The Dangsan Tree
RECOMMENDED READING
Korean Folktales: Imps, Ghosts, and Fairies, by Im Bang and Yi Ryuk.
The Dangsan Tree: Photo Journal of a Vanishing Korean Culture, by Oh Sang-Jo.
KOREAN EDITORIAL TEAM
Dr. Kiona Dr. Kiona is our Cultural consulting producer on Cultureverse. Her role on the show was crucial in getting culture nuances right; she connected us with members of each community and did the work of having meaningful conversations about how we could make this show celebratory of cultures while remaining respectful in honoring our global heritage. She is the founder of How Not to Travel Like A Basic Bitch an educational website and global social media platform dedicated to inclusivity and diversity in travel and beyond. Dr. Kiona also works as Host & Senior Producer of the Studio Ochenta original show How Not to Travel Podcast, which hit #1 in the travel category in 12 countries.
David Yi - David is the founder & editor-in-chief of Very Good Light, the ultimate men's grooming destination for Generation Z and young millennials, named by GMA as one of Asian American AAPI making history. David also launched the BIDEN BEAUTY campaign to encourage young voters to get to the polls during the 2020 elections.
Ji-Youn Kim Ji Youn is a justice-oriented therapist of Korean diaspora, residing in Vancouver, Canada. She immigrated to Canada at the age of 5 and has been reclaiming her ancestry in recent years.
And special thanks to our very own Halmeoni Suncha for her insights!
EPISODE CAST
Yara Shahidi is the host of the second half of the series.
Yara is an award-winning actress, producer, change agent, and breakout star of ABC’s Emmy-and Golden Globe-nominated series black-ish. Shahidi is now the executive producer and lead of its Freeform spinoff series, grown-ish (#1 cable comedy, 18-49 yr olds), playing character Zoey Johnson.
Kevin - voiced by Jonathan Joon Kim
Jonathan is an Actor, Singer, and Dancer residing in Orange County, CA. He is so happy to be contributing to this project as it speaks to him at a personal level -- both as a Korean-American and as a person who has recently lost his grandmother. His credits include performing with Walt Disney Entertainment and Imagineering, East West Players, and South Coast Repertory.
Halmeoni - voiced by Patty Sang
Patty is an actor and voice actor based in Seattle, WA. She has appeared in numerous videos and commercials as well as on stage. Patty has lent her voice to narrating videos, books, commercials, and original voices for video games, for clients around the country including Nike, Microsoft, Amazon, and T-Mobile. You can learn more about Patty at TopoSwopeTalent.com.
Harabeoji - Voiced by June Yoon
June is a bilingual Korean voice actor in Los Angeles, providing his global clients with quality voiceover while pursuing his happiness as an actor. More about June at voicemoto.com/character.
Kevin’s dad - voiced by G-Su Paek
G-Suis a Korean-born improv veteran and has performed at hundreds of venues and a handful of festivals across the country. He is also an accomplished actor, comedian, and one of the founders of Hot Pot Comedy, Austin's first and only all Asian-American sketch troupe. You can find G-Su performing and teaching improv mainly at the Fallout Theater in Austin, Texas or follow him on Instagram: @gsu.paek.