I have been hearing about the 15 (biggest number ever I believe) girls competing this year for a while now, so you can imagine how excited I was to see the first episode. The mini-challenge was a photo shoot, and to their surprise each contestant had a Drag Race legend in their shoot. The objective was to try to outshine the other while giving the direction for the shoot. In the end Silky Nutmeg Ganache won the challenge and a $2,500 G/C to Arda Wigs. For the maxi-challenge Ru informed the girls that their luggage was lost and they had to use luggage that used to belong to a Drag Race legend. The key was they had to change the clothes in the suitcase to fit their personal look. Silky, as the winner of the mini-challenge, got to decide who was getting which luggage.
The winner of the challenge was former Miss Continental, Brooke Lynn Hytes, who won a seven night stay in Paris in a luxury apartment with airfare courtesy of Mister B&B.
The bottom two were Kahanna Montrese and Soju with Soju sashaying away. It was a pleasure to sit down with Soju (who is much funnier than she came across on TV) for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?
I was 25 when I picked up drag. When I thought of what my name should be I realized Kim Chi was already taken, so I picked Soju, because it sounds cute to say, and I love drinking.
How many times did you apply to be on RuPaul’s Drag Race? How did it feel when you found out you got chosen?
I only applied once and when I got chosen I was in shock. I was driving and I pulled over and I screamed.
Tell us about your RuPaul’s Drag Race experience?
I was a little intimidated and scared about the production part of it, but I only remember everyone trying to make me as comfortable as possible and treating me with respect and kindness. That why I was sad to leave. It was a great experience, and it was a lot of fun.
Is there something you wish you did different and or is there a certain look you wish we could have all seen?
I brought a lot of grand outfits from a lot of big drag designers. I am sad I didn’t get to wear those outfits, but I will be wearing it out, so keep looking. I paid good money so I am going to show them off.
What’s your marital status?
I’m totally single, and after this I am probably going to stay single…any help is appreciated.
Who do you want to win?
I would love to have my other Asian sister, Plastique Tiara, win. Even though she is young, she is polished and fierce, and I will definitely be rooting for her.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I am world champion in Taekwondo. I have competed most of my life.
What’s ahead for Soju?
Shot with Soju will once again be starting again on YouTube. For those of you who haven’t seen it is a Korean-inspired variety show dedicated to drag, and has everything from exclusive interviews with popular RPDR queens, such as Detox, Alaska, and Alyssa Edwards, to weekly reviews of Rupaul’s Drag Race.
I also will be performing all over, and am very excited for that.
For all things Soju and/or to purchase my merchandise go to ShotwithSoju.com.
