Thesis project for the MFA Design for Social Innovation program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. I managed the process, including conducting research, interviews, and workshops, designing the project identity, and creating the process book.
Project Context and Details
During the 2010s in South Korea, the concept of ‘Escape-Korea’ emerged as a reaction to the poor living conditions and intensely competitive culture. This discourse particularly resonated with young Korean women. Many women decided to leave or left South Korea in search of better opportunities and a better environment. Previous research shows that first-generation Korean women immigrants in the U.S. struggle with language barriers, a sense of loss, and discrimination, which may affect their mental health. However, during my secondary research, I encountered a notable gap in existing studies regarding first-generation Korean immigrant women’s communities and narratives in the current landscape. The project aims to empower first-generation Korean women to redefine themselves and their narratives, celebrating their courage and resilience. It provides a collaborative and safe space for women to recount their migration experiences, commemorate their achievements, and document the contemporary history of Korean women’s immigration.
Link
Thesis Show
Process paper (PDF)
Sample pages of process paper