Vaughan native stars in new TV series, Band Ladies, following women from bookworms to punk musicians

Canadian six-episode series streaming on Highball TV.

Yorkregion.com
June 1, 2020

Vicky Kim likes to say: “My background is Korean. I was born Canadian but raised Italian."

Her family moved to the mainly Italian community of Woodbridge when she was four.

“It was such a strange upbringing,” she said.

On the other hand: “Something about it was so magical.”

Her family lived above her father’s Mississauga convenience store until they moved to Woodbridge.

Growing up, Kim felt misunderstood, like she didn’t fit in.

She wanted to fit in so badly that she even permed her hair so it would look curly, like all the Italian girls.

Kim was shy but that began to change in high school when she attended Woodbridge College, thanks to one class --drama. Drama gave her confidence. It allowed her to “use her voice in a strong and powerful way,” she said.

Today, Kim, 37, stars in Band Ladies, a series streaming on Highball TV.

The Canadian six-episode series is about five women on the cusp of middle age who turn their boring book club into a punk band.

Kim plays Cindy, a struggling musician. Buried in debt with no real stability, her lifeline becomes the band as she throws herself full force into making it a success.

Kim’s other credits include The Handmaid’s Tale, Mayday, Shadowhunters (television); and Miss Saigon (theatre).

Growing up in Woodbridge, Kim eventually became immersed in the Italian language. Her best friend’s family invited her on a trip to Italy and she learned to speak Italian there.

In university, she dabbled in community theatre but went on to work as a marketing executive at electronics manufacturer Samsung.

Acting was always at the back of her mind but she was afraid. She was afraid because her finances were unstable, she had started acting later than most and because there was so much she did not know.

But she went ahead and began acting again, realizing “this is what I was meant to do.”

Kim had faced some major losses, losing first her brother and then her dad and best friend. This is when she made a realization.

“I realized life is short. I need to do what I love.”

So, she did and does. Today, she plays a character with little fear.

“Cindy was not afraid at all. It was really fun. I wish I was as free and bold as her,” Kim said.

Meanwhile, Kim has found friends among her Band Ladies co-stars.

“There was an openness. We bonded so quickly,” she said. “Making music does that.”

Here’s what she hopes people learn from the show. “You can do what makes you feel good. It’s not silly, it’s inspiring,” she said.

When she found standup comedy for about 1-1/2 years, it gave her a platform, a stage to vent all her rage, her anger about not moving further, faster in her career. She could vent anger at being perceived through a narrow lens as a nerdy Asian.

 “People laughed, related to me and loved it. It was a special moment.”

Band Ladies, streaming on Highball TV, debuted May 13.