Hi there,
I’m Yoonji Han, a Hong Kong-born, Korean freelance journalist based in New York City. My work has appeared in publications like The Daily Beast, Gothamist, PS (f.k.a. PopSugar), and more.
Most recently, I was a reporter for Business Insider's Voices of Color vertical, where I covered a broad range of topics — from arts & culture to policy — through the lens of race & identity (check out my coverage on my author page here).
I also have a Substack called Read This, where I share weekly curated lists of compelling, thought-provoking, or just plain weird culture reads, fiction book recommendations, and the behind-the-scenes of freelancing stories.
Prior to joining the Voices of Color team, I was a legal reporter at Business Insider. As the first hire on the legal team, I helped build its coverage of law firms, legal tech, and court cases.
Here's a sampling of some of my favorite stories so far, many of which take a narrative spin and center around human interest issues:
- The Next Generation of Chinatown
- Shinzo Abe's suspected assassin wanted revenge against the Unification Church. Here's what growing up in the Moonies 'cult' was like.
- How the Black and Latino queer community made voguing a form of resistance
- Asian American women are speaking out against hate. Activists say that can mean fighting sexism and erasure.
- Meet the New Yorkers Vying to Be the Next K-pop Star—Even if They’re Not Korean
I hold a master’s degree from the Columbia Journalism School. After completing my undergraduate degree in English Literature and Business Management also at Columbia University, I was a legal analyst at Kobre & Kim, a litigation firm in New York, before making the pivot to journalism.
Previously, I’ve written for The Daily Beast, the Korea Times, NY City Lens, the Brooklyn Ink, Crave Magazine, and more. In addition to journalistic writing, I’ve also published literary criticism and short stories.
The best ways to reach me are email or X at @yoonji_han.