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United States Kim Chi is an acclaimed drag queen, artist, fashion designer and entrepreneur, recognized for her unique aesthetic and ventures in the beauty industry.
Kimchi Chic has found a great partner in Bespoke, a brand launched by Toni Ko (founder of NYX Cosmetics) to develop and produce Kim Chi Chic Cosmetics.
Kim Chi partnered with a crypto company. She later cancelled the sponsorship and issued an apology following public criticism.
Kim Chi collaborated with the Korean-American fashion brand Sundae School to launch Korean-inspired cannabis edible products named "Kim Chi Over Flowers" in 2025.
KimChi Cosmetics collaborated with Trixie Cosmetics on a makeup line called BFF4EVR, which captures the aesthetics of both drag queens.
Kim Chi has participated in high-profile projects, including with Lush Cosmetics, highlighting her Korean American roots.
After Drag Race, Kim Chi partnered with Sugarpill Cosmetics to create different makeup items, including the Kim Chi Liquid Lip Color, a donut-scented lipstick, and the Kim Chi Electric Teal Eyeshadow.
Kim Chi has participated in high profile projects, including with Netflix.
Kim Chi appeared in a 2020 SuperBowl ad for Sabra Hummus, alongside Miz Cracker.
Sang-Young Shin, known professionally as Kim Chi, was born in the United States on August 8, 1987. She spent parts of her childhood in South Korea before her parents, who are now divorced, settled in Chicago. Prior to her career in drag, Kim Chi pursued studies in graphic design, which later influenced her distinct visual style in drag. She worked as an art director, exploring various artistic mediums including sculpture, fashion design, and painting, all of which contributed to her elaborate and distinctive drag persona.
Kim Chi began her drag career in Chicago in 2012. Her stage name is a combination of the Korean national dish, Kimchi, and a common Korean female name structure. She developed a drag aesthetic characterized as a “live action anime character” with a “bionic doily” fashion sense, emphasizing vibrant colors and glitter. A significant milestone in her career was her participation in the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which began airing on March 7, 2016. She was the first Korean-American contestant on the show and the first Korean-American drag queen to appear on American national television. Kim Chi notably won the first challenge of the season, sending the prize money to her mother, who was unaware of her drag career at the time.
She progressed to the top three finalists of RuPaul’s Drag Race season eight, alongside Naomi Smalls, ultimately placing as a runner-up to Bob the Drag Queen. During the finale, she performed an original song titled “Fat, Fem, & Asian,” which addressed negative stereotypes within the gay dating community. Following her success on Drag Race, Kim Chi launched her cosmetics company, Kim Chi Chic Beauty, in collaboration with Bespoke Beauty Brands. She has continued to perform globally, making appearances at universities and various drag events, expanding her brand beyond television.
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