Simpson Kim’s Journey: Help Me Achieve the Next Milestone

**Introduction**

Hello, my name is Simpson Kim, and I am a photographer. Since I first stepped onto New York’s streets in 2011 with a camera, photography has been more than just a career for me—it has been my life’s greatest passion and purpose. It’s the way I express myself and capture the world in a way that only I can see.

Over a decade, I’ve walked countless streets, met numerous people, and captured thousands of moments that have defined who I am today. Every hardship has shaped my unique perspective, and now, I’m standing at the threshold of a new journey. I consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Along the way, the financial challenges and countless thoughts I’ve faced have ultimately brought me to GoFundMe. This journey requires your support, and I hope to share my story with you as we walk this path together.

**Background**

At the age of 21, my life changed when I stumbled upon a few low quality street fashion photos taken in London & Stockholm in an indie magazine. The very next day, I booked a ticket to New York, driven by a gut feeling that photography was my calling. Despite never having travel abroad before, I embarked on this journey filled with excitement. I dropped out of school and left everything behind to chase my dream.

␥ Come Back To Busan Harbor, Busan, 2021 ㅡ Busan is where I was born and where my story began, long before I ever became a photographer.

In New York, I had first shoot with a stranger in front of Broadway and 32nd Street. Though I could barely speak English, his kindness helped me complete the shoot. That experience solidified my dream—I knew this was what I was meant to do in life.

Returning to South Korea, I faced numerous challenges in obtaining the qualifications needed to legally continue my journey abroad. Back in New York, I poured all my energy into capturing street photography, focusing on fashion enthusiasts and their unique styles. It was something I truly loved and felt passionate about.Then, one fateful day, I encountered and photographed a world-renowned designer in SoHo. This chance meeting led to a collaboration and ultimately provided me with the opportunity to work legally in the U.S.

␥At Coney Island, New York, 2017 ㅡ Coney Island was my sanctuary during challenging times in New York. This pier gave me peace and the courage to keep going.

One day, I received a notice regarding an administrative issue, which stated that there was no record of me departing South Korea and re-entering the United States. Having stayed in New York the entire time, I was understandably confused. At that point, I was eager to expand my work to Europe, and the only way to address this matter was to attend an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in South Korea for verification. However, after returning to South Korea for the interview, my case was unexpectedly delayed, leaving me unable to return to New York. It felt as though everything I had built was slipping away, and I had to navigate one of the most challenging periods of my life.

Determined to maintain my connection to New York, I took a bold step during a six-and-a-half-hour bus ride to photograph Seoul Fashion Week. I created a Twitter account just to message an editor at WWD, expressing my desire to contribute street fashion photography from the event. Miraculously, the editor responded, and that moment marked the beginning of a decade-long collaboration with WWD. From then on, I held onto the hope of one day reconnecting with New York, pouring my heart into every opportunity that came my way.

For more than a decade, I have worked with globally recognized brands such as Louis Vuitton, Nikon, and LG Energy Solution, and my work has been featured in renowned magazines like Vogue, GQ British, and The Hollywood Reporter. I also published my first book, Street Photo Fighter. Through these experiences, I realized how far I had come in building a career that met international standards and expectations. It was a moment of pride and reflection on what I had accomplished.

␥California Dreamin', LA, 2023 ㅡ This image symbolizes hope and a turning point. LA reignited my dreams after a decade of perseverance.

Along the way, there were several opportunities that could have helped me advance toward my goals.

In 2019, an email arrived early in the morning. It was a message from the CEO of a world-renowned agency, encouraging me to apply for a photography competition focused on the UN Climate Agreement, which was a collaboration between the UN and the agency. I had no prior connections and felt a bit overwhelmed, but I saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I put everything aside and dedicated myself entirely to the competition. Although I only made it to the shortlist, I had no regrets because I had given it my all. Instead, I viewed it as an opportunity to build a relationship with the agency. However, around that time, the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19, and the opportunities that had just begun to flow dried up once again.

And then, in 2022, while working late into the night, I received a message that felt life-changing. It was from The Hollywood Reporter, inviting me to photograph the stars of Squid Game, Jung-jae Lee and Ho-yeon Jung, for their Emmy Awards feature story. In that moment, it felt as if a teleportation portal had opened before me. At last, the opportunity I had been waiting for had arrived, reigniting my passion once more.

Behind the scenes, I continued working tirelessly, and in 2023, I began actively seeking agencies in New York and Los Angeles. During my group exhibition in New York City last year, I visited agencies daily, determined to find a connection. Eventually, I heard from a global agency based in Los Angeles, and without hesitation, I flew there. Although I had to wait three weeks to meet the director, my determination never wavered. I was desperate for this opportunity. After the first interview, it has now been six months. Instead of passively waiting, I’ve resolved to take control of my life and move forward, drawing my own path with purpose and determination.

Now, I am preparing to take the necessary steps to position myself on the global stage and embrace new opportunities. This journey comes with its share of challenges, including financial obstacles, but I’ve realized that I can no longer delay pursuing my dreams. I owe it to myself and to everyone who has ever believed in me to take this courageous step forward.

␥The Chose Flow, Seoul, 2024 ㅡ This image reflects trust in my choices. It reminds me that resilience and determination guide me toward my goals.

**What Your Support Will Fund**

The funds raised will directly support the administrative and legal steps required to take this next step in my career. Here is a detailed breakdown of the expenses:

- **Legal Fees**: $6,500 to secure the expertise of an experienced attorney.

- **Administrative Processing Fees**: $830 for essential paperwork and filing processes.

- **Expedited Review Fee**: $2,805 to ensure timely progress and meet critical deadlines.

- **Additional Expenses**: Costs for supporting documents, translations, and related necessities.

Your contribution will help cover these essential costs and bring this dream to life.

**Gratitude and Rewards**

To express my heartfelt gratitude, I want to share something meaningful with you:

- **Digital Photos**: All supporters will receive high-resolution digital files of the four photographs featured in this campaign. These images were part of my group exhibition held at the Korea Society in New York City last year and represent my journey and the milestones that have shaped me as an artist. These images are more than just photographs—they symbolize the milestones of a decade-long journey of perseverance and artistry. (You can explore more of these works here: https://simpsonkim.com/homeaway)

- **Signed Book**: The top 7 supporters with the highest contributions will receive a signed copy of my first book, Street Photo Fighter, along with exclusive photo postcards. These gifts are a token of my deepest gratitude for your extraordinary generosity and belief in my journey. The book and postcards are not just items—they are stories of perseverance, creativity, and the shared belief in the power of art.

Your support means the world to me, and I want to ensure you feel connected to this journey. Together, we can create something truly extraordinary.

**Closing Thoughts**

The Chinese classic *I Ching* speaks of two major departures in life: one for growth and another for fulfillment. I believe I am now embarking on the second journey, striving to achieve the fulfillment of my dreams. At times, I feel a mix of fear and uncertainty as I move forward, but I refuse to look back one day and regret not giving everything I had to pursue my dreams. That is why I mustered the courage to write this today.

Your support will help me create art that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the world, inspiring people everywhere. Together, we can bring this vision to life

I humbly ask for your support to join me on this journey and help turn this dream into reality.

Thank you for believing in my vision.