I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been awarded a 2022 National Geographic Society Grant for my project on South Korea’s Asian moon bear restoration program. @InsideNatGeo.

In 2004, an estimated 5 moon bears remained in Korea’s natural environment, with their extinction in the wild seeming all but inevitable. Hoping to avoid this fate, the Ministry of Environment and the Korea National Park Service embarked on an impossible project to restore the bear population.

Now more than 74 moon bears roam Jirisan Mountain, the country’s oldest and largest national park. However, with this success, a new challenge has arisen as the bears are increasingly crossing paths with human interests. Can South Korea, a highly industrialized and urbanized nation, learn to coexist with these wild animals?

I originally pitched this project to and had it approved by @natgeo last year. I cannot thank my photo editor @alexandramoreo enough for her support and trust. Special thanks also to @maurafriedman for informing me about the grant opportunity.

Last but not least, @marliesgabrieleprinzl deserves full credit and recognition for meticulously copyediting and proofreading both the original pitch and the grant application, asking many hard questions and providing emotional support.

As far as I know I’m the first South Korean photographer to become a National Geographic Explorer. I’m excited to bring a story from my country that is close to my heart and identity to a wider, international audience.