I believe in the power of Kimchi

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*Script*

I believe in the power of Kimchi. To me, Kimchi is like a can of spinach to Popeye or a glass of water to a person in a desert. A bite of Kimchi empowers me to get through all the problems in my life; but my relationship with Kimchi used to be not as close as it is now.

When I first came to the United States, I decided to learn and absorb everything about America. Since I was an 18 years old man, who didn’t know how to speak English, I desperately wanted to survive in this circumstance where I was suddenly surrounded by big people who had different colors. I wasn’t a norm anymore. So, I tried learning how to speak English, I tried wearing what Americans would wear, I tried eating what Americans would eat, and then, I stopped speaking Korean, wearing Korean clothes, and eating Korean food. I thought this was the way to be successful in America and I wanted to be an American.

One day, after surviving a nasty flu, I lost my appetite in American foods. I didn’t want to eat chicken noodle soup, cornbread, or pasta; but there was one thing in my mind: Kimchi. Being lucky to live with a nice family, I finally went to a Korean restaurant near the house.

I ordered a main dish, and Kimchi came out as a side dish. Those small red pieces of a cabbage looked so tempting and there was no reason to not eat the thing; then, I saw the glimpse of heaven as soon as I had Kimchi in my mouth; its spicy flavor mingled so well with its crunchiness and then this heavenly Kimchi formed a deep question inside of me. “Okay, who do you think you are?”

Now, I know the answer. Though I live in the United States and speak English, I follow after Korean trends, wear clothes like Koreans do, and eat Korean foods regularly. I don’t deny myself to be a Korean and I’m proud of it. Though it could be just a food for many people, for me, Kimchi is to be my happiness, identity, and invaluable legacy given from my ancestors.

I believe in the power of Kimchi.