Meet David S. Kim | Film Director and Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with David S. Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’m interested in too many things – history, music, technology, and much more – and film lets me explore all of them. It’s the only career where I feel most like myself, and it has taught me more than any single person or book ever could.

I think back to my childhood when my dad, an immigrant from South Korea, would take me and my sister to the movies every other weekend. Our usual spots would be the AMC off of Arapahoe or Century 16, but we also watched plenty of movies at home. He showed me his favorites like “Planet of the Apes” and “Alien,” and he also showed me the world of Korean cinema. For a Korean-American kid from the Rocky Mountains, these films became a gateway to my roots. More than that, they gave me an escape from tough times and everyday problems.

As I got older, I realized that I fell in love with film’s ability to tell stories visually, sonically, and emotionally. Films can make you laugh, bring tears to your eyes, and reveal new perspectives. They’re a way to share an experience with people from all walks of life. And for me, movies helped me become a more empathetic person, constantly curious about the world and my place in it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an Asian-American director, writer, producer, editor. Sometimes all in the same week. I simply love telling stories. Every piece of the puzzle fascinates me, so I’ve worn many different hats over the years, but directing and editing are the most rewarding roles so far. I’ve worked on projects across different forms, genres, and cultures, often in languages I don’t even speak.

But one thing I realized about film: I’m a lifelong student, constantly exploring different worlds and perspectives. And the one constant in every project is my fascination with the power of storytelling.

My journey didn’t begin in Los Angeles or New York. I grew up in Aurora, Colorado, with no industry ties and a family that, at times, struggled to make ends meet. But this didn’t stop my dad from taking us to the theater every weekend. I still remember how immersed I was in the storytelling, forgetting my worries as I watched these different worlds coming to life in front of me. It’s the spark that led me down this path of pursuing film in college, despite the risks.

I moved to New York, where I earned my BA in Film & Media Studies and Economics at the University of Rochester. I still remember the snowy afternoons when I’d visit the George Eastman Museum, watching classics “Ben-Hur” and “Rashomon” on their original prints. It helped me feel more connected to the rich history of cinema, but I still felt like I needed to go further with my craft. My eyes turned to Los Angeles, where I completed my MFA in Film Directing and Production at UCLA.

The constant moving wasn’t easy, and it taught me that the biggest challenge to my journey was myself. Moving away from family for long periods of time made me feel isolated. My anxiety and ADHD sometimes led to depression, and the crazy amount of work often made things tougher. Despite this struggle, filmmaking taught me to adapt.

Over time, I found structure, set boundaries, and leaned on a supportive community to build a better work-life balance without compromising my goals. Instead of keeping things to myself, I confided in my friends, reached out to my parents, and got a therapist to help me along the way. They all helped me see this path in a different light: Movies are never made by a single person, and I wasn’t alone on this journey.

These personal battles inspired my film “Yaksok (약속 / 約束),” the culmination of my experiences and an homage to Korean and Japanese cinema. A samurai story told in both languages, it reflects my deep appreciation for my roots, for history, and for the filmmakers I look up to. “Yaksok” follows Jun, a Korean-born man who somehow finds himself with the Japanese samurai as they invade his homeland during the Imjin War. Here, I wanted to focus on Jun’s mind as he wrestles with duty versus himself, an inner war I know very well. His tensions between expectations, identity, and ambition are all too familiar to me. This film is, by far, my most ambitious and personal project, but I was only able to make it because of the support of my family, friends, and community.

Today, I’m finishing post-production on YAKSOK and staying busy after returning to Colorado. I’ve recently focused on editing and post-producing documentaries, narrative films, and social media projects. I’m also writing new stories, including one that I hope will become my first feature film. No matter what I’m doing, I want my work to bridge cultures and reveal the quiet truths that connect us all.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, even though I grew up in Aurora, I spent most of my adult life in New York and California. There are plenty of new places I need to check out, but if my best friend were visiting for a week, we’d probably spend most of our time either eating or getting lost in the wilderness.

We’d hit up Havana Street more than a few times for some banger Asian food. Yong Gung, P&Y Cafe, and Mr. Kim’s BBQ are all must-go-to spots. If we wanted to mix it up with Latin food, El Metate and Cuba Bakery & Cafe would be on the list. I’m also happy to see The Halal Guys and In-N-Out coming to town, which is perfect for any of my friends who miss the coasts just a little!

And to be a little healthy, we’d travel around to see some of Colorado’s iconic beauty. I love going to Rocky Mountain National Park, and it’s a no-brainer to go there. But I’d also want to rent a boat in Dillon Reservoir, drinking beers, and taking in the nature. Colorado Springs also has a few cool spots, where I plan on showing off Garden of the Gods before hitting Manitou Springs for good food and drinks.

As a filmmaker or creative, I think there’s nothing more inspiring than eating good food or spending a little time outdoors for some fresh air. And I’m sure we’d need more than a week if camping is in the itinerary!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first people who come to mind are my parents and my sister. My mom and dad have been my biggest supporters and, even if they don’t know it, their stories and wisdom have been my greatest sources of inspiration. And for my sister, Sue, I wouldn’t be the same artist if we hadn’t worked so hard on some of my best projects. She’s not just a supporter, she’s one of my biggest collaborators.

I’d also like to give a shoutout to the brilliant filmmakers who have mentored me or worked with me over the years, from LA to NYC. To the directing and editing professors at UCLA: I wouldn’t be where I am today without your honesty and guidance. And to my friends, cast, and crew, if you’re reading this: Your brilliance, energy, and passion on every project motivates me to be the best version of myself and my art. Without your help, this crazy dream would’ve been impossible!

Website: https://www.davidskim.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkimg21/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkimg21/

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11174838/

Image Credits
BTS Photos by Sam Umbay Aldo Schwartz Merry May Ma Stills from “Yaksok (약속 / 約束)” Director: David S. Kim Director of Photography: Jacqueline Chan