Kyson was born on December 13, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea. Kyson moved with his family to New York City at the age of 10, where he later attended the Bronx High School of Science. He studied communications at Boston University and the New England Institute of Art.

After a stint in a hip-hop rap group in college, and trying out improv comedy, James moved to LA on a one-way ticket & a single suitcase, where he began his training in music, dance, and acting.

He voiced Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe.