Meet Kouryou Ngin | Story Teller & Action Star

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

Hi Kouryou, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I think a lot of people, or most people honestly, make life and career decisions weighing it out logically. They look at what makes the most sense and has the least amount of risk. This usually ends up being the “safe/smart” choice but almost always comes with some sort of compromise in what makes them happy or what they’re actually passionate about. I cannot tell you the amount of people who have come out to me asking how they can do what I do and leave their boring jobs lol. Being in career avenues like dance, film & TV nothing was ever guaranteed for me. But no guts, no glory right? I’d rather live with no regrets and know I gave it my all and be happy then spending a majority of my life unfulfilled and having to come find it in a midlife crisis or in retirement.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The way I think about it, when it all boils down, is I’m a storyteller. Whether it’s dance, choreographing, being in front of the camera or behind it, directing or whatever. I’m telling a story and trying to convey something to my audience.

The funny thing about what sets me apart from others is I still don’t know! My approach to everything I work on, to me at least, is logical and common sense. It just makes sense to me. But it wasn’t until I started to be sought out and separated from the rest of the pack that I realized not everyone has the same eyes and ears of perspective I do. So I’ve learned to just trust my gut and follow my instincts on everything and not worry about fitting in or doing what other people do. And sometimes that means breaking a few rules.

The journey to where I am now was long and winding. I didn’t know who or what I wanted to be when I 1st started. Whether it be a kpop star, a professional dancer, a WWE superstar or an actor. I tried just about everything with moderate success and I think every experience made me stronger and gave me new perspectives. It wasn’t easy by any means. I was pretty much on my own, trying to work a job and pay for classes and training to get better and book gigs. There were times where I was homeless, struggling with bills and starving with nothing to eat. Only by sheer willpower, determination and amazing people around me who believed in me was I able to finally start making headway into the industry.

I’ve learned the good and bad about people. Many just want to use you and connections aren’t genuine. Others would give you the shirt off their back to help you. The artists community is full of both and in the industry you just have to be able to recognize which is which. Money and work is easy come, easy go. You can be on fire 1 month and a barren wasteland the next 2. I’m smarter with my finances and investments. That’s not exclusive to money, but the time and energy I invest into projects and auditions as well.

I’ve got everything in the industry going against me. I’m a dark tan skinned Asian male with facial hair, that’s not short and I’m muscular. The only thing they think I’m good for is commercials, music videos, modeling and being an action stunt guy. In America, minorities are cast in acting based on their stereotypes. I’m not the Asian they’re used to; Chinese, Japanese and Korean. In recent years, we got a huge boost because of Crazy Rich Asians but in the trenches of auditions, we’re still fighting against this race barrier every single day hoping to break these walls down. I’m fighting for more representation for the generations to come and to be able to tell our stories from other Asian countries as well.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve only been in L.A. since 2023 so don’t know the in’s and outs yet or hot spots. Speaking of which, I’d take them to In-n-Out so they can decide for themselves what the hype is about lol. I’m always asked when I travel if it’s really as good as they say. Santa Monica pier, maybe the observatory or hiking to the Hollywood sign (or close to it). Just showing them what 365 days of summer really looks like haha. Going out, maybe KTown, Arts District and Hollywood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this to my late father, Boramy Ngin. He passed away Jan 17th of this year and I want to work my hardest to carry on his legacy and make him proud. He survived a genocide, immigrated to the US for my mom and siblings to have a better life, worked 2 full time jobs, 6 days a week to support us and is the hardest working man I’ve ever known. I’m everything I am today because of him, good and bad lol and I love him forever. Thanks pops!

Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7397706/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project.k.o/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kouryou.ngin/