We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DK Kim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DK below.
DK, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I never expected spending 18 months in the South Korean military to change my career path, but it did. I served as a squad leader, guiding and protecting my team. Every day was structured, intense, and mentally demanding. Somewhere in the middle of that experience, I started thinking differently—not just about leadership but also about systems, decision-making, and what makes strategies actually work in high-pressure situations.
Before enlisting, I had focused on fashion business and design. But the army forced me to slow down and think long-term. I started asking myself hard questions: Was I following a creative path because it was familiar? What if I were better suited to solving complex problems, organizing teams, or analyzing systems? It was a risk to even consider changing directions, especially after investing years into a design-based career.
After completing my service, I transferred to Parsons to study Strategic Design and Management. It felt like starting over—adapting to a new field where I had to blend creativity with business logic. I dove into coursework that challenged me to think critically, work across disciplines, and understand how design can drive strategy. Outside of class, I began studying business analysis, consulting frameworks, and even started preparing for the financial and project management professionally to strengthen my quantitative side.
Looking back, the real risk wasn’t joining the army. It was letting that experience change me. Choosing to pivot from a creative comfort zone to an uncertain, more analytical path has been difficult, but it’s also been the most meaningful decision I’ve made so far.
DK, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi, I’m DK Kim. I’m a creative thinker and strategist who works across design, business, and cultural systems. I grew up in Korea with a passion for expression and structure. I played violin, excelled in sports, and later served as a squad leader in the military. Each of these experiences taught me something about discipline, intuition, and how people work together.
Currently, I’m based in New York studying Strategic Design and Management at Parsons School of Design, following my degree in International Trade and Fashion Business from FIT. My academic path has helped me understand global industries’ business mechanics and the creative process behind meaningful innovation.
Professionally, I’ve contributed to fashion development and planning at Castelbajac, designed seasonal collections, and supported product strategy. I’ve also led daily operations in a local food business, managing schedules and launching its digital presence from the ground up. These experiences taught me how to move between the creative and operational sides of any project, always with an eye for clarity and impact.
I value thoughtful collaboration and long-term thinking. My leadership in the military instilled in me a strong sense of accountability, while my creative work taught me the importance of nuance and adaptability. Whether I’m managing a team, building a brand, or shaping a research-driven design process, I focus on aligning strategy with human-centered thinking.
At the core of my work is the belief that good design bridges gaps between people, ideas, and systems. I’m drawn to challenges that require both creativity and logic, and I’m always looking for ways to create lasting, responsible value.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, my long-term goal is to establish a business consulting firm that creates real opportunities for people like me: those who are thoughtful, persistent, and willing to work hard, even if they don’t come from conventional backgrounds.
Throughout my journey, I’ve often had to find my path across countries, disciplines, and expectations. That’s why I want to build a firm that not only solves complex problems for clients but also actively invests in the growth of underrepresented talent. For me, strategy is not just about efficiency or scale; it’s about unlocking potential in people and systems.
I believe a consulting practice should be both rigorous and human, a place where resilience, integrity, and creativity are valued just as much as credentials. That’s the kind of company I hope to create.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned while studying in the U.S. is that this country often rewards those who are willing to take risks, regardless of their background, specialization, or title. There is a deep respect for initiative here, and for people who try, even without a perfect resume or linear path.
As someone who came from abroad and had to adapt to new systems, I’ve been grateful for the moments when I was given a chance simply because I showed up, asked questions, and took action. That kind of openness — the belief that creativity and potential can come from anywhere is something I deeply admire.
To support a thriving creative ecosystem, I believe society needs to continue creating space for people who are still figuring things out. That means lowering barriers to entry, valuing lived experience, and recognizing that passion and persistence often lead to the most innovative work.
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