Who Made You The Judge
Su was born into a very traditional family in South Korea. A patriarchal household where the father exhibited dominance over his wife in return for her compliance. He would guide and protect his children, who, in turn, were expected to be respectful and obedient. Su’s upbringing was incredibly strict. In her culture, women are meant to serve men’s needs, and expectations are placed on children to conform.
Even as a little girl, inequality infuriated Su. She was naturally outgoing, curious, and creative, a free spirit suffocated by the culture and traditions of growing up in South Korea. Su always spoke her mind and verbalized her outrage at her mother’s mistreatment. She was rebellious, consistently pushing the limits. Her father said she was a poor example of a woman. Su described growing up as being in prison.
Su Moon
“I knew I didn’t belong in a society with such strict rules and boundaries.” – Su Moon
Su ran away from home at eighteen years old, causing complete family chaos. Her father disowned her, and her mother was traumatized. She left South Korea for the United States. Leaving was a survival mechanism for Su; she needed to live and learn on her own terms. Su found herself in Seattle studying Interior Design but hated the constant rain. In search of better weather, she transferred to Los Angeles and continued towards her degree. She decided to expand her studies to include both fashion and graphic design.
In university, Su was the minority. There was only one other person of colour in her classes. Although she had taken English in South Korea, it was difficult to follow and fully understand lectures. Su recorded her classes and listened to them repeatedly. When she had questions, they often went ignored. She was treated as invisible, almost like she was not quite a person. Su continued to make herself known and pushed to be heard. The learning process was challenging. However, four years later, Su Graduated at the top of her class with two degrees.
Su has always believed that everyone is equal, so discrimination is not acceptable. The COVID-19 pandemic fueled anti-Asian racism and xenophobia, leading to a surge of hate crimes. In 2020, many of Su’s friends suggested she cover up when she went out so she didn’t look Asian. But Su adamantly refused to hide in fear. “Why should I hide who I am?” she questioned, “I was raised in an environment where women were treated as less for no reason and will not accept being treated as less, just because I’m Asian.” Su would not call herself political or an advocate for Asian rights but uses her art and poetry to speak out about it.
Su is a beautiful spirit, a lover of life, and curious about everything. She currently splits her time between Seoul and Los Angeles, working with a construction management company. She is an artist, poet, and traveler. Fascinated with the human form and captivated by words. Painting is one of her passions; she completes her artwork with poetry, bringing it to life. When she can find the exact words, she describes it as euphoria. Traveling inspires her; meeting people from different cultures and learning about their unique outlooks fuels her. Su is doing what she is most passionate about and hopes to make a name for herself as an artist.
“I must live the moment to the fullest and experience as much as possible.” “Live now is my motto.” – Su Moon
