02 Mar 2026
https://kangminsuk.com/blog/wars/
When the Russia-Ukraine war began, I was visiting my dad in Seoul. He was about to have major surgery to remove a tumor from his spine.
I stayed at my sister’s tiny studio. The building was run by a real estate startup desperate to become the next WeWork(before that bubble burst). Inside the elevators, there were announcements about yoga classes and rooftop parties. Half the residents seemed like rich American college kids studying abroad for a semester.
22 Aug 2026
https://kangminsuk.com/blog/a-letter-for-you-dad/
It’s been four years since I talked to you.
I wonder if you would still be here if I had paused my life and put all my energy into helping you get back on your feet. Confused about my own life’s purpose, I didn’t dare to imagine a life without you. I thought you would return to being the father I knew, just as you had after the first big surgery. You were in pain for several years, and all I had to do was invest a few months to be your personal cook, trainer, and most importantly, your companion...
19 Aug 2026
https://kangminsuk.com/blog/distraction-free/
I’m not a shopper. Ever since I quit my job as an unhappy marketing manager six years ago, I’ve fought hard to avoid buying things that aren’t absolutely necessary for my well-being. That’s why I still wear the same shorts I had in college. That’s why I own only two pairs of shoes. That’s why I’ve used the same phone for more than seven years.
Despite my grudge against consumerism, I’m a sucker for products that promise a “distraction-free” lifestyle. Whenever an app claims it’ll help me laser-f...
30 Jul 2026
https://kangminsuk.com/blog/depression/
Depression hardly makes sense in hindsight.
I felt numb for the past three days. Depression hugged me tight and pressed me flat against the ground.
It is embarrassing to examine and explain why I fell into the sticky trap of an emotional downfall. I can only say that this spiral of gloominess encroached upon me once I became entangled in a petty argument with my wife.
In the afternoon, as I carried the baby from her bed to the living room, my wife stared at me and murmured, “The baby still looks...
11 Jun 2026
https://kangminsuk.com/blog/can-someone-tell-me-how-babies-survived/
I’ve been a guardian angel to my baby girl for thirty-five days. Yes, she’s easily the most adorable creature I’ve ever seen. Yes, watching her whimper, squirm, and drowse is the best entertainment I could ask for. At the same time, when her tiny body snuggles into my arms, I get lost in thought and wonder how babies survived over the past hundreds of thousands of years.
Right now, my wife and I are both committed to taking care of our baby. We shouldn’t be that overwhelmed. We even have magical...
05 May 2026
https://kangminsuk.com/blog/the-joy-of-not-worshipping-celebrities/
Ten years ago, I used to ask celebrities for pictures. Whenever I spotted a familiar face on the streets of Seoul or New York, my heart would start racing because I immediately imagined taking a selfie with that person. With a bright smile, “Can I have a picture with you?” was my go-to question. After seizing the picture, I would message it to friends or share it on Facebook and wait all day for comments from others.
01 May 2026
https://kangminsuk.com/blog/let-go/
In Hollywood movies, heroes at the climax close their eyes or fall off a cliff to say something along the lines of “let go.” This is often the moment when the character discovers her true potential and becomes a superhero.
“Let go” is such a cliché, but this kind of character development works for me. Even when there isn’t enough explanation for why the character suddenly experiences a caterpillar-to-butterfly moment, I simply accept the transition because I understand that growth means letting ...