Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Yooyeon YY Kim of LA/SEOUL

We recently had the chance to connect with Yooyeon YY Kim and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Yooyeon YY, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
What’s often misunderstood about my business is how glamorous people think it is. When people imagine a production producer, they picture constant spotlights, celebrities, and a dynamic, sparkling lifestyle. The reality, especially in the first few years, is very different. The work is physically demanding, almost like being an athlete.

Of course, there are moments of excitement and visibility, but far fewer than people expect. Most of the job looks much more like any other profession. In many ways, it requires even more time on your feet, hands on problem-solving, and constant movement behind the scenes.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a production producer who develops and produces work across a wide range of artistic genres and formats. At the core of what I do is building projects from the ground up and shaping ideas into tangible, meaningful works.

As a Korean creative, I am particularly interested in creating content that acts as a cultural bridge between Korea and the rest of the world. I focus on projects that translate sensibilities across borders while remaining rooted in a clear cultural perspective.

Along with a close group of like-minded collaborators, I work through a production company called Studio Inganmi, where we produce films, music videos, commercials, and other forms of visual and artistic content. What makes our work special is the way we approach production not just as execution, but as a thoughtful creative process that connects people, cultures, and ideas.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
That’s a difficult question because so many people have taught me important lessons about work, and those influences vary depending on the field or genre. Each area I’ve worked in has come with its own teachers.

In film producing, which is where I spend most of my time now, the person who has influenced me the most is a producer named Kealani Kitaura. She was my first production producer and has also become a close friend. She taught me how to work efficiently while still creating an environment that is enjoyable and supportive. I am deeply grateful for that lesson, and for her presence in my journey.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Do not doubt so much. Feeling anxious is natural. Your choices may not always be perfect, but trust that they come from a good place and that they will lead you forward.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
For a long time, probably until just a few years ago, I was only showing about 30% of who I really am. These days, I work as myself almost entirely, closer to 95%. When I don’t, the gap between my public self and my real self becomes exhausting.

I’ve learned that being honest about who I am actually makes it much easier to find collaborators who are genuinely aligned with me, even from a business perspective. I still keep a small part of myself private, something only I get to know. I’ve learned that holding onto that last 5% is good for my mental health, and maybe even necessary.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Easy and simple. I would immediately stop letting my own laziness get in the way of spending time with my family and friends. I would stop treating those moments as something optional or inconvenient, and start honoring them as essential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studioinganmi.com/
• Instagram: YYOOYEONKIM