1. Overview
Marina Yevgenevna Kim, born on August 11, 1983, is a prominent Russian television presenter, actress, and journalist. Of mixed Russian and Korean heritage, Kim has built a multifaceted career across major Russian television channels, anchoring news programs, hosting talk shows, and participating in films. Her professional journey also extends to in-depth journalism, covering significant international events and political processes, as well as active involvement in Russian politics.
2. Life and Background
Marina Kim's life journey began in Leningrad, providing a foundation for her diverse career and public identity.
2.1. Early life and upbringing
Marina Yevgenevna Kim was born on August 11, 1983, in Leningrad, then part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union, located in what is now southern Saint Petersburg, Russia. Her ethnic background is mixed; her father is a Koryo-saram who grew up in Kabardino-Balkaria, while her mother is Russian and was raised in the Baltic states. From a young age, Kim showed an interest in choreography. By the age of 16, she had begun a career in modeling, which included appearances in various music videos.
2.2. Education
After completing her secondary education, Marina Kim enrolled at Saint Petersburg State University, where she pursued studies at the Faculty of International Relations, specializing as a "regional specialist" with a focus on European studies. She completed two courses at this institution before relocating to Moscow. In Moscow, she transferred to the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, continuing her studies at the Faculty of International Relations. She ultimately earned a diploma in North American Studies. Her thesis focused on "Factors of growth in the US economy during the presidency of Bill Clinton." During her academic career, Kim gained practical experience through internships at the Committee on International Affairs of the Federation Council and the Institute of the USA and Canada. Further enhancing her professional skills, she completed TV presenter courses at the Institute for Advanced Training of Radio and Television Workers. Her television career commenced during her fifth year at MGIMO.
2.3. Ethnic background
Marina Kim's ethnic background is a significant aspect of her identity, stemming from her father's Koryo-saram heritage and her mother's Russian background. The Koryo-saram are ethnic Koreans who were deported to Central Asia by the Soviet government in the 1930s. Kim is recognized as a third-generation Koryo-saram, a designation that underscores her family's history within the Russian and former Soviet territories. This mixed heritage has provided her with a unique perspective within Russian society and media, allowing her to connect with diverse cultural narratives.
3. Career
Marina Kim's professional career spans various facets of media, including modeling, broadcasting, acting, and journalism, alongside a foray into politics.
3.1. Early career (Modeling)
Kim's initial entry into the professional world was in modeling. She began working as a model at the age of 16, appearing in various music videos. This early experience provided her with exposure to the public eye before her transition into the broadcasting industry.
3.2. Broadcasting career
Kim's broadcasting career is marked by her significant roles as a television presenter on several major Russian channels, where she hosted both news programs and talk shows.
3.2.1. RBK TV
In 2004, Marina Kim began her television career as a lead presenter for the program "Markets" on the business channel RBK TV. In this role, she specialized in the analysis of Asian stock indices, demonstrating her early expertise in financial journalism.
3.2.2. Rossiya-1
In 2007, Kim transitioned to the "Vesti" program on the Rossiya-1 television channel. Initially, she anchored broadcasts specifically for the Russian Far East, before moving on to present the morning and daily issues of the program. By September 2008, she began co-hosting the evening issues of "Vesti" at 20:00 alongside Ernest Mackevičius. Her work on Rossiya-1 established her as a prominent news anchor in Russia.
3.2.3. Channel One
In 2014, Marina Kim joined Channel One, one of Russia's leading television networks, where she began hosting the popular morning show "Good Morning" (Доброе утроRussian). From September 3, 2018, until July 4, 2020, she also served as the moderator for the talk show "Big Game" on Channel One, further expanding her role in public discourse.
3.3. Acting career
Beyond her broadcasting endeavors, Marina Kim has also taken on lead roles in films, contributing to the cinematic arts. She starred in the film Serko in 2006 and also held a lead role in Bishkek, I Love You! in 2011.
3.4. Journalism and reporting
Marina Kim has actively engaged in journalism and reporting, covering a range of significant events and interviewing notable figures.
3.4.1. Reporting on North Korea
In August 2017, Marina Kim filmed a series of short reports about life in North Korea for Channel One's "Good Morning" program. These reports presented a perspective on the "relatively good life" of the North Korean population.
3.4.2. International forums and elections
Kim has served as a correspondent for Channel One's information programs at major international gatherings. In January 2018, she reported from the World Economic Forum in Davos. In March of the same year, she covered the vote counting process during the 2018 Russian presidential election. In April 2019, she worked as a story writer during the visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Vladivostok, demonstrating her continued focus on international and political affairs.
3.4.3. Interviews
As a journalist, Marina Kim has conducted interviews with several prominent individuals. On December 28, 2019, she interviewed entrepreneur Oleksandr Onyshchenko. She also conducted an exclusive interview with the renowned American film director Oliver Stone on December 14, 2020.
3.5. Political activities
Marina Kim has also ventured into Russian politics, engaging with democratic processes through party membership and participation in regional elections. On December 20, 2018, she participated in the annual press conference held by Vladimir Putin, signaling her involvement in high-level political discourse. In the spring of 2021, she officially became a member of the A Just Russia - For Truth political party. Within the party, she assumed significant roles, serving as the Secretary of the Presidium of the Central Council for Information Policy and as a member of the Presidium of the Central Council. In May 2021, Kim announced her intention to run for governor in the 2021 Khabarovsk Krai gubernatorial election. In the elections held on September 19, she secured second place, ultimately losing to Mikhail Degtyarev.
4. Personal life
Marina Kim's personal life includes her family and publicly reported relationships.
4.1. Family and relationships
Marina Kim is unmarried and is a mother to two daughters. In early 2015, there were public rumors suggesting she was dating American film director Brett Ratner. The two reportedly met in the Antilles in 2011.
5. Assessment and Impact
Marina Yevgenevna Kim has established herself as a significant figure in Russian media and public life. Her extensive career as a television presenter on major channels like RBK TV, Rossiya-1, and Channel One, where she anchored news and hosted popular shows, has made her a familiar face across Russia. Her roles in films further diversified her public persona. Kim's journalism, particularly her reports from North Korea and her coverage of international forums and elections, demonstrates her engagement with global and domestic political narratives. Her unique position as a prominent media personality of Koryo-saram heritage has also contributed to her public image. Furthermore, her active participation in politics, including joining a political party and running for governor, highlights her direct engagement with Russia's democratic processes and her influence beyond the media sphere.