Meet Yooyeon YY Kim

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yooyeon YY Kim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yooyeon YY below.

Yooyeon YY, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I used to look for purpose in everything I did, whether it was work, study, or even small things like chores or hanging out with friends. But that mindset eventually wore me out. I felt like I couldn’t do anything unless I convinced myself it had a clear reason, and I became hesitant to even start something.

One day, I watched a video of Yuna Kim, the legendary figure skater. In an interview, when she was asked what she thinks about while practicing and what her purpose is, she answered simply: “There are no other thoughts, other than just doing it.” That really changed my perspective.

Now, I try not to chase purpose in everything. I just focus on doing my best in each moment, trusting that some of those efforts will take me places I could never have imagined if I had always tried to control it with purpose.

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’m a producer and the head producer of Studio Inganmi, a multidisciplinary creative studio based between Los Angeles and Seoul. My work spans film, stage productions, and cross-cultural projects that often blur the line between art forms. What excites me most is the chance to bring together diverse voices and perspectives to tell stories that feel both intimate and universal.

For me, producing isn’t only about logistics or management, it’s about creating a space where collaboration can flourish, where artists and creators can push boundaries together. I find it really special when a project grows into something larger than what anyone could have imagined.

Recently, I’ve been focused on projects that connect the Korean and U.S. creative communities, whether that’s through film productions, opera staging, or cultural collaborations. It’s been meaningful to see how audiences respond when they encounter work that reflects both difference and common ground.

Looking ahead, we’re preparing our next short film. These new chapters feel exciting not only as artistic milestones, but also as opportunities to continue building bridges across cultures.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Flexibility. In creative work, things rarely go exactly as planned; budgets shift, schedules change, and unexpected problems arise. Flexibility has enabled me to adapt without losing sight of the bigger picture. My advice for those starting out: embrace change as part of the process, and don’t be afraid to adjust your path as you go.

2. Empathy. Producing is as much about people as it is about projects. Empathy allows me to understand the needs, struggles, and motivations of the people I work with, which builds trust and makes collaboration possible. For newcomers, I’d say: practice listening more than you speak, and try to see the project from others’ perspectives, it will make you a stronger leader and collaborator.

3. Resilience. This field is full of obstacles, from creative blocks to logistical setbacks. Resilience has kept me going when things felt overwhelming or discouraging. The ability to keep going, even when it’s hard, will take you further than you expect.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Like many artists, whether filmmakers, musicians, or other creatives, the biggest obstacle I face right now is financial. I’m not always certain if I’ll be able to fully sustain my life through filmmaking alone in the future. There’s a constant balancing act between creating art and simply paying the bills.

But I’ve come to see this uncertainty as part of the beauty of the life I chose. It’s dynamic, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming, but it also keeps me alive and inspired. I try to remind myself that the hustle, the risks, and even the doubts are what make this journey meaningful.

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Image Credits

Sung Bin Moon

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