Biography and Background
Eric Kim (born 1988) is a Korean-American blogger known initially for street photography and more recently for extreme fitness feats . He was born in San Francisco and grew up in California and New York, later attending UCLA where he switched from biology to sociology . In 2010, as a student, Kim co-founded a campus photography club and launched a blog (erickimphotography.com) that soon gained a wide following in the street photography community . Over the 2010s he became a full-time traveling street-photography educator – teaching workshops worldwide and even collaborating with Leica on international gallery exhibitions . Through his blog and in-person workshops, Kim taught the art of street photography (how to find one’s style and overcome fear of shooting strangers), and he took on roles like judging the London Street Photography Festival and teaching a street photography course at UC Riverside Extension . He also participated in brand campaigns – for example, appearing in a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 commercial and a Samsung NX20 camera launch – and contributed to photography organizations like Magnum and Invisible Photographer Asia . By the mid-2010s, Kim was an established name in street photography circles, known for his enthusiastic teaching style and prolific blogging.
Around the early 2020s, Eric Kim began pivoting his public persona toward fitness. Always an avid weightlifter on the side, he started openly documenting his weightlifting progress on his blog and social media, framing it with the same philosophical flair as his photography posts . He coined the term “HYPELIFTING” to describe his approach – a blend of heavy, maximalist training done in a fasted state, combined with a meat-heavy diet and incremental weight progression . By 2025 (at age 36), Kim’s personal blog and channels featured not just photo critiques but also videos of him performing staggering strength stunts. Despite weighing only around 71–75 kg (~156–165 lb), he showcased feats like a 678 kg rack pull (a partial deadlift) at 71 kg bodyweight and raw squats over 600 lbs . He has integrated tech and philosophy themes into his fitness narrative as well – for instance, peppering references to Bitcoin and mythological metaphors in posts about his lifts . Today, Kim is often described as a “street-photographer-turned-fitness blogger,” bridging his background in art with a new reputation for unconventional strength training .
Fitness Philosophy and Training Approach
Eric Kim’s fitness philosophy is defined by going against the grain of conventional training and nutrition advice. He promotes an unconventional regimen focused on maximal strength and minimal frills, encapsulated in his self-styled #Hypelifting method. Key aspects of Kim’s approach include:
- Fasted, Carnivore Diet: Kim is a vocal proponent of intermittent fasting and an all-meat diet. He famously eats one meal a day (OMAD) consisting of nothing but red meat – “no breakfast, no lunch, only one massive 100% carnivore dinner,” a habit he claims to have kept up for seven years straight . He typically consumes 5–6 pounds (about 2–3 kg) of beef in that single meal, often including organ meats like liver and high-fat cuts. Kim completely forgoes supplements or protein shakes; he even avoids basic aids like creatine, insisting that “100% beef” (plus water and black coffee) is all he needs . The rationale behind this diet, according to Kim, is that the high dietary cholesterol from red meat naturally boosts hormones and strength, while training in a fasted state keeps insulin low and mental focus high . This extreme carnivore stance – essentially zero carbs and zero plant foods – is part of what he calls a “radical minimalism” lifestyle.
- Maximal Lifts & Low Volume: In the gym, Kim centers his training on one-rep max lifts and heavy partial movements rather than traditional high-volume workouts. He often performs rack pulls, a partial deadlift movement from knee or thigh height, with astonishing loads (he has boasted of beltless rack-pulls over 1,000 lbs) . Similarly, he popularized what he dubs the “Atlas lift,” essentially a partial squat hold: he sets a barbell on rack pins at about mid-thigh and wedges himself under it to hold colossal weights at lockout. In March 2025, he even hoisted a 1,000 lb (454 kg) Atlas lift, holding it momentarily at the top – an effort roughly 6× his bodyweight . All of this is done without supportive gear (no lifting belt, no straps or wraps), as Kim prides himself on raw strength and technique. His training style emphasizes neural drive and tendon strength over muscle size – he believes in training the body’s connective tissues and nervous system to handle supra-maximal loads, which is why he often looks lean rather than overly bulky despite his strength . Kim will attempt very heavy singles with micro-increments (sometimes increasing weights by as little as 1–2 kg) and he keeps the overall sets and reps extremely low. In his words, it’s about “super-max singles” and pushing the absolute limit of strength, rather than doing high-rep hypertrophy workouts . He typically trains this way up to three times a week, allowing ample recovery time between these intense sessions .
