"Meet Korean Immigrants in Hawaiʻi in VR"

Rainbow VR

The Rainbow VR Project is an immersive virtual reality experience that brings the stories of Hawaiʻi-based Korean immigrants to life. The project builds on two documentary works, Words of Wisdom from the Rainbow State and Songs of Love from Hawaiʻi, directed by Jinyoung Lee, which document the lived experiences, memories, and emotional legacies of Korean immigrants in Hawaiʻi.

Through community-centered storytelling and VR technology, the project translates these documentary narratives into an embodied, immersive environment, inviting audiences to experience immigrant stories with a heightened sense of presence and empathy. The VR development is led by Professor Se Jung Kim, who oversees the design and implementation of the immersive environment, ensuring that the project effectively moves beyond traditional screen-based viewing to reimagine how immigrant histories can be preserved, shared, and experienced across cultures and generations.

The project will be publicly exhibited from March to July 2026 at an XR gallery, with support from the Korea Foundation.

** KF Gallery "Facing Faces" Web Page: Link

KF XR Gallery Special Exhibition: Facing Faces

Dates: March 31 - July 31, 2026
Hours: M-S, 10am-7pm
Location: 26 Eulji-ro 5-gil, 16th Floor, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Admission: Free
Organizer: Korea Foundation
Contact: kf_xrgallery@kf.or.kr

MEET THE VR RAINBOW TEAM

Lab Director

Youjeong Kim, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Journalism

ykim77@hawaii.edu

https://sci.manoa.hawaii.edu/youjeong-kim/

Dr. Youjeong Kim’s primary focus is on the effects of immersive new media, such as virtual environments and video games. These technologies have significantly impacted communication dynamics and lifestyles. Dr. Kim’s research aims to provide theoretical insights into new media technologies, including interactivity and presence, to understand user behavior and enhance quality of life in health, education, and marketing. She also develops new media intervention programs for groups in need, such as older adults, obese children, and autistic children, to improve their well-being through innovative applications of interactive technologies.

VR Tech Lead

Adrienne Kaneshiro

MS in Computer Science

amkanesh@hawaii.edu

https://amkanesh.github.io/projects/

Adrienne Kaneshiro is a graduate student in Computer Science with an interest in computer graphics and storytelling using digital media. She is inspired by the intersection between art and technology, using the virtual realm to convey narrative and offer unique experiences that are otherwise difficult to experience firsthand. She also has an interest in making tools to aid or enhance artist workflows in 3D asset creation and development.