We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hanna Jung. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hanna below.
Hanna, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Moving to America was definitely a huge transition for me. I barely spoke any English, and I didn’t know anyone here. At first, I was excited about this new journey, but it was also overwhelming. I often felt like I was completely on my own. Over time, though, I began to realize that this experience could actually become a source of strength. Even though my background and experiences might differ, I recognized that my perspective and story have value. The way I create music and perform as a DJ is a direct reflection of my identity, and that’s something essential that I bring to the table.
Navigating a new language and culture pushed me to adapt quickly, which helped me build confidence. As my English improved and I connected with more people, I saw that my journey and unique background could offer a fresh perspective. That added depth to my work as a DJ and really gave me my own voice.
Not knowing anyone here motivated me to reach out and build my own network from scratch. By sharing my story, I found people who appreciated different cultures and the influences I bring to my music. Instead of letting feelings of isolation hold me back, I turned them into inspiration. Embracing my cultural roots and asking myself who I am allowed me to bring even more diversity into my music, helping me connect with a broader audience and create something meaningful.
I’m also always eager to learn and listen to others’ perspectives. This openness has helped me discover new opportunities and express myself more fully. Even though the journey hasn’t been easy, that experience of feeling like a newcomer has made me unique, giving me a deeper connection to the message I want to share.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Right now, my main focus is on my career as a DJ, artist, and producer, blending my Korean roots with electronic music to create something unique. Music has always been my way of expressing myself, and being able to perform, connect, and tell stories through my sets is what I find most exciting about what I do. I’m especially passionate about bringing a mix of genres together – from house and techno to traditional Korean sounds – to give audiences a fresh experience.
One of the aspects I love most about my work is that it lets me explore my identity and share parts of my culture with others. Being both Korean and an artist living in the U.S. gives me a chance to bridge cultural gaps, and I find it rewarding when people resonate with the diversity I bring into my sets. I want my music to feel like a celebration of individuality and connection.
I’ve recently launched a concept called ‘minijoy, Your Joy’, which is an event focused on celebrating diversity and culture through music. It’s about creating a space where people from all backgrounds feel included and can connect through a shared love for music. I’m also working on collaborative tracks with friends in the U.S., Europe, and Korea, and I have a few upcoming shows planned in both LA and NYC where I’ll be debuting some new music. and also, for next year, I’d like to do two projects, one about nature, another for ‘Han’.
I just hung out with good friends of mind this past weekend, and one of my friends told me, ‘Minijoy is a movement.’, and another friend said, ‘What we need in our life is just minijoy.’ maybe I wanted to make that movement to make people think minijoy for themselves. I’m so happy when I play my sets and work on music. I hope I can work on more projects myself and with friends and make MEGA joy next year, haha. I hope you have at least one mini-joy that makes your day today.
I’m always evolving as an artist, so in the coming months, I’ll be exploring more sounds and expanding my reach, performing at bigger festivals and connecting with even more people around the world. I hope to bring more of my story and my cultural roots to each event, giving my audiences something both exciting and meaningful.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d say three key elements have truly shaped who I am today: self-belief, the support of good friends, and a willingness to take risks.
Starting over in a new country was daunting; there were many times I felt alone, which made me realize just how crucial it was to trust in myself. Without that faith in my abilities, tackling new challenges or exploring creatively would have been much harder. For anyone at the start of their journey, I’d encourage them to think of self-belief as a blank canvas and feel free to draw anything.
At first, I barely knew anyone here, and I did feel isolated. But over time, I connected with some amazing friends who became my support system. Sharing our stories and growing together helped us be there for each other when it mattered most. If it weren’t for their support, I don’t think I would have made it this far. Having friends who understand and stand by your dreams is invaluable, and the connections I’ve made have brought unexpected depth to both my work and my life.
Lastly, taking risks has been a big part of my journey. Moving to a new country, starting from scratch, and experimenting with my sound were all risks, but each one helped me grow and define my voice as an artist. Risks can be scary, especially when you’re going against the grain, but they’re also chances to learn and adapt. To anyone starting out, I’d say don’t shy away from stepping outside your comfort zone, whether it’s reaching out to new people, trying something bold, or pushing your work in a different direction. Every step forward, even the difficult ones, brings you closer to discovering your unique voice.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to stay true to yourself, wherever your journey leads. Embrace each challenge as a learning opportunity, and keep finding ways to express what makes you uniquely you. Those qualities not only help you succeed but also allow you to create something meaningful along the way. Believing in myself and building these supportive relationships have truly been the foundation of my growth and success.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I find it’s helpful to take a step back and focus on the positive things in my life. For me, meeting good people, experiencing beautiful moments, and hearing uplifting words all serve as reminders of the support and encouragement around me—whether it’s family, friends, or even strangers who believe in me and my dreams.
To clear my mind, I love listening to good music or simply taking in a nice view. These moments help me reconnect with gratitude for what I have. Once I’m home, I like to write down my thoughts. Putting everything on paper gives me a new perspective and helps me organize my emotions. My advice would be to focus on the good things in your life, however small they may seem, and to find routines that help you slow down and reset. It’s these little practices that remind me why I started and help me keep going, no matter how challenging things might feel.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minijoy_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@minijoy_
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/minijoy
Image Credits
Personal Photo @bongbong_shot Additional Photo @huacheng.jpeg
