Personal Story

February 28, 2025

Where are you from? Embracing Different Identities and Cultures

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🌍 Where are you really from? This simple question can uncover complex identities! 🔑 Here are some key points about my multicultural background: • 🇩🇪 Born and raised in Germany with a rich German culture. • 🇻🇳 Ethnic Vietnamese roots, deeply connected to my family's traditions. • 🇧🇪 Holding Belgian nationality through my mother’s citizenship. • 🌐 Fluent in Vietnamese, German, English, and Korean! (Yes, even Korean to enjoy my favorite dramas without subtitles! 🎥) Navigating multiple identities isn't always straightforward, but it has enriched my life in countless ways. I’ve learned that identity isn’t about choosing one culture over another; it’s about embracing the diverse influences that shape who we are. I believe many of us share similar stories of blending cultures. What’s yours? 🤔

Where are you from?

For most people it’s a simple question with a simple answer!

I’m from Korea, I’m Korean!

I’m from Germany, I’m German!

I’m from Vietnam, I’m Vietnamese!

In my case, “Hm where should I start?”

I would answer “I’m from Germany”

Then there is a long pause… confusion sets into their face… then they say

“But you don’t look German“

I jokingly answer “In Germany everyone looks like”

“So you are Korean Ethnic, German?”

“My parents are from Vietnam, but now both live in Germany”

“Ah so you’re Vietnamese!”

Then I throw them a curve ball something they wouldn’t see coming

“No, I’m actually Belgian”

“What?! So you were born in Belgium?”

“No, I was born and raised in Germany”

“But how come you’re Belgian?”

“I took my mother’s nationality, when I was born”

“So you are mother is Belgian?”

“She’s Vietnamese, with a Belgian Citizenship”

“What about your Father”

“He’s Vietnamese, with a German Citizenship”

“So you speak, Vietnamese, German and English?

“…and Korean”

“What?! Are you a genius?! Why Korean?!”

“I just want to watch Korean Dramas, Variety Show and K-Pop without Subtitles. That brought me to Korea”

To summarize

I was born in Germany

I have a Belgian, German Nationality

I’m Ethnic Vietnamese

I speak Vietnamese, German, English and Korean

I live in Korea

Conclusion

Growing up with Vietnamese, German, and Korean influences has shaped me into who I am today. Rather than choosing between cultures, I've learned to embrace all aspects of my identity—enjoying Vietnamese family traditions, appreciating German efficiency, and connecting with Korean entertainment. Like pieces of a puzzle, these different cultural elements have come together to create my unique perspective on life.

This multicultural background has given me unique perspectives and abilities, from being able to connect with people from different cultures to understanding various worldviews. It has taught me that identity isn't about choosing one culture over another, but rather about embracing the richness that comes from being part of multiple communities. Each layer of cultural experience has added depth to who I am, making me not just Vietnamese, German, or Korean, but a unique blend of all these influences.

I’m probably not the only one with a similar story, what’s yours?!

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About the Author

Kim Ninja (Huy-Kim Nguyen)

Cloud Engineer / WebApp Developer 💻

Content Creator Bridging Korea 🇰🇷 to the World 🌎

Startup Founder based in Seoul, South Korea 🚀

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