Synopsis

Hawaiian Serenade tells the story of those who left Korea in 1902 for an unknown world. This omnibus film comprises three segments. The first, "Their Footsteps," takes viewers on a time-travel journey through 120 years of Korean immigration history. The second story, "Grandmother’s Brass Bowl," follows the life of Im Ok-sun, a picture bride who emigrated to Hawaii. The final chapter, "Tears of Kalaupapa," traces the life of Kim Choon-seok, who died alone in Kalaupapa—a leper colony in Hawaii similar to Korea’s Sorok Island. Acclaimed musicians Richard Yongjae O’Neill, Kim Ji-yeon, Ignace Jang, and Hawaiian slack-key guitar master Keola Beamer provide a deeply moving soundtrack.

Program Note

Hawaiian Serenade is an archival music documentary that reconstructs the history of Koreans who emigrated to Hawaii over 120 years ago. Narrated by actress Ye Soo-jung, the film evokes a sense of personal connection with the forgotten individuals who make up this vast history of Korean immigration. Known today as a tropical paradise, Hawaii is revealed in a new light through the film’s lyrical storytelling. Korean musicians such as Richard Yongjae O’Neill and Kim Ji-yeon deliver delicate, soulful performances that seem to console the spirits of Korean immigrants. (Choi Eun-young)

Director

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  • Jinyoung Lee
  • After graduating from Ewha Womans University, Jinyoung Lee moved to Hawaii and worked as a journalist. Her documentary Legacy of the Rainbow Nation (2021), featuring interviews with descendants of early Korean immigrants, was officially selected at the 41st Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) and numerous global festivals, and was designated as an official Korean historical record. Her follow-up film Hawaiian Serenade (2024) captures immigration history through music by renowned musicians such as Richard Yongjae O’Neill. It has been officially invited to the competition section of the 43rd HIFF and is scheduled to air on PBS in the U.S. and open nationwide in Korea on October 30. She has received Best New Director awards from the Tagore International Film Festival and Liberty International Film Festival.