Abc "lost"

[AMWD]

It started last Wednesday on ABC at 8pm, competing with
NBC "Hawaii." One of the stars is Daniel Dae Kim.

It was created by JJ Abrams and it looks like its pilot episode has
been floating around in the internet for the past weeks. We have been
hearing good things about the drama itself but unfortunately, it was
confirmed that DDK's character does NOT speak English and he plays
abusive stereotypical Korean husband.

We would normally be running campaign already at this point but we are
holding off for now only because DDK himself has spoken up on this
issue. From our understanding, DDK has been quite active in APA
causes According to his fan site, www.danieldaekim.org, he stated the
following.

To those folks who are worried about my role in "Lost," please tell
them not to be. What I do in the first episode is definitely not the
whole story. Things are not necessarily what they seem on the
island.... -- Daniel

This show will be under scrutiny even more so than "Hawaii" on NBC, and
we should be paying VERY close attention to how DDK's character will
evolve in the first 3 or 4 episodes for another reason. The creator,
JJ Abrams, although very talented, does not have a good track record
when it comes to APA male character portrayals in his shows. Another
popular ABC show "Alias" repeatedly featured stereotypical, foreign
Asian villains and NEVER once the show has used APA males in
substantial "good guy" roles, as far as we know. (Please let us know
if that's not the case.)

So we are doing "Daniel Dae Kim Watch"

We will record some scenes where DDK appears for the next few episodes
to see how his character develops and show you here at AMWD. That way,
people who missed the show or his scenes will be able to see them.
Come back to the page (http://www.asianmediawatchdog.com/abc/lost.html )
every week.
-------------------
Visit us at www.asianmediawatchdog.com

[kitty]

Hey, AMWD thanks for keeping on top of this. My understanding of the show was that the Korean couple's characters would evolve dramatically from where they began.

[Banana]

So, you mean, they'll evolve from a wife-abusing, no-engrish speaking, Asian man & a submissive and quiet Asian woman to a Chinese takeout fry cook that's also a gangster & a dragonlady that likes to sucky sucky?

[moser]

http://starbulletin.com/2004/09/22/features/index2.html

From Angry Asian Man

[kimpossible]

Thanks, moser. It's good to read the actors are aware and have concerns regarding their characters. I really do hope the story arc turns out to be much more than submissive oriental woman leaves overbearing evil oriental abusive husband for non-Asian guy.

Sun's toughness will surface as she becomes increasingly defiant to her husband's wishes. "I think she may hook up with another character on the island," Yun Jin says. "And they're now letting me get wear pants and a tank top and get out of that skirt and sweater

[ism]

So we're supposed to be placated that his default personality is to be abusive, yet extreme and rare circumstances cause him to evolve to be somewhat normal? They better be revealing some fantastic backstory to explain that.

[truMp]

I'll be keeping a close watch too, although it won't be too hard since the show is kinda interesting.

[BigLew]

This looks like a bomb waiting to explode.

[lethal]

I'm watching right now. I watched last week too. It was a decent show.

However, I'm not feeling how they can spin this into a positive story at all. DDK is an abusive husband who just told his wife to button the top button on her shirt. He's domineering. The actress herself speculates that she'll have an affair with another man in the group. This is somehow a positive portrayal of Asians?

Remember, the creator of this show portrayed North Koreans as heavy duty criminals in Alias.

[PropellerheadCP]

I'm watching right now. I watched last week too. It was a decent show.

However, I'm not feeling how they can spin this into a positive story at all. DDK is an abusive husband who just told his wife to button the top button on her shirt. He's domineering. The actress herself speculates that she'll have an affair with another man in the group. This is somehow a positive portrayal of Asians?

Remember, the creator of this show portrayed North Koreans as heavy duty criminals in Alias.

Ur... okay... so the Asian woman's going to run away from the mean-old Asian husband and have an affair with *gasp* one of the white actors on the show? Wait... she's got a mysterious secret as well? Wow... that sure is positive :rolleyes: I take it that she'll show her "strong side", when she defies her evil Asian husband.

DDK states that things will change. Let's see how that goes.

[Banana]

I don't hold out any hope of this turning positive in any way. Look, you can't polish a turd. It's still a turd.

[younggiftedandblack]

I don't hold out any hope of this turning positive in any way. Look, you can't polish a turd. It's still a turd.

He was nice to the pregnant lady. Maybe being stuck on the island will make him a better person (right before whatever is in that jungle gets him).

[Irezumi Kiss]

I'm getting the feeling that no matter what his character would be portrayed as, he'd still be under scrutiny. What would be the "right" way for his character to be, anyway? The flaws exist to make him interesting and to make you wanna watch him, right?

[Mr.Lum]

The chicks are hot. That's my favorite part. Not much else.

[ism]

I'm getting the feeling that no matter what his character would be portrayed as, he'd still be under scrutiny. What would be the "right" way for his character to be, anyway? The flaws exist to make him interesting and to make you wanna watch him, right?Make him normal, like the black guy with the kid (Michael and Walt)? Or the Arab guy (Sayid)? The fact that a good chunk of America has never seen these minorities in person makes the characters interesting enough by virtue of their ethnicity.

[deez nuts]

will she break away from her abusive korean husband and run to the strong arms and big hands of a sensitive caring white or black man for solace and comfort?

it'll make for some hot IR island love.

i await eagerly with much anticipation.

[mr. x]

i bet he'll die some martyr death like "im so fucking sorry i and the rest of asian maledom havent gotten with the 20th fucking century so i will take one for the team and stary behind to ensure that everyone else gets in the escape vehicle that i must stay out of to ensure it works right

[kimpossible]

i bet he'll die some martyr death like "im so fucking sorry i and the rest of asian maledom havent gotten with the 20th fucking century so i will take one for the team and stary behind to ensure that everyone else gets in the escape vehicle that i must stay out of to ensure it works right

I considered that the 'twist' might be that the nature of their relationship isn't really husband and wife. Maybe colleagues or spies on the run, or siblings from a high profile family on the run, and possibly the characters have been English fluent all along. Hard to tell, especially since I've only seen the last part of the two part intro.

It's interesting to see Dominic Monaghan on American television, though. I'm used to watching him on Hetty Wainthropp mysteries.

[younggiftedandblack]

See I think they speak English also. The lady looked like she was about to say something to the black guy when he was looking for his kid. Then ole boy gave her one of those looks and she acted like she didn't understand.

