The following is a list of famous Korean Americans (and Korean Canadians) who have made significant contributions to North American culture or society artistically or scientifically, or have appeared in the news numerous times:

  • Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, author, video/filmmaker
  • Leonard Chang, American-born writer
  • Margaret Cho, comedian and former TV star of television show All-American Girl
  • Judge Herbert Choy, appointed to the U.S Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. First Asian Pacific American to be named to a federal court.
  • Philip Jaisohn, first Korean to become an American citizen; first Korean American to receive American medical degree
  • Heinz Insu Fenkl, author
  • Younghill Kang, author
  • Nora Okja Keller, author
  • Elaine H. Kim, author, professor of Asian American studies
  • Michael Kim, sportscaster on ESPN television
  • Patti Kim, author of A Cab Called Reliable
  • Richard E. Kim, author
  • Chang-rae Lee, author
  • Don Lee, author, editor of Ploughshares literary journal
  • Lodestone Theatre Ensemble (Philip W. Chung, Alexandra Bokyun Chun, Chil Kong, and Tim Lounibos)
  • Angela E. Oh, attorney and Asian American spokesperson during the 1990’s Los Angeles, California riots
  • Sandra Oh, a Korean-Canadian film actress
  • Nam June Paik, Korean-born artist
  • Linda Park, Korean-born actor (Enterprise)
  • Linda Sue Park, American-born author; winner of the 2002 Newbery Medal for A Single Shard
  • Jhoon Rhee, Tae Kwon Do master and entrepreneur
  • Michelle Wie, womens golf phenom
  • Rick Yune, American-born actor

See also: Asian American