Koreans in Hollywood

Koreans are increasing their presence in Hollywood. You have people such as Aaron Yoo, who recently played a hilarious role in the movie '21' popping up more frequently in movies these days. While most of these roles are given to native english-speaking Koreans, you do have some from the motherland playing roles in Hollywood as well, such as Yunjin Kim from Lost. You also have kpop idols such as Rain (Bi) with roles in the movie Speed Racer, and se7en working in the United States trying to release an album here. With the increasing presence of Koreans in Hollywood, who will truly break out? Sooner or later there will be a Korean superstar in America, but will it be soon rather than later? Only time will tell, here are the profiles of the Koreans with various roles and making their contribution in Hollywood:

John Cho
John Cho
35 years old, born in Seoul, South Korea. Moved to Los Angeles, California when he was six years old. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1996 with a BA in English. After graduation he taught English shortly at Pacific Hills High School in West Hollywood, California. He was voted one of the sexiest men alive in 2006 by "People Magazine". He popularized the term 'MILF' as the MILF Guy in 'American Pie'. He was one of the main stars, playing Chau on the now defunct sitcom 'Off Centre'. He also had roles in 'Bowfinger', 'Better Luck Tomorrow', and 'American Beauty'. His most famous role is his role as Harold in 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle'. You can see him later this year in a recurring role as Harold in 'Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay' and next year as 'Sulu' in 'Star Trek'.

Aaron Yoo
Aaron Yoo
28 years old, born in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Graduated from Ivy League University of Pennsylvania in 2001. In 2007 had roles in 'Disturbia' and 'American Pastime', recently played a role in the movie '21'.

Grace Park
Grace Park
34 years old, born in Los Angeles, California. Graduated with a degree in psychology at the University of British Columbia. She was named in the "Maxim Online 2006 Hot 100 List". She had roles on 'Romeo Must Die' and 'Stargate SG-1'. Her most famous role is as Sharon Valerii in the hit tv show 'Battlestar Galactica'. She doesn't like being confused with another famous Grace Park (famous korean golfer). She currently resides with her husband / real estate developer Phil Kim in Vancouver.

Leonardo Nam
Leonardo Nam
28 years old, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Moved to Sydney, Australia at the age of 6, and studied architecture at the University of New South Wales. At 19, he followed his dreams of being an actor and moved to New York City. He has played roles in 'The Perfect Score', 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift', 'American Pastime', and more recently 'Vantage Point'.

Sandra Oh
Sandra Oh
36 years old, born in Nepean, Ontario, Canada. She was offered a journalism scholarship at Carleton University, but against her parents wishes she rejected it and paid her own way to study drama at the National Theatre School of Canada. Somehow she was on the list of the "50 Most Beautiful People" by "People Magazine" in 2005. She has had various small roles in her career, her most famous role was as Dr. Christina Yang in 'Grey's Anatomy'. She has won a 2006 Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Series and a 2006 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role on 'Grey's Anatomy'.

Sung Kang
Sung Kang
36 years old, born in Gainesville, Georgia. He has had roles in 'Pearl Harbor', 'Better Luck Tomorrow', 'War', and 'Live Free or Die Hard'. However, his most famous role came as he played the role of Han in 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift'. He's also a restaurateur, owning a restaurant named Saketini in Brentwood, California. He will reprise his role as Han in the upcoming 'Fast and the Furious' prequel movie.

Tim Kang
Tim Kang
35 years old, born in San Francisco, Califronia. Graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a B.A. in Political Science. Received an M.F.A. from the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard University. Also studied acting in Russia at the Moscow Art Theatre School. You've probably seen him in the past in Cingular & Home Depot commercials. His TV credentials includes roles on 'Third Watch', 'The Sopranos', 'Law & Order', 'The Office', and 'The Unit'. He recently played a role in the movie 'Rambo'.

Will Yun Lee
Will Yun Lee
37 years old, born in Arlington, Virginia. His father was a Taekwondo grandmaster. Was offered an athletic scholarship and majored in Political Science and minored in Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley. Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World 2002 by "People Magazine". His various roles in the movies include 'Die Another Day', 'Torque', and 'Elektra'. His various TV roles include 'Witchblade', and 'Hustle'. His most famous roles on TV were in 'Bionic Woman' and as the main star in Mariah Carey's music video 'Boy'.

Yunjin Kim
Yunjin Kim
34 years old, born in Seoul, South Korea. Moved to Staten Island in New York City when she was ten. Attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, studied drama at the London Academy of Performing Arts, and earned a degree in drama at Boston University. After graduation, she had small roles on MTV, and ABC but she moved back to Korea in 1997. She had some hits in Korea such as 'Shiri' and became a household name there. She came back to America in 2003, and her most famous role is on the TV series 'Lost'.

Daniel Dae Kim
Daniel Dae Kim
39 years old, born in Pusan, South Korea. Moved to Easton, Pennsylvania at the age of two. Graduated with a major in political science at Haverford College. Obtained his theatre major at Bryn Mawr College. Named one of the "Sexiest Men Alive" by People Magazine in 2005. His various TV credits include 'NYPD Blue', 'Beverly Hills 90210', 'Seinfeld', 'Charmed', 'Angel', 'CSI', '24', and his most famous role as Jin in 'Lost'. He also had some movie roles in 'Cradle 2 the Grave', 'Hulk', and 'Spider-Man 2'.

Rick Yune
Rick Yune
36 years old, born in Washington, D.C. Older brother of actor Karl Yune, graduated from Ivy League Business School Wharton in 1994. Qualified for the Olympic Trials in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 19. He was a hedgefund trader on wall street, and modeled for Versace & Ralph Lauren before turning to acting. He had some TV roles in 'Alias', 'Boston Legal', and 'CSI'. His most famous movie roles were in 'The Fast and the Furious', and 'Die Another Day'.

Karl Yune
Karl Yune
32 years old, born in Washington D.C. Younger brother of Rick Yune. Studied in business, literature, philosophy at Columbia University. He changed his major to theater after one day trying out the role for Romeo in Romeo & Juliet and winning the part at Columbia University's School of Arts. His most famous roles were in 'Anaconda' and 'Memoirs of a Geisha'. He will also be in the upcoming movie 'Speed Racer'.

Jang Dong-gun
Jang Dong-gun
36 years old, born in Seoul, South Korea. He went to school at the Korean National University of Arts but dropped out before he obtained a degree. He was famous for his various TV roles in Korea. And his most famous role was in 'Taegukgi: Brotherhood of War'. He's not trying to have a full fledged career in Hollywood but he will have his first role as the main star in 'Laundry Warrior'.

Lee Byung-hyun
Lee Byung-hun
37 years old, born in Seoul, South Korea. Majored in French Literature at Hanyang University, and majored in theater and cinematography at Graduate School of Joongang University. He has an IQ of 155. He made his TV debut in 'Asphalt My Hometown'. His movie roles include 'Joint Security Area' and 'Shiri'. His most famous role was in 'Everybody Has Secrets' which became a hit in Japan. His first venture into Hollywood will be as Storm Shadow in the upcoming movie GI Joe.

Rain Bi
Rain (Bi)
25 years old, born in Seoul, South Korea. He's a Korean pop singer, dancer, model, and actor. In 2007, Rain topped Time Magazine's online "Most Influential" user poll, he's also topping the list thus far in 2008. He also made it into People's 2007 list of the "Most Beautiful People" in the world. He has already made it big in Korea and other Asian countries, and is now trying to do the same in America. He will play a role in the upcoming movie 'Speed Racer'.

se7en
Se7en
23 years old, born in Seoul, South Korea. Debuted under agency YG Entertainment in 2003 and has become a megastar in Korea and Asia. He is now trying to bring his act over to the United States. Se7en has been working with former CEO of LaFace Records, Mark Shimmel and Grammy-winner Rich Harrison on his first American album. Fabolous, Three 6 Mafia, and others will be featured on his US singles. He recently held a controversial party at the Hiro Ballroom in New York City. No word yet on when his American Album will be released.

