Update: James Kim 1971-2006. Hero.
James Kim still hasn't been found, but soon. Very soon.
My brother lives just minutes from where rescue efforts are being coordinated in Merlin, Ore. and he has been calling and emailing several times a day. Like so many people, he is concerned. We share information and inevitably our conversations turn to the fact that James Kim, because he's Korean, is one focused and determined dude.
My brother called this morning from the airport on his way to Austin and said, "He's Korean. You know he is never going to give up. We're crazy...and you know being Korean, he will eat anything rather than starve. Bugs, snails...he'll eat it. He will never give up."
"Never," I responded.
My mom is the same. The moment she heard that Kati Kim and the girls were found by a private helicopter hired by the Kim family she was quick to praise Korean ingenuity and resourcefulness.
What's that thing about Korean pride we're always talking about?
Even my husband remarked that if it were my mom out there in the wilderness and she encountered a cougar, "She'd have that thing barbecuing before you can say 'kalbi.'"
Of course, it's not just being Korean. Any parent out there would do whatever it took to help his or her family.
Just before my brother got on his plane he told me to keep him posted. I know that he especially must feel utterly helpless being half-Korean, living so close to where they got lost, and having that Korean spirit that makes you just want to clear forests with your bare hands to find that guy.
"It wasn't that cold last night. I got into my car at 4:00AM to drive to the airport and there was no ice on it, " my brother explained. "Think about homeless people that sleep outside every night... He's probably sitting next to the Rogue going, 'what the fuck is taking everyone so long?'"
Hopeful words that made me feel better this morning after checking the news and finding no word.
The undersheriff said yesterday that they are searching for James Kim "as if he were a member of their own family." I don't know why but that statement gave me the most hope. Let everyone searching "be Korean" today and find him quickly.
—Stefania Pomponi Butler