[lethal]

I considered that the 'twist' might be that the nature of their relationship isn't really husband and wife. Maybe colleagues or spies on the run, or siblings from a high profile family on the run, and possibly the characters have been English fluent all along. Hard to tell, especially since I've only seen the last part of the two part intro. Or they're really North Korean spies who blew up the plane...

[Banana]

Nice. Spies on the run are much better.

[mr. x]

Or they're really North Korean spies who blew up the plane...
beated to it

and then the north korean chick'll see the error of her ways when she gets an eyeful of americock

[kimpossible]

and then the north korean chick'll see the error of her ways when she gets an eyeful of americock

you mean 'mouthful'

[Tao]

you mean 'mouthful'
no, he means eye ful

hahahha, americock...that's priceless, sounds almost noble

[kitty]

an article from asianweek.com

http://news.asianweek.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=21dcf103c9148d61a5c38 c8b69234b79&this_category_id=171


It’s a Thursday night in Los Angeles on the eve of the long Labor Day holiday weekend, and a gathering is taking place in a bar nestled in a mini-mall in the heart of Koreatown. It’s a mixer for the Jindo Group — a loose affiliation of Korean Americans in the entertainment industry — which meets on occasion to both network and socialize.

In attendance are actors, filmmakers, studio executives and everyone in between, but no one in the room has a nicer tan than actor Daniel Dae Kim.

Although Kim has made L.A. his home for the past few years, he has recently re-located to Hawai‘i where the new television series Lost, on which he is a regular, is filming. And if the healthy, new tan is any indication, Kim is having a great time at both his new job and home.

Lost is the new show from producer J.J. Abrams, who is best known for creating the TV show Alias and for recently being selected by Tom Cruise himself to direct the third Mission Impossible film. Because Abrams is currently what they call “hot,” Lost is also one of the most anticipated new series to debut this fall. The Sept. 22 premiere episode was one of the highest-rated of the new fall shows, and the majority of the critical response has been positive to glowing.

“What’s been overwhelming has been the amount of media coverage this show has been getting before it’s even aired a single episode,” Kim says. “I haven’t experienced anything like it before, and I have to admit, it’s taken some adjustment.”

more... (http://news.asianweek.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=21dcf103c9148d61a5c38 c8b69234b79&this_category_id=171)

[younggiftedandblack]

Anybody watch lastnight?

[PropellerheadCP]

I watched some of it. I'm kind of down with a cold at the moment, so I didn't have the attention span for it. It looks interesting, though. It seems like the first few episodes are going to focus on 1 character at a time. Each with his/her dark secret.

As for the non-English speaking Asian characters, they seem to act very strangely. Daniel Kim seems to play a surprisingly loving husband, even though he's kind of abusive at first. The wife's reaction's even more strange. Almost like she's obeying him for a different reason than the fact that she's married to the guy. That's all that I can tell from the show, at this point.

There's a single father there, who conviently runs into the Asian woman, while she was changing. Will she have an affair with the guy? There's quite a possibility.

With all the weird characters on the island, it's hard to tell what's going to happen and for what reason.

[AMWD]

http://www.asianmediawatchdog.com/abc/lost.html

For those who missed any of the episodes, the clips featuring DDK and YJK can be found above.

[lethal]

I didn't see DDK at all. YJK had the 2 scenes where the black guy asks her to look after his son and then she's sitting with the kid when the guy comes out of the woods.

[PropellerheadCP]

I didn't see DDK at all. YJK had the 2 scenes where the black guy asks her to look after his son and then she's sitting with the kid when the guy comes out of the woods.

They'll get to his story, eventually.

[kitty]

this show is incredible. i'm upset i missed the premiere... this episode blew me away. I had no idea it was going to be so good.

[lethal]

I missed last week, but I saw 1, 2, and 4.

This show is incredible and is on my weekly must watch list along with The Apprentice and Desperate Housewives (not including any sports).

As an aside, Desperate Housewives has a Hispanic woman who is having an affair with her teenage (white) gardener becasue her (Latino) husband is not giving her enough attention. He just buys her stuff. Now, is the Latin community up in arms over that? If the characters were an Asian American couple, would you have a problem with it? Maybe I'll start a new thread on this.

[mr. x]

As an aside, Desperate Housewives has a Hispanic woman who is having an affair with her teenage (white) gardener becasue her (Latino) husband is not giving her enough attention. He just buys her stuff. Now, is the Latin community up in arms over that? If the characters were an Asian American couple, would you have a problem with it? Maybe I'll start a new thread on this.
HAHAHAHAHA

isnt that kinda like a asian action hero saving a submissive blonde woman from the clutches of her patriarchal white oppressor?

[Adaon]

.....
guess not many fans of the show on.....
I'm lookin' forward when they show the "monster"....
gotta say I'm hooked on the show

[Banana]

As an aside, Desperate Housewives has a Hispanic woman who is having an affair with her teenage (white) gardener becasue her (Latino) husband is not giving her enough attention. He just buys her stuff. Now, is the Latin community up in arms over that? If the characters were an Asian American couple, would you have a problem with it? Maybe I'll start a new thread on this.

Apples and oranges, I think. They might not be up in arms over that but the Asian community might be since we've seen it time and time again. Latinos actually have roles where the female isn't always running into the arms of the white man in order to escape their oppressive or negligent Asian man.

Additionally, the guy who plays the "white" man has frequently played the role of a Latino. Not sure if he's actually Latino but he sure looks like it. It's not about what you ARE, it's about what you look like.

[AMWD]

The 10/13 broadcast of "Entertainment Tonight" featured "Hunks" of ABC "Lost" and DDK's character was skipped. The guest host was Dominic Monaghan, also from "Lost" and one of the Hobbits named Mery in "The Lord of The Rings" series. By the way, Monaghan WAS mentioned as one of the "Hunks."

The phone calls seeking comment from the show have not been returned at this point. If you wish, you can call their production office at (323)956-4900 and ask for the producer Mr. Watkins.

On this matter, ABC "Lost" publicist Erin Felentzer stated, "ET left out several of the men of Lost and there is nothing I could do about it. Unfortunately due to time constraints they could not have all of the men represented."

Steven Siebert, DDK's manager stated that it was a shock to him when we mentioned about ET incident. According to him, DDK is having meetings with show's writers pretty regularly and says, "He is definitely concerned with how he will look from the Asian American community's perspective."

Meanwhile, the show features Daniel Dae Kim and Yunjin Kim's characters on its 10/27 show. It’s our understanding that more than 90% of the show will be in Korean. We know there are many people who are concerned about where DDK's character is going, so hopefully this episode will give us a better idea.

