Artist Spotlight: Wonhee Kim
Meet Wonhee Kim, and her artistic journey!
- Could you introduce yourself? We want to hear how your journey brought you to where you are in 2023?
Hello, I’m Wonhee Kim, originally from South Korea. Now I am a New York based actress and dancer. I’ve spent a solid 8 years wearing different hats in the entertainment world back in Korea — actor, dancer, and director. My
journey began way back in middle school when I caught the acting bug, and since then, I’ve been in the mix, performing in everything from cozy little shows to grand musicals. I’ve honed my craft through rigorous training, delving into Kristin Linklater’s Voice and Movement, The Viewpoints, Michael Chekhov’s Technique, and Lee Strasberg’s Method Acting in Korea.
Despite my substantial run in Korea, I decided to hop across the pond to the U.S. for some learning. Why? Well, I was super intrigued by the American approach to acting. Sure, we had our workshops back in Korea, but I wanted to be right in the thick of it, experiencing it firsthand and crafting my own unique method. Lucky for me, I scored a BA from the University of Toledo and an MFA from the prestigious Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. Those experiences weren’t just about acting skills; they helped me unearth a beautiful and one-of-a-kind artistic instrument within me. Plus, I realized I’m constantly pumped to push the boundaries and bring more flavors to my work.
2. Speaking of bringing more flavors to your work, What are a few of the intriguing paths you’ve explored?
Back in 2018, a colleague and I cooked up a project right in the heart of NYC — we named it “815, Shout and Their Aspiration”. The purpose? To pay tribute to the 73rd anniversary of Korea’s independence and the 70th anniversary of the Republic’s founding. Now, this project was all about the vibrant world of performing arts, bringing together diverse genres to
showcase the power of movement and the magic of fusion for all to see. Not just that, it was also a deep dive into finding meaningful ways to communicate through actor’s movements — a dialogue that sparked mutual understanding.
Picture this: it was a true blend of movement and text, a splendid dance between Korean and American cultures. And despite the intimate setting with only 60 seats, it was a sold-out affair that left a mark on everyone who came. The press got wind of it, interviews happened, and the audience showered us with rave reviews. You know what really caught me off guard? The fact that so many folks connected with the show’s themes, even though it delved into the complex history between Korea and Japan.
It hit me then — human history and nature, they’re like two peas in a pod. Our shared stories resonate, transcending geographical divides. That’s when it struck me: we all need to share our narratives, to let our stories bridge gaps and foster empathy. Because, let’s be honest, we all crave someone to share laughter and tears with.
3. You have a recent project where you took on both producing and starring roles in a short film?
Absolutely! I’ve been a part of a recent project titled “6 o’clock”. In this venture, I took on the roles of both producer and the main character, Moonsook. The creative genius behind it all is my colleague Keeyong Hong, who wrote and directed the piece.
The heart of “6 o’clock” lies in a family’s story. My aim was to shed light on the diverse range of family dynamics that exist today. After all, we’ve all had our share of moments when family matters can be a bit of a challenge. The narrative revolves around Moonsook, an adopted Korean girl growing up in an American family. As she matures, her American brother
considers sending their aging mother to a nursing home due to her declining health. Moonsook, determined to keep her mother from that fate, embarks on a mission to prevent it. The clash between Korean cultural values and American sensibilities creates quite a commotion.
The whole experience has been an eye-opener for me, revealing the rich tapestry of differences that cultures hold. It’s truly fascinating to realize how each one is authentic and valuable. Given our interconnected world, understanding these nuances has become more vital than ever.
Now, diving into the realm of filmmaking was new terrain for me. While I’ve had my fair share of time in front of the camera, the process of actually creating a film was a whole new ballgame. I’ll admit, I was a bundle of nerves from the get-go — not entirely sure where to begin. But you know what they say, right? “The first time you try anything, it might not be perfect. But remember, every master was once a beginner.” And that advice rings so true. Currently, we’re in the post-production phase, and I’m excited to say that our creation is almost ready to step out into the world. Stay tuned for more!
4. What do you really want to do within this industry, particularly in the States?
The question of “What do I want?” has been a constant companion throughout my life’s journey. You see, there’s a plethora of things that pique my interest and make me want to dive in with enthusiasm (and a bit of laughter too!). However, along the way, I’ve come to realize that the foundation for progress lies in building upon what I already know and possess.
In the world of theater, it’s crystal clear that a multifaceted approach is the name of the game. To captivate audiences from all walks of life and earn that applause on a grand scale, one must be versatile. As an international artist, my grand vision is to collaborate harmoniously with fellow creatives in translating Korean plays, eventually presenting these productions to the
world — and vice versa, naturally. The real magic is in the tapestry of collaboration, where diverse cultures intertwine and novel approaches to movement and acting techniques come alive, both on and off the stage.
Oh, and speaking of collaboration, I’m practically buzzing with excitement! Lately, I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to be part of an extraordinary initiative. DongSeo University in Busan, South Korea, extended a unique invitation to me — to spearhead an international workshop known as GELS (Global Experiential Learning Site Challenger) right in the heart of
New York City. This groundbreaking endeavor, led by Dongseo University’s Musical department, brings together students and seasoned actors. You can imagine just how thrilled I am about these workshops, as they’re set to open doors for countless international artists to share their own captivating stories.
So there you have it — my aspirations, my dreams, and my eagerness to bridge cultures and create connections through the magic of the arts!
5. Is there anyone else you’d like to give a special shoutout to for their contributions?
Keeyong Hong is an absolute artist, a gifted director, writer, and actor who’s been a constant pillar of support. I truly owe a lot of my artistic journey’s success to his unwavering encouragement and brilliance.
Here’s to celebrating all the incredible international artists out there! Your creativity knows no bounds, and your contributions enrich our global artistic tapestry in the most beautiful ways.
Cheers to you all!
