Honoring Tradition: Milestone Korean Birthday
I had the privilege of photographing Irina’s Hwangap, a traditional Korean 60th birthday, held in New Jersey, where she’s lived for the past ten years. Irina, though born in Soviet Russia, embraced her Korean roots through this beautiful celebration, organized by her two daughters, Vera and Margarita, who flew in from Paris to honor their mother.
The love and care they put into every detail were remarkable—tasteful decor, heartfelt video tributes, and a documentary that beautify celebrated Irina’s life. But perhaps the most touching moment came when Irina’s father, who still lives in Russia, traveled for two days to be there and sang a traditional Korean song, filling the room with emotion.
During the opening speeches, Vera and Margarita shared stories that left everyone in tears, including me. Irina’s mother passed away at just 39, so this milestone held even more significance.
Witnessing Irina’s family honor their traditions and embrace both their joy and pain was deeply moving. It felt like a healing moment, reminding me of the power of love and resilience, importance of family connections and the fragility of life.
It was more than a birthday; it was a deeply emotional celebration of love, resilience, and family.
