'Bloom wherever you are planted'
Energetic and full of ambition,
Dr. Raehyun Kim continues to build
his own story with confidence and purpose.
Military Medical Officer | Raehyun Kim
Q. What made you choose
the unique path of becoming
a U.S. military medical officer instead
of following the typical path as a dentist?
After graduating from university,
I enlisted in the United States Navy.
I was influenced by many friends in the military,
and since I’ve always enjoyed physical activity,
I wanted to challenge myself
with a different kind of experience.
I first served in a United States Marine Corps unit,
and now I’m working as a medical officer.
At first, it was driven by curiosity.
But over time, that curiosity turned
into a strong sense of responsibility.
I occasionally meet veterans
who served in the Korean War,
and moments like that stay with me.
I feel a deep sense of gratitude toward
those who helped my country, and that gratitude
is one of the reasons I continue to serve.
Q. What emotions came to mind
when you visited Green Sands Beach?
The year I visited Green Sands Beach
was a particularly difficult one for me.
I was going through a lot, especially
with concerns about my future and career.
That was when I ended up traveling to Hawaii.
During the trip, I was able to let go of
many negative thoughts and found comfort in nature.
Q. Your Instagram has such
a vibrant and unique energy.
How would your friends describe you?
Thank you for seeing me that way.
I always try to do the things I truly want to do.
Because I’ve experienced so many different things,
my friends often joke that I’m living my tenth life.
Q. As a former cheerleader
for the NHL and a member
of the Campbell University dance team,
what kind of energy did those experiences
bring into your life?
When I first moved to the United States,
my naturally outgoing personality
gradually became more reserved.
But through dance,
I was able to regain my confidence.
Dancing gave me a sense of freedom,
energy, and self-expression,
and it helped me reconnect
with the vibrant side of myself.
Q. What is the most meaningful
advice you’ve received in life?
I always keep the phrase
“Bloom wherever you are planted”
close to my heart.
No matter what situation
I’m in or where life places me,
I try to give my best and
make the most of where I am.
Q. How did you feel after completing
your White Coat Ceremony?
More than anything,
I felt deeply grateful to the people around
me who believed in me and supported
me unconditionally throughout my journey.
It was also a meaningful moment because
I realized that I had reached a point
where I could truly help others
and make a positive difference in their lives.
Q. What are your goals for the future?
I’m currently studying
with the goal of specializing
in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Even if I may not change the world in a huge way,
I hope to become a doctor who can
make a meaningful difference
in society, even in small ways.
My dream is to keep learning, keep giving,
and live a life where I can contribute to others.
