Bohyung Kim makes her Broadway debut this winter in the Broadway musical KPOP about the lives of Korean pop-music stars.
By Rachel Sokol
A brand new Broadway musical opens this holiday season called KPOP—there’s so much buzz about this show you MUST get tickets next time you’re in NYC.
KPOP is about different K-pop artists. (Note that “K-pop” the musical genre stands for “Korean pop music.”) The audience will meet MwE (played by Luna, a solo K-pop star), along with RTMIS (a girl K-pop group which featured K-pop star Bohyung) and F8 (a boy K-pop group that K-pop Kevin Woo is in). The plot revolves MwE exploring the effects the music industry’s had on her personally and professionally as a K-pop superstar.
International singing sensation Bohyung Kim will make her Broadway debut in KPOP in a strong supporting role. She spoke with American Teen about her childhood, her love of music, and, of course, her new life in NYC. Let’s meet her!
What was your childhood like in South Korea?
I have a lots of memories of the Korean countryside. I enjoyed playing piano and watching Mickey Mouse on TV. I grew up with youthful bliss running around with my friends. While my childhood was relatively normal and uneventful, it was a happy and pure childhood.
Did you grow up singing and dancing?
When I was young, I didn't know I could sing because I was such a quiet, introverted child. I picked up piano quickly because I had good pitch, but it wasn’t until I was in middle school that I dreamed of becoming a singer.
When did you know you had vocal talent?
I discovered my talent for singing through a music teacher I met in my final year of middle school. We had a singing test in class, and when she heard me sing that day she said, "You sing really well. I hope you become a singer." She recommended that I listen to the great American singer, Whitney Houston. When I first heard the song, "Greatest Love of All," I felt a deep resonance in my soul, and I dreamt of becoming a singer who could touch hearts the way she did mine.
How do you like NYC?
There are so many things I like about NYC - the busy hustle and bustle, the lights that keep the city awake all night, delicious restaurants, endless events…but the thing about New York I like the most are the colleagues I’ve met here. If I hadn’t met these people, I think I might feel quite lonely in this extravagant city.
Are you excited to make your Broadway debut?
Definitely. I still can't believe that I'm even working in New York, a city where people from all over the world gather. What was merely once a dream has now become a reality. And it motivates me to enter each day of work with more excitement, putting in my absolute best.
What can you tell us about the show KPOP?
This musical explores the growth process of becoming a K-pop star and the various joys and sorrows that arise after our debut. It's a deeply moving piece, with the show’s true superpower coming in the form of incredibly trendy KPOP performances. I'm confident that you'll be able to release all your stress when you come to watch this musical!
Advice for teens who want to pursue a professional singing career?
If you’ve got a natural talent for singing, practicing, and working hard with everything you’ve got…singing will be your bread and butter. It’s also incredibly important to maintain regimented self-discipline and invest in high quality music education. When I was in a performing arts high school, I didn’t want to take classes like music theory, ear training, or aural skills. I thought, “Isn’t it enough for a singer to just be good at singing?” But the academic training I had in that time really nourished my singing career. Lastly, I want you to think about what kind of musician you will be with your unique voice and talent. Find an agency that suits you, prepare well for auditions, and audition a lot.
What are some of your travel tips?
I really like to take my time and not be in a rush--or feel pressed on time--when I’m exploring a new place and traveling. I always get food and leisure recommendations from friends local to the city I’m visiting in advance. I also think it’s important to travel with friends who match your energy and who you can feel really comfortable with. And take lots of pictures. After time passes, the only thing left will be the pictures.
What are some of your favorite beauty and skincare products?
I've used a variety of skincare products and Physiogel is a great fit for my skin and doesn’t cause any trouble. For beauty and makeup products, I use products from Christian Dior and MAC.
Do you do any charity work? Tell us about it!
I volunteer with the elderly and provide support to older people who live in villages that are still developing. In the winter, we deliver coal briquettes for heating to the elderly who have difficulty moving around on their own.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
To know love. To never forget that the sadness of the past will become warm sunshine once again. To live life the way that you are. Don’t be overly humble, don’t be conceited, don't try to be this hugely successful person, don't try to be rich, but instead, live life with deep love for the little things around you. If you remember that there is no such thing as someone who is “more special,” good fortune will always be with you.
KPOP officially opens on Broadway November 20th at Circle in the Square theatre. Learn more at: KPOPBroadway.com. Follow Bohyung on Instagram: @BohyungKim
Also Featuring…KEVIN WOO
One of Bohyung’s many co-stars in the musical is the talented Kevin Woo--we can’t wait for you to see him shine on stage. Let’s kick back with him!
What exactly is K-pop (the genre)?
K-pop isn’t just a music genre from South Korea. It’s a phenomenon that is a blend of culture, art, dance, fashion, beauty, and more that has truly captivated the world. The K-pop fandom is such a unique community because it brings together music fans around the globe regardless of the language barrier.
Tell us about the KPOP musical and why teens would love it.
KPOP is an awe-inspiring musical that will blow everyone's mind away. It takes you into another world as we show you the ins and outs of what it takes to become a K-pop superstar. From the jaw-dropping set design to the catchy dance performances, this musical can be enjoyed by anyone! Everyone who experiences this show will definitely want to come back for more.
What are your pre-show rituals?
My pre-show rituals consist of drinking lots of fluids, vocal warm-ups, stretching, and meditation. It keeps my mind and body clear and focused before every show. I usually turn my phone on silent so that I don’t get distracted.
Any advice for teens interested in a music career?
Do anything to get as much experience as you can. I joined my school choir in middle school and performed in front of a large audience starting at a young age. It helped me get rid of any fears or anxiety performing in front of people. Also, there are so many social media platforms you can use to showcase your talent. I’ve seen many success stories where people were scouted via social media. It’s all about getting yourself out there nowadays and it’s as easy as taking a selfie.
What do you love most about NYC?
I love the diversity and energy of NYC. I feel inspired at every corner whether it’s the art on the walls, people on the streets, to the city skyline at night. There’s something truly unique that I’ve never experienced in any other city that I’ve lived in. Not to mention, the food scene is amazing!