South Korean actor Amy Baik secured a role in a commercial last year, only to find her scenes cut because she lacked double eyelids, a feature highly prized in South Korean beauty standards. The 26-year-old said the experience made her question how she could survive as an actor in her home country.
Baik’s setback reflects broader challenges in the South Korean entertainment industry, prompting many performers to seek opportunities in Hollywood. The global success of productions such as Parasite, Minari, and Squid Game has opened doors for Korean actors abroad, creating a niche market for consultants who help them navigate American casting.
Julia Kim, a Korean American casting director whose credits include Minari, said Hollywood represents the ultimate goal for many actors. However, most lack the connections enjoyed by established stars like Park Hae-soo and Lee Byung-hun. Los Angeles-based agencies such as Upstage Entertainment aim to fill this gap.
Alison Dumbell, co-founder of Upstage, noted a growing demand from Western producers for specifically Korean characters rather than generic East Asian roles, partly driven by the popularity of South Korean entertainment. However, stereotypes persist, with Dumbell citing the “nerdy tech programmer” as a particularly frustrating trope.
For actors without established networks, Hollywood can feel daunting. Kim often uses Instagram for open calls and fields questions from South Korean talent about whether to adopt Western names, pay for agents, or look into the camera during auditions. Technical differences also exist: American audition tapes require clean white backgrounds, while South Korean headshots resemble fashion magazine portraits, according to actor Julian Shin.
Shin, who played a masked soldier in Squid Game seasons two and three, found Upstage through his wife. He said the success of former colleagues like Han Yeri and Jung Ho-yeon inspired his Hollywood ambitions.
