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Victoria Keum Jee is an actress, writer, musician, and director based in Los Angeles. After realizing her love for performing at an early age, her parents stoked her creativity and encouraged her to pursue music and theatre. But it wasn’t until they took her to see a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that she knew she had to pursue acting. After studying Musical Theatre/Vocal Performance at the University of Hartford, her resume now overflows with film credits–including her recent appearance inClone Cops, a sci-fi comedy film! Her advice to young artists? “Try all the new things you can and don't be afraid to fail–it's how you learn and grow!” Read on to learn more aboutVictoria Keum Jee and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Name: Victoria Keum Jee
Heritage: Korean & Japanese
Hometown: Boston, MA
Current City: Los Angeles, CA
Current project: Clone Cops–A sci-fi comedy film (out streaming now)!
Any advice for young people getting into the arts?
Try all the new things you can and don't be afraid to fail–it's how you learn and grow!
How did you get your start?
From a very young age I have always been performing for my family and friends, making up quirky characters and new worlds, playing the piano, singing songs. I just have always had a very creative drive ever since I could talk. I have also studied music all of my life. My parents exposed me to a lot when I was younger, music, dance, theatre… I played many different sports and instruments, sang in every style in choir, and did every single show in school. I was lucky that I have a very supportive, encouraging family.
Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share?
I don't have a favorite… yet. I like that at this point in my career I have been able to explore other facets of the industry. In the last few years I've been able to see films that I've written go into production and onto festivals, I have helped produce projects and I have even directed a few films. Acting is my passion, but as someone who got their start on the indie circuit, I truly love and am lucky with how accessible it is nowadays (with the tools and technology we have) for creatives to put their projects out there in the world.
What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?
As creatives, we are constantly putting ourselves out there over and over for everyone. It's hard, rejection is real… and it's tough. The mental stamina needed for this career has been the toughest challenge and it is constant. But being mentally strong is something that no one can take away from you–EVER.
What are some interesting facts about yourself?
I am a Korean adoptee, I have no record of my Korean family. I was adopted at 4 months old.
Who do you admire?
My parents, so open minded, so willing to share and give. The world needs more people like my parents.
Do you have any mentors?
Mike Chat, my XMA Coach. He keeps me mentally in check and always makes sure things are kept in a very realistic perspective.
Did you always want to be in the arts or did you have another path before you got here?
I have always had a strong drive to perform. Even in the moments when life had to take me in another direction, some sort of creative expression has always been present and necessary to keep me going.
When did you know you wanted to have a career in the arts?
The moment I distinctly remember, I was very young and we went to see a theater production ofJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which was the first musical I can remember ever seeing, and I had a strong desire to be onstage with them.
Is where you are now where you thought you’d be?
No. I don't remember thinking at any moment, "this is where I want to be when I am this age". My thought process has always been "Anything can happen. Keep going."
Did you have any interesting “odd jobs” you worked at between gigs to pay the bills?
I still have odd jobs between gigs to pay the bills (LOL)!
Do you have any side projects you’d like to highlight?
Nothing that I can talk about at the moment ;)
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
Learn how to speak Korean.
What skills did you find to be the most helpful in your career?
People skills.
What do you love most about what you do?
When I was very little aside from acting I wanted to be an "astronaut, a clown, a lawyer." Now I am in a career where I could be an astronaut, a clown, or a lawyer!
What helped you most to rebound from what you considered your biggest failure or mistake in your career?
Knowing that after failure comes growth.
Do you have any self care practices you do to stay focused and sane? What was your self care routine before the pandemic and how has that (as well as your views of self care) changed throughout the pandemic?
Sleep and water. That's the most important self care.
As a storyteller, how do you pick the stories you want to work on and what goes into putting a story together, whether on stage, page, or film?
I love world building, heightened realities. I pull inspiration from personal experience, what is happening currently and what I am feeling inspired by–which is most important.
How do you deal with writer's block?
I just walk away for a little bit, you can't force creativity.
Do you have a favorite book/screenplay/script?
I love theInterstellar script, Christopher and Jon Nolan.
To find out more on Victoria Keum Jee, please visit her at:
Instagram: @BostonTorey
Website: www.victoriakeumjee.com
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