Gia Kim: The Rising Star of Netflix’s XO, Kitty

Gia Kim has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her breakout role as Yuri Han, the stylish and complex queen bee in Netflix’s hit series XO, Kitty.

This series, a spin-off from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, follows the story of Kitty Song Covey as she moves to Seoul to uncover her heritage, where she meets Yuri.

Through her portrayal, Gia Kim not only challenges stereotypes but also brings depth and authenticity to her character, making her a standout figure in entertainment.

Who is Gia Kim? Age, Background, and Early Life

Gia Kim was born on 29 April 1994, in Seoul, South Korea, and spent much of her childhood immersed in both Korean and Hong Kong cultures.

She describes herself as a “third culture kid,” navigating a life influenced by multiple cultural identities, which has profoundly impacted her acting journey.

Initially, Gia pursued a more traditional path in journalism, drawn by her love of storytelling.

However, her passion for the performing arts led her to Los Angeles, where she trained at the Art of Acting Studio, committing fully to an acting career.

Her journey into acting began on stage, with roles in Seoul, Beijing, and Los Angeles, where she honed her craft through various productions.

Prior to her television debut, Gia appeared in the short film Happy Ending, marking her first on-camera role.

However, her character Yuri Han in XO, Kitty has cemented her place in the entertainment world.

How Old is Gia Kim?

At 29 years old, Gia Kim brings both maturity and refreshing energy to the character of Yuri Han, a high school student navigating love, identity, and societal pressures.

Standing at 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 metres), Gia’s presence perfectly complements Yuri’s confident and fashion-forward personality, making her a standout both on and off the screen.

Gia Kim as Yuri Han: Breaking Stereotypes in XO, Kitty

In XO, Kitty, Gia Kim brings Yuri Han to life as the wealthy, style-savvy daughter of a prominent chaebol family.

Yuri is not just another popular character; she’s groundbreaking as one of the first queer Asian “queen bees” on mainstream television.

Yuri’s storyline explores her struggle with identity and the pressures of her conservative family while managing her secret relationship with her best friend, Juliana.

Yuri’s nuanced portrayal as a complex, relatable character breaks from traditional stereotypes of the “queen bee”, offering viewers an inspiring and refreshing take on a beloved trope.

Gia reflected on the honour and responsibility of portraying a queer Asian character, noting, “Yuri’s journey resonates with anyone who’s felt they needed to hide their true self. Playing Yuri has been an honour, especially knowing how meaningful her character can be for viewers looking for representation on screen.”

Navigating Representation and Identity

Gia Kim’s portrayal of Yuri Han in XO, Kitty signifies a crucial step in representation within the entertainment industry.

As one of the first openly queer, Asian queen bee characters, Yuri’s story challenges stereotypes and brings visibility to LGBTQ+ narratives within Asian communities.

Gia expressed the weight of this role, noting how she wanted Yuri’s journey to feel genuine and inspiring.

“There’s a big responsibility that comes with this role,” Gia shared. “I wanted Yuri’s story to resonate with people who might see themselves in her journey, breaking away from societal expectations.”

Fun Facts About Gia Kim

Outside of her career, Gia is known for her engaging personality and love of connecting with fans.

@thisisgiakim The fandance unnis in hanboks #xokitty #fandance #hanbok #buchaechoom ♬ How You Like That – BLACKPINK

She’s active on Instagram and TikTok under the handle @thisisgiakim, where she shares behind-the-scenes looks at her life, often posting funny clips and singing covers, including Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself.”

Gia is also the real-life sister of Sang Heon Lee, who plays her on-screen brother Dae in XO, Kitty, adding authenticity to their sibling dynamic on screen.

Gia Kim’s Approach to Yuri Han’s Character

To bring Yuri’s character to life, Gia drew from her multicultural upbringing and her own struggles with identity, grounding Yuri’s journey in authenticity.

“I didn’t want to play a stereotypical character,” Gia explains. “Yuri’s story deserved nuance and honesty, and I worked hard to honour that.”

Gia’s commitment to Yuri’s character development is evident in her performance, as she captures the highs and lows of a young woman exploring her identity amidst societal pressures.

One of the most popular dynamics in XO, Kitty is the evolving relationship between Yuri and Kitty, which follows the “enemies to lovers” trope.

Gia laughs about how the two characters initially clash over a shared love interest, only to develop a deeper understanding of each other. “Yuri and Kitty’s dynamic breaks down initial judgements,” Gia notes.

“It’s about learning to see someone for who they truly are, beyond first impressions.”

Exploring Gia Kim’s Acting Journey

Gia’s career path has been anything but conventional. She began in journalism, driven by a love of storytelling, but her passion for acting continued to pull her back to the performing arts. 

XO, Kitty marks her first significant role on screen, but her extensive experience in theatre has equipped her with the skills to portray multi-dimensional characters like Yuri Han.

Gia reflects, “Acting is my true calling, and every role I play feels like an opportunity to grow and connect with others.”

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Gia Kim hopes to explore more dramatic roles, particularly in psychological thrillers, and is drawn to characters with darker, complex narratives.

Her aspirations reflect her desire to continuously challenge herself and grow as an actress.

Fans can expect to see Gia take on a variety of roles that push boundaries and showcase her versatility in the entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gia Kim’s Age and Height?
Gia Kim is currently 29 years old and stands at 5 feet 4 inches tall. Her character Yuri Han embodies a similar confident presence that resonates with fans worldwide.

Who Plays Yuri Han in XO, Kitty?
Gia Kim stars as Yuri Han, the multifaceted queen bee whose journey of self-discovery and resilience drives much of XO, Kitty’s story.

Does Gia Kim Have Siblings?
Yes, Gia’s real-life brother, Sang Heon Lee, also stars in XO, Kitty as her on-screen brother Dae, adding an authentic touch to their interactions.

What Other Roles Has Gia Kim Played?
Prior to XO, Kitty, Gia appeared in the short film Happy Ending and has a rich background in theatre, with performances in Seoul, Beijing, and Los Angeles.

Gia Kim: A Pioneer in Queer Asian Representation

As the first openly queer Asian “queen bee” character on a mainstream platform, Yuri’s story in XO, Kitty is a landmark in both representation and storytelling.

Gia Kim’s performance brings visibility and authenticity to a character that audiences can identify with, especially those navigating similar journeys of identity and acceptance.

“I wanted Yuri’s story to feel genuine, and I hope she inspires viewers who feel unseen,” Gia remarks.

Her dedication to the role of Yuri has positioned her as an advocate for diverse and inclusive storytelling, making her a trailblazer in the industry.

With her standout performance in XO, Kitty, Gia Kim has not only become a rising star but also a symbol of representation, authenticity, and resilience in Hollywood.

As she continues to expand her career, fans and viewers alike can look forward to more powerful and inspiring performances from this remarkable actress.