If Appa from Kim’s Convenience landed in Scotland, you just know he’d be in his element: touring historic sites, dishing out life advice to unsuspecting Glaswegians, and probably finding some way to haggle for a better deal in the city’s legendary labyrinth of bulk bargains and trolley-warfare cash and carries. ‘I think he would probably be very interested in some of the museums and the history,’ muses James Yi, the actor bringing Appa to life for the UK tour of Kim’s Convenience. ‘Appa is a teacher by trade, so I think he’s always interested in educational-type things. And, you know, maybe he’d play some golf.’ Maybe? Given Yi’s own passion for the sport (he’s heading to St Andrews for a few rounds before the Glasgow run), it’s safe to say Appa’s itinerary might look suspiciously like his own.

I caught up with Yi from his hotel in Leeds, where he had just wrapped up rehearsals and was itching to get in front of an audience. ‘Theatre is all about the audience,’ he insists. ‘We’re still a week away, and I’m thinking “we need an audience so badly!”’ Unlike the slick sitcom version of Kim’s Convenience, the play thrives on raw emotion, live reactions and, occasionally, unexpected wardrobe malfunctions. ‘You have to be ready for anything. I’ve had to subtly gesture at another actor mid-show because their zipper was down,’ Yi laughs. ‘And then there was the time someone’s fake beard just started peeling off. I had to hold it together while this beard slowly inched its way off his face. The audience lost it.’

For those unfamiliar, Kim’s Convenience is a warm, funny, and deeply relatable story about a Korean-Canadian family running a corner shop. Originally a stage play by Ins Choi, it won audiences over before becoming the Netflix series that made it a global hit. Now, the play is back on the road, offering a grittier, more intimate take on the story. Yi, who plays Mr Kim (Appa) on stage and appears as recurring character Jimmy Young in the Netflix series, embraces the switch between mediums. ‘The show is a sitcom; it’s meant to be light and funny. But the play? It really dives into the deep stuff: the generational struggles, the sacrifices of immigrant parents, the push and pull between tradition and change. And yes, there are still plenty of laughs.’

And what about coming to Glasgow? ‘I am so excited to go to Scotland. Not just because of golf, but because I’ve heard the people there are hilarious.’ When I teach him the Scottish phrase ‘gie’in it laldy’, he gives it a go with enthusiasm before quickly admitting ‘I am terrible at accents.’

And what if Appa were to open a convenience store in Glasgow, what would he sell? ‘Oh, definitely Korean snacks. And he’d definitely introduce some kind of energy drink to rival Irn-Bru,’ Yi says, chuckling. ‘In the play, there’s this whole bit about Appa trying to sell a Korean ginseng energy drink called insam. It’s this medicinal, super-healthy drink, and Appa is convinced it’s the next big thing.’ So, could insam be the new Irn-Bru? ‘Who knows? Appa would absolutely insist you give it a go.’

Beyond the laughs, what makes Kim’s Convenience special is its ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. The show’s themes of family, culture and intergenerational misunderstandings hit home for a lot of people. ‘I remember seeing the play for the first time in Toronto, and after it ended, I overheard someone say “I need to call my dad”. That’s what this show does. It makes people reflect on their own family relationships.’

The UK tour is also proof that the story resonates far beyond Canada. ‘I’ve been amazed by how many people here already know and love the show,’ Yi says. ‘And for those who don’t, it’s an absolute joy to introduce them to it.’ He encourages audiences to come with open hearts and expect waves of emotion. ‘You’ll laugh, you might cry, and by the end of it, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into someone’s family home.’

As anticipation builds for the Glasgow leg, one thing is certain: Appa’s charm, wit and wisdom look set to win over live audiences just as they have for TV viewers. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this is a show that will leave you entertained, moved, and maybe even considering a bottle of insam over Irn-Bru. Either way, Appa would approve.

Kim’s Convenience is touring the UK until Saturday 5 July.