Sooji Nam working for WPBF 25 News (Photo Credit: courtesy of Sooji Nam)
(Editor’s Note: Sophomore Heather Yang, currently an intern for K-NEWS LA, recently wrote her first article on Second Generation Koreans featuring Immaculate Heart alumna Sooji Nam, Class of 2014, who now works as a reporter and fill-in anchor for WPBF 25 News in Florida. Here is Yang’s story on Sooji Nam’s journey.)
Bridging the gap between pursuing passion and career, Sooji Nam, a reporter for the WPBF News has been a pioneer in Korean American journalism. Nam has had success as a news reporter and journalist, including getting to interview presidential candidates Senator Bernie Sanders and President Joe Biden. Currently based in Florida, Nam has also covered stories on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Nam’s career story is the embodiment of being a pioneer, pursuing passion, and achieving success.
Sooji Nam interviewing president Joe Biden (Photo Credit: courtesy of Sooji Nam)
Nam grew up with first generation Korean American immigrants who were fluent in not only Korean, but also Spanish. “Having parents who spent a significant portion of their lives in South America definitely pushed them to instill a passion of learning different cultures and languages,” Nam said.
“I was confident in my identity and able to embrace who I was while growing up in Koreatown. It was comforting being able to connect with my culture. There were always ubiquitous symbols of fragments of myself around town. It was comforting to know that everything from my community to my favorite snacks were only a five-minute drive,” she said.
“I think my family was most influential in shaping my appreciation for culture,” Nam continued. “I think it is easy for most children of first-generation immigrants to forget about where they come from. But, growing up trying to always situate myself between American and Korean culture, my parents made sure I always appreciated where I came from.”
Nam’s journalism career started in high school. She attributes her inspiration for journalism to her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School. “Shout out to the best English and Journalism teacher Ms. Callie Webb and all of my other teachers who pushed me to pursue journalism!” Nam exclaimed. While attending Immaculate Heart, Nam served as co-editor-in-chief of The Bamboo and also interned for The Korea Daily and Kids Talk Radio. By the end of high school, she graduated as a Coca-Cola Scholar.
Following Immaculate Heart, Nam attended the USC Annenberg School of Communications, double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and International Relations. Nam credits Annenberg for forging the way for her to network and learn from the best in the journalism industry.
While attending USC, Nam also studied abroad in Seoul, interning for the ABC News Seoul Bureau. During this internship, Nam worked alongside national correspondents, acting as a translator for Korean and English, producing video packages, and conducting live interviewers for students back at USC. Despite her thorough training, after college, Nam was still unsure as to whether she wanted to pursue on-air television or producing. This uncertainty brought a common theme into her life: doubt. She said that one of the biggest pieces of advice that she wishes to instill in people is to not doubt themselves.
“Perspective is key: people find their places in life in different times, ways and processes,” she said. “Don’t compare yourself to how someone is doing at a certain time, and most definitely don’t doubt yourself. Life will situate itself.”
Asked how doubt played a theme in her life she said, “Well obviously in my career, but I think the opposite of doubt was also prominent. At USC, I had professors who never for a second doubted any of their students. Their open-mindedness is a trait that I think I carry into my workspace even now.”
After college, Nam decided to take a chance and follow an opportunity to be a desk assistant at the NBC bureau in D.C.. She called that experience as one of the best in her life. “It was key to networking and some of the friends I made through that job opportunity are still my friends today,” she said
However, upon further consideration, Nam realized that she missed “being on-air, chasing the stories that I wanted to do, and sharing peoples’ voices.” This led Nam to pursue her first on-air role in Columbia, South Carolina. After the contract ended, Nam moved to her current job in a larger news market. Currently working for WPBF 25 News as a reporter in Palm West Beach, Florida, Nam described the experience as one of her biggest challenges but also one of the most worthwhile experiences. “The team is great,” she said. “I knew they offered amazing mentorship opportunities and would help me build upon my skill sets as a reporter. Being a reporter really pushes you to go outside your comfort zone and adapt in all conditions.”
Nam also shared that she finds that most of her success comes from her ability to have fun while working hard. “Remember to stay focused on your goals,” she said. “There are always going to be great memories to look back on one day.”
