John was born in Korea and grew up in Los Angeles. As a child he loved to observe and draw everything so much that his eyes would feel sore. Being a Korean-American and living in the diversity of Los Angeles helped  broaden his views and artistic style. At UCLA, he double majored in Philosophy and Visual Communication/Media Design where he produced some incredible work. Realizing his true passion for film, he enrolled at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, which further reinforced his commitment to directing. 

While still studying, John directed numerous short films and commercials to critical acclaim. They gained the attention of several major ad agencies and his commercial career began.  He has since worked on a significant amount of national and international spots and won several awards including Clio Lions for his etherial documentary short What Does the Mind See for Samsung and the moc-doc The Origins of Pizza for Mr. Pizza. Traveling and shooting regularly between his homes in LA and Seoul and working all over the world, John is known for his eye for beauty and his expansive répertoire of directing talents--from documentary to automotive to comedy and back again.