International sales manager, Showbox Corp
- Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art and cultural management at Hongik University, Seoul
- Joined Finecut as international sales assistant in 2019
Kim began her career in 2018 as an acquisitions assistant at Seoul-based Cinema de Manon, a time when she met “countless sellers” and was struck by how deeply connected they were to the titles they represented. That passion led her to Finecut in 2019 and then to Showbox in 2021, where she now manages international sales.
One of Kim’s most meaningful experiences was handling supernatural thriller Exhuma in 2024, which premiered at the Berlinale and was the biggest title at the Korean box office last year. “I felt a strong connection to the story from the script stage, and it became my personal favourite,” she says. The project also deepened her relationships with regional distributors and led to a promotional tour.
Despite her country’s ongoing box-office struggle, Kim believes “strong, transparent partnerships” matter the most. She tries her best to stay close to trusted partners and exchange honest insights. “Trust can make a real difference in navigating uncertainty together.”
She credits mentor Judy Ahn, Showbox’s head of international business, for strategic insight and as a model of enduring curiosity. “Even after all she’s accomplished, she’s still incredibly forward-thinking and endlessly curious about new stories,” Kim says of the inspiration she takes from Ahn.
Contact: Joy Kim
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