Battlestar Galactica’s Grace Park does Old Country proud
A couple of papers (Yonhap’s will do for our purposes) carried stories praising Korean-American former model and now actress Grace Park’s role as “Boomer” on the SciFi Channel’s remake of the 1970s series Battlestar Galactica.
Ms. Park made her debut with a brief role in the 2000 Jet Li flick Romeo Must Die, and had also appeared in Dark Angel (which I actually enjoyed tremendously) and Stargate SG-1.
Not only does the former psychology major have a cute ponytail and look good in a uniform, but she’s apparently something of a skilled linguist, speaking English, Korean, Chinese, French and Spanish.
On a related note, the Kyunghyang Shinmun’s Newmaker magazine ran a piece a couple of days ago on the Hollywood’s Korean Invasion. Lots of names on the list, including Lost’s Kim Yun-jin, Sandra Oh, Rick and Karl Yune, John Cho, Will Yun Lee, Joseph Kahn (known for his music video work) and more. As the piece points out, most are second generation Korean-Americans with poor commands of the Korean language (not that it said this was bad, but stated rather simply as a fact). Also interesting at the bottom was a Netizen comment pointing out that most of the ethnic Korean actresses working in Hollywood do not conform to Korean standards of beauty; rather, they are somewhat “homely” in the eyes of Korean men. True or not, I don’t know, but it is apparently one man’s opinion.
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So what has this got to do with Korea other than ethnicity? Take away Kim Yun Jin and there are no Koreans in Hollywood. It’s really silly, really.
Hey, how do you expats watch Battlestar Galactica over there? Hmm… Do you expats use PDbox or Edonkey/Emule?
Anyway, cuteness aside, she stinks as an actress. Not as much as Daniel Dae Kim, but stinky nonetheless. Again, maybe it’s the material – I haven’t seen her in anything else – but Grace Park is really kind of flat in Battlestar Galactica.
I like the positive message, Mr Marmot. However you are leting a lot of Korean talent and possible role models for young Korean wannabe stars go unmentioned.
Here is a few more hollywood Koreans (some go by hollywood names)
Brooke Ashley,(She was the first hollywood actess to die of AIDS)
Kristara Barrington AKA China Lee (She is not Chinese but maybe she thought the name was catchy)
Kitty Yung (Strangly she denys being Korean)
Sung Hi Lee (as you know she is famous for the TV version of Mortal Kombat)
Todd Park of Big Head Todd and the Monsters (I am pretty sure the “big head” part has nothing to do with his ethnicity)
Funny you should mention Sung Hi Lee. Wife got out “The Girl Next Door” on DVD last night, and as I was watching it, I was like, “holy shit, is that Sung Hi Lee?”
Sure enough, it was…
Um, interesting what Dude has to say, even though he’s almost completely wrong.
Porn stars Brooke Ashley (who isn’t dead, but does have Aids) and Kristara Barrington are only half-Korean, and porn star Kitty Yung (real name Tia Son) has stated in interviews that she’s half Korean and half Hawaiian.
If the Dude wanted to mention any Koreans in porn, he should have mentioned Chrissy Li, who did about eleven films and couldn’t speak or understand English well. She made the domestic press in Korea because in her debut film, she said she was from Korea.
I think Dude was trying to say that there are Koreans in US porn, but until recently most said that they were Chinese or Japanese.
“most of the ethnic Korean actresses working in Hollywood do not conform to Korean standards of beauty” - ugh! What these Korean men mean by “Korean standards of beauty” is the fake plastic surgery “beauty” that makes most Korean female celebrities look similar to each other in that vacuumed artificial way, hence not even a “Korean” standard but more “Japanese/Korean/Hong Kong Chinese/etc Plastic” standard. Beauty IS in the eye of beholder, I guess - but puhleeze, Korean men, who themselves look like an average Korean man with all the Korean features but consider only artificially put-together Caucasian-looking Korean women beautiful, need to look in the mirror and get a reality check. That’s really pathetic that it was even brought up.
To the Jack,
We can guess where you get your nickname “THE JACK". The way I look at it The Jack, I am almost almost completely right. However, you got me! You did find one mistake in what I said. Good for you kiddo!!
On your other comment, about there being more Chinese and Japanese in porn. Hmmm.. I donno.
But I got one for you The Jack! There are more white and black women in porn then Korean.
Out do that The Jack.
Kimbob, why wouldn’t what ethnic koreans do in america be of interest to koreans? Isn’t what americans do abroad interesting to americans? I know what australians do abroad is interesting to us…
And the rest of you, stop talking about porn. porn is just not really that interesting. There are loads of people shooting porn every where and you can do it yourself if you think it’s really that much fun.
dear dude,
i first saw your posts about twenty minutes ago in another thread. after seeing more of your posts here, you become much clearer. glad you know the ethnicities of asian porn stars. that’s a real talent:
you know their ethnicities AND their names! WOW!
I think the article forgot to mention Linda Park who I think is very attractive and probably fits the Korean standard of beauty: slim with the high cheek bones and big eyes.
To many Korean’s suprise, these Korean American actors may not have a strong connection to their language and heritage. KA parents these days, although a majority of them are 1st generation, work so much and are so busy with other things, don’t keep their kids connected to the culture of the homeland. Furthermore, the next thing KA parents emphasize is doing well in school, getting good grades in English, Math and Science classes. With so little reinforcement, kids do well in school, go to college, get a profession, etc. but pretty much loose many of their roots by the 2nd generation. That’s just the reality of life in the U.S.A for the 2nd generation. It’s funny though, you look at some of the Korean dramas about KA college students and adoptees and they all speak perfect Korean! Most adoptees I know can’t speak a word of Korean. Do most Koreans in Korea believe that the Korean language is genetically preserved somehow?…. hahahahaha!
Also to the idiot who named all the suspected KA porn stars. I find it interesting that he knows that much detail about the major stars in the porn industry. Perhaps it’s a skill he shouldn’t advertise? DUDE… get a life.
One Korean American actor that has largely been ignored nowadays is Philip Ahn, the son of the famous Dosan Ahn Chang Ho. Here we are talking about a very accomplished actor, who was in dozens of movies and co-stared in half a dozen or so. He was the master who said “if you grab this pebble from my hand, it will be time for you to go” to David Carradine in the series Kung Fu. He was one of the founding fathers of LA’s Koreatown and a pioneer in the community. It’s just sad that many people have forgotten about him.
wangkon936–that’s really interesting stuff about Ahn and his father. One perennial thing about Hollywood is that Asian (well, and Latino) actors end up playing just about every other ethnicity than their own.
Slight nitpicking here, but I do believe she’s Canadian. 90% (if not all) of her filmography are of series/movies that have been filmed in the Vancouver area.
Canadians always say things like that (-_-;)
Some of you seem suprised that I broght up Korean hollywood talent on a website that discusses issues about Korea. Hmmm… why? Some of you need to quit being so negative.
Anyway, what about that actor on voyager! He was a scene stealer. Likewise the guy on barny miller, holy crap he was a rib ticker!!
I think its only a matter of time before the Yoma-san craze hits the old USA.
More to the point (and more related to the topic of Battlestar Galactica), what’s up with all the aliens speaking English? I know I’d be disappointed travelling 50,000 light-years to find out everyone speaks English and the alien planets look just like Vancouver.
the most important thing is that none of them are any good actors, or had any decent roles
Dude:"think its only a matter of time before the Yoma-san craze hits the old USA.”
Tongue in cheek, right? I have 2 takes on this:
First, everybody knows the reason middle-aged Japanese women have a thing for effeminate males (as so many Korean actors are )is oppression and male-domination. They don’t realize we Koreans are not much better. (By the way, check Oranckay’s link to the article on the English web site that placed the blame squarely in the hands of the male dominent mentality of us Korean men - bingo.)
Second, the Yoma-san craze already involves the US. Its not just Korean men that Japanese women are after, but Western men as well. Anything but Japanese men. They’re no fun at all.
OK, Korean actors…there’s another guy named Park who often plays a bad Jap in war movies. By the way, Korean actresses in the US are surgically enhanced as well - someone mentioned Linda Park (you think shes that bad Jap’s daughter?)
Here’s more pics of Grace Park. I think she fits very well within the Korean ideal of beauty. Her makeup style is typically western though.
http://www.galactica2003.net/cast/park.shtml
Good point Mizer5,
The 50-60 year old japanese womyn croud is pretty wild about Yomasan. But there are a lot of 50-60 women in the US and Canada.
About that Park momma, she looks cornable !!
kimbob, you have no right to decide the ethnic label of those korean-american actors. by saying there are no “koreans” in hollywood, you’re saying they can only call themselves “american.” (In Hollywood, I can assure you that they are seen as “Asian.")
what if they were born in korea and then moved to the states? then would you decide that a certain number of years in korea makes them “korean"? does J.LO not have the right to call herself puerto rican because she grew up in the bronx?
yes, korean news acts like the proud parent whenever a korean-american makes the news, and no, there isn’t much relevance to the korean peninsula if will yun lee is starring in a new movie. but koreans like to know that an ethnic korean is being recognized in the US.
Eileen, for my tongue and cheek post, I just happened to base my opinion by citizenship. As far as I know, all of the actors and actresses minus Kim Yun Jin, hold American passports. Like I said, it was tongue and cheek, jeesh..
