Nicole Hudack, a Korean adoptee, had the expected questioning about who she was and how she fit into New Jersey life. But her fandom for BTS, a South Korean boy band, helped her feel more at ease. Page Spinelli tuned into this story for the Bucks County Herald.

Growing up as an adopted Korean American in nearby Hunterdon, NJ, Hudack felt a general disconnect with her surroundings. The COVID-19 outbreak heightened her unease, given the anti-Asian sentiment that unfortunately accompanied it.

Her mother tried to build multicultural bridges. She cooked Korean meals and encouraged Korean-language lessons. But the encouragement never quite stuck.

A chance YouTube encounter with Korean boy-band BTS (aka the Bangtan Boys) changed Nicole’s outlook.

“It was cool to see a Korean band be so popular and seeing that representation. It propelled me to keep learning about Korea,” Nicole said.

Now, as she considers careers in medicine or fashion, she’s more comfortable with her roots.

She also expresses a desire to see Korea for herself someday.

To others who may be struggling with racial identity, Nicole says, “I hope that kids won’t have to worry about what ‘box’ they fit into. Just focus on the unique parts of yourself that make you feel whole.”

More on this story and the role BTS played in a teenager’s identity is at the Bucks County Herald.