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Not On My Resume: Paul Kwak

Headshot of a man in his 30s who has heritage from South Korea with light skin tone and short black hair, spiked up in front. He is wearing a black suit, light blue button up shirt and purple tie. He is smiling at the camera.

Paul Kwak is an otolaryngologist at NYU Langone Health who specializes in caring for professional vocalists. A Juilliard-trained pianist and a 2006 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow, Paul is the child of immigrants from South Korea.

Why did you (or your family) come to America? The painfully honest answer is that I really don’t know (I mean—I know the factual answer, but not the spiritual or philosophical ones), and it’s now too late to ask my parents. Ask your family the important questions now.

Which living New American do you most admire? Yo-Yo Ma.

What is your current state of mind? Grateful; grieving.

When was the last time you felt imposter syndrome? I know I’m lucky to say I’m not sure I’ve had the syndrome; I’ve benefitted from the privilege of family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, who help me to feel I am doing the thing I am uniquely meant to do.

What is your greatest fear? I have a recurring nightmare that I turn up to a concert hall expected to play a program of music I have never practiced. I’m not totally sure that nightmare is actually about the music, but interpret that how you will.

If you could change careers and do anything, what would it be? Food critic for The New York Times. If there were some job that required me simply to eat and drink amazing food and wine without having to write about it, that would be even better, but that seems implausible, so this is likely the nearest option.

What is your idea of a good life? The one I have now—doing a dream job in my favorite city surrounded by best friends, eating great food and drinking great wine and cocktails.

What is the one habit that you can’t live without? Exercise.

What one piece of advice do you live by? Do your thing. My dad said that to me before every important—or even not-so-important—test, trial, talk, surgery, concert—passage in my life. Just do your thing.

Who or what makes your heart beat faster when you think about them? My partner, Martin—and the life we are building together.

This interview was originally published in the July, 2023 issue of The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships’ monthly Distance Traveled newsletter. Sign up to receive the latest issue here. ∎

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