NYWIFT Blog

By Farah Qureshi

Welcome to NYWIFT, Seohee Lee!

Seohee is a filmmaker, content curator, and marketer working at the intersection of storytelling, cultural exchange, and audience engagement.

Based in New York, she works at the Korea Creative Content Agency New York Center, where she leads international marketing strategies and content-driven programs connecting Korean creative industries with global audiences.

Her work spans promotional video direction, film program curation, and large-scale cultural collaborations with institutions such as the Korean Cultural Center New York and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea.

Seohee holds an M.F.A. in Film Directing and an M.A. in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Drawing on both creative and strategic experience, she focuses on enhancing the global reach of cultural storytelling and fostering cross-border dialogue through media and programming.

In our interview, Seohee Lee discusses her journey as a filmmaker and content curator, her work in international cultural programming, and the projects she hopes to explore next.

NYWIFT Member Seohee Lee

Welcome to NYWIFT! Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself?

Hi NYWIFT! My name is Seohee Lee. I’m a filmmaker, content curator, and marketing content creator, currently based in New York. I began my career directing films, working across narrative and documentary formats for 15 years, and over time became interested in how stories move beyond the screen—how they are shared, positioned, and experienced by audiences.

Now, I work at the Korea Creative Content Agency New York Center, where I lead the creative direction and production of content-driven projects and international collaborations. Alongside my professional work, I continue to develop my own creative practice and am currently writing a screenplay about a female dog walker living in New York, exploring everyday life, solitude, and urban relationships. As a content creator, I am committed to continuously creating and evolving my work across different formats and platforms.

What brought you to NYWIFT?

I was drawn to New York Women in Film & Television because it brings together women who are actively creating and shaping the industry.

As someone working across filmmaking and content creation, I wanted to be part of a community where creative work is shared, supported, and taken seriously. I value spaces where collaboration happens naturally, and where women can grow both as artists and professionals.

Seohee Lee on set during a production

What initially drew you to filmmaking, and how did your journey evolve to include both creative storytelling and arts management?

I was drawn to filmmaking from a very young age. My mother used to take me to independent cinemas, where I watched independent films and documentaries. Sometimes, I would fall asleep in the dark theater—but even then, I remember dreaming in images, as if the films stayed with me in a different way.

That experience stayed with me, and I eventually picked up a camera and began making my own documentary work. One turning point was when I received an award at an international film festival, where Im Kwon-taek—widely regarded as a master of Korean cinema—served as a jury member. That recognition gave me the confidence to continue pursuing filmmaking more seriously.

As I continued creating, I became increasingly aware of how challenging it is to sustain a career as an artist—not only creatively, but structurally. That realization led me to expand my path into arts management, where I could support artists and help create the systems, platforms, and opportunities that allow their work to reach audiences.

Now, I see my practice as existing between creating and supporting—continuing my own work as a storyteller while also contributing to a broader ecosystem that helps other artists thrive.

Seohee Lee on set during a production

Through your work at the Korea Creative Content Agency New York Center, how do you navigate connecting creators, cultures, and audiences across borders?

In my role at the Korea Creative Content Agency, I lead the creative development and production of marketing content that introduces Korean content industries to international audiences. This includes directing promotional videos, overseeing influencer-driven campaigns, and curating film screenings and cultural programs that contextualize Korean content for diverse audiences.

Beyond the creative aspect, I also manage the operational and administrative processes required within a government-affiliated organization—coordinating with multiple institutional partners, ensuring alignment with national initiatives, and supporting the execution of international programs.

Rather than only positioning content strategically, I’m directly involved in how it is created and experienced—shaping the narrative, visuals, and overall structure so that it resonates meaningfully across different cultural contexts.

Seohee Lee working on set

What has been the most fulfilling project you’ve worked on so far, and what made it special for you?

One of the most fulfilling projects I’ve worked on recently is a recurring screening series called KOCCA Spotlight. The series is designed to introduce different facets of Korean content to New York audiences. Last year, we focused on animation and drama, and earlier this year, I curated a documentary-focused program. It’s an ongoing series that we plan to continue developing in the future.

I’ve been involved in the project from start to finish—planning each program, curating the films, and shaping the overall audience experience. I also collaborate with external partners on visual and promotional materials, and serve as the on-site host, introducing the films and engaging directly with audiences.

What makes this project especially meaningful to me is that it brings together multiple aspects of my work. It connects my background in filmmaking with my role as a content creator and curator, while creating a space for audiences to experience Korean films in a thoughtful and engaging way.

Looking ahead, what kinds of projects are you most excited to explore?

I’m interested in expanding the possibilities of content creation and content programs—especially in formats that combine storytelling with new media and audience experiences.

I’m particularly drawn to projects that blur the line between film, marketing, and cultural programming, where content is not just promotional but becomes an experience in itself.

Ultimately, I want to continue creating work that is both visually compelling and culturally meaningful.

Connect with Seohee Lee on LinkedIn and learn more about the Korea Creative Content Agency New York Center at www.koreanculture.org.

(All images courtesy of Seohee Lee)