I recently watched Haribo Kimchi, a show that, on the surface, is quirky and heartfelt. But underneath, it explores something many of us quietly struggle with: the question of where we belong.
One line stuck with me: “Routes are more important than roots.”
At first, I paused. Roots – where we come from – are meant to ground us, right? But the more I sat with it, the more it made sense.
In a world where many of us move cities, shift careers, outgrow friendships or straddle multiple cultures… it’s the routes we take – the choices, detours, communities we build – that shape us most.
Why this resonates with me
I wasn’t born into the life I have now.
I didn’t grow up with clarity, connections or a clear roadmap.
But I’ve built my sense of self over time, through trial and error, lessons and community.
The places I’ve lived, the people I’ve met, the paths I’ve taken – they’ve shaped me far more than my “origin story” ever could.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite belong – not in your workplace, your family culture or even your country of birth – Haribo Kimchi is a gentle reminder that it’s okay.
You’re not defined by where you started.
You’re defined by how you move forward.
Roots are history. Routes are becoming.
In the show, we see the main character wrestling with cultural expectations, personal loss, and the desire to build something of his own – even if it doesn’t resemble where he came from.
That mirrors what many of us are doing today: leaving a job that no longer fits; starting over after a divorce or a move; finding your voice in a new community or industry
We’re not unrooted, we’re rerouted.
And that’s powerful.
A gentle nudge for you
You don’t have to cling to who you used to be, or where you’re “supposed” to come from.
You can build a life that makes sense to you now – piece by piece, step by step.
Your story is still valid, even if it doesn’t follow a traditional arc.
Let your routes speak louder than your roots.
Let’s talk
Have you ever felt disconnected from your roots?
What “routes” have shaped you the most?
Share your thoughts with me on Instagram – I’d love to hear your story.