Strip Dancers and Nude Models…What’s Going on with This Korean American Reality Show?

[ 7/28/2010 ]

The Korean American community has expressed serious concern about ‘K-Town Reality Show (working title),’ directed by well-known actor and rapper Tyrese Gibson (Tyrese Gibson). The program is drawing attention in the United States. Scheduled to air on the US cable channel MTV in September, it is being presented as a new series in the vein of MTV’s ‘Jersey Shore (Jersey Shore),’ which became hugely popular among young Americans by portraying the provocative and sometimes violent lives of Italian American young adults. Recently released preview and casting videos on YouTube and Twitter have sparked debate over the show’s content. The videos show scenes including alcohol being poured into the mouth of an Asian woman wearing revealing clothes; a neatly dressed woman suddenly putting on a blonde wig and heavy makeup before running into the street; and cast members drinking soju and singing. Many overseas Koreans and Asian internet users who saw the videos criticized the show, saying it would portray only an extreme side of Koreatown. “I’ve never seen people actually behave like that in Koreatown,” said one US-based commenter. “I’m worried viewers will generalize about Koreans.” Set in LA’s Koreatown, the show advertised for audition applicants with the announcement: “Seeking fun, attractive and diverse Asian Americans—especially distinctive personalities aged 18 to 30 who can experience and share life in Koreatown.” Profiles of the eight men and women cast on the show are gradually emerging. Based on their surnames, some viewers of the preview and members of the Korean American community believe the cast may include people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese or mixed Asian heritage. On their Twitter profiles, cast members describe themselves as Eurasian (of European and Asian heritage), second-generation Korean American or Chinese American. Their occupations include hairstylist, nightclub owner, actor, dancer, personal trainer and nude model, and strip dancer. A local newspaper also reported that one cast member attended John F. Kennedy (JFK) High School in Guam. The school is also known as the alma mater of S.E.S. member Eugene.