Who is Julie Kim?
Julie Kim is one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians. She/me recently toured across North America with Ronny Chieng who is apparently a big deal in Australian comedy! She’s also a writer for TV, an avid eater, the caretaker of one geriatric dog, and the mother of one small child (that she knows, there could be more…).
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would go back in time and become rich and famous.
Who inspires you and why?
Hmm… Uhm… let’s see… ok. I don’t know why it’s hard for me to answer this, as I live off inspiration. I seek it every day through things I see in the world (okay I mean on Tik Tok) and podcasts and articles that teach me things about success, being a whole person, love, and other cheesy stuff. I’ll take inspiration from anywhere and prefer that over turning to a single person. Because people are horrible. No, they are mostly good depending on where you live, but we all have flaws. So, I think it’s better to draw inspiration in various places about various things, and I think the most important thing for a person to be is open to being inspired. Wow – I didn’t realize I was this deep.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
My passion is equality for girls and women, and acceptance of all people (whatever one’s sexual orientation, gender, race, culture, religion, etc.). I plan to do whatever I can to be as strong and empowered as possible, and to rub it off on the world (no actual touching). When I give back, it’s a priority to lend particular help to marginalized peoples and those without much of a voice.
If I were to go back and choose another profession, I’d be a lawyer or lobbyist who fights to punish anonymous trolls and predators online. I would shame them and have them all justify their actions in front of their maker (their mother).
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Somewhere beside an ocean, but not actually IN the ocean because I’m a terrible swimmer.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I live in Vancouver, BC Canada. Our main attraction is nature – mountains, trails, and the water. That makes it easy for me as a host because I tell my guests to just look outside.
What are you currently reading?
Nothing! But I opt for audiobooks because they allow me to theoretically be productive, doing things while I ‘read’. I have a short attention span, however, and usually end up re-winding and re-listening so it ends up being extremely counter-productive and… I burn food a lot.
What are you currently listening to?
An episode of the Smartless podcast – the episode with Mike Meyers. Mike Meyers is Canadian comedy royalty. In this episode they discussed being a Canadian in the US, and I learned a really important lesson about directing. I cannot tell you and spoil the episode for you. Sorry!
Happiness is?
Being ONE tequila in (no more, no less).
What does the future hold for you?
Well, my period is two weeks late and I haven’t told anyone yet so… TMI?
Julie makes her Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut with No One Special – playing at the Greek Centre: 11 – 23 April 2023. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Julie Kim (supplied)