Finding Your Way From Korea to the U.S. and Its Immigration System with Joe Kwon

This episode of Lucky to Be Here™️ is the first of two with our guest Joe Kwon. Joe Kwon is the founding attorney of Joe Kwon Law, PLLC, a boutique business immigration practice licensed in Tennessee and serving clients nationwide. He focuses on self-petition and extraordinary-ability cases (EB-1A, O-1A/O-1B, EB-2 NIW) with deep PERM labor-certification experience, and offers attorney-direct, flat-fee representation with first-class multicultural service. His approach is teach-don't-sell: honest case assessment and plain-language guidance over legalese. In our discussion, Joe shares his journey moving as a kid from South Korea to the US, his evolving identity as he adjusted to life in Tennessee and attending college as an international student, and how his experiences shaped his career in immigration law. Throughout our conversation, he shares his insights on navigating these cultural shifts, various career transitions, and the importance of viewing immigration as a journey rather than a destination. You can find Joe Kwon on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook as @joekownlaw to follow him in Korean and English, and book your consultation.  Keywords immigration, career development, cultural identity, legal career, international students, US immigration system, personal growth, professional journey, South Korea, immigrant children Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joe Kwon and his background 02:08 Joe's childhood in Seoul and move to Nashville 03:55 Initial impressions of Nashville and cultural shock 08:50 Adjusting to a new environment and language barriers 12:54 The emotional whiplash of belonging and systemic barriers 18:58 Realization of career interests and law school journey 33:05 The shift from survival to self-actualization in career 43:52 Focus on immigration law and its significance 51:59 Advice to the 12-year-old immigrant self 54:00 Closing remarks and resources for listeners Lucky to Be Here™️ is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.  Lucky to Be Here™️ is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC. Visit our website https://www.agvservicesllc.com/luckytobehere to join our newsletter to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: YYYMONAI8AICFIGC © 2026 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved.