Meet Ms. Kim, a dynamic and enterprising teacher who has embarked on a mission to spread the allure of Korean pop culture in Mexico. Offering virtual Korean classes on Zoom, she shares her passion for everything Korean, from popular soap operas and fashion trends to music lyrics, traditions, and social norms. Ms. Kim's journey began as a waitress in Mexico, where she experienced cultural differences, like the absence of tipping, compared to her native South Korea.

Her social media success has catapulted her into fame, attracting invitations to events, award nominations, and sponsorship deals. This popularity led her to establish a flourishing business teaching Korean language classes online. To further expand her empire, Ms. Kim ventured into the world of Korean beauty products, operating an online store catering to the growing interest in K-beauty among Latin Americans.

The rise of Ms. Kim's influence is closely intertwined with the burgeoning Korean presence in Mexico, with numerous Korean companies capitalizing on free-trade agreements to establish their roots in the region. As Latin Americans embrace K-pop, K-beauty, and K-dramas, Korean culture has found its own unique and modern expression in the hearts of these communities.

While her accomplishments may seem enviable, Ms. Kim has been candid about her struggles with mental health. The pressure to constantly produce creative content to maintain her popularity and deal with online criticism has taken a toll on her well-being. Nevertheless, she remains committed to her passion and business and seeks solace in the vibrant and joyful lifestyle she has found in Latin America.

Despite her achievements, Ms. Kim admits that her mother still harbors concerns about her success, highlighting the cultural divide between their differing notions of achievement. Nonetheless, as her love life intertwines her South Korean roots with her Mexican journey, Ms. Kim looks forward to her parents' visit to Mexico, hoping to bridge the gap between their perceptions of her triumphs.