[Banana]

On this matter, ABC "Lost" publicist Erin Felentzer stated, "ET left out several of the men of Lost and there is nothing I could do about it. Unfortunately due to time constraints they could not have all of the men represented."

"Fuck you. How does that sit with ya?"

[mr. x]

i saw an add for this male model show like "americas most gorgeous man" or some shit and there was like one black guy

but then the nazi party has to diversify sometime right?

[lethal]

There's a dog on the show...think they'll have the Korean couple suggest eating the dog?

[kimpossible]

.....
guess not many fans of the show on.....
I'm lookin' forward when they show the "monster"....
gotta say I'm hooked on the show
I'll probably start when the entire season is released on DVD.

[BigLew]

Is DDK a hunk? Ladies?

[moser]

Didn't get get voted as one of the sexiest Asian men in some AA women's magazine?

And how did they decide who was going to be on the feature and who wasn't? Not to sound mean or catty, but if I wanted hunk, I go for Kevin Hill.

(IMO, DDK's a good looking guy)

[kimpossible]

Is DDK a hunk? Ladies?

I don't think any of them are hunks, but if Dominic Monaghan qualifies as one, DDK sure as hell does. On a scale of male cast members on that show only - yeah he's the best looking guy, but I don't pine for him.

[PropellerheadCP]

So, who else thinks that the Korean woman's going to have an affair with the single father and run away from the Korean husband?

[mr. x]

So, who else thinks that the Korean woman's going to have an affair with the single father and run away from the Korean husband?
you mean like a "I dream of a world where only asian women exist" sorta deal?

(raises hand)

[TB4000]

I finally succumbed and watched tonight. Very Lord of the Flies crossed with a serious take on Gilligan's Island interspersed with Survivor. You can kinda tell which characters are gonna be getting theirs down the line right off the bat. The message boards at the show's site claim that the father has a slight crush on that Korean woman you were mentioning due to him choosing her to leave his son with, but I'm hoping the various subplots are a little more complex.

[lethal]

Interesting preview for next week.

Remember to watch, DDK and YJK are featured. This better be some good backstory.

[VV o n g B a]

I missed last week, but I saw 1, 2, and 4.just started watching this series by downloading from bittorrent. got 5 episodes in hd. if u get a chance, register w/ torrentbits.org cuz they have a lot of other good stuff. (desperate housewives and smallville included)

[VV o n g B a]

also:
Lost Finds a Full Season
ABC orders 9 more episodes.
October 25, 2004 - J.J. Abrams' new series Lost has gotten some good news from ABC: the series has been picked up for the rest of the season according to a report appearing today in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/559/559892p1.html

what sucks is that lost and smallville are competing against each other in the same timeslot. hope lost doesn't completely destroy smallville.

[SunWuKong]

i wouldn't be surprised if the Korean woman runs away from her husband into the arms of a non-Asian guy. it's the old "societal rules break down in this type of situation, and therefore interracial coupling emerges." except that the only interracial coupling that the mainstream can accept on TV is Asian woman/non-Asian guy.

hey, maybe DDK's character will turn out to be gay! :rolleyes:

[Banana]

I'm still waiting for them to kill off his character in an extremely stupid way like slipping on some wet seaweed off a cliff somewhere.

[Kris]

dying after eating poisoned dog meat. that would be worse way to kill him off. hell, have all that other stuff happen. have the korean lady hook up with the single dad, have the character turn gay, have him poison himself with dog meat and have the lady kill herself by slippiing on sea weed or a piece of kimchi.

[AMWD]

Nah, I don't think they're gonna kill him that fast. The show has 5 yr plan for him (as per his manager)

[kboy75]

their korean accents are surprisingly not bad.

[Tao]

on the "Lost" message board, in the "who should be a couple thread" this person said, and i quote:

"well obviously Jack and Kate are on the top of my list, but i can also see the chinese lady and the black dude. "

to which, people had to correct him/her that she wasn't chinese

[YuheiCarreau]

their korean accents are surprisingly not bad.

The guy is American, but I'm pretty sure the woman is Korean, so her accent should be just fine...

[PropellerheadCP]

on the "Lost" message board, in the "who should be a couple thread" this person said, and i quote:

"well obviously Jack and Kate are on the top of my list, but i can also see the chinese lady and the black dude. "

to which, people had to correct him/her that she wasn't chinese

So already, people simply want to see the Asian woman be with the non-Asian guy. Is this some kind of a rule? That Asian men must not be able to get the woman... even if it's a married couple?

[Banana]

Nah, I don't think they're gonna kill him that fast. The show has 5 yr plan for him (as per his manager)

Maybe they'll kill him off and bring him as an undead fry cook that attacks white women and needs to be banished from the plane of life by any non-Asian person!

[kimpossible]

on the "Lost" message board, in the "who should be a couple thread" this person said, and i quote:

"well obviously Jack and Kate are on the top of my list, but i can also see the chinese lady and the black dude. "

to which, people had to correct him/her that she wasn't chinese

Was there a mention of DDK with another woman as one of the proposed couples?

[Tao]

Was there a mention of DDK with another woman as one of the proposed couples?


the consensus on the board was that most people HATED ddk's character. there's a thread on how much they want him to die.

[Banana]

Because he's Asian or for other valid reasons to cover the fact that they think he should die because he's Asian?

[kimpossible]

Because he's Asian or for other valid reasons to cover the fact that they think he should die because he's Asian?

Probably the old Abusive Asian Bastard Husband cliche. I'm certainly not going to say that they don't exist in real life but it's overrepresented in American media to the point of absurdity. I hope these character revelations and twists that DDK talks about in his interviews come to light soon.

The more I see of this the more I'm convinced that US media has this push-pull love affair with Asian masculine/feminine. It's like the functional Asian couple or family is taboo. Split them and absorb the child or female into the all-American family as auxilliary members saved from 'horrible' Asian societies that don't appreciate them either through the Abusive Asian Bastard Husband, or the Abandoned Orphan.

That's why I'm not a fan of 'equalizing' the representation of WM/AF couples with AM/WF couples. It doesn't address the issue of seeing Asian or AA couples with a full range of emotion in a functional relationship. And, I'd also like to see enough representation to dispel the idea that Asian women have no desire for an Asian men.

[Banana]

I've also noticed that when you see normal Asian couples in any sorts of American media, they're always foreigners. But when you see Asian "Americans," the female speaks perfect English while the Asian male always has an accent.

