Energetic humorist, improviser, and educator Andrew Phung has quickly become one of Calgary’s most sought-after hosts, bringing his effortless comedic charm and boundless enthusiasm to every event. The Calgary native has taken on numerous roles in film and television, gaining fame primarily for his portrayal of Kimchee Han in the sitcom Kim’s Convenience. Learn more about the life and career of this talented comedian at Calgaryski.net.
Early Life
Andrew was born in Calgary to a Vietnamese father and a Chinese mother. Both parents immigrated to Canada with their families in the late 1970s. As a child, Andrew developed a love for humor by watching North American comedies with his parents.
Many Saturday nights, when his mother worked, Andrew and his father would rent Jackie Chan films. His father introduced him to the secrets of Hong Kong comedy, inspiring Andrew to imagine himself as Jackie Chan. After learning some Taekwondo skills, he even attempted to replicate a scene from Chan’s Police Story 4: First Strike.
Andrew’s mother worked various jobs, from serving in restaurants to managing a school cafeteria, before opening a flower boutique near Marlborough Mall. His father worked in a metal shop, saving money and learning the trade to eventually start his own business. Without access to childcare, his father often brought Andrew to the shop.
Education and Early Creative Beginnings
Andrew attended Bishop McNally High School, where his drama teacher encouraged him to try improvisation. At 16, he and a group of friends discovered the Loose Moose Theatre in Inglewood, known for its improvisational productions, touring shows, and training opportunities for aspiring performers.
The improvisation lessons were free, requiring neither money nor permission for Andrew to pursue his passion every weekend. Like other participants, he helped clean the theater and sell tickets to shows. He enjoyed unlimited access to free popcorn and lime soda but cherished most the chance to refine his comedic skills by observing talented improvisers.
Dennis Cahill, Loose Moose’s founding director, noted Andrew’s dedication, though he emphasized that hard work alone does not guarantee success. Selling tickets, Andrew delighted in chatting with everyone who approached the booth.
After high school, Andrew studied economics at the University of Calgary, where he learned to link strategic thinking to outcomes. He briefly worked as a non-profit director and aimed for a career in Calgary’s thriving oil and gas sector in the early 2000s—a compromise that somewhat placated his mother, disappointed he hadn’t pursued medicine.
Comedy Career
At 26, Andrew realized he could potentially make a living through comedy. Within a few years, he became one of Calgary’s most popular hosts, charismatically leading over five events per month.
In 2008, Andrew joined the comedy group Sciencebear, producing comedic short films. The following year, Sciencebear released Sketch, a $100 film submission to the Calgary International Film Festival in 2010.
Andrew co-created popular improvisational comedy shows like Past Your Bedtime, Northeast: The Show, and Kill Hard. In 2015, he performed his improvised action-comedy parody Kill Hard at Edmonton’s Fringe Theatre.
By 2020, Andrew was teaching at Loose Moose’s International Summer School of Improvisation, which gathers participants worldwide in Calgary—a recognized hub of narrative improvisation. Many Loose Moose alumni thrive in film, television, and theater. Andrew has given countless talks to student groups about improvisation, volunteerism, and community engagement.
Acting
In 2009, Andrew acted in the Sportsnet 360 television series Drafted. In 2015–2016, he co-wrote and starred in two seasons of the sketch comedy series Cowtown. From 2016–2021, he portrayed Kimchee Han in CBC’s sitcom Kim’s Convenience, earning multiple Canadian Screen Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Kim’s Convenience explores the challenges faced by a Korean-Canadian family and their friends. Andrew’s character, Kimchee, a funny, approachable sidekick, experiences the most growth in the series—transforming from a slacker to a responsible adult. Kimchee serves as the show’s moral compass, blending humor with sincerity.
The sitcom’s success represents a broader recognition of Canadian comedy. Shows like Kim’s Convenience, Workin’ Moms, Letterkenny, and Jann have redefined Canadian television by showcasing original and distinctive creators.
Andrew also co-created and starred in CBC’s Run the Burbs. In 2021, he won two awards at the 9th Canadian Screen Awards.
Despite his national fame, Andrew remains deeply connected to his hometown, particularly Calgary’s culturally diverse northeast quadrant. In interviews, he frequently expresses gratitude to Calgary audiences who supported and inspired him throughout his career.
In 2020, Andrew starred in the Canadian comedy Events Transpiring Before, During, and After a High School Basketball Game, set at the fictional Middleview High School in Calgary. The film focuses on events surrounding the school’s basketball team, featuring mostly local amateur actors and Andrew as assistant coach Brent.
Other Endeavors
Andrew co-founded YYCSolediers, hosting Calgary’s Sneaker Swap, where participants buy, sell, or trade sneakers, apparel, art, and more. He also created his sneaker collection.
Additionally, Andrew is involved with Youth Central, a non-profit helping at-risk Calgary youth find community roles through various programs. In 2009, this work earned him a spot on Avenue Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” list.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrew encouraged Calgarians to support local businesses in Chinatown, aiming to counter racial prejudice. A passionate advocate for Calgary’s inclusive community, he consistently supports minority groups and civic culture.