Aug 11, 2026 · 39 min · 23 segments
Family is everything in Korean culture, but when the Suh family starts a new life in the United States, tradition turns to rebellion. Their American dream soon becomes a nightmare as they find out the…
For Ronald Soo, his wife Elizabeth, and their two children, Katherine and Andrew, the big move from Seoul, South Korea, to Chicago, Illinois, is just what the family needs.
The Soos came over here because they wanted a new start.
They wanted a better life for themselves and their family.
The new land offers new promise, with some of the comforts of home.
You didn't need to necessarily be an expert in English to start a life here.
It's not long before the Soos start two businesses of their own.
Ronald opens a pharmacy, and Elizabeth opens a dry cleaner.
Their children went to American schools and quickly learned the language, and ended up helping out in both the father and the mother's place of business.
Hello? I would- They were relying on their children for translation.
Uh, I'd like to make an order.
Both Katherine, and especially Andrew, by 10 he was already translating, um, business deals.
Gum, 50 boxes.
As their businesses grow, their youngest child, Andrew, is right there, always by his parents' side.
Andrew was obedient.
He was kind.
He was industrious.
He worked on a almost daily basis after school.
Children of Korean parents are supposed to do exactly what their parents say.
Ronald was very proud of him, praised him to the skies.
Andrew could do no wrong.
But while Andrew plays the good son, his older sister, Katherine, takes no interest in her family's values.
She wants something different.
Katherine was a rebellious girl.
For Ronald Soo, his wife Elizabeth, and their two children, Katherine and Andrew, the big move from Seoul, South Korea, to Chicago, Illinois, is just what the family needs.
The Soos came over here because they wanted a new start.
They wanted a better life for themselves and their family.
The new land offers new promise, with some of the comforts of home.
You didn't need to necessarily be an expert in English to start a life here.
It's not long before the Soos start two businesses of their own.
Ronald opens a pharmacy, and Elizabeth opens a dry cleaner.
Their children went to American schools and quickly learned the language, and ended up helping out in both the father and the mother's place of business.
Hello? I would- They were relying on their children for translation.
Uh, I'd like to make an order.
Both Katherine, and especially Andrew, by 10 he was already translating, um, business deals.
Gum, 50 boxes.
As their businesses grow, their youngest child, Andrew, is right there, always by his parents' side.
Andrew was obedient.
He was kind.
He was industrious.
He worked on a almost daily basis after school.
Children of Korean parents are supposed to do exactly what their parents say.
Ronald was very proud of him, praised him to the skies.
Andrew could do no wrong.
But while Andrew plays the good son, his older sister, Katherine, takes no interest in her family's values.
She wants something different.
Katherine was a rebellious girl.
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