Joshua Lee trades Harvard education to live out his dreams on screen

Warning: some minor XO, Kitty season two spoilers ahead.

The much-anticipated XO, Kitty second season is now streaming on Netflix, bringing heartwarming stories and unforgettable characters to the screen.

Among the standout performances is Jin, portrayed by Korean American actor Joshua Hyunho Lee.

From his Broadway debut in KPOP as “Timmy X” to playing “Supreme” in Gangnam Project, Lee has captivated audiences with his authenticity and depth.

His portrayal of Jin in XO, Kitty is no exception, as it mirrors his own life journey in profound ways.

Cold Tea Collective’s Natasha Jung had the chance to sit down with Joshua Lee to uncover his inspiring path from Harvard to Hollywood and how Jin’s story resonates with his personal experiences.

See also: XO, Kitty leads viewership rankings and expansion of queer Asian narratives for Gen Z

XO Kitty’s Joshua Lee’s journey from Harvard to Hollywood

Joshua Lee’s journey to acting is a story of courage and following one’s passion.

With a degree in Computer Science and Economics from Harvard, Lee initially pursued a corporate career in venture capital. However, his love for the arts remained a constant whisper in the back of his mind.

“I’ve always loved academics and learning, but something kept telling me to pursue the arts,” Lee shares. Moving to New York became a turning point, as seeing his peers thrive in the creative world inspired him to take a leap of faith. That leap led him to his breakout role in KPOP on Broadway. 

“That experience changed my life and reaffirmed my decision to follow this path,” he reflects.

At first, he didn’t even tell his parents he had quit his job. “I knew they would be worried, so I kept it to myself for six months until I had something to show for it. It wasn’t until KPOP was closing that I told them, and when they saw me on stage, they were so excited and proud,” he shares.

See also: ‘Gangnam Project’ helps the next generation of the Asian diaspora find belonging

XO Kitty’s Joshua Lee becoming the character, ‘Jin’

For Lee, playing Jin in XO, Kitty felt deeply personal. His character’s struggle with family expectations and self-discovery struck a familiar chord. “Jin is navigating the pressures of living up to his father’s legacy while trying to figure out who he really is. That’s something I’ve lived too,” Lee shares.

Like Jin, Lee also encounters the weight of familial expectations, pushing himself to succeed in traditionally valued fields. “Jin’s journey of exploring new hobbies after his running injury reminded me of my own pivot from the corporate world to acting and storytelling,” shares the singer, dancer, and actor.

Lee describes filming and joining XO, Kitty as collaborative. “The directors and showrunners treated every episode with such care. It showed me how storytelling is truly a team effort,” he added.

See also: XO, Kitty leads viewership rankings and expansion of queer Asian narratives for Gen 

XO Kitty’s Joshua Lee embraces Korean heritage through creative arts

Lee’s career in the creative arts—from acting to music and performance—has also deepened his connection with his Korean heritage.

Throughout his projects, from Gangnam Project to XO, Kitty, he has explored the intersections of his identity, culture, and creative expression.

“Being Korean American means carrying the resilience and creativity of my culture while navigating two worlds. Gangnam Project allowed me to celebrate that heritage while sharing it with younger audiences. It’s rewarding to create art that reflects the complexities of identity while connecting universally,” he said.

Lee’s passion for artistic storytelling extends beyond acting. He has also explored music, dance, and writing, using different creative outlets to express his heritage and deepen his cultural awareness.

 “When I was younger, I didn’t always feel as connected to my Korean heritage. But as I stepped into these creative spaces, I realized how much of my identity is reflected in the art I create,” he shares.

His journey was also shaped by the Korean American creatives who came before him. “Seeing actors like Steven Yeun and Justin H. Min succeed made me realize there was a space for me in this industry,” Lee shares.

“Their ability to tell meaningful stories while embracing their heritage inspired me to do the same. I want to be that for the next generation of Korean American artists.”

The way Gangnam Project and XO, Kitty celebrate cultural authenticity while tackling universal themes is what makes them special to Lee. “Both projects show that when you bring your full self to a role, the impact transcends cultural boundaries.”

As he continues his artistic journey, Lee remains intentional about infusing his work with elements of his heritage. “I want to create work that honors the generations before me and makes space for future Korean American creatives,” he said.

How XO Kitty Jin’s story arc and representation impacts Asian Americans

Jin’s journey in XO, Kitty extends beyond his personal struggles—it reflects the broader experiences of Asian Americans like myself navigating school, life, relationships, and identity.His character highlights the universal challenge of balancing cultural expectations with self-discovery, a struggle that resonates deeply within Asian communities.

Growing up, I often felt the weight of external expectations dictating what success should look like—whether in academics, career choices, or personal milestones. Like Jin, I grappled with the idea of living up to the dreams others had for me, sometimes at the cost of my own happiness and fulfillment. His story arc deeply resonated with my own journey of unlearning societal pressures and embracing a path that felt right for me rather than simply what was expected.

Lee’s portrayal of Jin brings an added layer of depth and relatability, showing how the pressures to succeed in predetermined ways can sometimes overshadow personal happiness. Jin’s story arc ultimately reinforces that there is no singular path to fulfillment—success can be redefined through passion, exploration, and embracing one’s identity.

For many Asian Americans, seeing Jin’s character develop and grow serves as a powerful reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. His journey validates the complexities of identity formation and demonstrates the importance of forging one’s own path while still honoring cultural roots.

“Jin’s story is for anyone who has felt the weight of expectations and questioned where they truly belong. I hope that audiences watching XO, Kitty see themselves in his journey and feel inspired to embrace every part of who they are,” said Lee.

XO Kitty’s Joshua Lee’s advice for aspiring creatives

For those navigating the tension between traditional expectations and creative pursuits, Lee offers thoughtful advice: “It’s okay to try new things and even fail. Surround yourself with a supportive system, and stay financially mindful. Pursue what fulfills you.”

Currently, Lee is blending his artistic sensibilities with his analytical background, working on a short film project with friends in New York. He also plans to travel to South Korea and Taiwan in the next year, on the search for more cultural and creative inspiration.

Lee remains committed to expanding representation in media. “I hope to see more Korean and North American storytelling that celebrates cultural nuances and shared humanity. This is such an exciting time to be part of the movement.”

Follow Joshua Lee’s inspiring portrayal of Jin in XO, Kitty second season, now streaming on Netflix. Follow his journey and support his work on Instagram at @joshualee.