Jieun was born in Seoul, South Korea during one of the most beautiful springs, according to her mother. her mother, a florist always said that in this particular spring the flowers seemed to have a different scent to them. A scent that drew people out of their homes and into her flower shop to welcome the birth of a new baby. That baby just so happened to be Jieun.

On the other hand her father was an average office worker always working hard to provide for his family. Her father instilled in her from an early age not to take what you have for granted. While her parents weren’t materialistically wealthy, Jieun never wanted for love. The people in her cluster of buildings were close and often pooled resources to make things easier for each other, trading leftovers and other services when needed.

The neighborhood taught her how to appreciate gently used items – her mother called them vintage. While, her father, taught her actions spoke louder than words. Kindness was a currency that would never run dry, after all, and the Lees always carried it in their pockets. She helped perform chores around the house without whining and would often give her younger brother part of her allowance if he ever wanted to buy something he couldn’t afford. Jieun adored her little brother and would do anything for him.

As Jieun entered high school her parents financial situation began to deteriorate. Her father had lost his job and things around the house became even more tight. Taking on the responsibility as the eldest child she took a job at the music store at the local mall. Here is where her love of music creschendoed to a peak. In her spare time jieun began taking guitar and piano lessons. every paycheck she diligently put money aside for college but she couldn’t help but to indulge every now and then. especially on her first guitar.

To save money, Jieun planned on attending college close to home, but it was her father who encouraged her to accept the partial scholarship to Korea University. It was one of the premiere universities in the country and the opportunities that could be afforded to her come graduation outweighed any financial savings.