"No Need for Awkward English"... 'Post-Squid Game', K-Actors Heading to Hollywood

The success of 'Parasite' and 'Squid Game' is changing the casting landscape in Hollywood. Not only top stars but also lesser-known Korean actors are dreaming of the 'American Dream' and knocking on the doors of the U.S. market, according to analysis.

On the 20th (Korean time), AP News highlighted the changing local atmosphere in a feature article published on the 18th, stating, "More Korean actors are seeking to enter Hollywood following the global success of Korean content."

◆ "Not Just Asians, But 'Real Koreans' Wanted"

The most noticeable change is in the details of demand. Whereas Hollywood used to look for generalized 'East Asian' roles, now they want 'Korean characters' with specific cultural backgrounds. Alison Dumbell, co-founder of the LA-based agency 'Upstage Entertainment', stated, "There is an increased demand for specific Korean characters over the typical East Asian roles in Western works."

Of course, the fight against stereotypes continues. Dumbell said, "The most annoying thing is the typical 'geek tech programmer' role," adding, "Knowing that Korean actors have much more diverse acting skills, there are times when we don't even recommend them for such clichéd roles."

◆ "Korean Sentiment as a Weapon Over Rolling R Pronunciation"

The mindset of actors has also changed. Actor Julian Shin (real name Shin Joo-hwan), who played a masked soldier in seasons 2 and 3 of 'Squid Game', said in an interview with AP, "There was a time when I thought I had to roll my R's and act like an American, but now I feel it's okay to be myself, to be Korean if I'm Korean." This reflects the current trend where 'authenticity' and 'uniqueness' are valued more than language barriers.

Julia Kim, a Korean-American casting director who worked on the film 'Minari' and Netflix's 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', explained, "Recently, we announce open auditions through social media, especially Instagram, to find actors," describing the more accessible audition environment.

◆ Narrowed Domestic Position, Looking Abroad

AP also pointed to the deteriorating production environment in Korea as a background for this 'Hollywood rush'. With the recent decline in the number of Korean drama/film productions, reducing acting opportunities, and strict age restrictions, actors who have lost their footing are choosing the overseas market as a new breakthrough.