Frankly in Love

David Yoon’s Frankly in Love delves into the complexities of cultural identity and belonging. Through the story of Frank Li, a Korean American teenager, Yoon explores the challenges of straddling two cultures and the diverse ways in which individuals can find belonging without conforming to homogeneity. Overall, the novel emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s unique identity and fostering inclusive communities. Frank finds himself torn between his Korean heritage and American upbringing. Growing up in a Korean immigrant family, Frank grapples with the pressures of cultural expectations and the desire for personal autonomy. Yoon depicts the complexities of navigating a dual identity through Frank’s desire to pursue a relationship with a white classmate, despite his parents’ wishes that he only date Korean girls.

In addition to Frank’s brief romance with Brit (who, in some ways, embodies “American” culture to Frank), he and his friends embody American youth culture, enjoying Western pastimes such as Dungeons & Dragons. The tension between Frank’s “Westernization” and his parents’ traditional Korean values prompts Frank to question his sense of self. Although Frank initially feels disconnected from his cultural heritage, he gradually comes to accept it by engaging in Korean spaces. During his time at a Korean festival with Joy, he sees himself reflected in other Korean faces: “There is something happening here inside me. I look at Joy and can tell she can feel it too. The lights, the music, this great celebration of a culture that we supposedly belong to. Everyone here, looking like we do” (266). This acceptance of heritage leads to a deeper sense of connection to his family and how he fits into the world as a whole.

Frank yearns to belong, both within his Korean community and among his American peers. However, he soon discovers that belonging is not solely defined by conformity or adherence to a single cultural identity. Yoon presents a diverse cast of characters who challenge the notion of a homogenous cultural identity. Characters like Brit, Q, and Joy, who have their own unique cultural backgrounds and experiences, highlight the ways in which individuals can belong to a group. Through the characters’ interactions and friendships, the novel demonstrates that true belonging stems from acceptance, understanding, and embracing diversity.

Embracing one’s unique identity is made easier when fostering inclusive communities. Frank learns that cultural identity is not a rigid construct but a dynamic aspect of oneself, such as when he attends a wedding and realizes that some Korean Americans preserve more of their culture and language than others—but all Korean Americans can still come together and find ways to connect. The novel encourages individuals to celebrate their heritage while embracing their individuality, debunking the notion that one must choose between cultures. Cultural identity aside, groups like the Apeys, students from multiple cultural backgrounds, demonstrate that shared experiences can bridge gaps between cultures. Overall, Frankly in Love explores the intricate dynamics of cultural identity and belonging, ultimately emphasizing that there are many ways to experience belonging without homogeneity.