Hojeong Kim
Height: 5’8
Hometown: Surrey, BC
Languages: English, Korean
Occupation: Elementary School Teacher
Hojeong Kim is an elementary school teacher, born in South Korea and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada. She graduated with honours from the University of Regina and moved to British Columbia to pursue her passion for teaching and becoming a children’s book author and illustrator. With a diverse multicultural background, Hojeong draws inspiration from her experiences to craft stories that promote empathy, inclusivity, and courage.
In addition to her creative pursuits, Hojeong is an active leader in her community. During her university years, she served as the Korean Student Association President and was an executive member of the Regina Korean Association. Currently, she is involved with both the BeaYOUtiful Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positive self-image and confidence-building among young girls, and Roots Collective, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating Asian pop culture and empowering Asian minorities through social events.
Despite her busy schedule, Hojeong always makes time for adventure. Whether it’s a roller-skating session after work or exploring the outdoors during the weekend, she knows that taking time for herself is crucial for her mental and physical well-being. As a delegate of Miss Universe Canada, Hojeong plans to showcase her confidence and positive attitude both on and off the stage. Her radiant spirit and unwavering determination will enable her to tackle any challenge that comes her way, making the most of every opportunity to grow and learn. Hojeong is dedicated to inspiring those around her to pursue their dreams with passion and purpose.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I have a diverse range of interests, from illustration, to roller skating, singing, cooking, and hiking. However, what I enjoy doing the most is traveling and exploring new places with my family. Whether it’s in our RV, exploring national and provincial parks throughout Canada and the US, or traveling to different countries, I always look forward to making unforgettable memories with the people I love the most.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
Recently, I have been fortunate enough to explore my passion for creativity through various training programs such as illustration, pottery, and acting. These experiences have allowed me to develop my skills and push myself beyond my limits. I am excited to continue exploring new ways to express my creativity and embrace the process of learning and growth.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Growing up, I had a strong interest in trying out different sports and physical activities. I eagerly pursued various sports including badminton, swimming, snowboarding, and taekwondo, each of which presented its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Although I did not stick with any of them long enough to become a professional, each experience taught me valuable life lessons, such as the importance of perseverance and discipline.
Currently, I have found a new love for roller skating, which has quickly become my favourite hobby. The freedom, speed, and thrill of skating provide a fun and exciting way to stay active and challenge myself both physically and mentally. Whether I am skating solo or with friends, I always feel a sense of joy and empowerment when I am on my skates.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
The person who has had the most influence on my life, other than my parents, is my older sister, Woojeong. She has been a constant source of inspiration and support throughout my life. As a mentor, she has always been there to guide me through difficult times, offer advice, and share her own life experiences. As a friend, she is my confidant and ally, always willing to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. But most importantly, she is an incredible teacher, just like me. She has shown me the value of hard work, determination, and resilience, which has helped me in my own teaching career. Growing up, I always looked up to her, and she has never stopped being my role model. From taking care of me when my parents were busy with work to being my biggest cheerleader and best friend, I cannot thank her enough for all that she has done for me. She truly is a remarkable person, and I feel blessed to have her as my sister.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
During my years at university, I had the privilege of serving as the President of the Korean Student Association, where I dedicated my time to sharing Korean culture with the broader community. One of my proudest accomplishments was organizing the first Korean Night, an event that showcased the richness and diversity of Korean culture through various performances, activities, and traditional cuisine. Together with my team of dedicated students, we worked tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience that would leave a lasting impression on our guests. Seeing over 500 people in attendance and hearing their positive feedback about how much they enjoyed the event was incredibly rewarding. This experience taught me the value of hard work, leadership, and teamwork, and it has inspired me to continue to promote cultural diversity in all aspects of my life.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
The most interesting thing about me is my bold decision to leave my comfort zone and pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher and children’s book author and illustrator. In 2019, I packed up everything and moved from the prairies of Saskatchewan to the bustling city of British Columbia, leaving behind my family, friends, and all that was familiar. This was a significant transition for me, as it was my first time living on my own and in a new city. However, despite the challenges that came my way, I persisted and persevered, and the experience was truly transformative. These experiences helped me develop my independence, self-reliance, and resilience as I navigated the unfamiliar territory. Moreover, this experience has broadened my perspectives and taught me to embrace diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of my life. I have become a more well-rounded individual, equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle any challenges that come my way. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me next.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
As a teacher who aspires to be a children’s book author and illustrator, my career ambition is to publish a series of children’s books that will inspire young readers to explore new ideas, celebrate diversity, and foster a love for reading. Last year, I have created a writing group with like-minded individuals who have been a valuable resource in my journey. We share our work, critique each other’s writing, and offer support and encouragement to stay motivated throughout the publishing process. It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who understand the struggles and joys of creating stories that inspire others.
