A few fun pictures from the week. Enjoy the Hot Clicks of Hyori’s new Soju ad campaign, John Cho’s son and ice fishing in Korea.

Christina Lee hosts Korean Beacons Weekly Monday Mashup highlighting some of the weekly headlines in Korean American news.

This week, December 28, 2009 we cover:

Korean Beacon 2009 Top 10 List: #5 – Ken Jeong
Korean Beacon 2009 Top 10 List: #4 – John Cho
Korean Beacon 2009 Top 10 List: #3 – Rain

Send comments to: beacon@koreanbeacon.com

The Godfather of Korean-American actors is still in his 30′s but it would be safe to say that John Cho is really the guy who paved the way for many young Korean-American actors into Hollywood.  John Cho had a real breakout year.  He was Sulu in this summer’s re-ignition of the Star Trek franchise, and he also found himself in a co-starring role in ABC’s FlashForward.  That’s not just big for being a Korean-American actor, but that’s big for anyone in Hollywood: to get a co-starring role in a large scale movie franchise and then a leading role in a network television show in a single year.  I’d call that a damn good year for any actor.  And to make things real interesting, he found himself stretching the racial boundaries as the fiance of Zoey, played by Gabrielle Union.  Big props to the writer for installing a Korean-American guy in a romantic relationship with an African-American gal.  Oh and btw, just to finish off the year, John was once again named as one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive for the second year in a row.

John’s been in Hollywood for a long time and all that pounding of the pavement is finally paying off.  When you think of Korean-Americans at the forefront of Hollywood, John Cho is probably the first guy that comes to mind.  He’s come a long way from being the guy who said “MILF” in American Pie and smoked pot in his pursuit of White Castle burgers in Harold & Kumar.  He’s really made it in Hollywood and has become truly recognized.  There’s a good number of up and coming Korean-American actors in Hollywood trying to make it big, but they can all thank John Cho for being the pioneer and showing the way.  And that’s why John Cho has beamed up to #4 as one our top ten most influential Korean-Americans in 2009.

So what happened the past week with Koreans and Korean-Americans?  Well starting this week, we’re beginning a series called Monday Mashup or “Beacon Bits” as we affectionately call it here.  You can find the lovely Christina Lee reviewing the events and people that made the news during the past week and a few quick opinions on top of it.  If you have any thoughts or topics you’d like us to cover, don’t be afraid to email us at “beacon at koreanbeacon (dot) com.”

So who do the Korean boys want to date?  Netizens were asked which “Female celebrity you would most want to have a date with on Korea’s first snowfall of the year.“  Well, according to an Internet poll that was conducted last week, Jessica of the very large girl band SNSD was the winner with 30% of the 792 votes.

John Cho is a MAN!
John Cho sure had a man week. He was selected as one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men (for the second time) and he showed up at GQ’s Men of the Year ceremony at the Chateau Marmont. And he’s having a good career year with a big part in Star Trek and on ABC’s FlashForward. Not bad for a guy who smoked pot in Harold and Kumar and coined the acronym “MILF.”

What are the hottest flats in South Korea?
According to an article in the Korean Economic Daily, the hottest flats worn by Korean women are from Tory Burch. Maybe that’s why the Wonder Girls showed up at her shop during Fashion Week.

There Was a Korean that Walked the Victoria’s Secret Show
Chanel Iman is partially Korean and she strutted her stuff down the Victoria’s Secret lingerie show in New York last week. It’s referred to as the Super Bowl for supermodels.  How many Korean girls have that kind of bootie?!

You Know You’re Famous When TMZ Decides To Film You
Ken Jeong who broke out this year with his full frontal nudity in The Hangover was spotted by TMZ because they like hanging out at LAX and in front of LA nightclubs.

John Cho is on a roll!  For the second consecutive year, John Cho was selected as one of People Magazine’s sexiest men alive.  He’s had a great 2009 with a big role in the Star Trek movie and a key role in ABC’s FlashForward.  What else is he going to do?  Sing?  Keep it going John!

He’s gone from stoner hero in the Harold and Kumar movies to hot FBI agent in FlashForward– a role that comes with a sexy walk “if you’re carrying a real gun. When it’s on your hip, you lead differently; your hands go to different places,” says Cho, 37.

