‘Avengers’ Star Claudia Kim Talks Korean Skincare, Confidence, and Staying Healthy
Korean actress Claudia Kim stars in the upcoming movie “The Avengers: Age of Ultron. (Photo: Instagram)
The Avengers: Age of Ultron features many household names, but when Claudia Kim makes her big screen debut she won’t remain anonymous for long. Born in Seoul, Korea and living there currently, you may recognize the 30-year-old actress from her role on the Netflix series Marco Polo, and you can’t miss her as the beautiful and smart Dr. Cho in the Avengers sequel. She’s already a TV star overseas, and has served as an Ambassador for Dior Korea and been the face of Acuvue, Samsung, and Amore Pacific. I’m thrilled that she recently became the face of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in Korea, because she embodies my philosophy of beauty from the inside out.
Bobbi Brown: Hi Claudia!
Claudia Kim: Hi Bobbi! I’m so excited to talk to you.
Me too. I’m sorry it’s not in person. So tell me about the new Avengers movie and your role as Dr. Cho.
She’s a very brilliant doctor. She’s a scientist just like Dr. Banner, and she cures the Avengers. And because of the research that she’s done, that can potentially threaten the future of the Avengers. It comes out April 23 in Korea and May 1 in the US. I’m excited!
Me too. So, do you get recognized now?
I think more so in Korea because of the Bobbi Brown ad. I was just at the duty free store and people there recognized me. They were so happy.
Right now everything in America is about Korean beauty. Why do you think it’s so big?
I think it’s because we’re very sensitive about our skin and we’re all about creating a very natural, youthful, and healthy look. We don’t ever overdo our makeup—it’s always very natural.
You have such beautiful skin. What’s your secret?
Staying hydrated is the most important thing. Every three or four hours I put cream on, and on the plane I always use a facial mask. I drink lots and lots of water. And I train a lot these days, which really helps.
What kind of training?
I do strength training, Jujitsu, horse riding, stuff like that.
Wow. Is that for your role on Marco Polo?
Yes.
Have noticed a big difference since you’ve been training? Do you have muscles now where you didn’t have them?
Oh, yes. I’m actually trying to get bigger. Eating is actually much more difficult than trying to lose weight.
Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling us that you can’t keep weight on? Are you one of those lucky people?
I’m so used to trying to stay slim and really restrict sugar and stuff like that. I still have to do that, but trying to take in so much protein is really challenging.
So, what do you eat?
I have to have two or three protein shakes a day. I have tons of egg whites, lots of salmon. I stick to super foods: avocados, chia seeds, stuff like that. I have to take a photo of everything I eat and send it to my nutritionist. It’s very tiring.
Wow! What protein shakes do you like the best?
I’m sticking to pea protein and whey protein. My favorite meal though, these days, is my egg white pancakes. I use three eggs—one I use a whole egg and then the rest I use just the egg whites. I mix that with one banana, and some chia seeds. I cook it in a pan and it tastes exactly like a pancake.
Do you have a sweet tooth?
I love dark chocolate, so I mix coffee beans and 100% dark chocolate into my protein shakes. It tastes just like a sweet shake that you can have at Starbucks.
Was there ever a time when you felt insecure about your looks, or have you always been so confident?
Of course. All the time, actually, and they keep coming back, because you’re out there taking photos and people are going to critique you. It’s always a battle that I have internally, but working out really helps. I think health also has to do with having inner peace and really fighting for that. I have such great friends who not only encourage me, but also really help me to stick to my core values and why I’m doing this, and what I’m doing this for.
Don’t worry—you look stunning on the carpet. Just smile and enjoy the moment.
Thank you so much.
Related:
Why K-Beauty Is the Holy Grail of Skincare
