Justin Chung | My Story

Summary

Justin Chung, born in South Korea and raised in California, recounts his painful journey from being a troubled teen to serving a life sentence for a gang-related crime. Growing up with a broken sense of identity, he sought validation through violence and gang affiliation, ultimately leading to his conviction. After years of incarceration, Justin found peace and purpose through Christianity, transforming his life. His path to redemption included a miraculous parole process, but it was only through God's grace and his own self-reflection that he realized the true value of life. Now, freed from prison, he aims to inspire others to avoid the mistakes he made.

Takeaways

• 😀 Justin Chung reflects on his past experiences growing up in a challenging environment, feeling abandoned and bullied due to his family’s long working hours and their move to Fontana.
• 😀 At the age of 16, Justin joins a gang as a way to find validation and belonging, marking the start of his journey into a life of violence and criminal activity.
• 😀 After a gang-related shooting, Justin’s life begins to unravel as he is arrested and sentenced to 82 years to life in prison, facing the reality of potentially never going home.
• 😀 In prison, Justin undergoes a spiritual transformation, praying for peace and deciding to leave behind his gang affiliations, ultimately embracing Christianity and striving to better himself.
• 😀 Despite the pain of his sentence, Justin finds peace in his relationship with God, receiving comfort and guidance that helps him navigate his incarceration.
• 😀 Over the years, Justin transforms, learning skills such as cutting hair, sewing, and studying for his GED, all while growing in his faith and finding supportive men of God in prison.
• 😀 Justin's sentence is eventually commuted from 82 years to life to 15 years to life, giving him hope for the future and prompting a difficult parole process.
• 😀 After a long and painful delay, Justin’s parole is reversed, leaving him feeling crushed. However, he reflects on God’s sovereignty and uses this time to further grow spiritually.
• 😀 After months of struggle, Justin's parole is reinstated, and he is released from prison, now focusing on giving back to his community and working to become a better man for God and his family.
• 😀 Justin warns young people not to waste their lives on pursuits for validation or rebellion, urging them to focus on education and making wise choices for their future.
• 😀 Now out of prison, Justin reflects on the mistakes he made and the time he lost, but he remains hopeful for his future, committing to glorify God and continue growing in his faith.

Q & A

What was Justin Chung's upbringing like, and how did it impact him?

Justin Chung grew up in Seoul, South Korea, and moved to the U.S. at the age of two. His parents worked long hours, often from 8 AM to 10 PM, which left him home alone a lot. He experienced bullying in his neighborhood and struggled with loneliness and abandonment, especially after his family moved to Fontana when he was in junior high.

How did Justin Chung's feelings of anger and resentment affect his actions?

Justin's anger, resentment, and loneliness led him to seek validation through violent behavior and rebellious actions. He was influenced by his peers and began smoking marijuana, drinking, ditching school, and fighting. His sense of identity was shaped by his desire for respect, which he believed he could earn through violence and standing up to challenges.

What was Justin's experience like when he joined a gang at 16?

At the age of 16, Justin joined a gang, feeling it provided him with a sense of belonging and identity. He was jumped in, during which he had his teeth knocked out but felt validated and accepted. The gang offered him a community and a sense of worth, and he became increasingly involved in criminal activities, including gang-related violence.

What was Justin's mindset after being arrested for a gang-related shooting?

When arrested, Justin initially believed that the authorities didn't have enough evidence to convict him. He thought he and his co-defendants would be acquitted and expected to gain further respect and credibility. However, he later discovered that his best friend and an older gang member had implicated him, shattering his perception of the gang's loyalty.

What was Justin's emotional reaction when he was sentenced to 82 years to life in prison?

When Justin was sentenced to 82 years to life at the age of 17, he was devastated. He realized the gravity of his situation and felt like he would never get out. It marked his lowest point, where he decided he was done with the gang lifestyle and began reflecting on his choices.

How did Justin's faith evolve during his time in prison?

During his time in prison, Justin turned to God for comfort. After praying for peace, he experienced a sense of calm that led him to embrace Christianity. He gradually distanced himself from his past behavior, including smoking marijuana, and began focusing on his spiritual growth. He was mentored by respectful men of God, and his faith deepened as he continued to grow spiritually.

What role did Justin's personal growth play in his eventual parole?

Justin's personal growth in prison, including obtaining his GED, enrolling in college, learning skills, and developing a stronger character, played a significant role in his eventual parole. He changed from a gang member to a man committed to positive change, which was recognized by others, including prison staff and officers who recommended him for clemency.

How did Justin's perception of the justice system change throughout his journey?

Justin's perception of the justice system evolved over time. Initially, he thought he would walk free after his trial, but his conviction and harsh sentence shocked him. Later, after experiencing God's peace in prison, he accepted the consequences of his actions and worked towards personal rehabilitation. Despite setbacks, such as the governor reversing his parole, he continued to work on himself and ultimately gained release.

How did Justin feel after his parole was reversed by Governor Gavin Newsom?

When Justin's parole was reversed by Governor Gavin Newsom, he was crushed. He felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on him and experienced immense emotional distress. The reversal was a devastating blow, especially after he had already made plans for his release and believed that he was finally going home.

What lesson does Justin Chung want to impart to others, especially young people?

Justin Chung's key lesson is to avoid wasting time in life and to invest in one's future. He regrets not taking education seriously and urges young people to think about the long-term consequences of their actions. He emphasizes that chasing fame, validation, or gang involvement leads to nothing meaningful, and that true purpose comes from making positive choices and focusing on personal growth.