Hyeonjin Park (they/them)
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hyeonjin.bsky.social
Hyeonjin Park (they/them)
@hyeonjin.bsky.social
1.5K followers 370 following 500 posts
phd candidate researching monstrosity and identity formation in video game music/sound, with additional interests in animation and kr/jp pop cultures. also a voracious reader.
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hyeonjin.bsky.social
This photo was from a couple days ago, but damn, once again, I really wish I were her. (Current weather is cloudy and cool temps, so she has opted to snooze under the covers, lol.)
A calico cat sprawled out on a bed, basking in the sunlight.
November 5, 2025 at 7:15 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Being in New England (specifically CT) also meant I got to eat pizza for the first time in a while. (It's not that pizza in LA is particularly bad, I just never have a craving for it because I've been spoiled by New Haven and, more broadly, the Tri-State area.)
A white claim pizza from Pepe's in New Haven, CT. A margherita pizza from Pepe's in New Haven, CT.
October 16, 2025 at 5:24 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Honey is not happy about this recent addition next to her 😂

(Many thanks to @gatsbea.bsky.social for the very belated birthday gift though 🤭)
A calico cat looking slightly displeased next to a plushie of Derpy from Kpop Demon Hunters.
October 8, 2025 at 8:39 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Oh, to be blissfully unaware of the horrors… and that we're about to have a fight in an hour (aka my cat vs. me with her carrier).
A sleeping calico cat curled into a ball on an unmade bed.
September 15, 2025 at 3:59 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
I'm not going to lie, the Korean memes and meltdowns over Silksong happening over on Tw*tter are absolutely hilarious.
A post from drawing_parrot that says: 안녕하세요 팀체리입니다 오늘해볼거는 스팀서버 내구도테스트 A post from 0gabin0 that says: 무슨 사냥? 스팀서버사냥? There is also a screenshot of the release of Hollow Knight Silksong in Korean. The "let me in" meme but with the Knight from Hollow Knight drawn in. The top panel has Steam's logo with the text "(스팀 서버 터짐)" below it. The bottom panel has "..... !!! .... !!!! .... !!!!"
September 4, 2025 at 4:27 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Yesterday was my cat's birthday, so here's a blurry photo of her looking completely surprised for some reason, haha.

I also adopted her around this time 5 years ago, so this post is just to express how glad I am to have her, even if she yaps like no tomorrow and is constantly seeking attention!
A blurry photo of a calico cat with a surprised facial expression.
August 12, 2025 at 3:13 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
It's the best fruit season of the year, aka 참외 (Korean melon) season!! 🥰 I'm also so happy that I can find them at the farmers' market near me!!!
There are two Korean melons (참외) on a placemat.
July 19, 2025 at 7:15 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
This is the foreign language requirement for my program (straight from the handbook)! Full disclosure, but I don't quite know the details for what level needs to be reached and whatnot, only because I didn't deal with this req the traditional way.
Students are normally required to master a language other than English as part of their doctoral studies. Students are informed of the language requirement upon admission to the program, and should designate their language as soon as they know their areas of specialization. If the student is working on a topic that does not evidently require foreign language skills, the student should consult the Director of Graduate Studies about the language most suitable to their program of study. The methods for fulfilling the requirement may include, but are not limited to: 1. Completion of an appropriate level of language instruction 2. Passing a departmental language examination 3. Demonstration of previously acquired language skills through documentation or an examination. Language proficiency must be demonstrated at the time of the scheduling of the University Oral Qualifying Examination for the doctoral degree, which in this department consists of a defense of the dissertation proposal.
June 3, 2025 at 7:26 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Yeah, I’m not going to have a better tattoo than this unless it’s another from the same artist, hahaha.

