Meet Aloha Haekyung Lee

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aloha Haekyung Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Aloha Haekyung, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

Every major decision in my career — from pursuing animation in Korea when it wasn’t encouraged, to working on Squid Game, to moving to the U.S. for animation — has been a leap into uncertainty. Over time, I learned that risk feels less like a gamble when you trust your ability to adapt, grow, and connect with people who share your passion.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a story artist who bridges cultures and mediums. My background in live-action gave me a strong command of cinematic language, and animation opened up boundless creative possibilities. I’m often sought out for my comedic storyboarding, but directing ‘Indefinitely’ reminded me of the power in telling the story you truly need to tell. It resonated widely because it came from a sincere place — the experience of chasing something you love, even when fear and uncertainty are constant companions.

That’s what excites me most about my work: creating visual narratives that transcend language, touch the emotions of people from all walks of life, and remind them they are not alone. And along the way, I’ve been surrounded by incredible people — friends who cheer me on, mentors who challenge me to grow, and colleagues who trust me with their stories. I wouldn’t be here without them.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1) Resilience – Productions change, opportunities shift, and plans can collapse overnight. Staying steady is essential.

2) Empathy – Understanding the emotional core of a moment is what makes a story connect.

3) Sincerity – Audiences can feel when your work comes from a truthful place. That’s where trust and impact are built.

My advice, if I could, would be to treat these qualities like muscles — they grow stronger the more you use them, especially in challenging situations.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ by Dr. Seuss might seem lighthearted, given its intended audience of children, but its honesty about setbacks, loneliness, and uncertainty makes it timeless. For me, it’s a reminder that caring for your mental health is just as important as mastering your craft. It’s okay to pause, to let loved ones lift you up, and to give yourself grace when you fall. The journey is as much about sustaining yourself as it is about moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunday_sundae.mp4/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aloha-lee/

Image Credits

Emma Bliss Ream, Kaitlin Goldstein