‘woman-like korean men…’
i’ve never thought of korean men as femme. you’re a korean guy, aren’t you, mizar5? please keep writing about this; i find it interesting.
‘50-60 year olds crazy for yonsama…’ dude
actually the bulk is made up of 30-40 year olds but i understand why you need to believe the 50-60 year old crap. yon makes you angry, no? are you one of those white guys who got passed by when the euro good looks were being passed out? perhaps more reserch into asian porno will help….
I think she’s gorgeous!
Aside from their evident beauty, both Grace Park and Kim Park have chosen roles which highlight independence and intelligence. Judging from their list of talents, this is not far from their actual personalities. The gap between American and SK TV, from fantasy that manages to be more realistic, and reality that manages to create fantasy, is clear. Both actresses portray useful and inspiring roles for women, especialy Asian-American women, in a modern world, not the refeudalized one SK is becoming.
Someone mentioned Park’s wooden-ness in BG. How many actors have ever tried to pull off multiple characters? The last episode I watched showed at least four versions of her Cylon model. Anyway, the real story is that BG is better than Star Trek. If Paramount gave Park more air time with Jolene Blalock and less Scott Bakula, perhaps Enterprise would soar.
For the record, I’d take either Park over any cosmetic junkie of an SK actress anyday.
http://duophony.infidelworld.net/archives/new_world/index.html#a000350
Sorry, I should have written Linda Park on Paramount’s Linda Park. Its correct on my own site. What does a name mean anyway?
More on Linda Park on Enterprise. Not much flak about her Japanese-American character, Ensign Hoshi Sato. That’s another twist for Korean-Americans I’m surprised the SK press has not ridiculed. I’m sure its the usual American obliviousness about the differences between Asian nationalities, but is her role good or bad for Asian-Americans?
They’ve just started the BSG series in the US and I’ve had my faith renewed in Sci-Fi television. It’s a human drama that just happens to be set in space. It’s definitely for adults, and not just for the nookie scenes. I’ve noticed commenters on other sites had their own “9/11 moments” watching the first two episodes - it’s that strong a show.
I think Grace Park has done a great job as a schizo cylon and at least two clones. Even without changing scenes and uniforms, I can see the differences in each “personality". That says a lot.
Poor Linda Park, on the other hand, has been written in as just another wallflower on tediously predictable Enterprise.
King Nulji??? 50-60 year being crazy about Yomasan doesnt make me angry. In fact it makes me happy!! But I think it makes you angry. Dont be angry King Nulji.
I think your comments have opened a little window to your mind King Nulji. Perhaps we can talk about this, and heal your pain.
I’m sure its the usual American obliviousness about the differences between Asian nationalities, but is her role good or bad for Asian-Americans
Infidel
I noticed this too when the show started, though you may be right about the general obliviousness of the target audience. On the other hand, the writers and producers of Enterprise haven’t put much effort into the show since day one, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they knew but thought no one would care.
Hey Nulji-"euro good looks"- Maybe this is why Corean girls are all wild about English teachers. It sounds like you have a bit of jelosy. Did a handsome English teacher steal your lady, or sister.
Ryan:
Enterprise obviously believes Blalock’s ass (which is quite lean and eye-friendly) and a personality built on drug addiction, terminal illness, and psychiatric instability is more marketable than Park’s intelligence and independence. That along with the tits and violence formula coated with colorful assists from the rest of the ethnic New Deal coalition is Star Trek. It worked when an African-American and a white guy never kissed on screen, but its insulting to any American now. No Korean goes to America to become part of the 10%, but to make money and live without government interference. If ST is the cultural face of the liberal wing of the Dems, then please give me Simon Rosenberg, and fuck Dean!
About beauty: I’m reminded of this trip to an American store in Florida with my wife. It was before Xmas, so I playfully detoured her to the toy section. There were some dolls, three versions if I recall, asian, black, and white. All were equally garish, with exaggerated features, but my wife just hated the asian version. I joked about buying her one, but she was repelled by it.
I recall too that South Korean stores stock white-skinned dolls. I was shocked by this, because I think persons should look at a doll or an actress that looks like them, acts like them, or somehow gives them some self-respect. That doll in Florida didn’t have double eyelids or a sharp-edged nose, so it was ugly.
I thought Grace Park was one of the weakest actors on Battlestar Galactica through the first half of the season, but she’s really grown on me. She has several scenes in Episode 11, “Kobol’s Last Gleaming, Part I,” that are just outstanding, and bring her character full circle.
If you haven’t seen this show, it’s not just good sci-fi, it’s great TV.
Aside from their evident beauty, both Grace Park and Kim Park have “chosen roles” which highlight independence and intelligence.
there arent enough roles for Asians in Hollywood to CHOOSE. more like they take what they can get