Gia Kim is a talented actress recognized for her portrayal of Yuri Han in the Netflix series, XO, Kitty. Her complex characters on the show explore personal identity, queerness and familial expectations.
Gia Kim's Role as Yuri Han in XO, Kitty
Gia portrays Yuri Han a popular student at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS). Yuri's storyline in “XO, Kitty” involves her complex reLAtionships including a love triangle , exploring personal identity, as well as cultural and familial challenges. She's shown to be the queen bee at school who is known for being an influencer.
Early Character Traits
When first introduced Yuri appears as a character who pretends to be in a relationship with main character, Kitty's love interest named Dae. This is a way for her to hide her actual relationship with classmate Juliana because of issues stemming from being a person in a wealthy prominent family and is still having challenges expressing her sexuality to her mother. Her reLAtionships both platonic and romantic create the storyline in its entirety which continues throughout the seasons.
Character Development Through Seasons
Gia's performance shines through the internal growth that is seen in Yuri as the story progresses through the first and second seasons . Throughout this process Yuri transforms and moves through new dimensions within her character's experiences.
Emotional Growth and Conflict
Season 2 shows a new journey as Yuri now confronts challenges in her relationship with Juliana and explores new aspects of her connection with Kitty . These instances have viewers unsure what the future holds for the character as a whole. Her inner battles all show the internal struggle of her decisions for herself and what those decisions mean in the big picture.
Beyond XO, Kitty: Gia Kim's Journey
Gia has also explored multiple sides of film. Gia has always had interest in this art form which is the source of her pursuing other methods of exploration to gain better perspectives on both on camera and off.
Diverse Background
Gia born in Seoul Korea has also lived in multiple international places including Indonesia and Hong Kong before finally settling in LA for acting classes. Prior to finding acting her interests layed elsewhere, making the turn later into her career to showcase new found desires in the industry.
Her Career Prior to Acting
Gia’s initial career was in journalism. While living in Korea, she worked as a news reporter for Arirang Newsroom. Her desire was always towards creative spaces and this new direction with acting became the forefront of where her passions have taken her.
Relatability and Perspective
Gia's personal life seems to help in her performance. From a young age she has been apart of international school communities. This provides insight into Yuri's character development and what it might be like within the series setting at a diverse school. With both these perspectives her unique journey adds depth and honesty into her portrayals on camera.
International School Experience
While working as Yuri she claims to have experience that help her in this journey having lived a similar lifestyle to her onscreen counterpart and what it was like to also experience love in her younger days as she grew up which gave many a perspective they could feel from a relatable source.
Impact and Social Significance
Yuri's character within “XO, Kitty” creates new avenues for unique representation which showcase what it is like to have a young person of color exploring what it is like to be gay. With that character also being in such a position of popularity makes her a key focus in changing social norms of entertainment media. The character serves to add important discourse and topics to be recognized and also celebrated.
Representation and Normalization
The show provides viewers with a character that brings conversation about sexuality, self-acceptance and acceptance into new areas which may have previously been excluded or marginalized in past series. It was an important part that she was given a “Queer Queen Bee” position and a platform to also normalize those characteristics.
Gia's Relationship with her Brother
Another aspect of her career is her ability to act along side her real life brother Sang Heon Lee in XO Kitty who also has a central role. She said it pushed them to grow as adults. Their relationship moved into new territory by exploring family in addition to just being co-workers on the show.
Working Together
Gia explains while working with Sang on the show was enjoyable it has always felt very new with her getting the ability to observe him on camera instead of just as her brother. It allowed them to get a deeper bond in their adult relationships which may not have happened without the opportunity this experience gave them.
What’s Next for Gia Kim
While continuing the exploration of XO, Kitty Gia is taking on new forms of art. These new roles provide a different perspective and approach as she moves her way through all aspects of performance and production
Other Projects
Gia has a production on the horizon and is a creative part of all major decisions showcasing more insight into who she is beyond an actor. Her work in film along with theatrical experience creates different creative styles and direction for the different roles that she may engage in next.
Key Takeaways
- Gia Kim plays Yuri Han in “XO, Kitty” a complex and dynamic character at the center of important plot lines.
- Gia’s personal journey as well as life experience is mirrored in the portrayals on screen.
- Yuri explores relationships and unique life changes while being one of the most impactful LGBTQ characters.
- Gia’s story highlights diversity, representation, and normalization of all types of viewpoints.
- Gia is expanding her presence in creative areas from behind the camera to being a leading actress.