In previous columns and articles, we had kept mentioning the increasing numbers of Koreans (from South Korea or Korean-American) breaking into Hollywood and it looks like Newsweek has taken notice of this trend as well.  In an article titled “Korea Takes Hollywood,” Newsweek magazine (issue dated November 16) writes about the increasing importance of Korea as a new or emerging market for Hollywood because at the end of the day, it’s always about the money.  However, it does go beyond money and they’ve also noticed the talent pool of actors and directors.   Most recently, Koreans have penetrated Hollywood with significant roles like John Cho in Star Trek and FlashForward and Lee Byung Hun in G.I. Joe.  How about leading roles?  Kpop star RAIN will be the first Korean to be in the lead role of a major Hollywood studio film in the upcoming “Ninja Assassin,” and the cast includes other Koreans: Sung Kang and Rick Yune. On a side note, we’ll be at a private screening for Ninja Assassin and meeting up with RAIN later this week.

So what’s the challenge?  It goes both ways as the article illustrates.  To many Asian actors are typecast for martial art flicks.  And for the Korean actors, it’s a risk to come to Hollywood, even though it’s the biggest entertainment market in the world.  Those risks include alienating themselves from the South Korean market and losing out on opportunities,  as well as losing creative freedoms which potentially could be limited by big Hollywood studios.  There are certainly risks but more importantly, the Korean wave is continuing and people are noticing.

For our articles on the  Korean wave, you can check out a few past articles.

• Koreans Own Thursday Night TV
• Why are there more male actors?
• Korean Wave Into Hollywood

For the full Newsweek article, click here.