Our Story
The Journey to a Global K-Culture
When I first came to this country in 2012 to pursue my PhD in Chemistry, people didn't know much about Korean culture. Mostly, their minds went to Kimchi, maybe KimBop. Dog culture in Korea was also perceived quite differently back then. "Gangnam Style" by Psy was one of the only pieces of music to cross the Pacific.
But today, it brings me so much joy to witness Korean culture go global! We see K-Pop stars speaking at the UN, headlining American Music Awards, and binge-worthy programs like Squid Game and K-Drama sensations like Crash Landing On You. You can even find microwave Kimbop at trendy grocery stores.
What's even more amazing? The incredible transformation of dog culture in Korea. Today in Seoul, dogs are utterly spoiled – think custom cakes that look just like them! This deep love for dogs is a beautiful part of modern Korean culture, and one that truly inspires me.
The Spark: A Love for Seamus and a Dream Unleashed
My personal journey changed forever when I met Seamus in Colorado. Growing up in Seoul, I didn't have pets. But meeting Seamus, Gage's loyal adventure buddy who recently turned 13 and is still hiking and thriving, truly transformed my life.
When Seamus began to lose his hearing, I wanted to cherish every moment and ensure his golden years were filled with joy and the best possible nutrition. My kitchen became my new lab. As an organic chemist with a background in pharmaceutical manufacturing, I poured my scientific expertise and my love for Korean culture into developing K-Pup's first treats – wholesome, healthy, delicious, and deeply inspired by the flavors of my home country.
Our Shared Vision: From Our Family to Your Pup's Bowl
This dream of K-Pup became a reality when I teamed up with my fiancée and co-founder, Gage. Gage dedicated 13 years to serving in the U.S. Army, then spent over a decade in management consulting, helping businesses solve complex problems. But he always dreamed of building something rooted in family, passion, and purpose.
Beyond his sharp business mind, Gage brings a unique perspective: as someone with Taiwanese and American heritage, and a love for exploring all kinds of Chinese and Korean cuisine, he shares my passion for diverse Asian flavors. Together, we blend my deep cultural and scientific roots with his strategic vision and appreciation for global tastes.
At K-Pup, we take Korean and Asian classics and make them dog-friendly using only human-grade ingredients. It's truly our "Seoul to Bowl" philosophy – transforming beloved culinary traditions into treats that nourish and delight, and bringing the joy of modern Korean dog culture to your home.
Join Our K-Pupper Family
We hope your pup loves K-Pup as much as Seamus does. More than just treats, we're building a K-Pupper family – a community dedicated to celebrating the joy and unique bond we share with our dogs.
With love,
Eunie (and Gage!)