Name/Korean name: Jimmy Byrne / 조윤호

First KAtCH event:
KAtCH 10, September 2018. This was the 10th anniversary mini-IKAA gathering - not sure if there was a more official name for it :-)

Where did you grow up/Where do you live now?
I grew up in Manlius, New York and now live in Chicago, Illinois.

Tell us about yourself:
I love art, wine, and greasy food. Since a young age, music has played a central role in my life, and once upon a time I dreamt of becoming a professional opera singer. I value quality time with quality people, and over the years through my interactions with the LGBTQ+ and Korean Adoptee communities, I've developed a deep appreciation for chosen family. The Chicago-based storyteller Ada Chang shares the mantra, "Make your life the best story you tell," and that's what I try to do. 

You’ll likely KAtCH me doing the following: 
You'll likely KAtCH me singing the same Korean ballads and Disney princess songs at noraebang, over and over again. I also love tennis, watching K-Dramas, calling out bad service, and spooning with my boyfriends, Ben and Jerry. Priorities these days include improving my Korean, learning traditional Korean drumming, and developing my newly formed writing group. 

Why do you enjoy being involved with the KAtCH community?
The amazing KAtCH community helped me discover a part of myself that I didn't know existed, helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin as a Korean and an adoptee, and put me in a taxi when I was too blasted to stay at my own birthday party. These days I enjoy helping introduce other adoptees to the community and sharing all that I've learned in case it may help others find a meaningful personal journey. KAtCH changed my life for the better, and provided a community—family, even—that I didn't know I needed.  

Favorite restaurant(s) in Chicagoland:
ALINEA—jk. Obelix and Le Bouchon for French, Uru-Swati for Indian, Acanto for Italian, Luella's Southern Kitchen for comfort food, Cafe Lula for annoying hipstic chic, Jimmy's Pizza for NY style pizza (it's just better than Chicago pizza #facts), MingHin for dim sum, and Yeowoosai for Korean.

Find me/Social Media: @hallabong4ever