Name: David Wacker (최인석 - Choi, In Seok)

First KATCH Event:
Korean New Year, Feb 2024 (설날 - Seollal)

Where Did You Grow Up/Where Do You Live Now?
Wisconsin. Later Florida, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Europe. Now Chicago!

Tell Us About Yourself:
I was born in Busan, South Korea on Nov 14th, 1986 and immediately given up for foster care. Later I was adopted by a caucasian couple and have a non biological younger sister from Seoul. Life was a mixed bag. Our community was not diverse and racism was everywhere. I was the target of racial abuse and physical violence. With that said, I do feel fortunate. I had what I needed to survive and the opportunity to do something with my life (which probably wouldn't have been the case in Korea). I also learned something important early on, hate cannot defeat hate. All it can do is spread suffering because hurt people in turn, hurt other people. Since then I’ve tried to do my best to lead by example through positivity and inclusion. In February I attended my first KAD/KATCH event and from there as Ron Burgundy likes to say “things escalated quickly!” I experienced a number of “firsts”: noraebang, a conference surrounded by hundreds of Koreans, a trip home to Korea, meeting my birth mother, KAAN... A month ago I relocated to Chicago to be closer to our incredible community! Because of my recent experiences I'm conscious of our newer KADS. If you’re thinking about coming or haven't attended many events I understand how difficult/intimidating new situations like this can be. Please feel free to reach out. I would be happy to chat or possibly have you along on one of our fun nights out as my guest. Contact info below!

You’ll Likely KATCH Me Doing The Following:
I have a love for the arts, sports, and sciences! I’m an avid reader (bios, sci-fi/fantasy, self development) and minored in philosophy in school. Psychology, spirituality, and physics/cosmology are some of my favorite topics for late night/post noraebang discussion. I’m a music lover and throughout my life have performed professionally with bands at local hot spots like Summerfest, State Fair, and MLB/NBA games on guitar/drums. This time of year I’m often playing volleyball with friends, watching basketball (Olympics/my girl Caitlin Clark), or outside with my mini goldendoodle named Moose. When it’s colder I enjoy skiing, learning Korean, and movie/game nights. And like many millenials, I love a good trip or new experiences! One of my biggest passions is giving back to our communities. As I continue to experience new places and cultures, I frequently feel gratitude for the opportunities we have here that those in other countries do not. As an adult I’m thankful for the chance to pay it forward in some small way and have been active as a creator, organizer and/or volunteer with multiple nonprofits.

Why do you enjoy being involved with the KAtCH community?
Many of us grew up in predominantly caucasian spaces and were the recipient of unwanted attention. And because of its nuances and rigid historical customs many KADs find traditional Korean culture to be challenging. KATCH provides a safe place for us to build relationships and share experiences with others from our unique background. It’s hard to put into words, but many describe it as a sacred space or experience.

Favorite Restaurant(s) In Chicagoland:
I’m a foodie and love to checkout new restaurants! Here's a few of my favorites one month in:

  • Korean: Kim’s Homecooking

  • Late Night Pizza: Sarpino’s

  • Trendy Happy Hour: The River Kitchen and Bar

  • Brunch: Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits

  • Sushi: Kracken Suishi

  • Dive Bar: Tbd - lmk your favs!

Find Me/Social Media:

  • Facebook: David Wacker

  • Gmail: DavidCWacker@gmail.com