In though it was a cartoon I was just browsing by, Kim Possible showcased this scenero the other day. There was a story where she and her gang had to travel to Japan. The guy they were meeting there was a Japanese guy that had an accent while the Japanese girl spoke perfect English? What's up with that?

Least they made it so that Kim and her friend were drooling over the guy. :P

[kimpossible]

In though it was a cartoon I was just browsing by, Kim Possible showcased this scenero the other day.

Oh, the irony. :redface:

[Kris]

the consensus on the board was that most people HATED ddk's character. there's a thread on how much they want him to die.

i just visited their board and here are some threads i liked :rolleyes:

"is sun a prostitute?"

"What about the Asian Dad and Daughter?" - referring to the relationship between "jin" and "sun".

"Sun should dump the asian guy"

"Jin will kill everybody on the island"

[BigLew]

Why do you people torture yourselves by going on those silly forums.

[Kris]

actually, there are some nice posts there worth reading.

[lethal]

Interesting storyline. At least DDK is presented as a sympathetic character. YJK is just more sympathetic.

Its not bad and could've been far, far worse.

[Tao]

Why do you people torture yourselves by going on those silly forums.

because avoiding the problem doesn't really help...as i found out.

[PropellerheadCP]

In the end, the Jin character wasn't exactly a bad character. The other guys are much worse. His character showed that he'll do anything for his wife. In my opinion, they never really showed why they fell out of love, but either way, Jin was loving and trusted his wife.

The Sun character chose to stay with her husband, for whatever reason, after showing that she wanted to leave him, before they went on the airplane. I'm not sure if it was out of fear, love or loyalty... which was weird. I really hope that she doesn't leave her husband, now that they're on the island.

[moser]

Jin's beatdown of the single black father (over a watch?) was random.

I hope they elaborate on Sun's father and why Jin's personality changed so much during the marriage in the future.

[kitty]

In the end, the Jin character wasn't exactly a bad character. The other guys are much worse. His character showed that he'll do anything for his wife. In my opinion, they never really showed why they fell out of love, but either way, Jin was loving and trusted his wife.

The Sun character chose to stay with her husband, for whatever reason, after showing that she wanted to leave him, before they went on the airplane. I'm not sure if it was out of fear, love or loyalty... which was weird. I really hope that she doesn't leave her husband, now that they're on the island.

i don't think they fell out of love. i think she wanted to leave out of fear for her life, rather than because she didn't love him.

i actually really like DDK's character now.

[Kris]

i caught my first episode today, and i didn't like it. bored to death. though it felt good seeing jin beat the living snot out of the black dude :biggrin: . i'll just keep track of how the the koreans evolve by reading the forum. smallville is so much better.

[lethal]

the consensus on the board was that most people HATED ddk's character. there's a thread on how much they want him to die.
Do they still hate him and want him to die?

[TB4000]

i caught my first episode today, and i didn't like it. bored to death. though it felt good seeing jin beat the living snot out of the black dude :biggrin: . i'll just keep track of how the the koreans evolve by reading the forum. smallville is so much better.

:rolleyes:

[Kris]

:rolleyes:

:wink:

[kimpossible]

i caught my first episode today, and i didn't like it. bored to death. though it felt good seeing jin beat the living snot out of the black dude :biggrin: . i'll just keep track of how the the koreans evolve by reading the forum. smallville is so much better.

Harrold Parrineau's character? I thought his character was the nice dad type? Why was there a fight?

Off topic but he was great in Oz once I got used to the theater-like opening monologues.

[Banana]

Oh, the irony. :redface:

hahah. just noticed.

[Kris]

Harrold Parrineau's character? I thought his character was the nice dad type? Why was there a fight?

i think his character name is michael. i'm not sure of his real name. jin had tackled him from behind while he was in the water and just "laid the wood" on him. eventually it was broken up when jin was tackled and handcuffed. later on we find out michael had jin's lost 20,000 dollar rolex (michael didn't know it was jin's at first until sun told him in english). all a misunderstanding. btw, anybody think the girl playing sun look like eugene from ses? i couldn't help but observe her teeth to see if they were crooked :tongue:

[hooligan]

sun's cute!

[VV o n g B a]

she's not eugene cute...

[kimpossible]

she's not eugene cute...

For a moment I thought you were talking about BeTheReds.

[lethal]

For a moment I thought you were talking about BeTheReds.
You mean he's not?

[TB4000]

Paul Dini, the guy that writes for Batman the animated series, Justice League, and other DC comics/cartoons, wrote next week's newest episode. I gotta watch just for that alone.

[deez nuts]

so did last night's episode feature john kerry and john edwards or what?

[kitty]

last night's episode was about charlie, the lil' rock star from australia. it was okay, but probably the weakest of the episodes i've seen thus far, just because it wasn't as .. plot-twisty. it was pretty obvious what was going to happen from start to finish.

don't get your panties into a knot, but the korean woman and harold perrineau's character exchange a sexually charged glance.

[Banana]

Naturally.

[TB4000]

My theory about the whole premise is the entire island is basically some kind of experiment or purgatory type place for these specific people that have various personal problems and this setting is to get them to work together with individuals they obviously clash with and work it out. There is a higher power overseeing this whole thing, I think, and it may be revealed in future seasons.

[kitty]

my theory is that


everyone is dead. the island reanimates them in this strange purgatory place, but as far as the rest of the world is concerned, they're all dead, and so no one is coming to rescue them.

[Banana]

My theory is that it's just a group of people marooned on an island. :-p

[KATANA]

last night's episode was about charlie, the lil' rock star from australia. it was okay, but probably the weakest of the episodes i've seen thus far, just because it wasn't as .. plot-twisty. it was pretty obvious what was going to happen from start to finish.

don't get your panties into a knot, but the korean woman and harold perrineau's character exchange a sexually charged glance.

I still haven't seen any improvement with these two Korean characters. And if Yunjin Kim's character leaves DDK's for that black guy, like the rumors have suggested, that's going to be fucked up. It will show that an Asian man just can't be with an Asian woman.

[AMWD]

http://www.asianmediawatchdog.com/abc/lost.html

For those who missed any episodes, we archived all scenes with DDK and Yunjin Kim from the first episode to the latest one. Bookmark it if you want, since we do put up the latest show clips (DDK and YK scenes only) by the weekend of the airdate. (It takes time to edit and upload)

Will put scenes from yesterday's episode shortly. We have been behind because we were helping AALDEF for election volunteer.

