion. I believed Koreans were not photogenic subjects. Being Korean myself, I know we can be very hot inside, but we often do not show it. However, if someone needed to cover Koreans, I thought I might be the best suited, since I was the only Korean student in the class. So I took the assignment.

I know this couple, Karen Ryu and David Kim. David works at a deli and Karen works at a nail salon. I think Karen and David are good examples of the life many new Korean immigrants live. Taking pictures of them was like taking pictures of my wife and me. Often I felt like I was shooting self-portraits. During the first part of photographing them, I still was not sure about this project, and felt like I was wasting my time. However, at the last class, I found myself pretty much satisfied with the results. Though I did not have strong pictures of Karen and David, I could see a closeness between them and myself. I believe that was possible because I am, like them, Korean.

I once felt Koreans wouldn’t make good subjects to shoot, but I now realize I have some kind of responsibility to represent them and show them to other people. If somebody has to do it, I will do it. And I believe it is worth it.

“Ever since I came to America, I have been working at a nail salon, and my husband has been doing one job, salad bar chef. Because my husband and I live alone here in America, our social activity is very limited. Though my husband has a couple of relatives in this country, most of the people we meet are from our work places. I feel loneliness more often than not.”

Karen Ryu

“We don’t mind what clothes we wear and what kind of car we drive. Working at a nail salon and deli does not make us feel shameful. We just need to work hard, and save money. We wish we could open

our own business in couple of years.”

Karen Ryu

“The relationship between husband and wife is the most important and precious thing for a couple that lives in a foreign country. Therefore, the health of my husband and I is the first thing I take care of. I also wish my parents in Korea will live until my husband and I get rich.”

— Karen Ryu