Christopher Kim

Double bassCommunity workWriting

I’ve spent years playing jazz and classical music for people, whether it was a jazz enthusiast on a Wednesday night or a resident at a care home. Through music, I’ve connected with people and causes I otherwise wouldn’t have. I do community work to better understand them, and I write in hopes of helping them. To me, all three are ways of listening to someone on a deeper level, and then actually doing something about what I hear.

Research

Asian American mental health in California

I conducted research on how serious psychological distress among Asian teens and adults in California changed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. While the numbers were straightforward, the real issue was in finding out why mental health issues go unspoken and why people don’t seek help. Even after submitting the paper, I remain curious about how cultural expectations could be shifted in order to help more people.

Finding: In Los Angeles County, serious psychological distress among Asian teens and adults rose from 9.6% (2019) to 14.7% (2020). After easing late in the pandemic, it surged again in 2023, above the levels seen at the pandemic’s onset.

Kim, C., & Choi, S.W. (2026). Changes in Mental Health Needs and Service Utilization Among Asian Adolescents and Adults in California Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic. Accepted for presentation, American Public Health Association 2026 Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX (Nov 2026). Read the abstract

My role: analyzed California Health Interview Survey data under the mentorship of Dr. S. Wilton Choi (San Diego State University) and wrote the abstract.

Music

Double bass, classical and jazz

Desafinado · Antonio Carlos Jobim & Newton Mendonça · solo double bass · Watch on Vimeo

I chose this song because it showcases the dynamics and styles I can play on bass.

Upcoming solo debut: Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, December 2026.

Service

Volunteer work

Mentored a North Korean defector student through 100+ hours of English tutoringWhitestone Bridge · co-hosted a two-week U.S. visit, including a retreat, for 17 North Korean defector and second-generation youth
Secured a $5,000 grant for dental care for migrant children in TijuanaCross-Cultural Leadership Program (CCLP), Korean UMC of San Diego · co-led a needs assessment with NGO Centro 32, TijuanaRead my essay: “San Diego Youth Walk the Border on Immersion Experience”
Raised $3,000+ for student scholarships in Cambodia, Laos, Guatemala, Ukraine and KazakhstanVice president and fundraising lead, Korean UMC of San Diego youth group · co-organized bake sales and soda sales · all four years of high school
Performed solo double bass for senior residents in group concerts twice a year at each siteThe Glen at Scripps Ranch, with Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra musicians, and Redwood Terrace, with fellow students of PJ Cinque (2021–2025)
Oversee club funds and co-lead service projects in cleanups, senior care, vision health and family supportTreasurer, New Leaders Leo Club (Lions Clubs International)

President's Volunteer Service Award, Gold (2024) · Community service recognition from the City and County of Los Angeles (2026)

I still think about a migrant boy whom I met on my trip to Tijuana. I remember how happy he was when we played soccer together; he would playfully trash-talk and wasn’t afraid to show off his competitive spirit. Actually seeing and meeting people firsthand allowed me to realize how much impact our work will make.

Writing

Articles and poems

How San Diego’s Jazz Stays Alive

The Korea Daily · Student Reporter

I’m most proud of my article covering the jazz scene in San Diego. I wrote about the culture surrounding jazz amongst the youth and how the community comes together to keep the art alive.

Also: John Locke Institute Essay Prize (Philosophy), Commendation (2026) and Shortlisted (2025) · 12+ articles on U.S. culture for The Korea Daily · Bard College Young Writers Workshop and Fir Acres Writing Workshop at Lewis & Clark College (2025) · featured poetry, Korean Society of Typography Annual Exhibition, Seoul (2025)

Family

At home

Christopher on Halloween in an inflatable marshmallow-man costume, covering his mouth in mock surprise, as his twin younger sisters in ghost-hunter jumpsuits and toy backpacks close in on him.

My little twin sisters are seven years old, and I’m proud to say that I am the one they run to when they need help, such as finding the TV remote control or playing a game that urgently needs one more player. As their older brother, I have to practice patience most days, but I consider myself lucky; through my sisters, I have been able to grow as a person alongside them.