Meet Chaeyeon Kim

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chaeyeon Kim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chaeyeon , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I’m an actor. I didn’t start this because it was easy—I started because I fell in love with it. But love doesn’t make it less hard. There were so many moments when I wanted to give up, and somehow, my community always showed up for me—friends running lines, teachers reminding me why I started, people who believed in me when I didn’t.
Somewhere in all that chaos and kindness, I found my purpose. It’s not just about chasing roles anymore. It’s about giving back what was given to me—hope, connection, and the reminder that we all need each other to keep going.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I was born and raised in Korea, and I’m now based in New York City, pursuing my career as an actress in both theatre and film. I recently graduated with a BFA in Acting from Pace University, and right now, I’m performing as Jane in Reflect in Silence at The Secret Theatre, written by Hammed Maroze.
Jane is a Korean American middle schooler—smart, observant, and trying to stay invisible in a world that keeps misunderstanding her. Over one afternoon in detention with AJ, another Asian American student who’s her total opposite, she learns that being seen and being understood are two very different things. Playing Jane has been a powerful experience for me—it’s a story about identity, silence, and the quiet courage it takes to belong.
On the film side, I starred in Bra Top, directed by Akiko Matsumoto, which has received recognition from the Berlin Shorts Award, Absurd Film Festival, Berlin Indie Film Festival, Cine Paris Film Festival, and LA International Cinema Awards.
As a Korean and Asian American actress, I see my work as a bridge between cultures and experiences. I’m drawn to roles that explore what it means to exist in-between—between countries, between expectations, between who we are and who we’re becoming. My goal is to tell stories that make people feel seen, even in silence.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For me, the three most important qualities have been resilience, creativity, and generosity toward myself.
In this industry, rejection happens all the time—but I’ve learned that every step of rejection is redirection. Every “no” adds up and leads you closer to the projects that are truly meant for you.
Creativity is just as essential. Don’t wait for people to choose you—go create your own opportunity. Write something. Grab a friend and build something together. If you feel you’re right for a role, send that cold email to the casting director. Knock on the door. The worst they can say is no, and you already know how to handle that.
And most importantly, be generous with yourself. You’re allowed to rest, to grow, to take your time. This career is a marathon, not a race—and the way you treat yourself along the way is part of the art.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! I’m always looking to collaborate with writers and directors who are passionate about telling Asian and Asian American stories, especially ones that explore identity, culture, and belonging. I love projects that mix theatricality and emotional truth—from new plays to indie films. If you’re developing something bold and honest, I’d love to connect and create together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chaeyeonkim.net
• Instagram: @iamchaeyeonkim
• Youtube: Its ChaeChae