Have you noticed the significant increase in Korean-American actors and actresses on TV and movies lately?  Have you noticed there are more men than women in Hollywood?  You would think that there would be more women in front of the camera because let’s be honest, Korean women are great to look at which makes sense in such a visual medium.  Not that the Korean men aren’t studs but who doesn’t like looking at a Korean women?  They are undeniably beautiful women.  Then again, I guess it does take more than just looking good in front of a camera to make it in Hollywood.

This is a an anecdotal story I’m going to share and it does not provide any empirical evidence as to why there are more Korean guys than gals on the screen.  However, it does suggest something.  In my earlier days living in NYC, I roomed with actors and guys who worked at a movie studio.  I was the odd man out because I had a regular job unrelated to the entertainment industry.  I once asked one of my buddies if he ever saw Asian guys out on the audition circuit.  He quickly responded, “Are you kidding me?!  Those guys get more work than most actors out there.”  Huh?! What?  He continued to tell me that though there are only a few roles seeking Asian male faces, there were even less auditioning for them and he suggested that I just give acting a try – even though I had very little acting talent.  Well, to best illustrate this perception, let’s do a quick roll call here.

Ladies on a TV show or in a film in 2009
Smith Cho, Moon Bloodgood, Grace Park, Jamie Chung, Kelly Choi, Margaret Cho, Jenna Ushkowitz, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Price & Yunjin Kim

Guys on a TV show or in a film in 2009
Daniel Henney, Tim Kang, Ken Jeong, Aaron Yoo, John Cho, Rex Lee, C.S. Lee, Justin Chon, Rick Yune, Sung Kang, Rain, Lee Byung Hun, Daniel Dae Kim & James Kyson Lee

We may have missed a few folks but these are the Korean-Americans who were in a prominent role in their film or show.  Now 14 to 10 in favor of the men doesn’t seem like a big difference, but if we were to count up the hours of coverage or viewer impressions, then we would see the greater disparity. We don’t have time to count up every second and sum it all up but here are a couple proxies.

Weekly TV program comparison: Tim Kang, Ken Jeong, Rex Lee, John Cho, C.S. lee, Daniel Dae Kim and James Kyson Lee are in key roles on current weekly network television shows.

Movies: Only Moon Bloodgood and Jamie Chung were in big screen films this year versus John Cho, Aaron Yoo, Ken Jeong, Justin Chon, Rick Yune and Sung Kang.  And don’t forget that Hollywood is really gambling with Ninja Assassins and the predominantly Korean cast with Rain as the lead role.

So what are we trying to say?  Simple observations suggest that America is becoming more accepting of the Asian male and there are more opportunities for them.  But what about the ladies?  My conclusion is that there’s that much more competition on the female side of the fence where they’re competing against more open non-ethnic/racial specific roles.  Though they may be going on casting calls for Asian-American woman between 25-30, they’re also going on casting calls for (all) women between 25-30.  I thoroughly root for all the Korean women on the big and small screen, but I wish there were more of them up there.   Don’t you?

The AMC website had an interesting feature this week, looking into the next generation of Asian-American actors and actresses.  It seems that 2009 was the year where Asian-Americans were more prominent in film and hopefully it only increases.  They called out not only the success of Ken Jeong and John Cho, but a few other Korean-American actors. Interestingly, 6 of the 8 actors they featured were Korean-American. Wohoo! Here’s the excerpts of what they’re saying about them.

Aaron Yoo
The 30-year-old actor appears in four movies this year alone, the latest being Friday the 13th, in which he graciously allows Jason to smash him into a pulp. Yoo also carried a drunk Ari Graynor around in 2008′s Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist, and played a suburban sicko in Disturbia (2007). Other actors looking to emulate his success can start with his hipster haircut, possibly accomplished with a pair of kitchen shears.

Jamie Chung
Korean-American beauty Chung’s star is on the rise. She’s scored roles on shows like C.S.I., and even won the Female Stars of Tomorrow Award at this year’s ShoWest industry tradeshow alongside her cheeky Sorority Row castmembers. Next she’ll star alongside Shannen Doherty and Dylan McDermott in Burning Palms, a satire about Los Angeles. Not bad for a girl who kicked off her career on The Real World!

