A Journey Through Space and Cultural Identity
Jonny Kim, a 41-year-old Korean-American astronaut affiliated with NASA, recently returned to Earth after completing an 8-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). During his time in space, he shared some of the foods he missed most—kimchi, rice, and seaweed. These traditional Korean staples were not only a comfort but also a reminder of his cultural roots during his stay in orbit.
In an online press conference video released on the 21st via NASA’s YouTube channel, Jonny Kim addressed questions about his diet while on the ISS. He mentioned that he was grateful for the Thanksgiving gifts sent from the Johnson Space Center, which included items like turkey. However, he emphasized that the most meaningful part of his meals was the “care package” prepared by his family. This package contained familiar foods such as kimchi, rice, and seaweed, which he had grown up eating.
Kim recalled that these foods were rare in space, making the care package a cherished addition to his diet. “It was great to at least taste the flavors I had at home,” he said. Earlier, he gained attention by sharing a post on Instagram that introduced Hetbahn and kimchi while preparing food with fellow astronauts for Thanksgiving on the ISS.
Embracing Cultural Identity
When asked about how his identity as a Korean-American has influenced his life, Jonny Kim reflected on the impact of growing up between two cultures. “It definitely helped shape who I am today,” he said. He explained that he often thinks about his ability to empathize, which he attributes to his experience as a first- or second-generation American with immigrant parents.
“There was a period when I struggled to establish my identity, feeling neither fully Korean nor fully American. It was really tough, but through those experiences, I gained a deep understanding and empathy for others,” he added. These aspects have had a strong influence on who he is today.
South Korea’s Growing Role in Space Exploration
Jonny Kim also spoke about South Korea’s space policy, mentioning the recent launch of the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA). “I am really proud and excited about it,” he said. He believes that this development is a testament to the benefits of international cooperation led by organizations like NASA.
Future Plans and Passion for Service
When asked about his future plans, Jonny Kim clarified that his main motivation for becoming an astronaut was not simply to go to space. “While spaceflight is part of this job, my desire to serve in scientific exploration through the public service platform of NASA was much greater,” he explained.
He expressed a desire to go to space again but noted that it is not something he feels he must do. “I am passionate about maximizing the value of the people I work with and bringing out the best in everyone,” he said.
Awe-Inspiring Moments from Space
One of the most impressive moments Jonny Kim witnessed from space was the Earth’s aurora, caused by solar activity. He also described observing natural phenomena such as hurricanes and tsunamis. While these events are known to cause significant damage on Earth, viewing them from space gave him a sense of their majesty.
His reflections highlight not only the beauty of our planet but also the importance of perspective gained from seeing Earth from above. For Jonny Kim, these experiences reinforce the value of exploration, both in space and in understanding the diverse cultures that shape our world.
