K-Unicorn IRL

Can Christianity coexist with Korean Indigenous spirituality? Annie and Sharon welcome Dr. Christine Hong—a Presbyterian minister, seminary professor, Korean shamanic practitioner, and author of the forthcoming memoir Waking Up Ghosts. Christine shares her experience confronting sexism in the Korean church and reconnecting with ancestral wisdom. Together, they explore decolonizing Christianity, healing generational han, and how mudangs help the living and the dead process grief. Christine also discusses ancestral altars, church hurt, and creating a more liberating spiritual path that makes room for both God and her ancestors. In this episode we explore: 00:00 — Korean shamanism, Christianity, and the mudang 03:18 — Meet Dr. Christine Hong 05:16 — A calling challenged by sexism in the Korean church 10:45 — Becoming one of her church’s first ordained women 15:16 — Can Christianity be decolonized? 17:50 — Reconnecting with Korean Indigenous spirituality and ancestors 30:35 — Mudangs, grief, and healing generational han 33:49 — Waking Up Ghosts and Heartwood Station 39:00 — Community, church hurt, and working toward change 44:58 — The hosts reflect on ancestors and reclaiming tradition 56:02 — Closing and next-episode preview Sharon Kwon, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, writer, and founder of Bodhi Aware Therapy. Sharon specializes in working with Korean Americans who have struggled with overcoming religious trauma and spiritual abuse. She has worked in private and community mental health settings with immigrant families struggling with intergenerational trauma. Sharon’s writing has been published in Huff Post, SLATE Magazine, SELF Magazine, and Psychology Today. Sharon is an avid traveller and fan of all things “K”—dramas, food, soccer, etc. She is currently based in Los Angeles, CA. Get to know her on Instagram @talkwithsharon or via her website: www.sharonkwon.com. Sion Lim (임시온) is a self-proclaimed “Koreanist” with a special passion to learn more about Korean Diaspora all over the world. She goes by her naturalized middle name, Annie. Her desire to connect with her K-side stems from her days as a graduate student at SOAS and as a former educator at Osaka Board of Education and Stanford University. Before becoming a podcaster, Annie's latest career adventure was with Silicon Valley corporations (fun!) ranging from Samsung to video games before the AI takeover. She currently resides in San Francisco with her husband and 3 kitties and would share more with you through her instagram, @sionannielim. If you enjoyed our podcast, please don't forget to rate us and leave a comment! Follow us on Instagram @2pkspod to connect with us. Episode Credits: Produced by Sharon Kwon and Annie Lim Mixed by Abdul Wasay Music: Risen by Gavin Luke via Epidemic Sounds Links: Follow us on our website and on Instagram!