Desmond Kim is an immersive media artist blending storytelling and technology to create social impact. He is aims to build an XR-based 3D internet platform that breaks down physical and social barriers for marginalized communities. His diverse portfolio includes directing award-winning films, developing a VR education module for autistic children, and creating rotoscoped animation music videos.

What interests you most about your specific division or program at SCA?
What captivates me most about the Media Arts + Practice (MA+P) division is its focus on interdisciplinary storytelling through emerging technologies and platforms. As a director working across various mediums —film, animation, documentary, stop-motion, VR, and AI — I find MA+P to be the ideal environment to explore and master media literacy in a world where the dominant forms of storytelling evolve rapidly. The division's innovative approach allows me to stay ahead of these shifts, blending creativity with cutting-edge technology to craft impactful narratives for the world.

Why did you choose SCA?
Growing up as a cinephile, having watched 982 films to date, USC School of Cinematic Arts has been my dream school for as long as I can remember. It’s truly surreal to now be studying at SCA, considering that films created by its alumni once opened new possibilities for me and inspired hope —even for a kid living on the other side of the world in Seoul, South Korea.

Beyond my admiration for SCA, I discovered that it is the only media school in the world that teaches all the major disciplines of the cinematic arts. As someone who aspires to explore every facet of media to inspire hope and create broader opportunities, SCA was not just my top choice —it was the only choice.

What has been your biggest challenge at SCA so far?
My biggest challenge at SCA has been navigating the financial hardships of being a fully self-supporting international student without access to federal aid or loans.

I arrived at SCA after saving enough for one semester's tuition from my time in the military and working in the Korean entertainment industry. It was a true leap of faith, driven by the belief that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

That belief has been validated, thanks to SCA’s generous scholarship program and sponsorship from a Hollywood organization that recognized my potential.

Even now, I’m balancing financial stress for my remaining semester while maintaining academic excellence and working on significant projects. Though my financial situation remains tough, my heart is richer than ever in terms of the growth I’ve experienced in SCA.

What has been your biggest success?
If I had to choose my biggest success at SCA Media Arts + Practice, it wouldn’t be the awards I’ve received or the major projects I’ve been a part of. Rather, it would be the incredible friendships and mentorship I’ve built with fellow students, staff, and faculty.

At SCA, I’ve formed life-long friendships with talented peers who I collaborate with daily, and the support system here has been invaluable. The MA+P staff and faculty have always been there for me, especially during times of financial hardship, offering genuine support that I now consider like family.

Is there a project you are working (or have completed) that you're especially proud of?Recently, two fellow MA+P students and I won second place at Stanford University's AI New Frontier Competition with a project that explores the future of labor in an AI-driven world, focusing on the balance between technological innovation and human values. I’d like to express my gratitude to Professor Holly Willis for her mentorship in introducing me to AI as a storytelling medium and for guiding me through its ethical considerations. I’m excited to join her as an Undergraduate Research Associate for the AI for Media & Storytelling (AIMS) initiative this semester.

Last semester, I had the privilege of working with Professor Scott Fisher in his VR course. Our team of five undergraduates and five graduate students collaborated on the Immersive Archive project, which preserves key works in XR history. Thanks to Scott’s outstanding mentorship, the project won the Best Show Award at the world’s largest VR Expo. It was an honor to be part of this initiative, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to Scott for his guidance and support.

How has SCA prepared you so far for the career you want?
SCA offers an exceptional array of career resources. The Office of Industry Relations provided me with invaluable mentorship when I had little knowledge about navigating internship opportunities. The staff and faculty at Media Arts + Practice were always available to guide me. Thanks to SCA's support, both in academic development and industry-focused advisement, I secured a Global Strategy Internship this summer with the entertainment company behind Parasite, Past Lives, and KCON.

What advice do you have for prospective students looking to apply to SCA?
I still remember the day when SCA faculty and staff emphasized the importance of failure as a path to success during new student orientation. At SCA, the courage to fail is valued, as it ultimately leads to growth and achievement. As the saying goes, "Fall down seven times, get up eight!"