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I recently attended the "A Night with the Kim Sisters" film screening at The Korea Society. Despite their fame and success within the American culture and music business, many people don't know enough about their journey from singing for chocolate bars in war-torn Korea to becoming a staple of Rat Pack-era Las Vegas and appearing a record 22 times on the Ed Sullivan Show.

The film screening introduced us to the sisters: Sookja, Mi-a, and Ai-ja Kim, who first came to the United States in February of 1959 to perform as part of the China Doll Revue at the Thunderbird casino on the Strip. They were three of seven children born to Kim Hae-song, an conductor who was killed during the country’s civil war, and Lee Ran-Young, one of the country’s best-known singers.

Each sister could sing, dance and play several instruments. After performing at the Thunderbird, the Kim Sisters moved to the Stardust, where Ed Sullivan was so impressed, he brought them on his show. Soon they were on LIFE magazine, Newsweek and numerous other magazine covers, in the news and on televisions shows.



After the screening there was Q & A session with Sookja—today Sue Kim Bonafazio. Sue shared behind the scene details about her life and moments seen during the film screening. While amazed at the a strong interest in her story, Sue was excited the Korean/Asian American's youths are researching their history from within America.

The Kim Sisters are among many Asian pioneers who had a great impact on familiarizing America with Asian culture and paving the way for Asians who are now part of mainstream pop culture. The Korea Society hosts many great events as well as film screening. They also offer cultural services for the community whether you are Asian or American.

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