From Korean Orphanage to Millionaire: Sun Yong Kim-Manzolini on Overcoming Adversity and Building Wealth

Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace. On today’s episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sun Yong Kim-Manzolini—a truly remarkable entrepreneur, author, and self-made millionaire. Her story is nothing short of extraordinary, taking us from her beginnings in a Korean orphanage, unable to walk, to building an amazing life of freedom, abundance, and purpose in the United States. If you’re looking for proof that adversity can be transformed into opportunity—and that transformation starts with mindset—you do not want to miss this episode.

We unpacked Sun Yong’s powerful journey from her traumatic start in life, through her experience of adoption and assimilation into a new culture, to her years working a “dream job” that nevertheless left her financially stressed. Sun Yong candidly recounted how she broke free of the “broken system” of living paycheck to paycheck, why she pivoted into investing and options trading, and what it took for her to become a self-made millionaire. We also explored her mindset shifts, her approach to facing and overcoming fears, and her commitment to helping others reclaim their own power—both financially and personally.

Other highlights included practical steps she took in her financial journey, the importance of goal-setting, her perspective on money as a tool rather than a source of happiness, and her advice for anyone looking to take control of their financial future.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Your Past Does Not Define Your Future Sun Yong’s story is a real testament to the fact that regardless of your origin or circumstances, you can transform your life. Her journey from adversity to success is fuelled by her refusal to let her past hold her back.
2. Mindset Is Everything From learning to walk or speak English to mastering new financial skills, Sun Yong emphasizes the importance of discipline, resilience, and proactive thinking. She highlights how crucial it is to take action despite fear or uncertainty.
3. Financial Freedom Means Choices—Not Just Money For Sun Yong, true financial independence means having options: being able to take a vacation, spend time with family, help loved ones, and contribute to causes she cares about. Money is a tool for creating a richer and more meaningful life, not the end goal itself.
4. Take Small, Consistent Steps Whether it was learning to walk, test-driving her dream convertible without yet having the money, or breaking financial goals into manageable targets, Sun Yong continually illustrates the power of breaking big dreams into actionable steps.
5. Surround Yourself with Learning and Opportunity Sun Yong credits much of her growth to seeking out communities and resources—real estate seminars, trading groups, and mentorships—that taught her new skills. She reminds listeners that to create change, you have to go where opportunities are and put in the work to learn.

Sun Yong’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, gratitude, and intentional living. If you’re feeling stuck in your finances or in your mindset, her story will inspire you to take that first step—no matter how small—toward your own version of financial well-being.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review, and be sure to check out Sun Yong’s incredible resources if you want to learn more about developing your financial power and freedom.