Cover of Time Magazine

The cover of Time Magazine may say it all.

Showing a close-up of Moon Jae-in, the new president of South Korea, in a serious, weathered stare, with “The Negotiator” in bold letters below him, the editors at Time seem to be implying that a thaw in North and South Korean relations could be around the corner.

Having lived in South Korea for nearly two years, I’m not so sure. But like millions of people on the Korean peninsula and around the world, I’m hoping for the best. One never knows how history will unfold.

My article that appears in The Korea Times on May 10 brings to light a relatively unknown aspect of Moon’s life. He was born to refugee parents during the Korean War.

His birthplace, Goeje Island, and how his parents got there, on a US ship, are part of a book I’m currently writing on the Heungnam Evacuation, the largest, amphibious rescue operation of refugees, under combat conditions, in US history.

As I complete my first draft of the book and continue down the road to publication, I’ll be sharing my thoughts and experiences.

From history, to political and social events, to my favorite books, music, and food, there'll be plenty to talk about and lots of surprises.