- Lifestyle Factors: An almost Spartan lifestyle underpins Kim’s routine. He trains completely fasted (often early in the morning on an empty stomach, aside from water or espresso) , and only eats after training, claiming this schedule heightens his concentration and adrenaline for big lifts. He also emphasizes ample sleep – reportedly 8 to 12 hours per night – to recover from his one-rep max efforts . Kim attributes a lot of his progress to discipline and consistency in these habits, frequently framing it as mind over matter. Notably, he also asserts that he is 100% natural (drug-free), denying any use of anabolic steroids or performance enhancers. He has publicly stated, “I do not take any weird drugs or steroids or hormones… not even protein powder or creatine!” – insisting that his results come purely from meat, fasting, and hard training .
Overall, Kim’s fitness approach is highly contrarian. It rejects modern supplement culture, ignores most nutritional guidelines, and pushes the boundaries of strength training norms (e.g. performing lifts at weights far beyond what most coaches would recommend). He has branded these ideas under edgy slogans like “Middle finger to gravity” and “Physique is a prison – go for power” (often echoed in his blog) to inspire a kind of counter-culture mentality in fitness. This philosophy ties into his broader persona of challenging established norms and approaching weightlifting as an art or philosophy as much as a sport.
Content and Online Platforms
Eric Kim is a prolific content creator, spreading his ideas across blogs, videos, and social media. Writing is his foundational medium – since 2010 he has published thousands of blog posts. His primary website (originally focused on photography) now hosts articles on everything from camera techniques to diet rants and weightlifting journals. Kim’s writing style is informal and unfiltered; he often writes in a stream-of-consciousness mode and doesn’t shy away from provocative opinions. Notably, his site carries the slogan “ALL OPEN SOURCE EVERYTHING!”, reflecting his practice of sharing content freely (many of his guides and even e-books are available as free downloads) . He has released numerous self-published e-books and pdf guides – for example, collections like “100 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography” – which he offers for free or pay-what-you-want on his site . These cover photography techniques, creativity, and philosophy. In the fitness realm, much of his content is in the form of long-form blog essays analyzing his training logic (e.g. “Why Powerlifting Fasted for 1-RM Makes Sense”) or motivational posts about pushing limits. He does not appear to write for external publications, preferring to host all content on his own domains (including erickimphotography.com, erickim.com, and erickimphilosophy.com for various topics).
In addition to writing, Kim maintains a notable video presence. He runs a YouTube channel (under his name) with over 50,000 subscribers, where he uploads a mix of content . Many videos feature his extraordinary lifts – often raw gym footage of him attempting PRs like a 905 lb Atlas lift or 678 kg rack pull – sometimes overlaid with his commentary or dramatic flair. These lifting clips often garner thousands of views and have been shared widely on fitness forums . Besides workout footage, his YouTube also includes vlog-style talks on philosophy, productivity, and life advice, which mirror the eclectic nature of his blog. Earlier in his career, he posted photography tutorials and camera reviews on YouTube as well, though recent content skews toward fitness and personal reflections.
Kim is present on social media, though his relationship with it is somewhat unconventional. He is active on Twitter (X) under the handle @erickimphoto, where he has over 20,000 followers . There he shares updates on his latest blog posts, quick thoughts, and short clips of lifts. Notably, one of his viral Twitter moments was sharing the video of his 1,000 lb Atlas lift in May 2025 – within two days that clip reportedly got over 22 million impressions and trended on the platform . By contrast, Kim’s presence on Instagram is minimal. He at one point created a dedicated fitness Instagram (@erickimfit), but this account has a very modest following (only a few hundred followers) and he has even stated that he deliberately deleted or de-emphasized Instagram to distance himself from the usual influencer culture . Kim has described himself as an “anti-influencer” – preferring to build an audience through his own website and word-of-mouth virality rather than polished social media curation . In line with this, he does not endorse the typical array of affiliate products or sponsorships on his channels. His content is largely self-funded or supported indirectly via his product sales and workshops, rather than paid promotions.
