Gia Kim (born Jeong-Yeon Lee) is a South Korean actress known for her breakout role as Yuri Han, the complex and closeted queen bee in Netflix’s hit series XO, Kitty.
With a background in journalism and theatre, she has brought authentic depth to multicultural storytelling, drawing from her experiences as a third-culture kid.
Her work spans international television and stage, establishing her as a versatile talent bridging Korean and Western entertainment.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Jeong-Yeon Lee
- Stage Name: Gia Kim
- Born: November 4, 1992
- Age: 34 years old
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: Korean
- Ethnicity: Korean
- Occupation: Actress
- Height: 162 cm (5’3½’’)
- Religion: Unknown
- Parents: Mr and Mrs Lee
- Siblings: Sang Heon Lee
- Spouse: None
- Children: None
- Relationship: Single
- Net Worth: $1 million USD
Early Life and Education
Gia Kim was born on November 4, 1992, in Seoul, South Korea. She was raised by her parents, Mr and Mrs Lee, alongside her younger brother, Sang Heon Lee, with whom she shares a close bond strengthened through their acting careers.
She studied journalism and music at the University of Hong Kong, initially pursuing a traditional career path.
Gia moved to Los Angeles for a 2.5-year conservatory program at the Art of Acting Studio, honing her craft after earlier theatre experiences in Beijing and Seoul, where she co-founded a theatre troupe.
Career
Gia Kim began her professional life in broadcast journalism, working in New York, Beijing, and as a news reporter at Arirang Newsroom in Korea.
During this period, a community theatre musical in Beijing reignited her passion for performance, leading her to leave journalism and co-found a theatre troupe in Daehakro, Seoul’s vibrant theatre district.
Over the years, she immersed herself in stage productions before relocating to Los Angeles for formal acting training.
Her major breakthrough arrived with the role of Yuri Han in Netflix’s XO, Kitty, where she portrayed a multifaceted character grappling with identity, family pressure, and romance.
She has since appeared in additional projects, leveraging her bilingual skills and lived experiences as a Korean raised partly abroad.
Her journey reflects resilience and a deliberate pivot from stable careers to creative fulfilment, earning acclaim for nuanced performances that resonate with global audiences navigating cultural intersections.
Social Media
- Instagram: @thisisgiakim
Personal Life
Gia Kim, 34, is single, focusing instead on personal growth and her career. No public records detail past relationships.
She has no children yet remains close with her family, particularly collaborating professionally with her younger brother Sang Heon Lee, who plays Min Ho in XO, Kitty. Gia embraces her identity as a third-culture kid while balancing her life between Los Angeles and Seoul.
Net Worth
Gia Kim has an estimated net worth of $1 million USD. This figure stems primarily from her prominent role in the popular Netflix series XO, Kitty, along with related projects and appearances. Additional income comes from endorsements, brand partnerships, and her growing visibility in the international entertainment industry.
Filmography
- XO, Kitty (Netflix) – Yuri Han
- Theatre productions in Daehakro (Seoul)
- Community theatre musical (Beijing)
- Various stage and emerging screen projects