I saw yesterday's show too... It looked like Sun was trying to get Jin's attention as well. I'm not sure if Michael and Sun were really exchanging a sexually charged glance... We'll put it up anyway by this weekend after edit. Judge it for yourself.

JF

[kboy75]

there's a nice little article in this month's KoreAm Journal on both actors and their characters.

i would post a link, but they are slow in posting an online version.

but just to summarize, DDK explains that you have to be patient to see the characters develop, as they really are more complex than they seem at first. he says there is a plan for a 5-year arc in the story and the character development.

I also didn't realize that the actress was Yunjin Kim, the star of "Shiri"... it was a hit out of Korea... She's totally an -A-list star there!

[lethal]

YJK auditioned for the part of Kate. The producers didn't think she fit, but liked her so much they created the Korean couple.

[mr. x]

my theory is that according to tv: any dick > asian dick

[kitty]

I still haven't seen any improvement with these two Korean characters. And if Yunjin Kim's character leaves DDK's for that black guy, like the rumors have suggested, that's going to be fucked up. It will show that an Asian man just can't be with an Asian woman.

that black guy? wow. that's harold perrineau... one of the most underrated but talented actors of our time.

[Banana]

No matter how long they tell us to hold out, I think the best we can expect is to trade a "bad" thing for a "good" thing. IE: DDK saves the whole island from destruction but his wife runs off with another guy. OR, DDK keeps his wife but he is responsible for the destruction of the whole island.

There is no way public television can allow him to do both.

See, I see so many people expecting so much from these two actors and when it doesn't come through, they're crushed. If you don't expect anything, you'll never be disappointed. Personally, I believe that since Hollywood has had an extensive history of dicking over Asian guys, this time won't be any different.

Like Bush tried to say: If you fool me once, shame on you. If you fool me twice, shame on me.

BTW, I always see the glass as half empty. Can you tell? :)

[kimpossible]

Maybe they'll hook him up with a hottie jampacked with mammary goodness. I haven't been watching the show. Are the women still staying hairless in their armpits and whatnot?

[KATANA]

that black guy? wow. that's harold perrineau... one of the most underrated but talented actors of our time.

Thanks, I couldn't remember his name.

there's a nice little article in this month's KoreAm Journal on both actors and their characters.

i would post a link, but they are slow in posting an online version.

but just to summarize, DDK explains that you have to be patient to see the characters develop, as they really are more complex than they seem at first. he says there is a plan for a 5-year arc in the story and the character development.

I also didn't realize that the actress was Yunjin Kim, the star of "Shiri"... it was a hit out of Korea... She's totally an -A-list star there!

Five years? You mean to tell me we have to wait 5 years for these characters to improve?

[AMWD]

I think what they mean is the character will develope over the course of 5 years so I don't think you have to wait necessarily for 5 years before you see any improvement.

[kitty]

come on guys, there's been less than ten episodes so far. i've seen the last few, and i see no indication of a crazy deranged psychotic nutcase or any poor representations of asians thus far. these are complex characters with both good qualities and vices. i'm actually greatly appreciating the level of complexity in these roles.

even if YJK doesn't end up with DDK's character in the end, would it be such a bad thing? i think he's already proven he's a macho badass, with a sensitive side. (the character is so romantic... he made me swoon) whaddya want him to do? create a harem out of every woman on the island, and drop all the men into a molten lava pit?

[kboy75]

come on guys, there's been less than ten episodes so far. i've seen the last few, and i see no indication of a crazy deranged psychotic nutcase or any poor representations of asians thus far. these are complex characters with both good qualities and vices. i'm actually greatly appreciating the level of complexity in these roles.

even if YJK doesn't end up with DDK's character in the end, would it be such a bad thing? i think he's already proven he's a macho badass, with a sensitive side. (the character is so romantic... he made me swoon) whaddya want him to do? create a harem out of every woman on the island, and drop all the men into a molten lava pit?


totally agree.

one thing great about YJK (that I read in the KoreAm Journal article) was that she insisted that the characters have real depth and complexity and not just be a couple of token Asian people. She was doing this with success in Korea and why should she lower her work ethic now? The episode with the romatic background of the couple was great. The dialogue is great and the accents for the most part are great. DDK, is alright considering he has to get rid of the Pusan (city way in the south) accent and make up for his lack of fluency. YJK's really making this role work for her and the complexity is starting to show.

We can't get mad every time an Asian character is not some super star bad ass. I appreciate the honesty of these charachters and the work that is being put in to develop them. I mean, who would have ever thought that there would be 30 minutes of Korean dialogue (subtitled) on major network prime-time TV? (according to the KoreAm Journal article)

[VV o n g B a]

hey, i just watched the last episode.

anyone have a theory on who took out the iraqi guy at the end? i think some of the survivors from the earlier crash are still alive and have plans of their own.

[AMWD]

We have been watching how DDK's character will develop since the premiere. It is time to talk about what we’ve seen so far, and what our next step should be.

The following points below apply to any shows, not just to ABC "Lost."

*Believe it or not, network/show creators do care about audience reaction and they do decide the fate of the character based on that.

TV bigwigs do monitor internet message boards. Like we have been watching DDK's character develop, they pay close attention to what people are saying on message boards. ABC’s "Lost" does have its own message board. Click here http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/community.html

*When non-APA writers write APA characters in, often times, they don't have much of a clue what is the best way to portray them.

Thus, by the reactions from fans, (letters, message boards, etc.) can be used to determine the fate of the characters.

*Writers and producers do not purposely offend people, but they "think" that the safest way to portray minority is by using perceived stereotypes. If they keep receiving hate mails, they do not know what to do and may decide to just eliminate the character.

We have read many comments on APA message boards, and we know that the reaction towards DDK's character Jin is not always positive. However, we can turn this into something more positive and constructive. Let's face it, Jin is probably one of the very few Asian principal characters with potential. There is no reason why we cannot help ABC and show creator turn this into something more positive. The below are the main complaints we saw.

1. Are Jin and Sun (Yunjin Kim) going to stay together?

There are people out there (non-Asians) who would rather see Sun and Michael (Harold Perrinau, Jr) together. I know you don't like it but it is true. If you don't want it that way, they need to hear it in volume. It is true that Asian males almost never get girls on screen. They need to hear the point.

2. Now we know that Sun speaks English. What about Jin?

It doesn't look like the producers have decided which way they want to go with this either. If you want to see Jin integrated into this small community, rather than portrayed as the "other," he should start speaking English at some point.