Notable Collaborations and Brand Deals
Despite his independent ethos, Eric Kim has engaged in several notable collaborations over the years, especially in the photography domain:
- Photography Industry Collaborations: Kim worked closely with Leica Camera early in his career. He partnered with Leica to host workshops and even exhibited his street photography work at Leica gallery stores in cities like Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne . He also collaborated with members of Magnum Photos (the famous photography cooperative) on projects and was featured by Invisible Photographer Asia, helping to raise his profile internationally . Additionally, Kim contributed as a guest writer or educator on Leica’s official blog and other photography platforms. His role as an instructor extended to academia – for example, he taught a university-level street photography course through UC Riverside Extension .
- Brand Campaigns and Sponsorships: Kim participated in a couple of high-profile commercial collaborations. Notably, he was featured in a Samsung ad campaign – he starred in a commercial for the Samsung Galaxy Note II smartphone and was part of a marketing campaign for the Samsung NX20 camera . During those partnerships, he received sponsored gear (e.g. free cameras or phones), as he later acknowledged . In the past, he also had ties with Fujifilm (receiving Fujifilm cameras to test) and other brands, though he has since become critical of such arrangements. In a 2017 reflective post, Kim admitted that being an ambassador or receiving free gear created a bias – for instance, he felt pressure not to criticize Fuji or Leica while he was benefiting from their support . Perhaps as a result of these experiences, Kim eventually pivoted to a more independent funding model.
- Fitness Industry Stance: Interestingly, as a fitness influencer Kim has no formal brand deals or sponsorships to date . He does not endorse supplement brands, gym equipment companies, or run paid ads for workout programs. In fact, he openly shuns the supplement industry (often mocking protein powders and vitamins on his blog) and rejects offers of sponsorship. Kim prefers to monetize through his own products and services – for example, he sells self-produced courses and e-books, and he and his wife operate a small company (named Haptic Industries) that produces photography gear, books, and creative merchandise . This direct-to-audience approach aligns with his “open source” mantra. Kim’s website prominently declares that there are “no sponsors” behind him . This anti-corporate stance is part of his personal brand; he emphasizes that his achievements (whether a photograph or a 1,000 lb lift) are done for their own sake and not to promote a supplement or apparel line. Essentially, in the fitness world he remains a free agent, with his only “brand” being himself.
Publications and Educational Material
Throughout his career, Eric Kim has produced a wide array of educational materials and publications, often self-published and freely distributed:
- Blog Articles and Essays: The core of Kim’s output is the ongoing stream of articles on his blog(s). Since 2010, he has written on topics including street photography techniques, travel diaries, philosophical musings, productivity hacks, and fitness training journals. Many of his writings have been compiled into series or thematic collections. For instance, he created extensive guides like “Street Photography 101” and essays on the “Sociology of Instagram,” reflecting his academic background in sociology. As of 2025, his blog archive spans thousands of posts, making him an exceptionally prolific blogger (at times he has published multiple posts per day in rapid succession, flooding subscribers with content). This sheer volume has been noted by observers – he effectively used SEO and constant content updates to dominate search results in areas like street photography .
- E-Books and PDFs: Kim is known for releasing free e-books on photography. Fans and followers can download around 30+ e-books he has compiled, which cover lessons from master photographers, how-to guides, and curated collections of his own photographs . Examples include “100 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography,” “Street Photography Contact Sheets,” and “The DSLR Manual.” These e-books often combine text and images, showcasing both his educational tips and his photographic work. According to one community member, these compilations contain hundreds of photographs (some of which repeat across volumes) and serve as an open-source learning resource . The e-books are published under Kim’s Haptic Press imprint (an offshoot of Haptic Industries), and are offered either for free or a nominal price – part of his philosophy to make knowledge accessible.
