South Korean Actors Breaking Barriers in Hollywood: From Stereotypes to Success
Image Source: Internet
SEOUL, South Korea — The global success of South Korean entertainment has paved the way for local actors to pursue their Hollywood dreams. Amy Baik, a 26-year-old actress, had her scenes cut from a commercial because she didn't meet South Korea's beauty standards. This experience prompted her to seek opportunities in the US. Actors like Park Hae-soo and Lee Byung-hun have established themselves in both South Korea and Hollywood, but many aspiring Korean actors lack the connections. To bridge this gap, talent agencies like Upstage Entertainment are emerging in Los Angeles. Alison Dumbell, co-founder of Upstage, notes that Western producers are now demanding more specific 'Korean' characters, rather than generic 'East Asian' ones. However, stereotypes persist, with some casting directors citing the 'nerdy tech programmer' trope as a particular frustration. For many South Korean actors, navigating the American industry is a steep learning curve. Julia Kim, a Korean American casting director, finds actors through social media and emphasizes the importance of authenticity. 'It's perfectly fine to have an accent,' she says. 'In fact, it's part of who you are.' Shin Ju-hwan, a veteran actor who has appeared in 'Squid Game' and 'Taxi Driver,' found Upstage through his wife's LinkedIn connection. He took an intensive approach to learning English, transcribing over 30,000 words and phrases to improve his accent and intonation. Devon Overman, another co-founder of Upstage, coaches actors on English line delivery and advises them to focus on their genuine pronunciation. 'People prefer your natural accent,' she says. For some actors, the push to Hollywood is driven by age discrimination in South Korea. Misun Youm, a 29-year-old actress, notes that 30 is considered old in the South Korean industry. Shin, in his 40s, was given a chance to audition for a 20-something character for an international production. Amy Baik, who landed a minor role in 'XO, Kitty,' has come to appreciate the American work culture and sees her features as assets abroad. 'In Korea, overtime was routine,' she says. 'In the American market, you clock in and clock out like an office worker.' As South Korean actors break barriers in Hollywood, they're finding that stereotypes are gradually crumbling. Shin hopes to play a villain in American productions and sees a shift towards greater acceptance of Korean actors. 'Now it feels like you can be yourself — be Korean if you're Korean,' he says.