3. Why is Jin so mean?

Okay, there's nothing wrong with playing mean character. It is true that Jin hasn't been given enough screentime to avoid becoming stereotypical portrayal. Two episodes ago, they did one episode focusing on Sun. They are planning to have one focusing Jin as well. We need to tell them to air it sooner rather than later.

So we have a new campaign! This will go to ABC executives and the production. Add your comment at the top, sign, click and forward it to your friends. Click on the link. Give Jin A Better Story Line! http://www.citizenspeak.org/campaign/2800.php

Also we urge you to sign up to ABC’s "Lost" message board http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/community.html and start posting more pro Jin/Sun comments. We see some already but there should be more. Keep in mind that board is not an APA board. Like I said, network executives WILL read the posts. So you should try your best to avoid anti-white rhetoric there. It will not help. Instead, stick to what type of storyline YOU want to see so that ABC will know what APA communities want.

There aren’t many APAs on this message board yet. This is our chance.

Meanwhile, we heard from DDK himself while we work on this page. Calling from Hawaii, he said that he was extremely grateful to those who contacted Entertainment Weekly when he was skipped as one of “Hunks from Lost”. As a result, ABC started inserting his picture more to their show publicity material. He said, “Positive representation of APA's has been a very high priority throughout my career, and I've worked hard to create accurate portrayals of our experience. Despite initial appearances, ‘Lost’ is no exception. I do, however, understand the concern surrounding my character and his relationship with his wife. Please be assured that, along with Yunjin and the producers, I am working very hard to make Jin into a multi-dimensional, complex person…. Your support has been invaluable. Thank you. It's my hope that, as a community, we can build a character that we can all be proud of.”

So now, it is time for us to do our part, as he does his part.

[younggiftedandblack]

AMWD,

I have a question. I've only seen one FULL episode of the show (I watch America's Top Model during that time :biggrin: ) But I noticed you talk alot about and keep your eye on the development of the Korean couple. I haven't seen (maybe you did and I missed it) you speak on the Middle Eastern chracter (sorry i don't know his name). Wouldn't he be considered an Asian male chracter also?

[PropellerheadCP]

So we have a new campaign! This will go to ABC executives and the production. Add your comment at the top, sign, click and forward it to your friends. Click on the link. Give Jin A Better Story Line! http://www.citizenspeak.org/campaign/2800.php


How's about adding Canadian addresses to the campaign, so that we can give our two cents, as well?

[AMWD]

AMWD,

I have a question. I've only seen one FULL episode of the show (I watch America's Top Model during that time :biggrin: ) But I noticed you talk alot about and keep your eye on the development of the Korean couple. I haven't seen (maybe you did and I missed it) you speak on the Middle Eastern chracter (sorry i don't know his name). Wouldn't he be considered an Asian male chracter also?

Sayid is Iraqi.... There's been some discussion out there whether Iraqis are considered Asians or not... On this particular show, we focus on Jin only because many of characters played by East Asian males like DDK are more likely to be subject to stereotypes than females. But if you feel strongly that we should include Sayid or any other characters, you are more than welcomed to add your own comment at the top of the letter. Thanks for the comment though.

JF

[younggiftedandblack]

Sayid is Iraqi.... There's been some discussion out there whether Iraqis are considered Asians or not... On this particular show, we focus on Jin only because many of characters played by East Asian males like DDK are more likely to be subject to stereotypes than females. But if you feel strongly that we should include Sayid or any other characters, you are more than welcomed to add your own comment at the top of the letter. Thanks for the comment though.

JF

Thank you for answering :biggrin:

[kitty]

many of characters played by East Asian males like DDK are more likely to be subject to stereotypes than females.


how do you figure that?

[Banana]

Because Asian females are a tad more accepted in mainstream American society than Fu Manchu, I mean, Asian males.

[moser]

When would Jin's backstory air?

And I thought the actor who plays Sayid (sp?) is Indian-British (even though the character is Iraqi).

I think Jin knew of Sun's plan to leave him. Just a hunch.

[mr. x]

Because Asian females are a tad more accepted in mainstream American society than Fu Manchu, I mean, Asian males.
see thing is kitty has a point cuz even if the females get the more "favorable" stereotypes like tight pussy sucky sucky fi dolla, its still stereotypes

[nameless]

i think he was talking about the characters being favorable, not the stereotype. that is to say, you see asian women playing non-stereotypical roles more often than asian men. at least thats what i tend to see....

[Banana]

i think he was talking about the characters being favorable, not the stereotype. that is to say, you see asian women playing non-stereotypical roles more often than asian men. at least thats what i tend to see....

Bingo.

[AMWD]

www.thefuselage.com

ABC "Lost" cast and producers do post messages there. If you post in the "Ask the VIP" sections, the writers and producers will actually respond.

[Banana]

So, did he turn out to be a triad gangster ninja this episode?

[A.R.A.M.]

So, did he turn out to be a triad gangster ninja this episode?

Nope. In fact, he wasn't even in it. The episode focused almost exclusively on the pregnant Aussie woman and Australia's answer to Miss Cleo.

[Banana]

Damn. I want my ninjas, damnit!

[moser]

Nope. In fact, he wasn't even in it. The episode focused almost exclusively on the pregnant Aussie woman and Australia's answer to Miss Cleo.

Actually, he and Sun were there for maybe 1 second of screen time when Claire (the pregnant girl) started screaming.

Other random notes:
1) Apparently a major character is supposed to die before the season's over.
2) Who the hell bases their decision to give away a baby based on a psychic?
3) Charlie is fucking hilarious.

[Banana]

So, the only show that has an Asian American couple on TV hasn't been followed? Any updates as to what is going on so far?

[yoMAMA]

I keep hearing there's a hot korean guy on the show.

[kitty]

So, the only show that has an Asian American couple on TV hasn't been followed? Any updates as to what is going on so far?

they're in syndication or whatever right now... showing repeats of old episodes until either this wed. or next. they've been doing so for the past month...

i'll post a summary of the new episode when it comes on.

[Banana]

Oh, whoops.

[VV o n g B a]

roadmap to lost. if u've missed an episode or just forgot some things, here's the recap:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6746678/

and some idle speculation to go w/ it:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6786069/

[mr. x]

so no news on the "true" identity of the mysterious asians?

[Banana]

I told you.

DDK will be the non-Engarish speaking asexual ninja frycook that cooks for gangster samurais that enslave white women.

