by JAMES S. KIM | @james_s_kim
editor@charactermedia.com
It’s a season of firsts for the Maryland governor. Larry Hogan, a Republican in a state that is considered to be widely Democratic, never held public office until he pulled off an upset this past November. His wife, Yumi, is believed to be the first Korean first lady in the United States, according to the Washington Post.
Yumi probably never even considered that title before she met Larry in 2000. After growing up in a rural area outside Seoul as the youngest of eight children, she immigrated to the United States in her 20s, married to her first husband with whom she had three daughters.
After a divorce, Yumi was left to take care of her children on her own, teaching art in her basement and working as a cashier to make ends meet. As an aspiring artist, she continued working on her abstract landscapes, until she caught the eye of Larry at an art show. According to the governor, he was “more interested in the artist than the art” and gave Yumi his number. She never called, but the couple eventually met again and got married.
Fast forward 15 years, and the two are moving into the governor’s mansion with the kimchi refrigerator in tow. Larry encouraged Yumi to pursue an art degree; she now has two, including a masters degree. Her artwork has been on display in various locations around the country.
Yumi plans to continue her regular job of teaching painting while also making arts a priority as first lady. She may be new to a public office, but she’s fine with the responsibilities. All she wants is her studio space once things are settled in their new place.
KoreAm‘s February/March 2015 issue will include a full profile of Yumi Hogan, so stay tuned!
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Photo courtesy of the Washington Post
