So Yun Um is a Korean American Filmmaker and Digital Content Producer born and based in Los Angeles. She explores the intimate stories of marginalized people through her poetic visual language and poignant editing style.
Currently, So Yun Um is working on her documentary feature film, LIQUOR STORE DREAMS, which is about second generation Korean American children of Liquor Store owners in the LA area.
Her work has screened at Palm Springs Shortfest, LA Asian Film Festival, San Diego Film Festival. So has also programmed films for AFI FEST, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, LA Film Fest and more.
“Growing up, the television was my babysitter. Being a latchkey baby, I was always tuned into the screen. While exploring my creativity through video and photography, the film ‘Requiem for a Dream’ was the initial spark for me, kicking off my journey as a Korean American filmmaker.”
“The visceral impact Requiem for a Dream had on me created this great desire within to create stories that had a similar impact on the world. Although I was creating random short films for several years, it wasn’t until Visual Communication’s “Armed With a Camera” film fellowship that forced me to channel my inner identity. That’s how I made my short film, Liquor Store Babies.”
“I was actually born in a small hospital right on Koreatown. Being born and growing up in Koreatown was a defining time in my life. When I attended elementary school I remember having my parents pack me Korean food for lunch (do-si-rak). Being immersed around other Korean Americans like myself really helped me embrace my Korean American identity.”
“It wasn’t until I moved to Torrance that I realized how much of a privilege it was growing up immersed in Korean culture. After moving to Torrance I remember meeting other Korean Americans who weren’t as deeply rooted and proud of Korean culture. At times, they would be surprised that my parents packed me Korean food for lunch and even made snarky remarks about its smell. That was the moment I realized that I was really fortunate to grow up feeling unapologetically Korean.”
“My formative years growing up in Koreatown really shaped my identity and work. Although, I still wanted to make films that had a visceral and emotional impact on people, I also realized that it’s through the exploration of my cultural identity that would create a deeper and lasting impact.”
“We received such incredible feedback about Liquor Store Babies and people kept asking if I was going to make a longer version. It wasn’t until I knew there was more to the story that I decided to make the feature length film called Liquor Store Dreams.”
“Liquor Store Dreams is an intimate portrait of two Korean American children of liquor store owners in Los Angeles. Tracing through the ’92 LA Uprisings to the current BLM movement, the film examines the generation and political divide between the parents and children of liquor store owners. We are currently in post-production and plan to release the film through film festivals sometime next year in 2022, which will be the 30th anniversary of the ’92 LA Uprising.”
“I am actually quite allergic to alcohol and rarely eat meat so I would say that two of the Korean past times, Korean BBQ and drinking, are unfortunately not on my list.”
“For me I absolutely love getting a massage at Serene Thai Massage, but my ultimate favorite thing to do in Koreatown LA is watching movies at CGV Cinemas on Western Ave in Madang Mall. The high quality cinema experience, Korean films, and the garlic flavored popcorn is so good! Definitely try the split flavor popcorn and their different fruit-ades!”
“If I could share one message with the world it’s to be unapologetically yourself. No two person’s experience is the same and everyone has a unique story to tell. Believe in yourself and who you are. Through my work, I hope I can make people to feel and be seen.”
In Koreatown, there are many places that perfect for shopping, going on a date, enjoying time with friends, etc. But there are several malls that these places are located in that is both convenient to park in and shop around.
Jin Ju Restaurant has delicious meat combos, stews, and noodles. Jin Ju opened eight weeks ago, and many customers enjoy the meat combos and hot soup items. Jane S. Yelp Why Jin Ju Restaurant? Although it is not All-You-Can-Eat, customers
There are always new cafes and coffee shops opening in Koreatown LA. However, these three new coffee shops have opened up and gained love and attention on social media for their delicious coffee drinks and pastries sold. Each coffee shop
Heuk Hwa Dang is a new boba shop in the Madang Courtyard. Opened on April 9, Heuk Hwa Dang is a South Korean franchise in locations all around South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan as well. Specializing in premium coffee, ice
Korean fried chicken is a whole culture in itself as both non-Koreans and Koreans experience a whole new world. The basic fried chicken flavors would be plain fried chicken (huraideu-chicken) and sweet-and-spicy or seasoned chicken (yangnyeom). Korean fried chicken is
Korean noodles, also known as gookso, is definitely an experience you must try as there are a variety of noodles you can enjoy. There are many noodles that must be eaten with soup or without. So what must you try?
