Have you ever been to your home country and if you did what did you like about it?

Grace Kim: I’ve been to Korea three times now and I LOVE it. I was born in Los Angeles but my ancestral roots are in Busan and Seoul, S. Korea. There’s definitely something to be said about the familial piety and good mannerisms people exhibit in the Motherland. In addition, the shopping, cuisine, and cultural richness always draw me back!

What was your life like before Playboy?

Grace Kim: I was a working civilian, doing the 9-5 like most people. I miss the stability and anonymity at times, but realize that corporate slavery isn’t for me in the short or long run. Playboy has opened up so many doors and opportunities for me- it’s amazing. I don’t know if so many people would be interested in my writing and in publishing my works-in-progress had I not had my Playboy connections, that’s for sure. Also, Playboy really is like a family, so Hef ensures the Playmates are healthy and happy. It’s like having a second family, which is awesome.

Tell us a little bit about how you ended up as Playboy’s playmate of the month.

I originally submitted my picture to get into the Halloween ‘ 07 party. I didn’t ever think I could be in the magazine- I wasn’t a model. Shortly thereafter, I heard back from Holly Madison, asking if I wanted to be a Playmate. I was stunned. The opportunity came to me on a silver platter. I immediately said “yes” and test shot a couple days later. She invited me to come meet Hef and enjoy the private dinner and movie nights with them and their friends. About three weeks later, I was approved by Hef to be a Playmate based on my test shoot, and I began shooting my pictorial and video over the course of the next several months. It was an amazing experience.

When you were approached to do Playboy what was your initial reaction?

I was definitely stunned. I thought it was a joke at first that my friends were playing on me! I was both shocked and really complimented. It’s an honor and a blessing.

What do you think the future will be like now that you posed for Playboy?

I think the opportunities that come my way will be continual, from what I’ve experienced and what I’ve seen in talking to other Playmates, recent and in many years passed.

I’m definitely still working for Playboy, in addition to several other projects I’ve immersed myself in. Right now I’m busy writing two books, as well as traveling for various reasons..

How are you handling everything (the attention, your parents reaction, etc).

With stride. :) I’m kind of a hermit and really shy, so the attention was a little hard for me to deal with at first. When my issue hits stands, I was hiding under my bedsheets! Now I’m cool with it and have fun talking to my “fans” (I still find it funny saying that word, so I refer to them as my pals). My parents were shocked at first, but absolutely accepted it. They know why I did it and they fully support me. My mom’s been saving clippings from The Korean Times and arranging them in an album. I’m very fortunate and blessed to have such wonderful parents.

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