“Kim’s Convenience” is a play that has captured the hearts of audiences by depicting the life of a Korean immigrant family running a corner store in Toronto.
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Created by Ins Choi, who also stars in the play as the father, the story explores the challenges of immigration and the intergenerational conflicts within a family trying to maintain its roots while adapting to a new society. Choi wrote this play as a tribute to his parents and to all immigrant families facing difficulties finding their place in a new country.
At the center of the story is Appa, a conservative man who takes pride in his hard work and the values he has tried to instill in his children. However, he faces the reality that his daughter Janet has other ambitions and wants to avoid taking over the family store. This conflict between generations genuinely represents the everyday tensions in immigrant families, where parents seek to have their children preserve their legacy while the children pursue their dreams.
The play stands out not only for its focus on an Asian family but also for its ability to connect with audiences from different cultural backgrounds. Ins Choi mentions that the story, while set in a Korean family, addresses universal themes such as the dynamics between parents and children, the pressure to meet family expectations, and the unconditional love that underlies all family relationships.
The play was first staged in Toronto in 2011 and later adapted into a successful television series that gained international fame after its inclusion on Netflix. In the theatrical context, Choi notes that, despite advances in the representation of Asian actors, plays featuring Asian casts are still scarce in English-speaking cities, giving “Kim’s Convenience” a special relevance.
Choi has also advocated for the authenticity of the characters, who speak with a distinct Korean accent, as an accurate representation of the community depicted. In doing so, he seeks to give voice to a part of society that has often been marginalized in the media. Ultimately, “Kim’s Convenience” is a funny and touching play and an invitation to reflect on the stories behind those who, like the characters in the play, live and work in our communities.
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