In addition to the writing group, I have also been actively building my author and illustrator brand by regularly posting my work on Instagram. I have been able to build a following of people who are interested in my stories and eagerly await the release of my books.
Finally, I am actively pursuing publication by submitting my manuscript to numerous publishers. Although it can be a challenging and competitive process, I am confident that my hard work and dedication will pay off and my dream of becoming a published children’s author and illustrator will become a reality.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
I am incredibly fortunate to be living my dream job as a teacher. Every day, I wake up with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my students. Witnessing the growth and development of the children under my care brings me immense joy and motivates me to continue to push myself to be the best teacher I can be.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in South Korea and moved to Canada in grade three. My parents owned and operated three different restaurants – Korean, Indian, and Japanese – so I grew up eating a diverse array of food and helping out around the restaurant. Despite my parents running a busy restaurant for the majority of my childhood, they always made sure that I had everything I needed and supported my interests. As a family, we loved going on road trips and camping adventures, creating many cherished memories together. These experiences helped shape my love for travel and exploration.
Additionally, my parents were not only involved but heavily invested in the Regina Korean Association, serving as its president for five years. As a result, I was also involved in various cultural events and activities, such as being a Korean language instructor and hosting Korean cultural events. These experiences allowed me to engage with my heritage in a meaningful way and gave me a deeper appreciation for my roots. Overall, these experiences instilled in me a sense of pride in my cultural background and a desire to continue exploring and learning about my roots.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
One of the most interesting jobs that I have had was visiting numerous elementary schools to educate students about Korean culture. I took this opportunity to showcase the beautiful Korean traditional attire of hanbok by wearing it every time. The experience was not only enjoyable but also gratifying, as I had the privilege to impart my knowledge and love for my culture. Some of the lessons I taught included writing their name in Korean and introducing and teaching K-pop dance moves. Witnessing their curiosity and excitement toward the culture was heartwarming and inspiring, making it an unforgettable and profound experience for me.
Another interesting job I have was being a background actress. I was able to immerse myself in the world of filmmaking and gain an exclusive insight into the dynamic processes involved in bringing a movie to life. One of the highlights of this experience was the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse range of talented actors and actresses who brought the script to life in their own unique ways. To top it off, the movie in which I was involved is set to be released on my birthday, which has left me feeling incredibly excited and eagerly anticipating the chance to watch it all come together on the big screen.
List any volunteering you have done.
I have previously served as a Korean language instructor and held leadership positions in both the Korean Student Association and the Regina Korean Association. Currently, I am also privileged to be involved in a volunteer opportunity with BeaYOUtiful Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing young girls with empowering mentorship, programs, and events that promote positive self-image and confidence-building. Additionally, Roots Collective, a non-profit organization that brings unity and empowers Asian minorities through social events.
What is your most unusual talent?
My most unusual talent is I can strut walk backwards on my roller skates!
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
During my backpacking trip in Myanmar, I had the pleasure of visiting the ancient city of Bagan – one of the most interesting places I have ever been to. The landscape was adorned with countless abandoned temples and religious sites, leaving me in awe of the country’s rich history and culture. However, what truly made my visit to Myanmar exceptional was the warmth and hospitality of the local people. I was touched by their kind gestures, whether it was the guidance and advice offered by a friendly stranger or a simple smile that made me feel at home. The genuine sense of hospitality and openness of the people of Myanmar left a lasting impression on me.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years, my aspiration is to continue inspiring people through various means, whether it be through igniting curiosity and a love for learning, weaving captivating stories through my picture books, or making a positive impact through my actions. My goal is to continue sharing my passion and dedication towards creating a better world, one that is full of compassion, understanding, and empathy. Through these endeavours, I hope to inspire people to be the best versions of themselves, and to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination and purpose.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the support I’ve received from my family, friends, and community throughout my journey of Miss Universe Canada. Without their encouragement and love, I would not be where I am today. With this platform, I aim to inspire and motivate others while making a positive impact on the world. I am determined to use my voice and influence to promote positive change and make a difference in the lives of those around me.