Name/Korean name Katie Lawrence | 김윤미 (Kim Yoon-Mi)

First KAtCH event:

My first KAtCH event was the Seollal Event 2025 at the Hana Center. It was a little overwhelming at first coming into such a large group, but everyone was very kind and welcoming.

Where did you grow up/Where do you live now?

I grew up in West Michigan. Shortly after graduating from university, I moved to Korea for a few years and have recently relocated to the West Loop in Chicago.

Tell us about yourself:

I was born in Incheon, South Korea, and adopted at 3 months with my twin sister. I studied Biomedical Science at university with plans to start graduate school. However, I reunited with my birth family in 2014 and decided to move to Korea in 2015 for a year. 1 year turned into 10, and now I am finally getting back around to grad school. I moved to Chicago in January 2025 and am working on acclimating to a new daily life.

I love experiencing all parts of life and living in the moment. My life has not unfolded as I imagined it would, but I am incredibly thankful for all the people I've met along the way and the places I've been able to visit. I am looking forward to this next chapter in Chicago!

You’ll likely KAtCH me doing the following:

You'll likely KAtCH me somewhere near water (lakeshore or riverwalk) or somewhere warm! I love reading, staying active (running, hiking, swimming, gym, yoga), traveling, listening to music, and eating. I am often at cafes as well studying.

Why do you enjoy being involved with the KAtCH community?

Deciding to leave Korea was very difficult because I was also choosing to leave so many close friendships and a solid community. I was a bit worried and quite lonely when I first moved to Chicago, so I really appreciate the KAtCH community members and how welcoming everyone has been. I look forward to attending more community events and spending time with all the wonderful people I've met!

Favorite restaurant(s) in Chicagoland:

I really loved QXY in Chinatown, Tony’s Butt Shack (American BBQ), Pequod’s, and Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits. New Village and SGD are probably my favorites so far for Korean food. I cook a lot at home, so I’m still trying to explore new places!

Find me/Social Media:

Ig: katekim026