Hi!
I’m Lina, a Calgary-based journalist and copywriter.
This page is the story of how I got here.
This page is the story of how I got here.
Identity
I was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In the 1930s, my ancestors were among the ethnic Koreans forcibly relocated from the Russian Far East to Central Asia (a large-scale migration from Korea to the Far East began in the 1860s, driven by famine, poverty, and political oppression in Korea). That history of movement across borders, languages, and identities became part of my inheritance.
Russian was my first language. As a teenager, I began studying English with the desire to see the world. At 19, I boarded my first international flight to South Korea, my family’s ancestral homeland. What was meant to be a short trip became a turning point.
Russian was my first language. As a teenager, I began studying English with the desire to see the world. At 19, I boarded my first international flight to South Korea, my family’s ancestral homeland. What was meant to be a short trip became a turning point.
- Me in our home, Tashkent
- Tashkent city centre
- Academic Lyceum under Westminster University, Tashkent
Migration
I enrolled at Dongseo University in South Korea, majoring in International Studies — a field that explores politics, economics, and culture. Given my layered background, I wanted to understand how systems shape people, and how people shape systems.
University was a time of exploration. I traveled to many cities and places, including the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. I also spent a semester in Hungary as an exchange student studying business management and administration.
University was also where my interest in writing grew. My essays and poetry were recognized in campus competitions, and I worked as an English instructor for international students.
University was a time of exploration. I traveled to many cities and places, including the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. I also spent a semester in Hungary as an exchange student studying business management and administration.
University was also where my interest in writing grew. My essays and poetry were recognized in campus competitions, and I worked as an English instructor for international students.
Professional evolution
My professional path has not been linear. I’ve worked in education, translation, media projects, retail, and other industries across Uzbekistan, Russia and South Korea before moving to Canada.
Calgary became my first city. Here I found mentors, editors, and a creative community. I began contributing to Branding in Asia and later to The Scene Magazine, focusing on interviews and arts coverage. I’ve since worked across editorial and branded content, continuing to grow as a writer.
Calgary became my first city. Here I found mentors, editors, and a creative community. I began contributing to Branding in Asia and later to The Scene Magazine, focusing on interviews and arts coverage. I’ve since worked across editorial and branded content, continuing to grow as a writer.
Today
I focus on arts and culture journalism. My academic background in international studies continues to inform my curiosity about socio-political issues. I also explore opportunities in copywriting and content creation. Working for Branding in Asia sparked my interest in creative agencies and marketing campaigns.
At heart, I am fascinated by how people build meaning and value in the world around them.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, meeting people over coffee, and watching indie films.
At heart, I am fascinated by how people build meaning and value in the world around them.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, meeting people over coffee, and watching indie films.
