Meet Amy Shi | Actress & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Shi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
First and foremost I consider myself an artist in the entertainment industry. I think something about the entertainment industry that a lot of outsiders are probably unaware of is that many artists are also talented in other industries and may have another career co-developing along their artist journey. Even for some of Hollywood’s biggest name actors they may have had other careers before acting or they venture into the business world later on. For me, besides working as an actress and producer on TV and film projects, I was a banker for many years, and a few years ago due to the pandemic I moved to South Korea and later started doing business internationally. Something about the international business industry that outsiders may not know well is how specifically cultural differences would impact business dealings. For instance, South Korea is still a very patriarchal society, even more so than China in my opinion. Especially in higher level of business dealings, people would put their trust in a criminal if that person is an older man who happens to be called “회장님” (Mr. Chairman). Women are typically treated less authoritative, less credible, and less competent even if she does all the work that older men are not capable of accomplishing. A lot of those older business men go out drinking together every night till morning in those Korean style 술집 (bars) that may come with “special service” provided by hostesses (usually young girls) and they talk about business. This is their culture, and I think it is something that foreigners who want to do business here need to be aware of.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was a management consultant and a banker before I was an actress. When the pandemic started, I moved to Seoul, and by chance I started working to bring a tech startup to IPO in the NASDAQ market. It wasn’t easy work, but I worked day and night for almost two years with business, marketing, legal, finances in Korea and US, finally the company’s registration statement got approved by SEC, however the Korean business partner stole all the work that was done, and left me out of roadshow and subsequent completion of IPO, not mentioning the celebration of the IPO when they sent a group of people who never worked on the IPO, instead of me and my team. The IPO was completed but nowhere near the size we had planned when I was working for it. And under the mismanagement of this guy and his followers, the company is struggling. I’m still fighting with my team of people to try to take the control back. Prior to this business endeavor, I had never dealt with Korean businessman, but this first one has been the worst according to my Korean friends. During the preparation of the IPO, this man was put in jail for 6 months and has been on trial since, for his previous business conducts connecting with the infamous Korea Lime crisis. In October 2023, his final trial ended with prosecutor proposed 15 years prison time and USD tens of hundred millions fine. Everyone felt a relieve that he would get what he deserves, however the court date for final judgement has been postponed three times, as the suffering of the company employees and shareholders continues.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend’d visit Seoul for a week, first I’d ask her to come during the cherry blossom time in April to see the beautify cherry blossoms. We would go visit the old palace. Enjoy Korean barbecue, and traditional Korean meal full of varieties of side dishes. Riding bicycles along the Han River during sunset is fun. The Seoul Sky is a must visit for adventurers who are not of height. Namsan in the middle of Seoul is great for a little nature and culture tour. For relaxing there are really cozy movie theaters with Tempur beds to watch a Korean movie (or Hollywood movie depending on showing schedule) while enjoying gourmet food and drinks. There are many cute little coffee shops and bakeries in Seoul that instagram photo ready. To get out of the city, Jeju Island is only one hour flight from Seoul, and there you can go to the beach, enjoy local seafood, or go hiking or horseback riding in the mountains. There are wellness resorts in the mountains that offer relaxation packages to unwind and relax.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, actually quite many. First is to my family. They are my love, my source of joy and encouragement, my sense of gratitude every day. Being a somewhat public person, I try to keep my personal life as private as possible, including my family, but I do want the world to know how much I love them. Secondly, I want to dedicate my deep thanks to my old friend/mentor Larry, who unfortunately passed away during the pandemic, and even more sadly I wasn’t able to say final goodbye. May he rest in peace. I met him when I started out my career in Chicago, he became my mentor and friend. Ever since then for over 10 years he helped me go through some very difficult life changes, answered my calls no matter what hour I called, listened to my problems, offered me valuable life advice, and he even helped me set up my new homes after I moved to another state. His kindness has inspired me till this day. Last but not least, a big shoutout to all my friends and sometimes even strangers who have shown me love and offered me help without any expectation for return. I was taught that no one in this world owes another person love and help, so the ones who do offer love and help unconditionally are true angels that make this world beautiful.

Website: www.amyshi.me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DarlingAmyShi

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/DarlingAmyShi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarlingAmyShi

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyShiOfficial