John Cho (존 조)

[THE HIGH TIDE OF THE KOREAN WAVE(36)] The Korean Wave and Korean-Americans

2008/06/20 | Source | Permalink |

The epicenter of the Korean Wave was East Asia, but gradually Korean popular culture has reached the shores of other continents as well.

Although its popularity in non-Asian regions is not as pronounced as it has been in East/Southeast Asia, the growing interest in and visibility of Korean popular culture in different parts of the world signifies its emerging position in the global cultural landscape.

In this increasing dissemination of Korean culture, the role of overseas Koreans is noteworthy since they are usually at the center of the consumption of their culture in foreign countries. Before the emergence of the Korean Wave, it was mostly introduced to the local population by Koreans living in other countries.

Since the Korean Wave has grown internationally, overseas Koreans have become crucial forces behind its promotion, as they are probably the most enthusiastic and closest followers of Korean pop culture in most non-Asian countries.

Korean-Americans' role in the spre...| More

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Who is the Real Harold?

2008/06/05 | Source | Permalink |

With his debut lead role as Harold in 2004's "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle", John Cho is now famously known as the "Asian" comedian, musician, and actor. Born in Seoul, South Korea on June 16th, 1972, Cho and his family immigrated to Los Angeles, California in 1978, where he spent most of his life. After graduating from the University of California, Berkley in 1996 with a degree in English, he became a teacher in West Hollywood at Pacific Hills School.

Not long after, Cho ended his teaching career to pursue his other passion: acting. His small breakthrough role in "American Pie" (1999) was the doorway to where he is today. To the general public, he is an Asian star from both "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" and "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay". However, to the Korean-American community, he is more than just a new star. Cho has become a new, influential Korean-American icon for many. By this handle, Cho brought forth a different perspective and affirmation of...| More

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Kimchi & Big Apple

2008/02/28 | Source | Permalink |

Koreatown in New York Never Sleeps

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

NEW YORK ― Luminous skyscrapers, the hustle and bustle of yellow cabs, poker-faced pedestrians and a dizzying mosaic of different cultures: it's New York City.

In a way, the Big Apple continues to symbolize the great American melting pot. For a "genuine" New York experience, a visit to Little Italy or Chinatown ― or the newly emerging hotspot Koreatown ― is essential.

Seoul in New York: West 32nd Street

On West 32nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway lies a small block lined with Korean-style stationary stores (Morning Glory), supermarket (Han Ah Reum) and cafes galore. West 32nd Street, with its anarchic array of neon signs that read "BBQ" and "Open 24 Hours", takes you back to Korea.

Flushing, Queens may be the ultimate Korean district in New York (and on the east coast), but it has that distinct "Korean American" quality that sets it apart from mainland Korea. Like Los Angele...| More

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Why would Hollywood be interested in Korean stars?

2007/12/27 | Source | Permalink |

- Strategic casting to target Asian market based on the popularity of the Korean Wave.
- Jang Dong-gun, Ha Jeong-woo, Song Hye-kyo are the first ones to make their debut in Hollywood as the main casts of American film.

One after another, an increased number of Korean stars, including Jang Dong-gun, "Rain", Lee Byeong-Heon, Jeon Ji-hyeon, Park Joon-hyung and Song Hye-kyo, had been cast in American films.

But, why would Hollywood be interested in Korean stars?

According to the analysis produced by the Film Promotion Committee, the average annual film marketing growth in America from 2000 to 2005 had been around 31,6 billion dollars. Comparing it against England (2nd – 5,2 billion) and Japan (3rd – 4,6 billion), the American market is approximately 6 time larger, the biggest market in the world. In particular, the film industry had been dramatically advanced and countless American actors are being already appearing in their films. Therefore there's seems no suitable reason t...| More

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Director Explores Korean-American Identity

2007/11/20 | Source | Permalink |

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

By bringing to Korea "West 32nd" ― a gritty, street-style crime film that delves deep into the underworld of New York Koreatown ― director Michael Kang explores the Korean-American identity, including his own. It is a continuation of the directorial concerns from his feature debut piece "The Motel"

"I needed this much time to get the film made, I needed `West 32nd' to be my second film. I think it was a personal journey, and it was a personal challenge, too, to make the film", Kang told The Korea Times in a recent interview in Seoul.

Growing up in the suburbs of New England, the award-winning director had never been exposed to such a large Korean community until he moved to New York for college.

"It was very jarring to me, my relationship with that community. I would walk around in Flushing (Queens, New York) and look like anybody else but I felt like I didn't belong there. That's what I very much wanted to explore (in `West 32nd'...| More

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