Hey Guys, i had the opportunity to do an interview with an all round amazing guy and artist, you would agree with me that through this interview, you get to see how cool he is and how hard he has worked to get to where he is.
Victor Kim shares some of his experiences with me, and i have to tell, it’s simply inspirational, if you’re looking for that something, to give a kick up your backside, then this interview is for you.
Hey Victor, Thanks for doing this interview with me on YHP, How are you doing?
My pleasure! and im doing excellent, thank you for asking.
Can you quickly give some brief background information about yourself?
Absolutely! My name is victor kim and i was born and raised in Sacramento. I moved to southern california to go to college at UC Irvine where i graduated with a degree in Economics, through a series of amazing and unexpected events, i am currently a professional dancer and musician.
How did you get started online, posting videos on YouTube and sharing your hobbies with the world?
I was inspired to post videos online by people such as Passion, AJ Rafael, David Choi and many other artists that i admire. I loved the idea of sharing something you love with the world. also, as soon as we got off ABDC, the first thing i did with the prize money was to buy a macbook! ever since then i've had the chance to meet and become good friends with many of the artists i look up to.
What has been the most memorable experience so far?
It's hard to choose a specific moment as the most memorable, but one experience that i vividly remember is a memory from hawaii.
I was laying down at one of the most beautiful beaches i have ever seen in my life, and realized how blessed i am to be doing what i love, with the people i love. it was a very surreal moment, where i had the sensation that i was living a dream.
How did you join Quest Crew and why?
I met the guys of Quest through the hip hop dance community in southern california when i was in college. My two best friends in school were both on collegiate hip hop teams (Mike Song was in Kaba Modern and Anthony Lee was in CADC), and as much as i loved watching these teams, the style of dance wasn't my particular brand, then i met the guys of Quest and things just clicked.
I joined with them because they inspire me not as just dancers, but as people as well.
How does it feel to win the MTV’S Season 3 of the American best dance crew?
The most honest way that i can describe winning ABDC, is that thats how i imagine heaven to be. there was so much leading up to that moment where mario lopez announced our names as the champions, and when he did the first thing that i did, (after having a mild heart attack on stage) was to get on my knees and thank God.
I felt so close to Him in that moment, and it was a huge affirmation that i am doing what He wants me to be doing with my life.
Share with us one of the most difficult time in your life and how you handled it?
The most difficult moment of my life was during my freshman year of high school. back then, i had very little ambition in my life, and all i wanted to do was skateboard and do graffiti. I dont know what sparked this rebellious nature in me, but it all stopped when i got arrested for vandalism.
The specific moment that changed my life was when i saw my mom's eyes looking at her son in the back of a police car. from then on i made a promise to myself that i would never make her cry again, and that i would do everything i can to make her proud. from then on, i started working harder in school and eventually got transferred to the honors and AP classes.
I became more active in church, and picked up playing the guitar and starting dancing.
You pretty much do everything, dancing, singing, playing instruments, arts..What can’t you do
(LAUGHTER?)
haha thank you ! there are definitely many many things that i cannot do, but i try to focus my time and energy on the things that i am very passionate about. but i must admit, im not the best in the world with driving directions !
Haha..Finally something you're not good at, I'm only joking..
How the hell did you learn how to do all of this, and to do it properly as well, it’s totally crazy?
Well, i suppose there is a slightly obsessive tendency when it comes to things that i enjoy. when i first started breakin, i would spend hours and hours every day in my living room trying to do windmills. then after that, i would lock myself away in my room (not literally) with my guitar and practice till my fingers couldnt take it anymore. perhaps its just the attitude that if you truly want something, you have to be willing to work harder than everyone else to achieve it.
Who/what has been your inspiration to keep going even when things aren’t going well?
There have definitely been times where things werent going as successfully as they are now. towards the end of my time at UC Irvine, i was very lost with what i wanted to do with my life post-college. but one thing that provided strength and hope in those times, was the belief that God is in complete control.
I firmly believe that God has written out the story of my life long before i was even born, and that i am simply living out the motion picture that He has already created for me.
Do you think it takes a lot of discipline and also sacrifice to make it to the top? What has been the toughest decision you’ve had to make?
There is definitely a lot of discipline involved in achieving any goal that is worthwhile. like i mentioned earlier, you must be willing to work harder than everyone else. but discipline isnt solely dependent on what you physically do but what you do with your mind and soul is also equally as important, and the thoughts that you carry with you everyday are crucial in determining the course of your life.
Who are your musical, artistic, dance inspirations?
Anyone who is truly passionate about what they do. they are my inspirations.
If you had to choose one of the things you, to pick one as a career, which one would it have to be?
I would probably choose music. as much as i love to dance, i might be less inclined to do hollowbacks when im 60!
Haha! You just never know...
Is it ever overwhelming, you know, the support from people, realising that people on the other side of the world are inspired by you?
It is definitely a blessing. if i were to go back in time and tell myself that there was people in Australia that enjoy my music and dancing, i wouldnt even believe it. when i first started out doing these things, i did them simply because it made me happy to do them. now that i find other people finding happiness in what i do, it is incredibly encouraging to work even harder.
How do you keep your humility and focus?
My parents. as long as i can remember, and even to this day my mom and dad told me how important it was to be humble. i am very thankful for the values that my parents have instilled in me and my brothers. as far as focus, i guess its just good genes !
If you could go back in time, what person would you like to have a chat with or hang with and why?
I would love to hang out with Jesus. He just seems like a really good guy you know?
What are your thoughts on the internet, websites such as YouTube, its advantages, the benefits it has given you?
I was watching an interview on Conan O'Brien and he was talking about the power of the internet, and how we are living in a new generation where things are now possible that weren't in the past. instead of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars marketing his personal tour across America, he simply twittered about it. the tour was sold out in a matter of hours.
I believe that this generation is extremely blessed to have resources such as the internet because through these vehicles we can share with each other so easily, and have the capability to reaching a mass audience. just like the dawn of the industrial age and information age, new opportunities are presenting themselves for those who believe.
What should we be expecting from you in the future?
Definitely more things with my brothers of Quest Crew. we have a lot of big dreams and i know that together we can accomplish anything. i am also planning on writing more original music, and possibly some more performances with the YoMama Crew (Mike Song and Anthony Lee). i have a lot of dreams yet to achieve !
What advice would you like to give anyone looking to follow in your footstep?
"Ask and it will be give to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7)
Thanks for your time Victor!
Anytime :]
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