Paula Yoo '87, the 2025 Seoul Foreign School Alumna of the Year

Meet Paula Yoo '87, the 2025 Seoul Foreign School Alumna of the Year. The Alum of the Year is a distinction given to alumni who continue to exemplify the SFS mission long after leaving campus. In this inspiring video, she shares powerful reflections on her journey at SFS from 1977 to 1982 and speaks candidly about the challenges of identity and belonging as a Korean American teenager moving from the United States to Korea. Through these formative years, Paula found support and guidance from SFS teachers, who helped shape her sense of morals and principles—values that continue to guide her today.

After beginning in journalism, Paula transitioned to television writing, breaking ground with The West Wing in 2002. Since then, she has dedicated herself to elevating Korean American and Asian American stories, using her platform to amplify voices that are often overlooked. She highlights the growing influence of Korean pop culture in shaping mainstream acceptance and underscores the need to teach Asian American history in schools.

Paula emphasizes the enduring importance of mentorship, resilience, and empathy—qualities she believes are essential for aspiring writers striving to make a difference. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of using one’s voice to create meaningful change.