Help Desmond Graduate USC Film to Inspire Immigrant Dreamers

<Help Desmond Kim Complete His Final Semester at USC Film School to Empower Immigrant Dreamers>

09/03/2024 UPDATE from KALH

We are thrilled to share the latest progress on Desmond Kim’s journey! Initially, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Robin Kim, Desmond was able to stay at USC for the Fall semester instead of returning to Korea. Now, we have even more exciting news: with the incredible support from Angela Kang and 2 anonymous donors, we’ve raised $19,045, bringing us closer to fully covering Desmond’s tuition.

However, Desmond still faces significant financial hardship, and he needs to raise an additional $17,955 to fully fund his final semester. This will ensure that he can complete his education at his dream school without the overwhelming burden of financial uncertainty. Desmond has revised his donation goal to reflect this need, and we hope Desmond achieves his dreams with your continued generosity.

09/03/2024 Desmond's Quote of Gratitude

Dear Kymber, Jay, Rich, KALH Board members, Robin, Angela, Lana, David, Christina, Janet, Sandra, Steve, Jeanne, Leighanne, Justin, Ekwan, Hejung, Grace, Hun and nine anonymous donors,

Over the past month, I’ve been couch-surfing across three different places, applying for 30 scholarships, reaching out to potential investors, and setting up this GoFundMe. It was my final push—my last-ditch effort to keep my dream and academic journey in Hollywood alive.

Your incredible support gave me that chance.

Given that I was surviving on cereal, toast, and ramen just to cover basic living expenses, the fact that I am now registered for the fall semester is nothing short of miraculous.

Your generosity brings to mind a quote from Hermann Hesse:

"사람은 자신의 세계를 넓혀준 사람을 잊지 못한다."

"A person can never forget those who have expanded their world."

I will never forget your kindness.

I vow to pay this forward to the next generation of Korean Americans and to all hard-working immigrants who, like me, are striving for a chance to make it in the United States.

With deepest gratitude,

Desmond (Myung Jae) Kim

On Behalf of Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH)

Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH) is a dynamic network of industry trailblazers committed to educating, engaging, and empowering Korean Americans in the realms of film, television, and streaming media. We are proud to introduce Desmond Myung Jae Kim, a young visionary whose drive and dedication embody the spirit of perseverance that defines our community, and he needs our help.

A Message from Kymber Lim, Co-founder & CEO of KALH

"It has come to my attention that Desmond Kim is in desperate need to raise money for his tuition in the next few weeks to avoid deportation. I have gotten to know him over the past few months, and I have yet to meet anyone like him. He is not just another student; he is a beacon of hope for Korean Americans and hardworking immigrants striving to make their mark in the US. His bravery, kindness, intelligence, and social commitment are qualities that will undoubtedly inspire our community and future generations. This is why I see this as an investment in our community, not charity.

Desmond has shown extraordinary resilience in pursuing his American dream. After serving in the Korean military for two years and working tirelessly as a Production Assistant in Korean Entertainment, he saved a year’s worth of tuition to attend USC and become the first ever South Korean to transfer to USC School of Cinematic Arts. Despite living frugally and honestly, he has achieved remarkable milestones, as outlined below. If anyone deserves our support, it is Desmond Kim.

He has come so far and is so close to achieving his dream of graduating USC School of Cinematic Arts. Let’s help make his dream come true.

Desmond's Notable Achievements

Link to USC School of Cinematic Arts

A Personal Letter from Desmond Myung Jae Kim

Dear Prospective Donors,

For every immigrant who has ever dreamed of making a life in America, the path is never easy. It is paved with sacrifices, sleepless nights, and a relentless pursuit of a better future—not just for ourselves, but for those who come after us.

My name is Desmond (Myung Jae) Kim, and I am living this journey as a self-supporting student at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. I am reaching out to you today because I need your support to complete my education and achieve my dreams.

"Where there's a will, there's a way." This phrase has been my guiding light, and I’ve often shared it with the foster care children I’ve taught over the years. Since I was 19, I’ve volunteered with children facing socio-economic hardships, not just out of goodwill, but because I deeply understand the pain of lacking opportunities.

Though I grew up more fortunate, financial challenges have always hindered my dreams in a middle-lower class household. But I never gave up. At 16, I used all my $600 savings to make a short film that was invited to a top international youth film festival. At 19, I earned a full-ride scholarship to one of Korea’s top universities to ease my parents’ burden. At 22, I developed VR software to help autistic children with social communication and was recognized nationally as an innovative scholar.

My current dream is grander: to transform the 2D internet into 3D using XR technology and create a global tech platform company. This company will enable foster care children, autistic children, and people worldwide to pursue their dreams without socio-economic constraints.

I aimed to study at the world’s best institution. Despite being told it was impossible, I applied to the top program in my field and was accepted as the first Korean to transfer to USC Film School, focusing on immersive media. Even under hard conditions, like moving five times to lower rent and eating cereal to cut costs, I made the intro animation for the Emmy Awards, won the Best VR Show at the world’s biggest VR Expo, maintained a perfect GPA, and more.

I humbly ask for your help. With your support, I can complete my final semester at USC and bring my vision to life. Like Brandon Beck of Riot Games and George Lucas of Lucasfilm, who graduated from USC and transformed the gaming and entertainment industries, I too aspire to break new ground. I want to lead the way into a 3D internet era that offers equal opportunities for all.

Please help me pave this path. I promise to repay your kindness by building a brighter future for others.

Warm regards,

Desmond Kim

[Read Desmond's Full Life Story ]