Kathy Park – NBC News Correspondent: Biography, Age, Husband

Kathy Park – Comprehensive Biography

Kathy Park is a distinguished Korean-American journalist and an NBC News correspondent. With a background in journalism and psychology from the University of Maryland, she has built an impressive career covering significant events and stories.

Kathy’s journey took her from reporting at WCYB in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to high-profile assignments at WJLA/NewsChannel 8 in Washington, D.C., and KCRA 3 in Sacramento.

Since joining NBC News in 2018, Kathy has continued to make a mark with her insightful and comprehensive reporting on shows like The Today Show, MSNBC, and NBC Nightly News.

Married to her husband Brent since 2021, Kathy is also an active member of the Asian American Journalists Association.

Early Life and Education

Kathy Park was born and raised in the suburbs of Silver Spring, Maryland, a vibrant area within the Washington, DC metro region.

Her upbringing was deeply influenced by her Korean heritage, with her parents originally hailing from Seoul, South Korea.

Growing up in a bicultural environment, Kathy developed a strong sense of identity and a deep appreciation for her cultural roots.

Parents

Kathy’s parents emigrated from Seoul, South Korea, to the United States, seeking better opportunities for their family.

They instilled in Kathy and her brother the importance of education, hard work, and maintaining strong family values.

Kathy often speaks fondly of her parents’ dedication and sacrifices, which have been significant motivators in her life and career.

Siblings

Kathy has a brother named William, who pursued a career in medicine and became a doctor.

The strong sibling bond between Kathy and William was further strengthened by their shared experiences growing up in a multicultural household and navigating the challenges of balancing their Korean and American identities.

Education

Kathy attended local schools in Silver Spring, where she excelled academically and developed an early interest in storytelling and journalism.

She went on to attend the University of Maryland, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Psychology.

During her undergraduate years, she gained valuable experience by reporting for the school’s award-winning Capital News Service, which helped sharpen her reporting skills and prepared her for a career in broadcast journalism.

Kathy’s early life and education laid a strong foundation for her future success, shaping her into the accomplished journalist she is today.

Career

Kathy Park’s journalism career began in 2007 as a general assignment reporter for WCYB/WENT/CW4, covering Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

She later moved to Washington, D.C., working as an anchor and reporter at ABC7/NewsChannel 8.

Here, she reported on major events such as President Barack Obama’s inaugurations, the Navy Yard shooting, and the Blizzard of 2010, for which she earned an Emmy nomination.

In 2014, she joined KCRA 3 in Sacramento as a weekend evening anchor and general assignment reporter, covering notable stories like the California wildfires and the protests following the police shooting of Stephon Clark.

Her extensive experience led her to NBC News in 2018, where she serves as a national correspondent, contributing to programs such as Today, NBC Nightly News, and MSNBC. She has also extensively covered the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements across the U.S.​

Early Career

Kathy Park began her journalism journey in May 2007 as a reporter for WCYB/WENT/CW4 in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Here, she covered a wide range of breaking news stories, honing her skills in live reporting and storytelling. This early experience laid a solid foundation for her future career in broadcast journalism.

Meredith-Cronkite Fellowship and Internships

Kathy was selected as a Meredith-Cronkite fellow, an opportunity that took her to the CBS affiliate in Phoenix. Additionally, she interned at MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews and the DIY Network.

These experiences provided her with valuable insights into the national media landscape and allowed her to work alongside seasoned journalists, further sharpening her reporting skills.

WJLA/NewsChannel 8

In Washington, D.C., Kathy joined WJLA/NewsChannel 8 as a reporter. During her tenure here, she covered high-profile events, including both of President Barack Obama’s inaugurations, the Navy Yard shooting, and the 2010 blizzard. Her exceptional reporting earned her an Emmy nomination, a testament to her dedication and talent.

KCRA 3

In July 2014, Kathy transitioned to KCRA 3 in Sacramento as a general assignment reporter and weekend evening anchor.

At KCRA, she reported on major events such as the wildfires in California, the riots in response to the shooting of Stephon Clark, and the 2018 California Primary Election. Her coverage of these critical events highlighted her ability to handle intense and fast-paced reporting situations.

NBC News

Kathy Park joined NBC News in August 2018 as a news correspondent. In this role, she has reported for some of the network’s most prominent programs, including The Today Show, MSNBC, and NBC Nightly News.

Kathy has covered a wide array of significant national and international events, providing viewers with accurate and timely information.

Notable Reports

Kathy Park has covered numerous significant events throughout her career, showcasing her dedication to journalism and her ability to report on critical issues. Here are some of her notable reports:

• Hurricane Helene: Kathy reported on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused catastrophic flooding and destruction in western North Carolina. She highlighted the impact on local communities and the challenges faced by residents in the recovery process.

• Federal Disaster Fund: She covered the depletion of a federal disaster fund following twin hurricanes, focusing on the struggles of affected individuals and businesses to receive aid.

• School Reopenings Post-Hurricane: Kathy reported on the reopening of schools in Buncombe County, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene. She emphasized the emotional and logistical challenges faced by students and teachers as they returned to a sense of normalcy.

• Tennessee Plastic Plant Fire: She covered the aftermath of a fire at a plastic plant in Tennessee, interviewing survivors and discussing the delayed permission to leave the facility.

• Wildfires in California: While at KCRA 3, Kathy reported extensively on the wildfires in California, providing updates on the spread of the fires, evacuation efforts, and the impact on affected communities.

• Riots Following the Shooting of Stephon Clark: Kathy covered the community’s response to the shooting of Stephon Clark, reporting on the protests and riots that ensued in Sacramento.

• 2018 California Primary Election: She provided coverage of the 2018 California Primary Election, focusing on the key issues and candidates involved.

• President Barack Obama’s Inaugurations: During her time at WJLA/NewsChannel 8, Kathy reported on both of President Barack Obama’s inaugurations, capturing the historic moments and the atmosphere in Washington, D.C.

Kathy Park’s Financial Status

• Net Worth: Kathy Park’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her successful career as a journalist and news correspondent.

• Salary: Kathy’s annual salary is estimated to range between $50,000 and $120,000. Her main source of income is her work as a news correspondent at NBC News, where she covers significant national and international events.

Personal Life

• Age: Kathy Park has not publicly disclosed her exact date of birth, but she is estimated to be in her 30s based on her appearance.

• Ethnicity: Kathy is of Korean-American ethnicity.

• Nationality: Kathy holds American nationality.

 

• Relationship Status: Kathy is married.

Kathy Park’s Husband

Kathy Park is married to Brent Jones. The couple got engaged in August 2019 and tied the knot on September 6, 2021, in Knoxville, Tennessee. They had been dating for six years before getting engaged.

Brent is known to be supportive of Kathy’s career, and they often share moments from their life together on social media.

Children

There is no publicly available information about Kathy Park having children. It seems that Kathy and Brent are currently focused on their careers and their life together.

Physical Attributes

• Height: Kathy Park stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.72 meters) tall​.

• Distinguishing Features:

  • Hair Color: Dark brown or black, often styled in a professional manner appropriate for on-air appearances.

• • Eye Color: Brown, complementing her overall look.

• • Ethnicity: Kathy Park is of Korean-American descent, which adds to her distinctive and elegant appearance on screen​

Social Media Presence

Kathy Park is active on social media, where she shares updates about her professional work and personal life:

• Twitter: @KathyParkNBC

• Instagram: @kathyparktv

• Facebook: Kathy Park – Journalist

Her social media platforms provide insights into her journalistic endeavors, volunteer work, and life as a public figure.