Korean-American contestant Kim Chi has decimated the competition of RuPaul's Drag Race on the eighth season of the hit television show from the Logo Channel.
Beginning her drag career in 2012, this queen has come a long way from Neverland parties in Chicago to now being globally recognized.
As one of two Chicago players this season, Chi has proven to be a formidable opponent on "Race." Sang-Young Shin ( Chi's real name ) slayed challenge after challenge, winning the first one right out of the starting gate, while not only giving good face but opening up about his private life. Body image, coming out as a drag queen and being a virgin were just some of the hot topics that Chi mentioned on the show.
Now embracing the final top threealong with Bob the Drag Queen and Naomi Smallsall eyes are on the prize. "May the best woman win!"
Windy City Times: Hi, Kim. Was it hard keeping the secret all this time of how well you did on RuPaul's Drag Race?
Kim Chi: Honestly, no. People would ask if I made the top three and I would say,"I can't say because I don't want to be sued for millions of dollars."
When people asked, "Do you win this season?" I said, "RuPaul wins this season, so how about that?"
WCT: Where did you learn makeup, in the first place?
KC: I was friends with Pearl, who was in last season, before we did drag. One Halloween, Pearl asked me to try drag with her. We went to the costume store and she showed me the very basics. Since then, everything has been self taught.
WCT: Have you studied anyone besides Pearl?
KC: Not really. It is more like trying different colors and mixes until I finally find the product that compliments my skin tone well.
WCT: It is tricky to not make it too costume-y?
KC: There's no such thing!
WCT: You mentioned weight loss on the show. How did you lose weight?
KC: Surprisingly, my trick was eating healthy and exercising.
I eat a lot of Chipotle. If you stay away from certain things, then it is actually a really healthy meal.
WCT: How has the traveling been so far?
KC: Traveling has been fun. It has been a blessing. I heard from people on the previous seasons that it would be hard and to brace myself. I worked Chicago Pride, I can handle this. It's nothing!
WCT: Has the feedback been good since the show aired?
KC: It has been great. Just last night I got to work with Pat McGrath, who is probably the most influential makeup artist at this time. It has been one of my dreams to even meet her. To be able to work for her was a dream come true.
WCT: Any updates about telling your mom that you perform in drag?
KC: No. I will tell her when the time is right. It is just not the right time yet.
WCT: How is your T-shirt line coming along?
KC: Recently, I released a shirt that says, "Yas Fats Yas Fems Yas Asians." On the show I talk about the body-shaming that goes on in the drag community. The proceeds from this T-shirt will go to three different charities for different causes. They can buy my merchandise at www.kimchithedragqueen.com . I will selling it at my appearances as well.
WCT: Let's play Spill the Tea now that the Race is wrapped. Did you have a favorite challenge?
KC: Believe it or not, it was the Bitch Perfect challenge. Some of it wasn't shown on TV, but I was given great direction and learned so much about myself from that challenge.
WCT: Do you like how you were portrayed on the show?
KC: Yeah. Going into the show, I was worried that I would be portrayed as shy and have no personality. I feel like my humor was portrayed accurately.
WCT: Did you have a best friend on "Race?"
KC: Naomi Smalls was definitely my best friend from the show. She has moved to Chicago now and is just a few blocks away from me. I also talk to Bob the Drag Queen on a daily basis.
WCT: So you are all supportive of each other as the top three?
KC: Definitely. We all love each other so much. They are literally my best friends that I never knew I was going to have. It worked out perfectly.
WCT: Was there anyone that you felt left too early from season eight?
KC: Acid Betty's elimination came as a shock to me because all of her looks were just legendary. I was always excited to see the looks he would pull out for the next runway. I couldn't believe it when she was eliminated.
WCT: After filming the show, were you able to hang out with any of the judges?
KC: I worked with Carson Kressley on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live! and Ross [Mathews] at the L.A. premiere was super-sweet.
WCT: Chicago is rooting for you to win. Where will you be when the finale airs?
KC: We film the finale in L.A. For the coronation, when it airs we will all be in New York.
Catch the finals Monday, May 16, at 8 p.m. CT on Logo. Meet the whole gang at Roscoe's, 3356 N. Halsted St., on Thursday, June 16, with details at Roscoes.com .