Playwright and actor Ins Choi’s heart-warming comedy-drama play, Kim’s Convenience, has made its way from Toronto to London, captivating audiences with its story of a Korean immigrant family running a corner shop. The play, which inspired a hit sitcom, is a love letter to first-generation immigrants and their struggles to make a new country their home.
Choi, who wrote the play and starred as the son in its original Toronto staging, is now back on stage in the lead role of Appa (Dad). The play explores the challenges faced by the family patriarch as he navigates the changing neighborhood and clashes with his children over their differing values and aspirations.
With an all-Asian lead cast, Kim’s Convenience offers a glimpse into the life of an East Asian family while resonating with audiences of all backgrounds. Choi hopes the play will bring communities together and foster understanding among people from different walks of life.
Despite some criticism over the use of strong Korean accents in the play, Choi stands by his decision, believing that it adds authenticity to the characters and their experiences. He hopes that by seeing the humanity in the characters, audiences will develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion towards immigrants and their struggles.
Kim’s Convenience is currently playing at Riverside Studios in London, with plans for a homecoming to Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre in 2025. Choi’s dedication to telling his family’s story and shedding light on the immigrant experience continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
