photo by the idealist
Alright, so let me clarify some name confusion.
From this day forth, I am now going by my original Korean name, Jaemin (pronounced jay-min), instead of Chris. No, this wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. I’ve been wanting to make this switch for several years now and I finally decided that there ain’t no moment like the present, so why not now?
I just never felt like ‘Chris’ was a good fit for me. It’s such a bland name that says nothing, not to mention everyone already has 10 other Chris’ in their phonebooks already. I always felt more of a connection to Jaemin especially as I got older and became less worried about blending in and more comfortable with blending out.
But you can still call me Chris if you like. Or Jaemin. Or anything you want (but please, no CJ or Jay haha). And yeah, I switched up my whole website too (JaeminYi.com), my e-mail addy (Jaemin@jaeminyi.com), heck even my Facebook page (you’ll find Jaemin Yi on there). So I got the hard part over with already.
Now I just gotta get used to shaking hands, looking people in the eye, and saying “Hey I’m Jaemin” without blinking. After 23 years of Chris, that part’s gonna take some getting used to.
Monica Hamburg
May 19th, 2009
Interestingly (or not
my boyfriend’s name is Chris. Still, I can’t help but agree with you - there are some gatherings we go to where he is one of 5 Chrises. Jaemin’ is Slammin’! Go for it! (P.S. I go by my middle name, Monica, because my first name doesn’t suit me at all.)
Barbara Osborn
May 19th, 2009
This is so cool. I know several people who with great consideration changed their names. It allowed them to take control of who they were as adults, become the people they at long last knew they were meant to be. It’s been one of the most transformative and important acts of self-definition they’ve ever taken. I’m thrilled for you!
Daniel
May 19th, 2009
I would change my name back to my korean name which was actually my birthname, but it sounds ridiculously lame and not as cool as jaemin.
Mary Najera
May 20th, 2009
I love it Jaemin, when you and I talk next you’ll have to let me know how to pronounce it. I always believe in being true to one’s self. You go Jaemin!
Jacqueline Laird
May 20th, 2009
Hey Jaemin!
So - congrats. I am in the same boat as you are. Upon graduation, I switched from Jackie to Jacqueline for similar reasons. I feel much more like a Jacqueline, whatever that means. Maybe I just want a fresh new start. But it has been slightly awkward, and difficult. Everyone continues to call me Jackie out of habit, and it’s strange when they call me by my full name. However, to some extent, I guess I will always be Jackie to some people and that is fine too.
Let’s see how this name change this progresses. Thumbs up to you, though, all the way!!!!
Sean
May 21st, 2009
Great! I was wondering if you were going to switch domains. Like I said before, Jaemin Yi sounds more like a director