John Cho
Cho’s been starring in the Harold and Kumar movies since 2004, and had small roles in big hits of old like American Beauty and the American Pie series. But this year he proved there’s more to his talent than stoner humor as he filled George Takei’s considerable shoes, portraying Lt. Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek. Look for Cho in Caller ID in 2010… and perhaps on the Trekkie convention circuit as well.

Justin Chon
This Californian has acting in his blood: His father was a movie star in Korea before coming to America. Chon, 29, began his acting career on shows like The O.C., before breaking out in the immigration flick Crossing Over and landing a part in a little movie called Twilight — in which he plays a cute guy who gets good grades and hangs out with Bella Swan. Which means: He’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

Ken Jeong
With roles in The Hangover, Knocked Up, and this month’s Couples Retreat, 40-year-old Jeong has shown the range of his comedy this year. In The Hangover, he bosses the cool kids, speaks in falsetto and gets naked as ruthless Asian crime lord Mr. Chow. Regarding his (100 percent gratuitous) nude scene in that role, Jeong commented: “I think the country is ready for tiny Asians to expose themselves.” Bring it on

Moon Bloodgood
She’s in regular rotation on TV, but Bloodgood finally made her big mark in the cinema with this year’s Terminator Salvation, as resistance fighter and love interest Blair Williams. The 34-year-old model-turned-actress (and a member of the Maxim Hot 100) is a Dutch-Korean stunner who started out as a Lakers girl. Look for Moon in Bedrooms, out later this year.

The Korean-American film “West 32nd” is finally being released next week on DVD.  West 32nd is a Korean gangster flick set in New York’s Koreatown.  It was directed by Michael Kang and stars John Cho, Grace Park, Jun Kim and Jane Park.  It’s had a successful run through the Film Festival circuit and it was an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival in 2007.   We attended the TFF screening with John Cho and Grace Park and it was great meeting those two and the rest of the cast.  First impressions of those two were that John and Grace are rather tall.

Here’s what I remember of the movie.  It was great seeing a full Korean-American cast and it was obviously well acted with John Cho leading the way.  The story gives some insights into the struggles of some young Korean immigrants and how they immerse themselves into the dark side of Koreatown (West 32nd).  That’s all we’ll give you but here’s the official synopsis.

When John Kim, an ambitious young lawyer, takes on a pro bono case to exonerate a fourteen-year-old boy from a first degree murder charge, he finds a world he never knew existed in the underbelly of Manhattan – the Korean underworld. Infiltrating the knotty and complex realm of Korean organized crime to search for clues, he meets his match, Mike Juhn, a rising soldier in the syndicate. Recognizing John’s determination and daring, Mike brings John into his confidence, furtively drawing him into his scheme to re-shuffle the Korean underworld. Though they become fast friends, they just as quickly end up trying to outfox each other as they discover they’ll both do anything to win.

From John Cho ~
When I came to Los Angeles to pursue acting 10 years ago, it felt like I was one of very few Korean American guys in town. In the years since, the situation has changed dramatically – I would never have guessed then that there would be so many prominent Korean American actors working today. And it’s been so exciting to see that growth paralleled by the growth of Korean cinema in the global market.

I began to wonder what it would be like if resources and talent flowed both ways, from the United States to Korea and back? One of the first answers to that question is a Michael Kang movie I acted in called West 32nd. It’s set in New York’s Koreatown; it’s often bi-lingual; it stars Korean American and Korean actors; and it was financed by CJ Entertainment, a Korean company that took a chance on this uniquely entertaining thriller.

On a personal note, the experience of making this film is among the most gratifying of my life. My character’s discovery of his own culture mirrored my own experience with a largely Korean American cast and crew. It was a special time for me.

But the opportunity to give birth to a new category of film – the Korean/American co-production – is also special. In success, I hope this film is a catalyst for stories, talent, and resources to be shared between Koreans and Korean Americans. It would be a shame for us to drop the ball on this now.