Joon Park
Joon Park (Park Joon Hyung)
38 years old, born in Seoul, South Korea. He moved to California when he was young and attended California State University, Long Beach. He is most famous for being in the kpop group g.o.d. There was a scandal when it was revealed that he was lying about his age, saying that he was much younger than he really was. In the past year, he has moved back to California to pursue a career in acting. He will play a role on 'Speed Racer' and also as 'Yamcha' in 'Dragonball'.

Bobby Lee
Bobby Lee
35 years old, born in San Diego, California. A comedian who is best known for his roles on MADtv. While attending community college, he was spotted by La Jolla's Comedy Store legendary manager Frank Burns and was offered a gig there. His breakout came in 2001 when he was offered to join the cast of MADtv. He had a brief appearance in 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle'.

Jamie Chung
Jamie Chung
25 years old, born in San Francisco, California. Worked as a waitress in Riverside, California before being asked to try out for MTV's "The Real World". She was selected to be on "The Real World: San Diego". She has also played roles on 'Days of Our Lives', and 'CSI'. She will be playing Chi-Chi in the upcoming movie 'DragonBall'.

Do you think any of the people above will make a huge splash in Hollywood? Let us know your thoughts!

Comments

1.  johnnydorama
Apr 11, 2008 - 04:22 PM
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ADD IN SUNG KANG… that guy is the coolest… LOL

2.  TheProdigy
Apr 11, 2008 - 04:30 PM
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Seriously Sung Kang is sweet.

kekekeke...you could add Bobby Lee mwahahahahahahahaha.

4.  kpop_rubba
Apr 11, 2008 - 04:42 PM
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^Yes I friggin love Bobby Lee <3 I love when he said people think he’s a Mexican with downs syndrome. Man after my heart right there!
Korean dudes are the hottest on the planet. Aaron Yoo MADE that movie disturbia.. I was like swooning in the theatre. Absolutely love John Cho and can’t wait for the guantanamo movie!
Leo Nam he looks hott in that picture but I can’t say I even remember him in Tokyo drift? He isnt that ugly half Korean half Japanese dude is he?
Lee Byung Hyun should stay in SK.. He annoys the heck out of me and I hate all his movies!
Oh and Jeon JiHyun and Song HyeKyo are making their Hollywood debut soon. So best of luck to them ^^

5.  yeli
Apr 11, 2008 - 04:56 PM

how come you didn’t mention that RAIN was actually in the Time 100 most influential people for 2006? or that he has the lead role in the upcoming Wachowski brother’s “Ninja Assassin”?..

anyways, i am only familiar with half of the people mentioned and it’s pretty cool that more koreans are being given roles...hope the numbers increase…

it seems to me like rain has had more success than the rest in terms of the roles he has gotten but who knows if the movies will fail…

6.  loraborax3
Apr 11, 2008 - 04:58 PM
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yay john cho is hott.

7.  ch0sshi
Apr 11, 2008 - 05:06 PM
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Bobby Lee! LOL John Cho and Grace Park are hott.

And Aaron Yoo looked pretty damn short when I saw him.. =x

8.  BlackYellowBrown
Apr 11, 2008 - 05:08 PM

This is a good thing, but nothing is going to change IMO.
Hollywood will always be racist towards Asians, Blacks and Latinos. Period.

9.  Beckbeck
Apr 11, 2008 - 06:02 PM

Drools. The Yune brothers, Sung Kang, Aaron Yoo, Leonardo Yam AHH eye candy!!

10.  pijiu
Apr 11, 2008 - 06:13 PM
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I really love watching Yunjin Kim in whatever role she is playing, I think she’s beautiful and hope she will be even more sucessful than she already is.

11.  DBSK LOVEx
Apr 11, 2008 - 06:20 PM
DBSK LOVEx's avatar

Sung Kang also did some cameos on MADTV, when they do the Korean Drama skits; He plays the Company President guy. *Q* Aaron Yoo is sooooo cute! I wanna rape SE7EN even though he’s becoming a fatboy ever since he came to the U.S.

