By Honorary Reporter Samantha Atila from Brazil
Photos = Kim Ju Hi
Kim Ju-hi aka Julia immigrated to Brazil with her parents in 1986 to help her uncle run his business. She said that despite not speaking Portuguese at the time, she and her family adjusted well to life in Brazil thanks to friendly neighbors and employees.
Her family did not experience the Korean War, but her parents underwent hardship under Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula. "My parents had to change their names into Japanese ones, study and speak Japanese, and deny their identity as Koreans, who have a history of more than 5,000 years,” Kim said.
The lanterns, in addition to commemorating Korean liberation, also express affection for Bom Retiro by its Korean residents.
She added, "This is your life and people will always comment and give opinions, so learn to ignore them. Finally, patience is the hardest thing in life. Be patient with yourself, time and life. You will arrive before you know it."
*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.