This chapter explores the early acculturation experiences of newer-generation Korean New Zealander youth as they transitioned from Korean-speaking households into New Zealand’s school system. Raised with Korean language and customs, these 1.5- and second-generation children faced linguistic and cultural challenges, racism, and pressure to assimilate. Many suppressed their ethnic identity to gain social acceptance, with symbols like Korean-style lunch boxes highlighting their struggles with cultural exclusion. Participants often described a gradual distancing from Korean practices in response to peer pressure and societal norms. These early experiences shaped a complex form of acculturation driven more by necessity than by choice. By examining how these youth navigated their dual identities in a predominantly Western environment, the chapter provides insight into the formative stages of their identity and sense of belonging.