Born in Seoul and raised between South Korea and Hong Kong, Gia Kim is a dynamic actress whose journey to the spotlight is as inspiring as it is unique. With a background in journalism and music, Gia initially embarked on a career in broadcast journalism, working in New York, Beijing, and at Arirang News in Korea. However, her passion for storytelling led her to the world of acting, where she has quickly made a significant impact.
Gia’s portrayal of Yuri Han in Netflix’s “XO, Kitty” has captivated audiences worldwide. Her character, described as the “reigning queen bee” of an international high school in Korea, is a groundbreaking representation of a gay Asian teenager, a role Gia embraces with profound dedication. Beyond her on-screen achievements, Gia is an advocate for diverse representation and authentic storytelling. Fluent in English and Korean, with conversational skills in Mandarin, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. Now based in Los Angeles, Gia balances her professional endeavors with a commitment to fitness, wellness, and mindfulness practices, embodying a holistic approach to life and art.
As we delve into her journey, let’s explore the experiences and insights that have shaped Gia Kim into the inspiring figure she is today.
INLOVE: Your transition from a career in broadcast journalism to acting is quite remarkable. What inspired you to make this significant change, and how have your past experiences influenced your approach to acting?
Gia: I’ve been drawn to the arts since childhood, but it was never presented as a viable career option when I was growing up. I love singing, and for a while, I wanted to be a singer—or even a film director (I still do!). But no matter how hard I tried to push those dreams aside, I realized my soul wanted what it wanted. Eventually, I reached a point where I knew I couldn’t ignore this calling any longer. I had to pursue acting, or I’d live with regret.
That said, I don’t regret taking different paths before committing to acting. In my 20s, I lived in various countries and did many odd jobs, all in an effort to figure out my path. Those life experiences now fuel my acting. After all, acting is about portraying real people in imaginary—yet often very real—circumstances.
INLOVE: In “XO, Kitty,” you portray Yuri Han, a character who breaks new ground as a gay Asian queen bee. How did you prepare for this role, and what does it mean to you to represent such a multifaceted character on screen?
Gia:I prepared for Yuri by doing character exploration exercises, like imagining specific moments from her life and building her backstory—such as how she acts when she’s alone or what some of her core memories with her mother are. Yuri’s very existence is groundbreaking. We’ve never seen an Asian queen bee before, let alone a queer one living in Korea.
It’s deeply meaningful that her story has resonated with so many people. I love that girls can see themselves in Yuri and know they’re not alone in their journeys. Seeing viewers find inspiration, courage, or solace through her story is what makes my work fulfilling.
INLOVE: The dynamic between Yuri and Kitty evolves throughout the series. How did you and Anna Cathcart develop the chemistry needed to portray this complex relationship authentically.
Gia: That came naturally! Anna and I hit it off from day one, so the chemistry between us developed effortlessly.
INLOVE: Given that your brother, Sang Heon Lee, also stars in “XO, Kitty” as Min Ho, how did having a sibling on set influence your experience during filming?
Gia: Having a familiar face on set made the experience more comfortable for me. Of course, working with family isn’t always smooth sailing, but overall, it brought us closer together. It’s been an amazing blessing.
INLOVE: Season 2 of “XO, Kitty” has been highly anticipated. For those who haven’t watched it yet, what can fans expect from Yuri’s character development?
Gia: Yuri goes through a lot this season. She’s juggling too many problems at once, and sometimes things slip through the cracks. But that’s just part of being human—especially being a teenager. While Yuri experiences her share of emotional rollercoasters, I’m excited to see her grow through these challenges. She’s evolving, and I’m proud of the person she’s becoming.
INLOVE: Beyond “XO, Kitty,” you’ve been involved in theater productions across Beijing, Seoul, and Los Angeles. How has your theater background contributed to your growth as an actress, and do you have plans to return to the stage in the future?
Gia: Theater laid the foundation for my acting career, and I’ll always want to return to the stage whenever I can. In fact, I’m planning to produce and star in a play toward the end of this year. Stay tuned!
INLOVE: As someone fluent in multiple languages and cultures, how do you navigate and incorporate these diverse experiences into your acting roles?
Gia: For Yuri, who’s a third-culture kid (TCK) attending an international school, my own experience growing up in Hong Kong definitely helped. Beyond that, all my life experiences influence my work, even in less obvious ways. Having lived in diverse environments and interacted with so many different people, I’ve developed a strong ability to step into others’ shoes—which is essentially what acting is.
INLOVE: You’re known to engage in fitness and wellness activities, including yoga and meditation. How do these practices influence your daily life and professional performance?
Gia: Even with my wellness routines, I’m still prone to anxiety and overthinking. Yoga and meditation are essential for maintaining my peace of mind—they’ve saved me more times than I can count.
INLOVE: Representation in media is crucial. How do you hope your roles impact the portrayal of Asian and LGBTQ+ characters in the entertainment industry?
Gia: I hope representation becomes so normal that it’s no longer a topic of discussion. My dream is for media to reflect everyone’s reality, so the word “representation” isn’t something we have to think about anymore.
INLOVE: “XO, Kitty” has resonated with a global audience. What has been the most memorable feedback you’ve received from fans, and how does it motivate you in your career?
Gia: Some fans—and even my friends—have shared how the show gave them hope and helped them out of dark places. That means everything to me. Knowing that my work can bring light to someone’s life is my ultimate motivation.
INLOVE: As a tradition at INLOVE, we always ask: What are five things you’re currently in love with?
Gia: Being a hermit at home, watching one movie a day, exploring new hobbies and classes, egg white tortilla wraps, and papayas.
Gia Kim’s journey from broadcast journalism to the bright lights of Hollywood is a testament to her fearless pursuit of passion. As Yuri Han in XO, Kitty, she’s redefining representation and bringing depth to a groundbreaking character. With her commitment to authentic storytelling, cultural diversity, and personal growth, Gia continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Whether on screen, stage, or in her daily mindfulness practices, she embodies a spirit of resilience and creativity. As she prepares for her next chapter—both in XO, Kitty and beyond—Gia Kim remains a rising star to watch.
Words by Elle Taylor.
