Which Korean Entertainer Will Become An American Star?12:45 pm | Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
NAME: JEON JI-HYUN, actress (a.k.a. Gianna Jun)
CROSSOVER POTENTIAL:
WHY SHE WILL: Her breakout performance in My Sassy Girl (2001) rocketed her to idol status throughout Korea, and her model-esque face and frame didn’t hurt either. Newly christened “Gianna,” the actress makes her English-language debut in the forthcoming Blood: The Last Vampire (this summer in Europe, next year in the U.S.).
WHY SHE WON’T: The trailer for her flick looks promising on some popcorn shit, but the real test will be if she can escape the kung-fu/sword-fighting/ass-kicking genre (rappers:hood flicks::Asian stars:hiyah!!! movies). Somebody write her into an American rom-com, stat!
TRAILER: Blood: The Last Vampire (2009)
PREVIOUS
d March 31, 2009 at 1:17 pm
just a heads up ray park is playing snake eyes. lee byung-hun is playing storm shadow.
Se7en March 31, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Se7en, Boa, and all these artists need better advisors. Or these Korean entertainment companies should just train native speakers. It ain’t going to work!
N April 3, 2009 at 7:42 am
+1
yap. i do think they should train some native speakers…it’s much easier
suckitmarshall March 31, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Complex must have mad koreans working there. Or at least one who reps way too hard for his/her set.
soleman23 March 31, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I was thinking the same suckitmarshall.
But at the same time we gotta know what’s going on on outside of the U.S. entertainment.
I believe Complex is doing good on exposing outside of the U.S. entertainment game.
You will be REALLY surprised how Korean actors, actress, singers are doing good in Asia(I’m talking about WHOLE ASIA).
Why not Japan? Here is thing about Japanese entertainment. Not many can understand their entertainment. Look at “Hole in the Wall”, “Wipeout”. Plus the Historic reason (they did really messed up sh!t during the WW2). Chinese? Their movies are coming up again, but mostly their movies about ol’ historic worrier flying fighting thing. But look at how well Korean movies are doing on Cannes movie festival. (Cannes Movie Festival has more respect than Academy Award)
Look at Hollywood, we are barely getting in Asian FEMALE(”sex”) on TV screen. How many good looking charismatic Asian actor have you seen since “The Last Emperor”? When it comes down to famous Asian actors in Hollywood, or any entertainment in the U.S. , ppl only know Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, who entertain us with their moves, not much of talking.
It is matter of time for America to open up their market to Asian. Look at Kanye how he is in love with Murakami works.
DeShawn Stevenson March 31, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Here’s the thing about the Japanese—they may love (and study) American culture but they pride themselves on absolute authenticity…meaning if they’re gonna recreate cholo-style gang culture in Japan, they are going to do that to the maximum, overlooking no detail. Koreans copy and profit…Japanese obsess and recreate.
You don’t see too many Japanese forays into American entertainment simply because I feel the Japanese are self-conscious and self-aware enough that they wouldn’t want to try to sell a fake Americanized Japanese singer to our market (Utada doesn’t count, she grew up here). Japanese are self-conscious enough just about speaking English alone as tourists! There’s a quiet pride about the Japanese in that they don’t seek validation from us the way Koreans do.
1M March 31, 2009 at 5:53 pm
DeShawn Stevenson, I co-sign. You know how things work out there.
Korea does have many talented acts but they’re just not suitable for the American market. Why do they need to come here?
LeBron James March 31, 2009 at 9:18 pm
DeShawn Stevenson, i see your kind of skeptical about their debut. as you know, these guys are not random “FOB” they’ve been conquering asian entertainment market for years and known for their talents. your talking about asian people as if you were “ASIAN”. just be quiet and go practice and pray for agent zero to come back. obviously, you guys needs some WIZARD power in washington wizard.
uknow April 1, 2009 at 10:31 am
+1
uknow April 1, 2009 at 10:33 am
+2
REF April 8, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Search on youtube for map the soul and listen to the worldwide english version, great stuff.
jeeeeez April 1, 2009 at 10:39 pm
I don’t think it’s Japanese ‘pride’ that stops them from coming over to the US, but more of a ‘Oh I can make money at home, so why bother’ sort of attitude.
At least the Koreans are brave enough to take a challenge I say. What’s wrong with wanting to be recognized in a larger market?
Naive Observer January 2, 2010 at 4:58 am
Whoa Whoa Whoa guys….
I didn’t know there were such strict rules for becoming famous….
Obviously Koreans are talented enough to do all this. Heck, its the consumers’ choice, if they like it, they buy it. What’s the problem? So if the Koreans are good, then we should give them a chance
Kawasaki March 31, 2009 at 9:10 pm
great article from complex. If “ENGLISH” is their obstacle in becoming a SUPERSTAR, they better get one of those surgery to stretch out their tounge.
jason April 2, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Typical jap response about korean. Amazing
You March 31, 2009 at 9:42 pm
She landed 127 on the Billboard, not 142.
Lin April 3, 2009 at 3:28 am
Just little difference
Lin April 3, 2009 at 3:35 am
127 and 142 …What a big difference! Who cares? only Korean kids and teenagers might do.
ha April 3, 2009 at 7:17 pm
would you care if you get B+ instead of A-?
i bet you care about it.
sq6 April 4, 2009 at 5:56 pm
but we’re talking about F+ and F- here…
Kaybee March 31, 2009 at 10:39 pm
I don’t think much of the music pop icons because the West already has tons and tons of them including ‘Idol stars’. Asian Idol stars lacks the western nuances to be a star there but one never knows…In my opinion those Korean stars vying for the Western (North American) markets should not imbibe the western ways and instead ’sell’/market their Eastern style with a punch (which they lack greatly).
The Korean actors on the other hand are promising. Koreans are one of the best actors in the world (in my opinion again). Even their sidecastes actually act well even in a minute role if you pay attention…
Lee Byun Hoon can do wonders…Rain…others too…
uknow April 1, 2009 at 10:30 am
money, money, money, money..
KSentry April 3, 2009 at 2:13 am
Ha ha, you don’t need to be native speaker in US to be the next US idol. Just look at other starts that came out of Australia, Mexico and France. Do American really know how to speak correct English?
American accent is not even main English accent and Americans are sux at their English. Do Afro-Americans speaks correct English? So what is the real American native language sound like?
I think this show that US is not ready for Asian stars. I wonder why US is rolling empty stomach, good luck with Britney Spear and Snoop dog shits.
DJSHINE April 4, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Hey, as a fellow Korean I wanted to say, “Your English sucks. Please don’t try to sound articulate when you’re not capable of doing so.” Also, please read the article thoroughly and make an argument that is viable. The article isn’t belittling these Korean entertainers, in fact, it’s promoting their visibility in America. And if you really use your brain just a little bit, you can figure out this article was most likely written by a Korean.
k April 3, 2009 at 6:16 am
Japanese are recreative,self-conscious people?
ha! do you really think so?
They just copy and immitate America.
I dont understand why many AMERICANS LOVE FUCKING JAPANESE PEOPLE.
BangBang April 4, 2009 at 6:46 pm
The Japanese are able to market their culture, and they have been successful while doing so. Koreans? When I was in Korea, all I saw were crosses (meaning churches), and people dressed in similar clothing, and listening to identical music. Koreans lack authenticity. And although both Koreans and Japanese cultures are relatively traditional and close-minded, Japanese people take in other cultures more easily, and freely than the Koreans. Maybe that’s why us Gaijins are more drawn toward the Japanese than the Koreans?
well... April 12, 2009 at 3:09 am
I have to completely agree with you.
Japanese ARE way more open-minded towards accepting other cultures.
That’s why none of the Japanese girls are virgin by the time they graduate high school.
How admirable.
aoiyu April 3, 2009 at 8:36 am
The most important thing is possibility not English.
Don’t criticize them if you don’t know about them enough.
I’m so annoyed.
Rena April 3, 2009 at 8:44 am
This article makes valid points, but at the same time seems to be typical American (ignoring the rest of the world)
So what if BoA doesn’t sound sexy and Se7en’s style isn’t most current?
There are plenty of US singers who sound sexy and sing in the most modern style so I don’t know why the Americans would want even more of them – it would make the US entertainment industry utterly boring.
I can’t say whether the Koreans will be successful in the US, but at least they’re providing more variety
brireo April 3, 2009 at 10:18 am
I don’t know how objective it is~
But thank you for making your subscribers to think about BoA~^^
Every reaction people do will be helpful to BoA.
Criticism? it’s ok~^^
But bad reply or a personal attack are not acceptable!
thank you~^^
just way to go, BoA!!!
aaaaaaa April 3, 2009 at 10:59 am
Rain, Se7en and Boa becoming a household name in the US.. lol
We are more likely to see Paris Hilton declare herself a monk and live a life of piety in Himalayan jungle.
That being said, this is a poor article. It is ignorant, and disrespectful to Koreans.
Whoever wrote this is probably Japanese
Killa April 4, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Wow, if Se7en and Boa do become household names ain’t that good thing for you? Read the shit before you make any comments B. How the fuck is this shit disrespecting your ppl when it puts ya’ll on the spot?
well... April 12, 2009 at 3:18 am
Ok…
I’m Korean, but I have to say….
This article, like Killa says, is actually putting Korean singers/actors that are comming into US on the spot.
If any American who doesn’t have a Korean friend knows anything about one of these actors, they would probably read about them on this article.
Seriously, do you think any average American gives a crap about Korean celebrities?
And besides, just because the article says that there is a slick chance of Korean celebrities becoming popular in US, it’s not being disrespectful to Koreans.
Since when did celebrities represented their countries?
GoGoSunie November 15, 2009 at 1:15 am
I found out about these stars before I had a Korean friend and before I read this article.
daron April 3, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I didn’t know JiHyun Jeon was crossing over into Hollywood! She is one of my favorite actresses of Korea, Japan, US, anywhere. U Go Girl!
blondie April 3, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I am ashamed to be White. I think its time that ignorant Americans stop b*tching about other races coming into the entertainment business (or any kind of U.S. market). Maybe if we didn’t degrade others and actually accepted everyone’s culture, they wouldn’t want to talk shit as much. So stop criticizing the actors!!
At least they had the courage and passion to leave everything they had, such as fame and money, behind and take on the challenge. I don’t see American celebs going to europe or any other foreign country and banking it. I bet if you didn’t speak Korean and went to Korea to be famous, you wouldn’t have that much luck either. OH WAIT!! unlike Stupid American’s almost 99% of the population knows English/other language!! so maybe you’ll have a chance if you get rid of that judgmental attitude.
The fact that you speak english but yet you’re only a low paying, website journalist who makes money by humiliating others, makes you lower in standing.
I think we should encourage them, although they lack the communication through speech. We should let their actions, courage, and strive speak for it self. NOT your stupid a** judgement.
Get a life.
Hey April 4, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Look at Far East Movement, Jin, Utada – they ALL are fluent speakers of English.
But they have never gone as far as the main Hot 100 billboard (I’m not talking about sub genres). So don’t tell me crap about speaking fluent English when lack of promotion is more of a problem.
Just listen to the radio: There SEVERAL average songs – the one bugs me the most is ‘Day and Nght..’ it’s not even singing nor rapping! Just.. talking with the music. How can that get so much airplay when all other songs that are the same or more quality can’t get much exposure?
DayNnight April 4, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Lack of promotion is a problem, but if you can’t speak English, how are you going to promote yourself? PS. Day and Night might not be a traditionally “hot” record, but neither was any rap music when it first came on to the scene. Do you think people of the soul and disco generation though RUN DMC’s music was hot? I don’t think so.
Hey April 4, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Well I’m not ruling out that English is not a factor to break into the market, but these artists DO know some English to get by interviews and conversations.
Shakira had a similar problems learning the language, but eventually improved her English and had a strong promotion team.
There are several artists (in general) who have lived in U.S. and speaks fluent English, yet their music can’t go too far without the right people behind them.
well... April 12, 2009 at 3:23 am
dude…
what the fuck are you saying?
please speak correct English
Hey April 4, 2009 at 4:40 pm
YAlso native English speakers don’t use correct grammar in a lot of their songs, too.
Timbaland’s “The Way I Are” anyone?
Jacq April 4, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I don’t think it will happen….
Miss747 April 5, 2009 at 2:48 am
Please listen to his “Money can’t buy me love” …
edword April 8, 2009 at 7:16 am
It’s proof of their inferiority that Koreans have to seek the help of western songwriters in their pathetic attempts to crossover.
REF April 8, 2009 at 3:41 pm
If you listen to music by Epik High, they’re better than any american music act out there. Tablo is a native english speaker and even graduated from Stanford with an english degree. I think they have the very best chance to crossover.
Jkoom April 8, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Yes. Epik High is the only group that I would support in crossing over to America. They probably won’t though because they’re not like that. They’re not about the money, which is what the rest of these talentless losers are about. Seriously as a Korean I’m embarassed that the best Korea has to offer are artists like Seven or Boa. Yes, they may have been mega popular in Korea, but that’s only because of the thousands of kids who blindly think they’re the greatest things in the world. Let’s face it. There are some shit American talents out there, and Boa and Seven fall may be just a little above that category. They could never hang with the top artists not because their english sucks but because they just don’t have enough talent for it.
As for the actors? It’s a damn shame they come here and star in crap ass action flicks because they could do so much more, but movies are about delivery, and if you can’t get the language down right, it’s hard to act in a serious movie. A big part of acting is about the delivery of lines. They should really do well in promoting native speaking actors who have a better grasp of the American cultures if they really want to succeed in America.
well... April 12, 2009 at 3:29 am
Epic High?
You’ve got to be shitting me.
I like Epic High, but seriously, all their songs might work in Korea, but in US, it wouldn’t work.
Especially their beats, they suck.
theasianguy April 8, 2009 at 7:19 pm
wow
wats with u ppl bagging on the japanese ppl man…… -_-
wth they ever do……
clarity? May 17, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Boa and seven are actually not bad in the singing part
just that its hard to sound gud singin in another/unfamiliar language
n the actors, well, communication is the priority so i dun think they’ll be successful
jet li jackie chan was successful cuz jet li was skilled n had cool stunts, jackie chan was comedic n skilled as well – both martial artists
but these actors just noe acting
so i’d say not much chance, but its a gud effort
and an honorable challenge to at least try
M~ November 19, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I like Korean pop music (and I’m black and don’t speak the language). I don’t think its the language barrier that is a problem for Korean stars trying to make it in the US. For one, there is a serious lack of promotion. I’m -assuming- in S. Korea, a lot of the promotion for artists come from radio and TV appearances (esp. ‘making the band’-type shows – Big Bang, Wonder Girls and SNSD all did that). However, the american music scene is fickle, and these artists need more guerrilla style marketing to make it. That is, creating their own social networking pages instead of one created by the record company, and reaching out to the fans by showcasing their personality as well as the music. It worked for Lily Allen. Even Miley Cirus has her Youtube show with her friend.
More importantly, STOP trying to appeal to the tween set. BoA is 23, the WG’s are 17-23, working w/ the Jonas, no. Jordin Sparks, a step up. Focus on the 16-25 crowd, you don’t have to slut it up, just put out something that can strike a chord with people.
Another issue is image. BoA’s team went from hip-hop to punk with her look trying to broaden her appeal. Watch her american videos and then watch her new Japanese video ‘Bump Bump’ or older vids ‘Valenti’ or ‘Lose Your Mind’. Better example is the Wonder Girls. They look identical now in their ‘Nobody’ video, but watch ‘Now’ (a Fin.K.l cover) or ‘Irony’ or ‘So Hot’. They had individuality and a certain spark. Don’t change your image to fit the american market. What worked overseas can work here. If record companies gave a damn, they would see that these Kpop artists already have fans in the West who love their (for lack of a better term) ‘Korean-ness’, the clothes, the playfulness, the colors and the fun in their music and when they do commercials is appealing, bring that energy over here.
You don’t have to be the next anybody. Sex does not always sell. Sex appeal, yes, and these artists do have that, but in Korean culture, its subtle, and I think these artists do feel uncomfortable being too sexy b/c they don’t want a backlash from their fans in Korea. Crossover artists need a thick skin, and they need to be comfortable promoting their image here, and making an English version of your popular songs and using that as a single and not just an album track should help.
Dia January 17, 2010 at 11:50 am
BAE SEUL-KI has good song called ride with me, i dont understand a word but i can get down with that song