kim chi

Kim Chi is an acclaimed drag queen, artist, fashion designer and entrepreneur, recognized for her unique aesthetic and ventures in the beauty industry. After her groundbreaking appearance on the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which began airing in March 2016, Kim Chi quickly became a pivotal figure in the drag world. She made history as the first Korean-American contestant to compete on the show and the first Korean-American drag queen to appear on American national television. During her tenure, Kim Chi notably won the season’s inaugural challenge and progressed to the top three finalists, ultimately placing as a runner-up.

A highlight of her finale performance was the debut of her original song, ‘Fat, Fem, & Asian,’ which garnered significant attention for its poignant commentary on stereotypes within the gay dating community. Prior to her national television debut, Kim Chi cultivated her distinct ‘live action anime character’ aesthetic, emphasizing vibrant colors and glitter, beginning her drag career in Chicago in 2012. Following her breakthrough success on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Kim Chi immediately expanded her brand, launching her highly successful cosmetics company, Kim Chi Chic Beauty, in collaboration with Bespoke Beauty Brands. In 2016, she released her debut single ‘Single’ and introduced a popular package of Kim Chi themed emojis called Kimchiji.

Looking ahead to 2025, she is slated to expand her entrepreneurial portfolio further with a collaboration with Sundae School on cannabis edible products under the ‘Kim Chi Over Flowers’ brand. These ventures underscore her dynamic career trajectory as a multi-hyphenate artist, performer, and savvy entrepreneur, consistently pushing boundaries in fashion, beauty, and digital entertainment.