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The Real Housewives of Orange County cast members returned for season 18 to give viewers a glimpse into their sparkly, glamorous, and dramatic lives. This time, however, a new face was introduced to the audience. Former golf reporter and new housewife Katie Ginella was the addition to the pre-existing friend group.
As per her official bio on Bravo TV, Katie, who was born in South Korea, embarked on a journey to look for her birth mother this season. During this process, Ginella opened up about her adoptive parents and what life was like growing up. The mother-of-four shared that she wasn't connected to her Korean culture until her daughter explored that part of their heritage and identity.
In a confessional interview on The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 episode 2, Katie shared what being raised by a Catholic family in Georgia was like:
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"I one hundred percent felt different growing up than my family. We didn't talk about anything Korean, we didn't eat Korean food, but [my daughter] Kaili has a big interest in her Korean roots. She's taught herself to read Korean and speak Korean."
This season, Katie further shared her goal to connect to her roots, reflect on her childhood, and potentially visit South Korea to meet her birth mother. She also talked about this plan with her friend group on the newly released season 18 episode 14, which aired on October 10, 2024.
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 star Katie talks about planning to visit her birth mother
In an exclusive interview with Bravo TV on October 10, 2024, The Real Housewives of Orange County star shared that she wanted to visit her birth mother for a long time. However, due to personal reasons, she had to put the trip on hold.
Now that Katie was entering her forties, she was "determined" to embark on this "magical" experience, which had been on her bucket list for quite a while. Ginella elaborated:
"My husband and I, right now, are still planning our trip. My father-in-law passed away, so we kind of had to put it off for a little bit. I would like to go back. Even just to see where I'm from would be pretty magical for me."
Katie also reflected on her past - being a kid and not knowing much about her culture and identity. She shared that she felt it was now the time to put back the missing puzzle piece of her life. The Real Housewives of Orange County star commented that she and her daughter were actively participating together to enrich their knowledge about South Korean culture. Katie continued:
"I talk a little bit about my adoption experience with the women at a dinner in London. I explain to people that I feel like my life is a beautiful puzzle, and I just have a bottom-right piece missing. I just want to put that puzzle piece in, and then I'll feel whole."
The upcoming episodes will give a detailed glimpse into Katie's journey of meeting her birth mother.
Stream The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 exclusively on Bravo TV and Peacock TV every week, on Thursdays at 9/8c. Fans can also follow Katie on her official Instagram account (@katie.ginella).
