Title: Gia Kim Back as Dominant Yuri in 'XO, Kitty' Season Two
Dishing on her background and the inspiring role of Yuri Han in the hit Netflix series "XO, Kitty," actress Gia Kim shares her journey. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kim's globe-trotting early life took her to Indonesia, Hong Kong, and back to her homeland. English became her second language at the tender age of five, setting the stage for her expansive, multicultural background.
"Moving around so much allowed me to experience various cultures and form relationships with people from all over the world," says Kim. "It also meant attending international schools, which offered me a microcosm of the global community."
Her expat upbringing molded Kim into a third-culture kid, enabling her to interact with diverse peoples, learn about global priorities, and embrace various cultures. Her advice for those who find their lives taking them down a similar path?
"Embrace the challenges," encourages Kim. "Adaptability and a willingness to learn from new experiences will open doors to remarkable opportunities."
What follows in this informative piece are details of Kim's remarkable journey, her personal connection to Yuri Han, and insight into just what makes "XO, Kitty" an enticing blend of love, friendship, and diverse experiences.
A Career of Many Shades
Kim's professional ventures before acting were as diverse as her global background. After starting her career in broadcast journalism in New York, she soon shifted her sights to Beijing, where the allure of theater first captured her interest. After founding a theater group in Korea, Kim relocated to Los Angeles to attend a 2.5-year conservatory program at the Art of Acting Los Angeles.
"I had always wanted to be an actor, and this intensive training enabled me to perfect my craft and delve into the world of acting with confidence," she explains. "My journey wasn't a traditional one, but it prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that would come my way."
After graduating, Kim became a regular on various TV shows and films, including "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Angela's Christmas." However, her breakthrough role - that of Yuri Han in "XO, Kitty" - came after months of a grueling casting process.
"I wouldn't change a thing," Kim insists. "The experience transformed me as an artist, and being a part of 'XO, Kitty' has been an unforgettable journey."
A Character That Resonates
Yuri Han, a popular student at KISS (Korean Independent School of Seoul), is the centerpiece of "XO, Kitty," and the character's journey resonated deeply with Kim.
"Yuri's background is remarkably similar to mine," explains Kim. "She's a Korean in America, navigating the complexities of two worlds. And as a character, she broke some important barriers in Korean media, representing queer love stories in a major-market show."
As Yuri, Kim confronts her emotional hurdles in the face of coming out to her mother, a challenge that Kim anticipates will continue in future seasons.
"It's a massive responsibility to portray a character that struggles with such profound issues," notes Kim. "But I'm grateful for the opportunity to humanize and shine a light on this topic."
Love and Romance in the Spotlight
Naturally, when a high-school drama unfolds, romantic entanglements are bound to ensue. And the twists and turns of love remain a significant draw for the series.
"Back to the topic of love," smiles Kim. "Who's dating whom at KISS? You'll just have to watch the show to find out."
The sibling rivalry that occurs when Kim's real-life brother, Sang-Heon Lee, also lands a role in the series adds an intriguing dimension to the second season.
"Working with my brother was exciting, and I'm looking forward to seeing how our fictional relationships unfold in the future," Kim shares. "In fact, the possibility of a romance between Kitty and Yuri could certainly heat things up."
The Show That Inspires
"XO, Kitty" is a spinoff of Jenny Han's popular book series, "All the Boys I've Loved Before." Actors Gia Kim, Anna Cathcart, Sang Heon Lee, Choi Min-young, Antony Kevyan, Peter Thurnwald, and Regan Aliyah star in the Netflix adaptation.
"Working with this talented cast has made the experience so much more exciting," explains Kim. "Everyone has a unique journey that they bring to the table, and our diverse backgrounds are reflected in the show. It's an homage to my own experiences and a testament to the power of diversity."
As season two of "XO, Kitty" releases on Jan 16, fans worldwide eagerly await more love, more drama, and more uncanny resemblances between the characters and their talented actresses.
"I'm so excited to see how our stories unfold and share the joy of love and friendship with our audiences," rounds out Kim. "It's an honor to play Yuri Han and witness the impact this show has had on so many lives."
Gia Kim shares that her role in "XO, Kitty" on Netflix is particularly meaningful as Yuri Han's background mirrors her own as a Korean in America. Kim acknowledges the character's significance in breaking barriers for queer love stories in Korean media. In the series, Kim's real-life brother, Sang-Heon Lee, also stars, adding an intriguing dimension to the second season. The show is a spinoff of Jenny Han's "All the Boys I've Loved Before" book series, and Kim emphasizes the talent and unique journeys of her co-stars, including Anna Cathcart and Choi Min-young. The second season of "XO, Kitty" releases on Jan 16, with Kim excited to share the love and friendship the show represents with audiences worldwide. Meanwhile, Regan Alyiya and Peter Thurnwald, among others, contribute to the diverse cast of the series.
