As a series revolving around family, a lot of sweet moments pop up in Kim's Convenience.
In general
- Whenever Mr. Kim and Jung actually have an interaction that doesn't end on a bad note.
- The series' reputation for having a very kind and light-hearted approach to diversity, with characters from all sorts of backgrounds appearing and treated with decency. Discrimination rarely pops up in the series, offensive stereotyping is avoided, and no big deal or drama has to be made to send the message either - casually mingling with people from different groups and embracing their own cultures is just what makes characters who they are.
Gay Discount
- While hilarious and misguided, Mr. Kim is sincere in not wanting to seem homophobic and attempts to learn about the LGTBQ+ community. Especially considering many traditionalists like him don't bother to do that much and would rather stick to more narrow, conservative views. This is highlighted when he meets the Drag Queen Therese — he mistakes her for a transgender woman (which he thinks makes her eligible for the gay discount) but seems to be genuinely learning when Therese corrects him and explains that being a drag queen "feels like home". Mr. Kim nods knowingly and Therese goes to pick up a few more things, turning what was potentially an awkward exchange into a positive one for them both.
- Frustrated when her family when her dad accuses her of stealing, Kim says as an apology for treating her like Jung when she didn't do anything, he can return the rental car she got. It's so he can talk with Jung. Mrs. Kim is gleeful when Kim explains.
- Jung doesn't have the courage to face his dad, so he asks Shannon to cover for him. Shannon, despite her confusion at Jung's family showing up in shifts, goes to help process Mr. Kim's return. She relates a story about how one of her uncles was a Black Sheep because he would go out fishing and fight with her dad. One day he went on a boat trip and never came back; she relates that she missed his "fishy hugs".
- After spending most of the episode obsessing over getting Janet a boyfriend (a cool, Christian Korean boyfriend to be specific), Mrs. Kim realizes the error of her ways and decides to stop meddling. When one of the suitors she got hold of visits the store again at the end of the episode, Mrs. Kim says the interviews are over and Mr. Kim makes it clear that it doesn't matter if he or his wife like him, it's Janet herself that has to like him if he is to date her. Janet reveals that she's taking the guy on a date, and coached him on how to pass the Twerp Sweating dad test.
Family Singing Contest
- Mr. and Mrs. Kim are very worried when they find out Janet's signed a lease and is going to move out. However, at the end of the episode when Janet (who's unaware that they already found out) tells her dad the news, he sincerely gives her his permission without argument which shows he respects her independence. The two share an emotional hug, bittersweet over this next step of Janet's life.
Janet's Roommate
- Jung drives past his dad and the two exchange small polite waves. As Jung starts to parallel park, Mr. Kim decides to help him out. The two have a short awkward conversation afterward before parting ways, however it's endearing to see the small progress that the two have made.
Date Night
- Jung and Shannon do not tolerate the offensive comments the other gets from a bigoted old guy they're trying to buy sneakers from. At first, Shannon is disgusted by the racist comments directed at Jung and wants to call the deal off. Jung initially waves it off, as he'd rather just quickly get the sneakers even if it means dealing with the bigot. However, as soon as the guy starts making condescending sexist remarks at Shannon, Jung changes his mind and starts to walk away, not standing to see his friend and love interest get insulted like that.
- When Mr. Kim's attempts to learn dancing and please his wife by accompanying her in her dance classes on their "date" nights fails, they point out to Janet it's not actually a bad thing. The married couple love and understand each other enough to not force their hobbies on each other and spend some time apart to do those hobbies (golf vs dancing) because, as Mr. Kim says, "You can't miss each other if you're always together."Mr. Kim: Okay, I go.
Mrs. Kim: Mmm. (she and her husband kiss)
Mr. Kim: Miss me.
Mr. Kim: I will.
Appa's First Text
- Mr. Kim and Jung get close to having a proper reconciliation when they bond at the club. Jung is surprised to see him and was planning on seeing a girl he was texting (said girl is actually his dad, unbeknownst to him) but decides to sit and have a drink with him. The two make awkward small talk but then have soju-bombs together while saying goenbae ("cheers"), warming up to each other's company. When Jung comes home and Kimchee asks if he plans to see the girl again, Jung smiles and says he thinks he will.