[kitty]

KYJ showed up in the last episode of Lost. She was at the caves and because of her secret understanding of English, overheard a crucial conversation between the doctor and kate.

other than a few blips on my 'yellow peril' radar (invisible but everpresent...) nothing really of note to mention.

[mr. x]

KYJ showed up in the last episode of Lost. She was at the caves and because of her secret understanding of English, overheard a crucial conversation between the doctor and kate.

other than a few blips on my 'yellow peril' radar (invisible but everpresent...) nothing really of note to mention.
"lotus blossum to pyongyang, lotus blossum to pyongyang, do you copy?"

[Banana]

Anything new?

[kitty]

haven't seen it yet. will watch the recording this weekend. was out of town this week :)

[hooligan]

I told you.

DDK will be the non-Engarish speaking asexual ninja frycook that cooks for gangster samurais that enslave white women.

lol. that is all.

[A.R.A.M.]

lol. that is all.

Two weeks ago the fat dude asked DDK to piss on his foot.

Neither DDK nor KYJ were in last week's episode. The episode focused on (don't remember their names) the kid, the dog, and the estranged father. The kid has some strange, unconscious powers or something.

[VV o n g B a]

Two weeks ago the fat dude asked DDK to piss on his foot.

Neither DDK nor KYJ were in last week's episode. The episode focused on (don't remember their names) the kid, the dog, and the estranged father. The kid has some strange, unconscious powers or something.
actually, i thought kyj was in the episode for one scene where she talked to the estranged father. don't remember what she said tho.

[kimpossible]

actually, i thought kyj

looks like ky jelly

[A.R.A.M.]

actually, i thought kyj was in the episode for one scene where she talked to the estranged father. don't remember what she said tho.

You are probably right. I was dividing my attention between TV and some work, so I could have missed that scene.

[AMWD]

DDK will be featured on 2/23 broadcast

JF

[kitty]

good episode last week, i just got around to seeing it last night.

i'm really getting more and more curious as to what's going on.

[Joxer]

For some strange reason, I'm hooked on this show!

I don't know HOW Jin's character can evolve by virtually not speaking. I hate to say it but the most I can see him do is sort of pantomine to communicate with the others. Unfortunately I can honestly see him getting killed off unless he's taught English or the rest will learn some, if not completely fluent Korean.

I still don't understand the shame of his wife knowing English.

Hurley's character is constantly making inappropriate comments in reference to his language, ethnicity, food, and whatever else. Because of the language barrier, Jin is oblivious to it.

[VV o n g B a]

I still don't understand the shame of his wife knowing English.it's that his wife would have to explain WHY she learned english. she doesn't want him to know that she was planning to leave him. if there's any shame, it would be the personal embarrassment of divorce/separation anyone would have to suffer (possibly compounded b/c its in asian society). there's no inherent shame in knowing english.

[Joxer]

it's that his wife would have to explain WHY she learned english. she doesn't want him to know that she was planning to leave him. if there's any shame, it would be the personal embarrassment of divorce/separation anyone would have to suffer (possibly compounded b/c its in asian society). there's no inherent shame in knowing english.


Ahhh! I should've thought of that! I completely forgot about the fact that she was going to leave him.

Heck, she could lie and say she was learning as a hobby or something!

[VV o n g B a]

anyone see yesterday's episode? it was jin's episode. did u think the backstory was a convincing explanation for his current actions? i thought it was actually kinda weak. if anyone missed it and still wants to catch it, u can find it here:

www.btefnet.net

[Irreversible]

saw it. might have to agree with the opinions on jin's backstory. but locke - wow he continues to fascinate me.

[YuheiCarreau]

I thought it was dumb. Typical stereotype of Asians practicing filial piety to the point that they live miserable, loveless lives in service to their elders; typical stereotype of Asian men as being involved in gang violence; typical stereotype of Asian woman escaping her Asian husband and falling into the open arms of western feminism. And, of course, Jin gets seriously beat down by the other islanders, even though the flashbacks show that he can fight fiercely.

[Banana]

Oh, is this the "oh so feel good" part of the Asian charactor that everyone was waiting for?

What's really great is that if you don't expect anything different, you'll never be disappointed so it doesn't bother me. And some people actually told me to wait and see how it turns out. Pfffft.

[applehead]

it looked like the show put in a lot of
effort in making jin's flashbacks as authentic
as possible in regards to his korean background.
the korean script was perfect in terms
of grammar. the mannerisms of the actors,
the things they said in certain situations, the props,
etc. they were all very real.
i liked last night's episode a lot.

[Seamus]

I happened to see five minutes of it by accident, and turned off the TV before I had a chance to see anything that would get me riled up. Every time I see Asian people being depicted on TV or in the movies, I get pissed off. I know avoiding the problem isn't going to solve anything, but that is my way of dealing.

[YuheiCarreau]

it looked like the show put in a lot of
effort in making jin's flashbacks as authentic
as possible in regards to his korean background.
the korean script was perfect in terms
of grammar. the mannerisms of the actors,
the things they said in certain situations, the props,
etc. they were all very real.
i liked last night's episode a lot.

What was that thing Jin did when he was talking to his father-in-law, where it looked like he stuck one hand in his armpit while reaching the other out to shake the father-in-law's hand?

[lethal]

Anyone notice Hurley on Korean TV the first time Jin went to the Minister's house?

[VV o n g B a]

Anyone notice Hurley on Korean TV the first time Jin went to the Minister's house?i bet they're gonna have some backstory for that.

[applehead]

What was that thing Jin did when he was talking to his father-in-law, where it looked like he stuck one hand in his armpit while reaching the other out to shake the father-in-law's hand?

when you shake hands with someone older
you're not supposed to keep the other arm
by your side. you have to bring it across your chest.
and that should also be done when someone
older pours you a drink.
see. it was little things like that that was impressive.
i wonder if there was a korean consultant.
or whatever.
anyhoot. it was fun to watch.

[mr. x]

wait so why'd they beat him up? keep in mind i have absolutely no context whatsoever

[VV o n g B a]

wait so why'd they beat him up? keep in mind i have absolutely no context whatsoeverhere is some context (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6867118/).

they beat him up b/c they thought he burned a boat that was going to be used to get off the island. the boat was being built by a person who he's had confrontations w/ in the past. but it wasn't him and in fact he tried to save it.

[VV o n g B a]

4 8 15 16 23 42

are coordinates too obvious? anyone have a globe and can it up?

