Kim’s Convenience is not just a comedy-drama; it is a heartwarming exploration of the immigrant experience, cultural clashes and family dynamics. Created by Ins Choi, the story revolves around a Korean-Canadian family that runs a convenience store in Toronto. Originally a stage play, it became a television phenomenon and now returns to its roots with a live performance in London. For Choi, the work is more than just entertainment; it is a tribute to his parents and all first-generation immigrants who have shaped their new homes with hard work, perseverance and a unique cultural blend.
The Origins of “Kim’s Convenience”
Korean-born Canadian playwright and actor Ins Choi first wrote Kim’s Convenience in 2011, inspired by his personal experiences and the lives of those around him. The story was conceived out of a need: Choi was a struggling actor who was unable to find enough roles specifically for Asian actors. Frustrated by limited opportunities, he decided to create a story that reflected the stories and voices of his community.
Kim’s Convenience premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival and was met with tremendous enthusiasm, winning the Patron’s Pick Award. This success led to a long run at Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre, where it enthralled audiences with its humour, authenticity and emotional depth. The story later inspired a TV adaptation that aired in Canada in 2016 and became a global hit after being picked up by Netflix.
A love letter to immigrant parents
At its core, Kim’s Convenience is a “love letter” to first-generation immigrants, particularly those who have come to North America in search of a better life for their families. “It’s a love letter to my parents and to all first-generation immigrants who have made the country they’ve settled in their home,” says Choi. The story revolves around the Kim family, who run a small convenience store in Toronto. The family consists of Appa (father), Umma (mother), their daughter Janet, and estranged son Jung.
Choi’s portrayal of the patriarch Appa is particularly noteworthy. Appa, whose real name is Mr. Sang-il Kim, is a stern but loving father deeply rooted in traditional Korean values. His character reflects the generational and cultural divide that often arises between immigrant parents and their children who grow up in a segregated society.
Appa’s struggle is not just about running a store; it’s about maintaining his heritage while raising children who consider themselves Canadian. This duality is at the heart of Kim’s Convenience. For example, Appa pressures his daughter Janet to take over the family store rather than pursue her dreams of becoming a photographer. His concern is practical – ensuring a stable future for her – but it also stems from his immigrant experience, where security often overrides passion.
Bridging generational and cultural divides
The tension between maintaining cultural identity and assimilating into the new society is a recurring theme in immigrant narratives, and Kim’s Convenience portrays it with both humor and poignancy. The Kims’ convenience store is more than a backdrop; it symbolizes the intersection of cultures, dreams, and realities. It is where old meets new, where traditions are challenged, and where family bonds are both tested and strengthened.
The daughter, Janet, represents the second generation—the children of immigrants who are often caught between two worlds. She loves her parents and honors their sacrifices, but she wants to make her own way. Her father’s insistence that her “expiration date has expired” because she remains unmarried at age 30 exemplifies the generational clash of values. For Appa, Janet’s future is best secured through stability, which he associates with both marriage and the family business. However, Janet seeks self-fulfillment and independence, which her father struggles to understand.
Resonating across cultures
While The Kims’ Convenience is distinctly Korean-Canadian, its themes are universal. Ins Choi reflects on this, saying, “No matter what your background, I think everyone can relate to having parents who they feel disappointed by. Or if you’re a parent, children who don’t appreciate you.” The show’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries is one of the reasons it has been embraced by diverse audiences globally.
The Kims’ story resonates with families from various backgrounds who see their own experiences reflected in the narrative. At its core, it’s a story of love, sacrifice, and the unspoken bonds that bind families together. It’s about the dreams parents have for their children, and the children have for themselves. It’s about the push and pull of duty and desire, tradition and change.
The power of representation
One of the important impacts of Kim’s Convenience is its contribution to Asian representation in mainstream media. When Choi first staged the play, all-Asian casts in theater were a rarity. “When I [started] the play, I realized that there was a lot of Asian people in the theater, and I thought …