Insooni: The Singer Who Overcame Prejudice and Paved the Way for K-pop Diversity
When she took the stage at Carnegie Hall in front of 107 Korean War veterans, the singer Kim Insoon, better known as Insooni in South Korea, had a powerful message to share. Born to a Black American soldier and a Korean mother, Insooni has faced discrimination and stigma throughout her life, but she has emerged as a trailblazer in the South Korean music industry.
Insooni’s performance at Carnegie Hall was not just a showcase of her vocal prowess, but a tribute to her father, whom she had never met. “You are my fathers,” she told the soldiers in the audience before singing “Father,” one of her Korean-language hits. For Insooni, the United States has always been her father’s country, a place where she wanted to prove her success without him and in spite of him.
Growing up in a society deeply prejudiced against biracial individuals, especially those born to Korean women and African-American G.I.s, Insooni faced challenges from a young age. Despite the hardships, she persevered and became a household name in South Korea, winning fans across generations with her passionate singing style and genre-crossing performances.
Insooni’s presence in the South Korean pop scene helped pave the way for future K-pop groups to embrace diversity with multiethnic lineups. She overcame racial discrimination to become one of the few singers widely recognized as a pop diva in South Korea, breaking down barriers and challenging the notion that K-pop was only for Koreans and Korean singers.
Throughout her career, Insooni has reinvented herself, exploring different genres and collaborating with artists across the music industry. Her resilience and determination have made her a beloved figure in South Korea, with her songs resonating with audiences who appreciate her positive onstage manner and the difficulties she has overcome.
In addition to her musical achievements, Insooni has also made a significant impact offstage. In 2013, she founded the tuition-free Hae Mill School for multicultural children in Hongcheon, east of Seoul, to support biracial children who face challenges similar to those she experienced in her youth.
As South Korea becomes increasingly multiethnic, Insooni’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and supporting individuals from all backgrounds. Her journey from facing prejudice to becoming a celebrated singer and advocate for multiculturalism is an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and resilience, one can overcome any obstacle.