The Bamboo 
By Heather Yang ’26
(Editor’s Note: Sophomore Heather Yang, currently an intern for K-NEWS LA, recently wrote her first article on Second Generation Koreans featuring Immaculate Heart alumna Sooji Nam, Class of 2014, who now works as a reporter and fill-in anchor for WPBF 25 News in Florida. Here is Yang’s story on Sooji Nam’s journey.)
Bridging the gap between pursuing passion and career, Sooji Nam, a reporter for the WPBF News has been a pioneer in Korean American journalism. Nam has had success as a news reporter and journalist, including getting to interview presidential candidates Senator Bernie Sanders and President Joe Biden. Currently based in Florida, Nam has also covered stories on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Nam’s career story is the embodiment of being a pioneer, pursuing passion, and achieving success.
Nam grew up with first generation Korean American immigrants who were fluent in not only Korean, but also Spanish. “Having parents who spent a significant portion of their lives in South America definitely pushed them to instill a passion of learning different cultures and languages,” Nam said.
“I was confident in my identity and able to embrace who I was while growing up in Koreatown. It was comforting being able to connect with my culture. There were always ubiquitous symbols of fragments of myself around town. It was comforting to know that everything from my community to my favorite snacks were only a five-minute drive,” she said.
“I think my family was most influential in shaping my appreciation for culture,” Nam continued. “I think it is easy for most children of first-generation immigrants to forget about where they come from. But, growing up trying to always situate myself between American and Korean culture, my parents made sure I always appreciated where I came from.”
Nam’s journalism career started in high school. She attributes her inspiration for journalism to her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School. “Shout out to the best English and Journalism teacher Ms. Callie Webb and all of my other teachers who pushed me to pursue journalism!” Nam exclaimed. While attending Immaculate Heart, Nam served as co-editor-in-chief of The Bamboo and also interned for The Korea Daily and Kids Talk Radio. By the end of high school, she graduated as a Coca-Cola Scholar.
Following Immaculate Heart, Nam attended the USC Annenberg School of Communications, double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and International Relations. Nam credits Annenberg for forging the way for her to network and learn from the best in the journalism industry.
While attending USC, Nam also studied abroad in Seoul, interning for the ABC News Seoul Bureau. During this internship, Nam worked alongside national correspondents, acting as a translator for Korean and English, producing video packages, and conducting live interviewers for students back at USC.
Despite her thorough training, after college, Nam was still unsure as to whether she wanted to pursue on-air television or producing. This uncertainty brought a common theme into her life: doubt. She said that one of the biggest pieces of advice that she wishes to instill in people is to not doubt themselves.
“Perspective is key: people find their places in life in different times, ways and processes,” she said. “Don’t compare yourself to how someone is doing at a certain time, and most definitely don’t doubt yourself. Life will situate itself.”
Asked how doubt played a theme in her life she said, “Well obviously in my career, but I think the opposite of doubt was also prominent. At USC, I had professors who never for a second doubted any of their students. Their open-mindedness is a trait that I think I carry into my workspace even now.”
After college, Nam decided to take a chance and follow an opportunity to be a desk assistant at the NBC bureau in D.C.. She called that experience as one of the best in her life. “It was key to networking and some of the friends I made through that job opportunity are still my friends today,” she said
However, upon further consideration, Nam realized that she missed “being on-air, chasing the stories that I wanted to do, and sharing peoples’ voices.” This led Nam to pursue her first on-air role in Columbia, South Carolina. After the contract ended, Nam moved to her current job in a larger news market. Currently working for WPBF 25 News as a reporter in Palm West Beach, Florida, Nam described the experience as one of her biggest challenges but also one of the most worthwhile experiences. “The team is great,” she said. “I knew they offered amazing mentorship opportunities and would help me build upon my skill sets as a reporter. Being a reporter really pushes you to go outside your comfort zone and adapt in all conditions.”
Nam also shared that she finds that most of her success comes from her ability to have fun while working hard. “Remember to stay focused on your goals,” she said. “There are always going to be great memories to look back on one day.”
Share this: