Jamie Chung Says She’s Keeping the Holidays Simple This Year, After She and Her Husband Lost Their Fathers 2 Weeks Apart (Exclusive)

Actress Jamie Chung has navigated an emotionally tumultuous summer marked by profound loss and unexpected changes. The star, known for her work in both film and television, recently opened up about the heartbreaking deaths of both her father and her father-in-law, which occurred within a fortnight of each other.

In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Chung described the deep emotional impact of these losses, stating, “Our fathers passed away this summer, like really close to each other. As soon as my father passed away, we buried him, and about two weeks later, my father-in-law passed. It was quite traumatic.” The experience of grieving two father figures in such quick succession forced Chung to reflect on her family’s history and the lessons she wishes to pass on to her five-year-old twin sons.

This period of mourning has spurred her to engage in meaningful conversations with her children, driven by a desire to delve into family history. Chung expressed regret over not having asked her father more about his dreams and experiences, particularly those shaped by his upbringing in Korea during significant historical events like the Japanese occupation and the Korean War. “I’m sad to know that I never knew what my dad dreamed of doing with his life instead of the life that he lived,” she shared, indicating a newfound urgency to foster curiosity in her own children about their heritage.

Amidst these challenges, Chung has also faced a practical upheaval in her life. After her apartment in Atlanta was devastated by fire, her family was reminded of the fragility of possessions. Chung recounted the experience of sorting through her father’s belongings following his passing, stating that the most cherished items he had were photographs. “The only thing that we noticed he had of prized possessions were photographs,” she noted, underscoring the importance of creating lasting memories.

This realisation has led her to prioritise family time over material concerns, recognising that shared experiences offer a wealth of value that cannot be quantified. “I’m realising what the most important things in our life should be [and it’s about] just spending time and having these memories together,” she added. With traditional holiday gatherings approaching, Chung is making deliberate efforts to strengthen family bonds.

As she prepares for the festive season, the actress plans to travel to San Francisco for Thanksgiving, despite having commitments on the East Coast. She expressed a commitment to familial traditions, noting, “We’ve always made the effort to go to one of the parents’ houses for Thanksgiving.” She’s eager to ensure that her family spends this holiday together, reinforcing her aim to carve out more time for loved ones.

This commitment to celebration extends to their Halloween plans, where Chung shared that her sons already had their costumes chosen well in advance. “My kids already knew what they wanted,” she remarked, explaining that last year they dressed as characters from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and this year they have selected Donatello and Michelangelo. In a fun twist, she’ll join them in coordinating costumes, opting to dress as a slice of pizza— the Turtles’ favourite food.

Amidst these personal reflections, Chung is also looking forward to her upcoming role in The Holiday Spark, a heartwarming Christmas film set to premiere on The Roku Channel on November 2. In this film, she stars alongside Joey Graziadei, portraying Laura, a children’s book illustrator who collaborates with a firefighter to plan an unforgettable holiday party. The narrative explores themes of romance and the unexpected connections that can arise during festive preparations.

Ultimately, this summer has been one of introspection and transformation for Chung, who is finding clarity in her priorities and rediscovering the importance of family in the face of adversity. As she embarks on this new chapter, she carries with her the lessons learned from her fathers, aiming to instil a legacy of curiosity, connection, and love in her sons.