- Printed Books and Products: In addition to digital books, Kim has also produced some physical publications and merchandise. He has self-published a few photography books – for example, a monograph titled “Dark Skies Over Tokyo” (Eric Kim x Haptic Press) which features his photography from Tokyo, and other zines or art books often sold in limited edition via his online store. He also produces practical tools like Street Notes (a pocket notebook with photography assignments and inspirations) and photographic prints. These are sold through his web shop and on platforms like Amazon . Furthermore, under the Haptic Industries brand, Kim (together with his partner) has created photography accessories such as camera straps, bags, and wallets, often emphasizing small-batch craftsmanship . All these published materials and products tie back into educating or equipping fellow creatives – whether it’s a book of inspirational images or a well-made camera strap for shooting comfortably.
- Courses and Workshops: While not “published” in the print sense, it’s worth noting that Kim has a long history of teaching. He has led numerous workshops around the world, mentoring students in street photography through multi-day courses in cities from Los Angeles and New York to London, Tokyo, and Sydney . These workshops were a cornerstone of his photography career. More recently, he has offered online seminar experiences and video courses. On his site, he provides paid video lecture series and one-on-one consulting sessions (covering topics like portfolio reviews or fitness advice). All of these can be considered part of his educational output. In interviews and his own statements, Kim expresses that teaching is his passion, whether the subject is photography or personal improvement .
In summary, Eric Kim has built a library of content under his name – much of it self-published and freely shared. His materials range from blog posts and YouTube videos to PDF e-books and physical notebooks. This comprehensive approach to sharing knowledge reflects his belief in democratizing information (hence the emphasis on open-source and free downloads) while also creating a sustainable living through direct support from his audience (workshops, book sales, and donations).
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite (or perhaps because of) his success and visibility, Eric Kim has attracted a fair share of controversy in both the photography and fitness communities. Key criticisms include:
- Street Photography Community Backlash: Within photography circles, Kim has been a polarizing figure. Detractors have accused him of being more of a savvy marketer than a master photographer. On forums like Reddit, some photographers complained that Kim presents himself as an authority on street photography despite a relatively limited portfolio of original work . They point out that he often reuses the same handful of images in his blog posts and e-books, arguing that he built a persona and brand to sell workshops “with like 15 photos he recycles” rather than through a deep body of acclaimed photography . Such critics see him as someone who expertly leveraged SEO and social media to become influential (one comment called him “the current generation’s Ken Rockwell,” referencing another famous controversial blogger ). There have also been grumblings about his posts bragging of income (e.g. a blog post detailing how he earned $200,000 in a year from photography stirred debate about his motives). On the other hand, supporters defend Kim’s contributions – noting that he has inspired many newcomers and freely shared knowledge that helped grow interest in street photography worldwide . Regardless, the “Eric Kim style” of blogging (ultra-personal, frequent, and unabashedly self-promotional) has been a frequent topic of discussion in the photography world, making him a somewhat controversial figure as early as the mid-2010s.
- Unorthodox Fitness Advice: As Kim shifted into fitness content, he encountered pushback from health and training experts. His advocacy of an all-red-meat diet and extreme intermittent fasting has been widely criticized by nutritionists and dietitians. For example, Kim has claimed that “society would thrive more if we just stuck to a 100% carnivore diet,” a statement that medical experts caution is not backed by science . Mainstream health sources like Harvard Health have published warnings that zero-carb carnivore diets can raise LDL cholesterol and carry risks such as heart disease, kidney stones, and nutrient deficiencies . Eating one giant meal a day (especially consisting solely of meat) is also flagged as potentially harmful – one study noted that very narrow eating windows and heavy animal-fat intake could double the risk of certain cardiovascular issues . Thus, many in the fitness and nutrition community view Kim’s diet advice as a fad at best, or outright dangerous at worst, citing that it ignores long-term health impacts . Similarly, strength coaches have taken issue with Kim’s training claims. His headline-grabbing rack pulls – like lifting over 1,000 lbs without a belt – are seen as misleading feats, since rack pulls from mid-thigh remove much of the hardest range of motion. As renowned coach Mark Rippetoe noted, a rack pull is a “shorter pull from an easier start position,” meaning lifters can handle more weight than in a full deadlift . Critics argue that Kim’s focus on partial lifts is “ego lifting” – impressive for social media, perhaps, but not comparable to standard lifts and potentially unsafe for the average person to emulate . Moreover, because Kim claims to be drug-free while achieving strength levels rarely seen at his bodyweight, some skeptics in the strength community have openly challenged him to provide proof (such as bloodwork or perform in drug-tested competitions) to verify his natural status . In summary, a substantial segment of fitness professionals and enthusiasts view Kim’s methods as outliers that defy established science and practice, and they often recommend others approach his advice with caution.
