The West Wing Weekly 5.04: Han (with Paula Yoo)
Jun 20, 2018
Paula Yoo, a talented writer and producer known for her work on The West Wing and as an author of children's books, joins the discussion to reveal the origins of the poignant episode 'Han'. She shares insights about her journey from journalism to screenwriting and explores the cultural significance of 'han', a concept central to Korean identity. Paula reflects on the emotional tone of the episode, the impact of music, and how her personal family experiences shaped the script's narrative. Her thoughtful commentary brings depth to the episode's themes of sacrifice and political complexity.
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From Workshop Spec To West Wing Story
- Paula Yoo explained how a Warner Brothers workshop spec led to her West Wing story credit.
- She had written the pianist/family-reunion idea as her spec episode and John Wells later used it in season five.
Personal History Shaped The Premise
- Paula Yoo described personal roots for the story: Korean family separations and her music background.
- She imagined a North Korean musician seeking defection during a White House recital as the episode's emotional seed.
Integrity Of The Core Moral Choice
- Yoo said the final episode kept her core choice: the president denies defection for the greater good.
- She noted the story shifted to focus on family reunions and emotional stakes rather than initial plot mechanics.
