Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Kim.
Hi Jane, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
At 5 years old, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life which was being an actress. I grew up watching Disney Channel and I wanted to be on TV. Once, when I was at my grandpa’s house, I pointed at the TV saying I wanted to be in there, not knowing I could make a career out of it. I grew up wanting to be an actress but had no support from my parents, so I always kept the dream as a dream. When I applied to colleges, the only major that intrigued me was film. I went to school at UC Riverside for about 6 months to study film, but switched to business in between because my parents thought it would be better for me. I took a business class and ended up switching back to film. I dropped out to focus on my mental health, my roommates weren’t the best towards me, and I was going through a lot in my personal life. That same week, I joined an acting studio and met my acting coach, Brandon, who I still work with. I am now in school again to study film, but only taking online classes. I take vocal lessons privately and through my school. In my free time, I play ukulele, guitar, piano, and sing. I also like playing video games and started streaming on Twitch. I film and edit YouTube videos twice a week and started writing scripts to write short films. My goal in life is to act of course, but also spread awareness to mental health. I struggle with a lot of mental disorders and it is a part of me, although I try to not let it define me. I feel that mental disorders are often stereotyped and stigmatized, and I want to spread awareness as someone who struggles with Bipolar 2, BPD, ADHD, Depression, Social Anxiety, and more. I went through therapy, DBT, multiple programs to help with mental health, and have seen much improvement recently. I think the stereotype with Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are those people are crazy, untreatable, and with any disorder, an option. Whenever I see people comment that even having anxiety is a choice or depression, it’s upsetting because those are the people that have never had to deal with it. My goals for the future is to spread awareness and show that someone like me who is Korean-American can have a positive impact and has space in the acting industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Again, dealing with mental health is a challenge especially with having multiple. Some days are easier than others, but when I’m depressed, it’s so hard to get out of. With hypomania it can be confusing, I still sometimes confuse it with happiness. With bipolar 2, it’s like a repeated cycle of mania and depression. I’ve dealt with lack of support and having comments made about my body my whole life especially from adults. I tend to be a people pleaser and perfectionist, so people have the tendency to take advantage of me being too nice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Korean-American actress and I write, create content, love to learn new skills everyday. I’ve worked on a theater show recently called “Meet the Roommates” as one of the leads, Jenny. I’ve worked on other projects, mainly student films and short films. I am currently in the process of writing and producing short films that spread awareness when it comes to mental health. I am most proud of myself for always being ambitious and curious about anything and everything whether it is instruments or learning a new language and that also sets me apart from others. I’m eager to always learn everyday.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I need to be less sensitive and be more selfish and not be too nice. I think I can confuse being nice and being kind. Whether people are being nice or mean to me, I always respond with kindness. People also tend to take advantage of me and the fact that I rarely say no. I am also bad with criticism, even if it is constructive and from people that I trust. But you need to be less sensitive especially in the acting indsutry.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/janemjkim
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@janemjkim
Image Credits
Chris Gamez
Brandi Stroud