12.  eumakai
Apr 11, 2008 - 06:28 PM
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I’m a big fan of John Cho and Leonardo Nam....and Sandra OH was amazing on GA...looking forward to some Korean stars american debut!

13.  Charlotte
Apr 11, 2008 - 06:43 PM
Charlotte's avatar

Bobby Lee.  whoo-hoo!

14.  rei212
Apr 11, 2008 - 06:46 PM

Wow these koreans are mad hot and most of them are really highly educated. I love John Cho and Bobby Kim!

15.  voyager
Apr 11, 2008 - 07:20 PM

Yay!
I personally think that acting is the best way for Asian people to get more recognition in the American market. It’s cool, and people will KNOW you,and won’t be so quick to judge.

FWAITING! (esp Lee Byung Hyun and Jang Dong gun)

16.  singinguy234
Apr 11, 2008 - 08:13 PM

woot woot! go koreans xDDD

17.  may930
Apr 11, 2008 - 08:35 PM

sooo happy that asians are starting to get recognition in the US market. not all of us asians in the US want to be doctors and lawyers and engineers.

18.  strawberry9212
Apr 11, 2008 - 09:04 PM

Omg, i saw 21 recently and aaron yoo’s character in it was funny, mischievous too, I wonder if hallyu will come to america also, it’s already conquered asia

19.  Epik.Life.Music
Apr 11, 2008 - 09:23 PM

wow i never knew that there were so many koreans in hollywood i never knew sung kang was korean lol i thought he was chinese

20.  jinny in a bottle
Apr 11, 2008 - 10:41 PM

I wanna rape Sung Kang<3 There’s something so… charismatic about him!

21.  sharoro
Apr 11, 2008 - 11:52 PM
sharoro's avatar

OMFG John Cho, Arron Yoo and Bobby LEe are the most awesomest koreans on earth!!

PUAHAHAHAH i love them so hot

most of the Krns that are actualy famous in US are all hecka white LOL

22.  HOLEYxxSMOKES
Apr 12, 2008 - 12:45 AM

i never knew there were so many korean people in the entertainment industry ... :]

23.  johnnydorama
Apr 12, 2008 - 12:55 AM
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Jinny it’s cause he rolled with Vin Diesel back in the day.... LOL

24.  crystal199187
Apr 12, 2008 - 08:09 AM

i like John Cho,Aaron Yoo,Will Yun Lee,Yunjin Kim and Daniel Dae Kim…
Hope they’ll be successful…
i also like Se7en but it’ll will be hard for him to succeed since he’s into singing while de others are into acting…
however,wish them all de best!!! smile

25.  igoRAWR
Apr 12, 2008 - 09:46 AM
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aaron yoo is adorable smile
grace park looks pretty too :D

26.  rydangel
Apr 12, 2008 - 10:08 AM
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Dayahm!!!Park Joon Hyung is hot! I don’t care how old he is with a body like that.

27.  H8erade
Apr 12, 2008 - 12:25 PM
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Maybe John Cho, Aaron Yoo, Sung Kang, and Grace Park have a chance to make it big. Those koreans who are korean-native speakers have no chance.

28.  boshi noi
Apr 12, 2008 - 12:49 PM
boshi noi's avatar

i have not idea about any of these people, (except for Se7en) but that’s ok, I’m happy that Koreans are increasing their prescence here, now the next step is KOREAN BOY BANDS!!!!

29.  rydangel
Apr 12, 2008 - 01:23 PM
rydangel's avatar

i think as long as they can speak english, and can act, they will do ok.they’ll have to do the token asian roles for a bit, unless they do the stereo typical martial arts action films and all asian casts films(i said it like that because most americans can’t tell the difference between the different asian ethnic groups). then they can crossover and do whatever. it’s a shame it has to be that way for minority actors, but that’s the hollywood format for success. you have to show hollywood you can bring in the money before they let you be famous.

30.  steviewonder06
Apr 12, 2008 - 01:28 PM
steviewonder06's avatar

Sung Kang is definitely the coolest
he played my fav character in “Tokyo Drift”, dude.

haha omg i only know 12 of the people on the list.lol.
i hope they do somehow breakthrough, The U.S. needs some diversity or maybe more of it. Someone’s gotta step it up, whether from Korea, Japan, Vietnam, anywhere in Asia. Breaking the stereotypes too, will hopefully happen soon.

I’m glad the Koreans are starting to show up more on the big screen. haha. =]

31.  j30345
Apr 12, 2008 - 03:39 PM

actors yes, musicians..NO..not in this industry

32.  FoxyLady415
Apr 12, 2008 - 03:57 PM
FoxyLady415's avatar

My god! The Yune brothers are fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine >_<
Rick better be good in that new Street Frighters movie that’s coming out! He’s playing the part of Gen… I forget who Gen is…

I always keep an eye out for Will Yun Lee’s movies and TV shows because I really enjoy watching him, very good actor.

But for the ones that are going to be in Speed Racer… Good luck with that because that movie is going to flop so bad…

33.  x_nana
Apr 12, 2008 - 04:13 PM

omgomgomg. lol.

34.  rlaxoal
Apr 12, 2008 - 04:25 PM

don’t forget jason kyson lee from “heroes.”

35.  xevilangel117x
Apr 12, 2008 - 06:36 PM

aaron yoo is hot

36.  bobacious
Apr 12, 2008 - 08:44 PM

i LOVE bobby lee!!!

37.  ninak711
Apr 12, 2008 - 09:18 PM
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i love bobby!
i think he mite be one of the best known =)

38.  MZ.YOOSU
Apr 13, 2008 - 01:06 PM
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OH DAMN Aaron Yoo is 28?
i didnt know that...i love him in ‘Disturbia’

39.  sLaVe
Apr 13, 2008 - 09:06 PM
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But aren’t there more people trying to come?

then again, that’s already a pretty big list.

-sLaVe

40.  crystal199187
Apr 13, 2008 - 10:00 PM

wat???
Aaron Yoo is 28 years old???
i din notice his age when i read his profile…
i like him in disturbia too…
i thought he was about 20 onli…

41.  godslilhelper
Apr 14, 2008 - 12:36 AM

wow these guys are pretty old i thought they would be younger

42.  geeksugar
Apr 14, 2008 - 06:54 AM

aaronyoo<3

aaron was the best friend dude

43.  BBlove17
Apr 14, 2008 - 12:57 PM

cool YunJin Kim lived on Staten Island!! I live on Staten Island which is like the most boring part of NYC lol its the forgotten borough.

44.  charlemagne
Apr 14, 2008 - 03:21 PM

lol yamcha in dragon ball raspberry..i ddint know john cho was so smart O.o

45.  Narnia
Apr 17, 2008 - 05:13 AM

i thought John Cho a chinese >.<
that guy from disturbia looks okay^^
nothing beat JDG NYAAAAAAAA!!!!!

46.  l1lhan4
Apr 19, 2008 - 02:24 PM
l1lhan4's avatar

Sung Kang is the coolest! ^_^

47.  krnkpopluvr212
Apr 19, 2008 - 03:57 PM

FoxyLady415...r u sure u dont mean Ken? Cuz there is no “Gen”...anyway..
JOHN CHO IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
uhhh...lol, Aaron Yoo sounds funny...XD. Bobby Lee is DEFINATELY funny..
omg, love that guy. Same for most of the other ppl...but i didnt know that the girls were krn except for Sandra Oh..knew she was in GA so that was kewl...YAY FOR THIS LIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

48.  brI_OHN
Apr 19, 2008 - 08:12 PM

wow, this list it tite, I didnt even know of like half these people

49.  nkaozouaher
Apr 21, 2008 - 03:29 AM

^me too!
i saw the preview today of speed Racer. I saw Rain.
In Brain in there too? I thought i saw him…

50.  paisley (Unregistered User)
Apr 25, 2008 - 07:10 PM

def support and love all of them! Sung Kang and Tim Kang should both star in tv shows. I’m suprised they haven’t gotten an offer yet. They seem to be types who can really break thru in the American market.
Tim Kang does such an great job in those commercials.
Sung Kang is just HOT! DAMN.

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