Jonathan Gold was an American food and music critic. He worked as the chief food critic for the Los Angeles Times and even wrote for LA Weekly and Gourmet. However, he placed a positive impact on one region that was
Hanu Korean BBQ is a premium KBBQ restaurant that focuses on a fine choice diner, top quality alcohol, and ensures quantity over quality. Although it’s not AYCE, you can experience a whole new world of KBBQ dining where you can
Let’s be real here. It’s hard to get authentic Korean food on a budget or when you have to wait for an hour to eat at a restaurant. Ordering delivery food from a Korean restaurant can be pricey as well.
It’s been exactly thirty years since the LA Riots took place. What happened on April 29, 1992? What’s the significance of 429? kang.org Marked as the 30th anniversary, Koreatown endured a severe hit to peace due to riots and looting
L.O.L is a newly opened Japanese restaurant with rolls, bento boxes, poke, and udon. Located in Koreatown Plaza, you can shop around first before heading to L.O.L for a nice bowl of udon paired with fresh rolls. What’s so special
Korean street food is delicious and definitely worth a try like Korean BBQ and bar food. Korean street food consists of tteokpokki (spicy rice cakes), fish cakes, kimbap, ramen, Korean corn dogs, and more. You can see these food items
Hookme Rolls is a Korean-Japanese restaurant that recently opened with high anticipation. Hookme Rolls are enjoyed by many customers as they use a significantly different ingredient that you don’t see in other sushi places. With top quality ingredients, Hookme wants
Hair ARCA is a brand that researches and develops products to have a healthy and fulfilling life, and they are maintaining a good lifestyle with natural ingredients. Inspired by Noah’s Ark, ARCA wants to be sustainable to be safe with
Ten years ago, beloved Jonathan Gold published his list of “60 Korean Dishes Every Angeleno Should Know” in LA Weekly. Since then Koreatown has undergone its own renaissance and has become a more vibrant neighborhood in LA. Today you can
The Fountain LA is a new bar that recently opened in Koreatown, Los Angeles. The bar opened on January 27, 2022 as it is a new restaurant bar lounge with fun activities like darts and shuffleboard. It has plentiful parking
At the brink of their last hope, a GoFundMe page started in order to help reopen Here’s Looking at You. And from the continuous love and support from customers and fans of the restaurant, the restaurant managed to have their
Bagnet Tea House opened in January 2022 as it is located in the northern part of Koreatown. There are not a lot of Filipino restaurants within Koreatown, so guests are pleasantly surprised to eat at an authentic Filipino restaurant. With
Yeems Coffee is a new coffee shop that is delicious and also cozy with a homey ambience. Although there is no outdoor seating, it is just a small indoor space where you can talk with friends and family members while
Thirteen Play Lounge is a newly opened bar lounge that is a chill spot with spacious seating and beautiful decorations all around. It has huge projectors, LED lights, and a great ambience to your Friday night adventure. It’s easy to
Fat Tomato Pizza is a popular chain restaurant that finally opened its door in Koreatown as well. There are many varieties you can choose from while also making your own custom pizza with toppings you like. They opened in February
3THYME Coffee & Herbs offer delicious coffee and espresso drinks along with tasty tea drinks as well. It is newly opened in the beginning of March, and a lot of customers have already enjoyed the service. With a small interior
Welcome to KazuNori, an original and new hand roll restaurant that opened in Koreatown recently with other branch locations throughout Los Angeles. Built under the Sushi Nozawa Group, KazuNori has the intentions to become popular and loved just like SUGARFISH,
Chicken Pong is a newly opened Korean fried chicken restaurant that opened on December 16, 2021. It’s a new restaurant that focuses on being different from other Korean fried chicken businesses in Koreatown. They also offer a special deal where
Tteokbokki, aka Korean spicy rice cakes, are one of the most famous Korean street food that you can think of. With chewy rice cakes, fish cakes, and an egg covered with sweet and spicy sauce, it truly tempts your taste
Koreatown LA is a hotspot in LA that spans 2.5 square miles with 3,000+ businesses. Explore the best things to eat, explore, and do in 2022!
Korean soups are definitely one of the most notable dishes of Korean cuisine. Soups and stews serve as an important feature within the Korean diet as beef was a scarce resource in the historic period. Soups or stews were always
Korean BBQ is the most well known and loved by both Koreans and non-Koreans. It is a great place to go with friends, family, or new acquaintances. Some places offer All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) options where you can eat limitless amounts of
Korean spas (also known as jjimjilbang) are different from other spas as they specifically focus on relaxing, spending quality time with friends and family, and beauty. Where other spas tend to just be an hour or two sessions, there is
