Melissa Edwards-Whittington

Managing Editor, Social Media Marketing Manager, Author, and Content Creator

Volunteer Profile

Jul 11, 2025

About

Melissa Edwards-Whittington has called South Korea home for over eight years. In that time, she has become a vibrant and dedicated voice within the international and military-connected communities across the peninsula. As Managing Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine, Melissa brings together her love of storytelling, her deep respect for cultural diversity, and her commitment to helping others feel seen, heard, and supported.

Melissa is passionate about building community through meaningful digital content. She especially enjoys helping members of the local community share their stories and connect with the magazine’s growing readership. Whether she’s writing, editing, or managing social media campaigns, her focus is always on fostering inclusion, connection, and cultural understanding.

In addition to her work with the magazine, Melissa serves as the Online Content Manager for South of Seoul, a nonprofit organization that supports expatriates living in Korea through trusted information, community-building resources, and digital outreach. In this role, she contributes blog content, manages online media, and works with several local language exchange groups aimed at bridging communication and cultural gaps between Korean residents and the foreign community.

Melissa and her husband, Chuck Whittington, also share their life abroad through their popular YouTube channels, KimchiRednecks and Shining With KimchiRednecks. The first focuses on daily life in Korea, local travel, favorite eateries, cultural experiences, and cooking adventures, while the second follows their shared passion for home distilling—making whiskey and brandy and exploring the world of craft spirits. Their content is warm, informative, and often sprinkled with humor and heart.

Outside of work and YouTube, Melissa and Chuck are proud pet parents to three precocious senior Shih Tzus—Sookie, Minion, and Mayhem—who often make appearances in their videos and social media content. Whether they’re exploring hidden gems in Korea, filming new content, or working on their next feature article, Melissa brings energy, authenticity, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does.

Follow Melissa, Chuck and her furry family here:

Instagram: KimchiRednecks

Facebook: KimchiRednecks

YouTube: KimchiRednecks and ShiningWithKimchiRednecks

Posts (24)

Sep 17, 2025 ∙ 9 min

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty – Korea’s Newest K-Drama Obsession

A chef out of time, a king with a cold heart, and food that bridges centuries—Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is the K-drama serving up history, romance, and a visual feast.”

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Sep 10, 2025 ∙ 9 min

American-Style Chiropractic Care in Pyeongtaek: What You Need to Know

Looking for trusted chiropractic care in Korea? Discover the top clinics offering American-style chiropractic care in Pyeongtaek, including Pure Balance Korea, Inspire Wellness Center, and 365 Chiropractic & Sports Rehabilitation Clinic. These wellness centers support military families, expats, and locals through personalized, non-invasive treatments focused on pain relief, posture, and whole-body wellness.

Sep 2, 2025 ∙ 9 min

Language Exchange in Pyeongtaek: Connect, Learn, and Build Community

Discover how language exchange in Pyeongtaek helps newcomers and locals build community, improve Korean and English skills, and form meaningful cross-cultural friendships. From casual café meetups to cultural outings, these gatherings create lasting connections in South Korea.