The photo was taken right after finishing, so there’s some blood, but I’m over the moon to have gotten tattooed by Pitta 🥲 I can’t wait to see it healed.
A tattoo featuring the dancheong design and an illustration from The Little Prince.
May 29, 2025 at 9:55 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Ben Affleck holding a cigarette while looking exhausted. There is a green bottle next to him.
May 28, 2025 at 12:15 AM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Oh, to be a cat, snoozing away in nap-friendly weather.
A calico cat asleep on a bed.
May 14, 2025 at 10:20 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Went to Chino Hills State Park this afternoon on a whim, and it was worth the drive.
California wildflowers cover hills under a blue sky. There is a dirt trail that can be followed. California wildflowers cover hills under a blue sky. There are more hills in the distance. California wildflowers cover hills in the distance under a blue sky. Hills in the distance with California wildflowers at the bottom.
May 3, 2025 at 12:19 AM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Oh, I guess I should say what I'm doing at #SCMS25. If you happen to still be around Sunday late afternoon (I know, such a great time), please swing by!
A screenshot of a panel at SCMS 2025. R12: Worldmaking: Migration, Transformation, and Imaginaries Luke Kuplowsky (York University), “The-World-as-Cat: Mitsuaki Iwagō‘s Interspecies Travelogues” Aruna Ekanayake (UC Irvine/Chapman University), “Daughters of the Dust: Articulating Migratory Transformation Through Indefinite Spatial and Temporal Articulations” Hyeonjin Park (UCLA), “Alive and Well in Hell: Black Aliveness and Worldmaking through Eurydice’s Song in Supergiant Games’ Hades” Tania Sarfaz (USC), “Atmospheres of Terror: Eureka’s Dangerous Light”
April 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Welp, there's the email from the UC President that a system-wide hiring freeze is happening.
Dear University of California Community: Over the last few months, the new administration in Washington, D.C., has announced a number of executive orders and proposed policy changes, including ones that threaten funding for lifesaving research, patient care, and education support. These actions affect colleges and universities across the country. Additionally, the 2025–26 California state budget calls for a substantial cut to the University’s budget. As one of the most innovative, research-focused public institutions in the nation, these proposed changes would have a particularly profound impact on the University of California. UC leaders and I are advocating strongly for and collaborating with state and federal elected officials on the University’s mission and priorities, alongside our higher education partners across the nation. The University’s legal team prepared for this moment and has been working diligently to protect the University and our mission through the courts. We will continue to pursue all appropriate actions and advocacy options available to us moving forward. These efforts have allowed us to stave off some of the immediate and projected financial impacts — but not all. As we face funding reductions at both the state and federal levels, the Chancellors and I are preparing for significant financial challenges ahead. Today, I write to share several steps we are taking to protect the University and try to ensure its solid financial footing in the long term. First, we will implement a systemwide hiring freeze to help the University manage costs and conserve funds. I have directed every UC location, including the Office of the President, to prepare financial strategies and workforce management plans that address any potential shortfalls. I have also directed all UC locations to implement cost-saving measures, such as delaying maintenance and reducing business travel where possible. Because every UC location is different, these plans will vary accordingly. But regardless of UC location, every action that impacts our University and our workforce will only be taken after serious and deliberative consideration. I recognize this is a time of great uncertainty for many in our UC community and in higher education across the country. Throughout our history as an institution and as a nation, we have weathered struggles and found new ways to show up for the people we serve. We will address these challenges, together. I have tremendous confidence in the team that is working on these issues, and in the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff. Thank you for your continued dedication and service to this institution. The University of California has been a beacon of new knowledge and public service for more than 150 years, and I am truly grateful for all that you do, each day, to continue that legacy. Sincerely, Michael V. Drake, M.D. UC President
March 19, 2025 at 6:19 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Oh, Taemin was SO unbelievably amazing live.
February 24, 2025 at 3:18 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Yessss, I absolutely love temperature fluctuations, they make figuring out what to wear for the day so easy!! /s
A grid of the weather forecast for the coming week in one area of Los Angeles.
February 20, 2025 at 6:12 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Strongly feel the need to show my cat’s recent loafing and how she scrunches up to look small. (She actually is a small but long cat, haha.)
A calico cat loafing. A calico cat loafing.
January 19, 2025 at 6:41 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Due to the fires, I haven't been letting my cat out onto the balcony for the past several days. At first, she was miffed and gave me attitude for it (as expected from a calico). The last few mornings though, she has been meowing in front of the balcony door and looking really dejected 😔
A calico cat sitting in front of a door, looking up expectantly at the doorknob (not pictured).
January 13, 2025 at 7:21 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
The last 48 or so hours alone have truly been something 🫠
An edit of the Tintin/Captain Haddock meme. Text says: "What a year, huh?" "Captain, it's January"
January 9, 2025 at 6:56 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Received this email from my university in the morning. Uhh, I don't know what air they're breathing, but could they maybe lend us all some of that fresh air? Jokes aside, it is apocalyptic outside right now—

(P.S. I'm safe, but I'm really not loving the intense smoke and strong winds.)
A screenshot of an email with the following text: Dear Bruin Community: UCLA is open for classes and regular operations today, Wednesday, Jan. 8. The fires in the Los Angeles region do not pose an immediate danger to the campus, and at present, air quality levels in Westwood remain within normal levels. Geffen Academy, UCLA Lab School and our Early Care and Education Programs are open; UCLA Extension also remains open. "at present, air quality levels in Westwood remain within normal levels" has been highlighted.
January 8, 2025 at 5:02 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
As always, gotta follow the tradition of eating 떡국!
떡국 (Korean rice cake soup)
January 1, 2025 at 6:34 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
[taps the screenshot]
Caption that says “I hate all American presidents,” said by Do Geum-yeun.
December 30, 2024 at 12:19 AM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
This gremlin is up to some ridiculous shenanigans this morning…
A calico cat staring directly at the camera.
December 29, 2024 at 6:47 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Yay, and this will be my first time at SCMS! I'm genuinely excited, I've been wanting to go for a while now.
Dear Hyeonjin Park, On behalf of the 2025 Conference Program Committee for the Society for Cinema & Media Studies, I am pleased to inform you that your proposal was accepted. Congratulations!
November 25, 2024 at 7:53 PM
hyeonjin.bsky.social
Show me your pet and what they were named after.
Honey (꿀꿀이), a calico cat, making a derpy face. A cartoon pig with a jar of honey on its head. (For reference: 꿀 means "honey," but 꿀꿀 is a cutesy/childish way to say "pig" and also the onomatopoeia word for the sounds pigs make.)
November 23, 2024 at 7:08 PM