Renowned World Speaker and Activist Chong Kim: Memoir, “Broken Silence.” A personal story of abuse, breaking the chains of cultural stigma in the Asian Community.
Tell us about your childhood.
I grew up in Oklahoma most of my life. I was an 80’s kid. My childhood was mostly filled with sadness. I went through sexual abuse since I was 3 then beaten and bullied in school.
Have you always had an interest in media?
I was in Drama in High School, but my passion has been writing and singing. Ever since my story was made into a film called, ‘Eden’ starring Beau Bridges and Jamie Chung, so when my film was out in select theaters globally, I became fascinated in producing a film. I love to write stories that matter and see it come alive through actors, music, and scene.
Tell us about your Memoir, “Broken Silence.” Broken Silence is my personal story of abuse, breaking the chains of cultural stigma in the Asian Community, along with my personal experience of being trafficked and how to overcome all of the trauma I’ve been through.
What is special about your podcast?
My podcast is called, ‘Velvet Brick.’ It’s about sharing overcoming stories, inspiration and to empower others who may feel alone, vulnerable and need motivation. At times I’ll be sharing insight on how to keep you and your family safe from abduction, harm or trafficking. Guests can range from: authors, actors, filmmakers, survivors of abuse/cancer, entrepreneurs and activists.
How important are social causes for you?
Social Causes is very important to me. It is the root of all my projects; from film/TV, safety app (pending) and RPG gaming to enlighten teens when it comes to Human Trafficking, understanding what fair trade is and how pirating music, movies, and games and contribute to Human Trafficking and hurt the economy.
Tell us about “Every 40 seconds.”
Every 40 Seconds is a scripted procedural crime show about a female survivor, who teaches the FBI how to think like a trafficker and they solve cases of missing children together.
What does women empowerment mean to you?
I believe when all women of race encourage one another we can rise faster and truly know what Empowerment really means, but when I see young girls today competing over a boy who has no respect for either of them and it turns him on to see them fight, I want to be the example and role model that you don’t have to search for validation in anyone, but yourself. Being a survivor of Human Trafficking, a high school dropout (never graduated and never went to college), yet I am doing it.
I had a Hollywood film about me, I’ve been speaking for 15 years and have traveled all over the world, been seen on BBC, CNN, Huff-post Live and much more. Last, I am a proud disabled activist as well and I am not ashamed of who I am, I hope young girls and women can find comfort in what I am doing so we can encourage and empower one another.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m not a Broadway, chick-flick movie person. I love to blow up stuff, use guns and see a woman kick ass is more my style than unicorns and rainbows.
You can follow Chong Kim at:
FB, Twitter & Instagram: @iamchongkim