West 32nd is available on DVD October 13. We ask that you please alert those you know. This is the way it happens – people emailing friends and family. Thank you very much for reading.

From Grace Park ~
The making of West 32nd, with its story, characters and cast, was an absolute gem of an experience. From the moment I read the opening sequence I was enthralled with the tapestry of visual stories that spun around you, seducing you into the underground world that lives and breathes on Manhattan’s West 32nd.

Upon meeting the cast at our table read the first day, it was apparent that we were in the presence of casting magic, which became transformed into charismatic, compelling, inviting and dark performances and characters. It is hard to take your eyes off of these people as they live on screen.

Being a part of this film was really important to me. It represents discovery. Discovery of my Korean heritage, peers, working in the Korean language, and the Korean film market. As well for the audience, there’s an unveiling, learning and exploration of this unique covert subculture. And finally I had a personal revelation of myself involving self-image, perception and awareness because of my experience of and interactions from playing “Lila”.

This film comes at an exciting time with Hollywood and Korea reaching out to each other, broadening and deepening their horizons. This film is a rich symbol of that consummation. Support and watch West 32nd and be a part of history.

As a side note, the music is from Heather Park, our featured interviewee for this week.

For additional footage: Clip 1, Clip 2

This is the launch of the “Dear Johnny” Dating Column for Korean Beacon.  Each Friday, I will post some thoughts and insights on the dating life of Korean Americans so that when 5pm hits every Friday, you’ll either be inspired or just know better.

Every Korean guy should mark September 24th 2009 as the start of a new beginning, especially when it comes to their dating career.  From John Cho to Tim Kang to Brian Tee and even Ken Jeong, the sex appeal and marketability of Korean men has reached a new plateau thanks to the roles played by Korean Americans on major Primetime TV shows.  Korean American men are portrayed as funny, sorta bad ass, smart, tough, and at times even kinda sexy.  Why is this important to point out?  Because ever since I can remember, the number of Korean guys dating non-Korean girls is dwarfed by the number of Korean girls dating non-Korean guys.  And to be honest, for a long time, it felt as though despite being raised with solid family values, obtaining a world class education, and even picking up some manners along the way, Korean guys were an unwanted species by the female population.  Sure we may not be the most gifted physically, but we are loyal, caring, and believe it or not, super charming!  And big props (no pun intended) to Hollywood to finally acknowledge it!

As I was browsing through the multitude of Koreans on TV on Thursday night, I noticed Ken Jeong playing a rather funny teacher in the NBC series Community.  But, in the box office hit, The Hangover, Ken pulls of a full nude frontal that probably didn’t leave the ladies drooling for more, but I guess you gotta start somewhere.  I’m sure Megan Fox would have made a special appearance in the movie had it been Rain pulling off the exhibition.

Next, I noticed Brian Tee ,who is half Korean and half Japanese, in the season premiere of C.S.I.  He’s been known to play the badass in many movies including Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.  In the episode, Brian plays a wealthy guy who tragically lost his white girlfriend, played by Tahnya Tozzi, of almost 1 year, to a homicide.  Even though he didn’t get major airtime showing the relationship develop, I was convinced he loved her, especially when the cops came to interrogate him at the craps table and he pulled out a bling bling engagement ring and said something like “I was going to give this to her.”

Last but certainly not least, you’ve got John Cho, aka Harold, from Harold and Kumar go to White Castle.  He’s an FBI agent in the new ABC series FlashForward with a pretty major role.  I guess after his sword fighting scene in Star Trek, Hollywood was convinced he could fight more than Romulans.  However, the reason I saved John for last is because of his break through role he can potentially play as the fiancé of the character played by Gabrielle Union. Yes, you read that correctly, the Gabrielle Union from the movies Bad Boys II and Deliver Us From Eva.

Pairing a Korean-American and a Black woman as a romantic couple on TV? I hope trends like this continue so that if I ever do fall in love with the likes of Halle Berry or even Beyonce, my parents will appreciate that in America, it’s all good. More importantly, I hope everyone can embrace that if you’re attracted to someone and get along with someone, nobody should care what the norm is and what others might think, just do it.