Alan Kim

Joel Kim Booster, born Kim Joonmin in South Korea, was adopted as an infant and raised in Illinois. He experienced a conservative, evangelical Christian upbringing and was initially homeschooled, finding public school at 16 to be his first exposure to non-religious environments. Booster studied theater at Millikin University and is openly gay, discussing his sexuality and his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He is also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Booster is married to John-Michael Sudsina, and they have spoken about their non-monogamous relationship.

Booster began his comedy career in Chicago, initially opening for plays before moving to New York in 2014 to focus on stand-up. Inspired by other Asian American comedians, he aimed to build his own brand to secure better acting roles. His stand-up career gained traction with appearances on Conan and a Comedy Central special, leading to the release of his debut album "Model Minority." He later expanded into writing and acting, contributing to shows like "Big Mouth" and "Shrill," and appearing in "Sunnyside." His career saw a significant breakthrough with the Hulu film "Fire Island," for which he received two Primetime Emmy nominations, and his role in the Apple TV series "Loot."

Born Kim Joonmin on Jeju Island, South Korea, Joel Kim Booster was adopted by an American family and raised in Plainfield, Illinois. His upbringing was within a conservative, white, Evangelical Christian household, and he was homeschooled until age 16. This transition to public school marked his first significant interaction with individuals outside of his religious and cultural background. He pursued higher education in theater at Millikin University. Booster identifies as gay and has openly shared his experiences with his sexuality and his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He is also affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America.

Booster's journey into comedy began in Chicago, where he worked as a copywriter and performed theater and stand-up after hours. He relocated to New York in 2014 with aspirations of a comedy career, influenced by other Asian American performers. He developed his stand-up material, which often explores themes of racism within the gay community, his experiences growing up Asian in a predominantly white environment, and a rejection of stereotypes. His early stand-up success included a performance on Conan and a 2017 special for Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents, followed by his 2018 album, "Model Minority."

Transitioning into acting and writing, Booster secured recurring roles in television series such as "Shrill" and "Sunnyside." He also contributed as a writer to acclaimed comedy shows like "Big Mouth" and "The Other Two." His career reached a new level of recognition with his starring role, writing, and production of the 2022 Hulu romantic comedy "Fire Island," inspired by "Pride and Prejudice." This film, noted for its predominantly Asian American cast and positive reception, earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. He also gained prominence for his role in the Apple TV+ comedy series "Loot."