Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bonggun Kim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bonggun, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

At the start of my career, like any other, things weren’t easy. I was in the learning phase, absorbing as much information as I could while working to improve my writing and stand-up performances. At times, I found myself distracted by others’ successes—whether through creating viral content or excelling in stand-up. However, I eventually realized that everyone starts somewhere, and trial and error is part of the journey.

Now, I’m creating my own content, steadily figuring out how to market myself and monetize my comedy to keep growing and reach my goals. Funding is undoubtedly a crucial element in sustaining momentum until income streams start to flow. However, what truly mattered most were the people I met along the way.

Friends, mentors, and supporters—these individuals were instrumental in helping me professionally, emotionally, and even financially. Without them, there would be no Bonggun Kim today.

Bonggun, 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?

I perform stand-up comedy almost every day and night—a passion I’ve pursued since moving to Canada in 2017, when I also began learning English. What excites me most about this work is the process of crafting material. When I pour my heart into writing and trust the process, unexpected truths emerge from the stories I create. These moments are incredibly cathartic because the truths I uncover often lead to undeniable jokes that make audiences laugh while offering them a fresh perspective on life. For me, this is where real human connection happens—moments of shared understanding that bring harmony and make the world a little better.

I also enjoy collaborating with other comedians, especially my friends, because everyone brings unique strengths to the table. Writing or creating comedy sketches together allows us to learn from one another and ultimately produce great work. But above all, there’s no better feeling than making your friends laugh.

Currently, I’m working on a project called Diversity Hires with my comedy colleagues Andrew Oporto and Noor Kidwai. Through our skits, we tackle social issues in Canada and beyond. If you’re interested, check out our work on social media!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing non-creatives might struggle to understand about the journey of a stand-up comedian is how much of a discipline it truly is. Stand-up isn’t just about being funny—it’s a craft that requires daily practice, like a sport. Getting on stage every day and night, regardless of how you feel, is essential. It’s not just about performing; it’s about refining your skills, discovering new insights, and learning from every experience.

In the beginning, it’s important to study the greats—both past and present—to understand how a solid set is structured and how jokes work at their core. Over time, as you consistently write and perform, you begin to develop your own style. This process isn’t glamorous—it can feel repetitive and even mundane at times—but it’s crucial for growth.

Another aspect non-creatives might not realize is the importance of community in comedy. While it’s easy to feel competitive or envious of others’ successes, the truth is that comedy is deeply personal. Each person’s journey is unique, and the real competition is with yourself—becoming a better comedian than you were yesterday. Collaboration and support from fellow comedians not only enhance your craft but also create bonds that sustain you through the challenges.

Ultimately, the journey is about balancing work ethic, open-mindedness, and continuous learning. It’s not just about performing or writing jokes—it’s about shaping a unique voice and brand, one step at a time.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

It’s a great thing that people can now monetize their art in diverse ways, from digital platforms and crowdfunding to merchandise and collaborations with brands. This shift not only provides artists with financial sustainability but also validates the value of their work in society. By enabling creators to turn their passion into a livelihood, it ensures that art can thrive as more than just a hobby—it becomes a respected career path.

Moreover, this accessibility has the potential to bridge the gap between art and the general public, inspiring greater appreciation and participation in creative endeavors. When audiences see the tangible impact of supporting the arts—whether through buying tickets, subscribing to content, or engaging with artists—they’re more likely to invest in and value the cultural contributions of creators.

Ultimately, I hope this growing support will help solidify the importance of art in society, making it more than just entertainment. It can become a driving force for innovation, self-expression, and unity, fostering passion and creativity across all layers of the public. By developing systems that both protect and reward artistic value, we can encourage more people to embrace the arts, both as creators and supporters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/bonggunkim01
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonggunkim01
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonggunkim01/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bonggunkim01
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bonggunkim01