- Provocative Personal Style: Beyond the technical disagreements, Eric Kim’s persona itself has drawn criticism. He is often blunt and unapologetic in his declarations, which can come across as boastful or combative. For instance, when faced with backlash about his diet or lift videos, Kim has dismissed critics as “fake ass woke people” or implied that those concerned with safety are simply weak-minded . He embraces a rebel image – calling himself an “anti-influencer” who deliberately refuses sponsorships and even deletes his own Instagram to make a point . While this appeals to fans who are cynical about the polished fitness industry, it rubs others the wrong way. Many traditional trainers and athletes who do work with brands see Kim’s approach as needlessly confrontational or self-aggrandizing. His use of catchy slogans and memes (like hyping #Hypelifting and referring to himself humorously as the “Supreme God of Power” on Twitter) has created a bit of a cult following online, but it also reinforces to detractors that he’s more about hype than substance . Some in the industry feel that he is encouraging a dangerous game of chasing viral stunts instead of responsible fitness guidance – essentially turning serious training into an internet spectacle. Kim himself acknowledges the value of controversy in boosting reach (at times he’s hinted that “controversy equals reach” when it comes to online content) . This strategy, however, means he continually courts strong reactions. As a result, Eric Kim’s name often sparks debate: supporters praise his originality and motivating energy, while critics take issue with his methods and demeanor.
- Legal or Ethical Issues: As of 2025, there are no known major legal issues associated with Eric Kim. The controversies surrounding him have largely played out in the court of public opinion rather than courts of law. There have been no publicized lawsuits or criminal incidents involving him. Ethically, some have questioned his transparency (for example, past affiliate marketing practices or aggressive self-promotion), but he himself has publicly addressed these, even writing candid posts about his own motivations for money and fame . By acknowledging his self-interest and eventually moving toward an open-source content model, Kim attempts to counter some ethical criticisms. Nonetheless, it’s clear that his bold approach — whether in blogging or fitness — continues to generate both admiration and scorn in roughly equal measure.
Conclusion
Eric Kim stands out as a unique cross-disciplinary influencer: a blogger who traversed from the realm of street photography into the world of extreme fitness. His biography reflects an individual constantly re-inventing himself — from a UCLA student who started a photo blog, to an international photography instructor, and now to a self-styled fitness iconoclast lifting unimaginable weights. Kim’s approach to fitness is as unconventional as his approach to blogging: he challenges norms, whether it’s eating only meat or questioning long-held photography rules. He produces a vast amount of content to spread his ideas, leveraging free e-books, videos, and articles to inspire (and sometimes provoke) his audience. In doing so, he has built a personal brand that deliberately sits outside the mainstream of both industries he participates in.
With a foot in multiple worlds, Eric Kim has amassed a devoted following, but also loud critics. He thrives on that dichotomy — citing personal freedom, open-source knowledge, and a rejection of corporate influence as his guiding principles. For those interested in his work, Kim offers a trove of material: one can dive into his street photography guides or watch him attempt a 10× bodyweight lift, all delivered with the same enthusiastic, sometimes controversial, voice. In summary, Eric Kim is a case study in the modern content creator: someone who has parlayed passion and personality into an online presence that blurs the line between educator, entertainer, and provocateur. Whether one views him as an inspirational maverick or a self-promoting provocateur, his impact on his niche communities is undeniable, and his story continues to evolve with each blog post and each lift.
Sources: The information above is compiled from Eric Kim’s own websites and writings (which detail his biography, training, and personal thoughts) as well as commentary from external sources. Notable references include Kim’s official “Background and Biography” page , analyses of his fitness feats and philosophy , an overview of criticisms by experts , and community discussions reflecting his reputation in photography circles . These sources provide insight into both his achievements and the controversies surrounding his methods.