In this episode Bryan Jung talks about the experience of being only nine years old when his father, a prominent lawyer in the Korean community, was tragically shot by another lawyer. Fifteen months later and just nine days before Bryan’s 11th birthday, his father died. Bryan reflects on the impact of his father’s death, the strength of his family, and how he continues to honor his dad’s legacy. He shares how his grief evolved over time, the role of community support, and the lessons he’s carried into his own life. Bryan also discusses founding This Is Why, an online platform that provides space for individuals who lost a parent as a child or teen to share their stories and find connection. 

We Discuss: 

• Bryan’s memories of his father and the impact of his death on their family 

• Navigating life after his father’s shooting and the challenges of childhood grief 

• The role of community support and the strength of his mother in keeping the family together 

• How volunteering at Camp Erin deepened his understanding of grief and inspired him to create This Is Why 

• The power of storytelling in grief and his commitment to continuing his father’s legacy 

• Forgiveness and personal growth in the aftermath of tragedy 

• How grief anniversaries and milestones continue to shape his journey 

Resources & Links: 

• Learn more about This Is Why: thisiswhy.life 

• Connect with This Is Why on social media 

• Information on Camp Erin: elunanetwork.org 

• Dougy Center: dougy.org 

Join the Conversation: 

We’d love to hear from you! If you have thoughts on this episode or want to share your own grief journey, email us at [email protected].