Exclusive Interview: Alan Kim Talks Little America, Asian Representation, and Minari

Last year, Alan Kim stole the hearts of many with his breakout performance in Minari, earning him the top prize for Best Young Actor at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Since then, he’s continued to captivate audiences with his undeniable talent and charisma. Currently, he can be seen as Young Luke in Season 2 of Apple TV+’s Little America.

Hailing from Emmy Award nominee Lee Eisenberg and Academy Award winner Siân Heder, Little America is not only relevant, but it’s also relatable, because at its heart, this is a show about being human. Each chapter demonstrates that no matter where we’re from, we all have shared experiences.

Alan’s episode follows a young Korean boy who befriends a legendary DJ who gives a much-needed boost to a hat shop owned by the boy’s family.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Alan about Little America, how the cast and crew of Minari inspired him to continue his career in this industry, and more.

PC: Little America highlights these inspiring stories about immigrants. In your episode, your character wants to become an artist. When did you know that you wanted to be an actor?
Alan: I wanted to be an actor when I got my first job. My mom said that I got it. I said, “Let’s do it.” There were also dogs on set. That was enough for me.

PC: Margaret Jean the Queen is the person who encourages Luke to follow his passion. Who are the people in your own life who helped you become the actor you are today?
Alan: Definitely the cast and crew of Minari. They inspired me to do more movies.

PC: What was it about Little America that attracted you to the project?
Alan: I was attracted to this project because there isn’t enough content with Asian Americans.

PC: You and Ki Hong Lee shared a character. What was it like getting to work with him as you brought Luke to life?
Alan: It was really nice. He’s so nice.

PC: Did he share any words of advice?
Alan: Just to be me.

PC: You also learned to play cello for this part. How difficult was that?
Alan: It was really hard. I practiced every day and the sounds just didn’t come out right. I really sucked. The cello was also really heavy. It was pretty much my size. It went up to my shoulders. I was like, “How am I supposed to carry this?” I saw other people do it and I was like, “How are they doing that?”

PC: You’re such a scene stealer in everything that you work on. Was there a scene in this episode that you were really excited for audiences to see?
Alan: Definitely when I was drawing on the mannequin faces. It was really fun. I like to draw a lot, even though I’m bad.

PC: What’s next for you?
Alan: Theater Camp! There are some other projects that I can’t talk about yet. Also, a lot of voiceover work.

PC: What’s your dream role?
Alan: Anything Marvel.

To keep up with Alan, follow him on Instagram. Watch Little America Season 2 on Apple TV+ today.

Photo Credit: Apple