Draft:Wootak Kim (influencer)
| Submission declined on 20 June 2025 by Bunnypranav (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.
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| Submission declined on 18 June 2025 by KylieTastic (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. Declined by KylieTastic 8 days ago. | |
Comment: Many sources are cited, but they do not show significant coverage of the subject, and are not independant and reliable. ~/Bunnypranav:<ping> 14:26, 20 June 2025 (UTC)
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This page was last edited by Bunnypranav (talk | contribs) 6 days ago. (Update timer) |
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Wootak Kim | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 29, 1997 South Korea |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur; bartender; content creator; podcast host |
| Known for | Bar Chemistry; Super Bonsai; Under the Influence podcast |
Wootak Kim (born October 29, 1997) is an American entrepreneur, bartender, content creator, and podcast host. He is the founder of the mixology brand Bar Chemistry, co-founder of the wellness supplement company Super Bonsai, and a co-host of the Under the Influence podcast.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Kim was born in South Korea and raised in the United States.[2][1] He experienced financial hardship and lived under undocumented immigration status until receiving protection under DACA.[2] He briefly attended the State University of New York at New Paltz before dropping out at age 20 following a psychedelic experience that prompted a reassessment of his life priorities.[2]
Career
[edit]Hospitality and bartending
[edit]After leaving university, Kim worked in the restaurant industry, first as a server and then, after two years, as a bartender.[2] He cited the creative aspects of mixology and the social environment as factors in his decision to pursue bartending.
Bar Chemistry
[edit]In early 2020, Kim founded Bar Chemistry, a mixology brand offering instructional cocktail content and branded bar tools.[3][4] He financed the venture using profits from early cryptocurrency investments.[2][5] The brand’s science-laboratory aesthetic helped distinguish its digital content and e-commerce offerings.[2]
Super Bonsai
[edit]Kim co-founded Super Bonsai, a wellness supplement company whose flagship product contains dihydromyricetin (DHM) to support alcohol recovery. The brand uses anime and video game–inspired imagery.[2]
Podcasting
[edit]Kim is one of four hosts on the Under the Influence podcast, which covers topics such as entrepreneurship, mental health, and Asian-American identity.[6] As of mid-2025, the show had over 250,000 subscribers on YouTube.[2] He recruited additional hosts, Viet and Esther, after their trial appearances yielded high engagement.[2]
Other ventures
[edit]In 2022, Kim launched a memorial clothing line called Freeman, named in honour of a late friend whose life story inspired the brand’s ethos.[2] He also proposed an anime-themed candy company, though naming and legal considerations have delayed its release.[2]
Personal life
[edit]Kim has discussed mental health breaks and the role of therapy and psychedelics in his personal development.[2] He practices daily gratitude and cites his religious faith, reinvigorated during adolescence, as central to his approach to leadership and resilience.[2] Kim has also spoken about emotional intelligence, intergenerational trauma, and the challenges of online harassment.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Bar Creator and Hospitality Consultant Wootak Kim on the rise of Asian spirits and beverages". New York Drinks Guide. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Wootak Kim Interview. Under the Influence. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ^ "How TikTok Star Wootak Kim From BarChemistry Keeps His Creative Edge". VinePair. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "Creators on the Rise: Wootak Kim's art in a glass". Tubefilter. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "Everything You Need to Be a Better Bartender". Subkit. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "Jeremy Kim & Wootak Kim of 'Under the Influence' on Platforming Asian Americans in Media". Cheddar. 17 June 2022. Retrieved 2025-06-19.