[ChineseTourist]

by beating him up, by not giving him any lines, it is to emasculate him, to say that asians don't matter

it doesn't matter if he has a long story if he doesn't matter to the island's society and its future. plus his woman leaves him = no reproductive success, and as noted already he has not even any cultural influence

jin is made to be a dead end and inferior and invisible

[pikachupacabra]

I would disagree with you tourist. While Jin is not exactly the most favorable or "friendly" person on the island, he certainly isn't the worst. And I would say that so far none of the characters (with the exception of perhaps hurley or Rose...who I haven't actually seen in months) are "angels" or even portrayed as characters to be fully sympathetic to. The purpose of this show seems to characterize each individual as mostly good-intentioned, but flawed in some way. Even the two attractive, white leads have plenty of their own pitfalls, and I'm not sure they're MEANT to be likable characters.

Jin, while shown to be violent and aggressive, has not been shown to be MORE violent or aggressive than anyone else (Sawyer? Sayid? Jack? Michael? All very violent at many points). I thought his episode (...in translation) did a very good job of showing how unfortunately disconnected he was from everyone; the one scene where everyone was talking in english and then it switch to his Point of View and all the words were garbled did, I think, highlight his language barrier problems.

However, they have also had plenty of "good" highlights of jin. he's shown to be very loving and caring towards sun; his flashbacks showed him to be a kind person, thoughtful, compassionate, and completely adoring of his wife. While he may seem like a different person now than in the flashbacks, I'm going to give the writers the benefit of my doubt (for now!) since this is a series built on twists, plot turns, and crazy character development. Also, Jin has shown himself to be the better man in offering to help michael rebuild the raft, plus, he gave fish to hurley.

[Adaon]

OMG, STOP WITH THE RE-RUNS, DAMMIT.

On that note, anyone have any guesses what/who the next episode's supposed to be about?

[VV o n g B a]

u're not alone. there's a bunch of unhappy tv show watchers out there.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7142583/

[Faithless]

The guy is American, but I'm pretty sure the woman is Korean, so her accent should be just fine...
From Daniel's web site (On speaking Korean) (http://www.danieldaekim.org/jin.html)

Speaking Korean has been one of the biggest challenges of my career. It adds another element to my process when I prepare, and I've also been working to smooth out my Kyungsangdo accent. For those of you who don't know, I'm from Busan, where the people speak in a southern drawl! It's more melodic, with it's own slang. It's sometimes hard for people from Seoul to understand. Thankfully, Yunjin (who's from Seoul) has been really great about helping me! I have to say though, I'm so honored to have the opportunity to speak the language of my ancestors.
...
[Responding to various questions and posts regarding his Korean accent]

So let me be clear about my Korean because I've read some really harsh criticisms of it on some sites, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't find them a little hurtful. I am as proud to be Korean as I am to be an American, and I care very deeply what the Korean community thinks of my work, as well as the show in general.

For the record, Korean is my first language. I came to the US when I was 2. Though I continue to speak Korean with my parents, English quickly became my primary language. There's nothing like being around a bunch of nasty elementary school kids to make you want to assimilate FAST. : ) I still speak Korean, contrary to what I've read about me, but my Korean could use some work in two respects: Number one, I have a Kyungsangdo accent (my entire family's from Busan - for more on that see my previous posts) and as I've gotten older I'm sure an American accent has seeped in there a bit as well. Number 2, because I've only spoken with my parents, my vocabulary is what I would call on the "household" level. So I do have a coach (with whom I speak exclusively Korean) who's been helping me with these things, and Yunjin's been incredibly generous with her help as well. As I said the other day, speaking Korean on camera has been one of the biggest challenges of my career - from learning new vocabulary, to softening my accent, AND at the same time trying to play intentions (you know, that stuff that actors do : ). It's been a lot of work - but totally worth it, for so many reasons.

For those of you who think my Korean's not good enough (especially you folks from Seoul and parts north!) I apologize and can only ask for your patience. I'm deeply committed to working as long as I need to to develop the "standard" Korean pronunciation. I will say though, that my friends and family from Busan have had absolutely no problem understanding me, and I've also gotten my share of compliments - thank you!

Just know that one of the things I'm most proud of on this show is that Yunjin and I actually get to represent the culture and speak the language of our ancestors. I feel so lucky to have that opportunity, and I'm doing my very best to do justice to it. What's more, I think the diversity of our cast represents a major step forward for all of network television, and I firmly believe it's one of the many reasons for the show's success. I give so much credit to J.J., Damon, the writers, and the network for giving us this, well, gift. I'll end with some food for thought: how many times have you seen a primetime network TV show with 50% of its dialogue in another language? And some of it not even subtitled! Pretty groundbreaking, don't you think?

So sorry for the long post, but I thought it would help to clear the air. And if you ever come across any of the posts (and posters) I'm talking about, feel free to send 'em over here. It might be good for them to know my thoughts on the subject. I hope that answers your question.

[applehead]

poor guy.
his accent is a bit awkward but geez. give him a break.

[Banana]

Any new stories on why the person he plays is a choadsmoker yet?

Has he been revealed as the "Non-English speaking asexual gangster ninja frycook that beats his wife because he's jealous she has a bigger dick than he does?" Has he been killed off by sacrificing himself to show that only good things come out when Asian males die?

Anything other than that simply won't do.

[VV o n g B a]

he was on last week.

boone died instead of him. he actually helped claire deliver her baby. (moral support anyways) and he's learning bits of english now too.

[Banana]

I got the gist of that. The fact of the matter is that he's just a prop and can be replaced with a bamboo chair or a coconut.

[pikachupacabra]

I got the gist of that. The fact of the matter is that he's just a prop and can be replaced with a bamboo chair or a coconut.


actually, i read a few Lost message boards, and in the beginning, when everyone thought he was some sort of evil korean mafia wife-beater angry dude, everyone was calling for his head. More recently, after much more flattering looks (some from his perspective, some helping erase confusion as to his actions) at his character, the mood on message boards has noticebly changed. A lot of posters seem to really like him, a lot ladies...(dare i say??)...seem to think he's sexy, and all and all a lot of people want him to get back together with his wife, which is a huge jump from the beginning, where everyone wanted him to die and his wife to hook up with Michael.

[applehead]

actually, i read a few Lost message boards, and in the beginning, when everyone thought he was some sort of evil korean mafia wife-beater angry dude, everyone was calling for his head. More recently, after much more flattering looks (some from his perspective, some helping erase confusion as to his actions) at his character, the mood on message boards has noticebly changed. A lot of posters seem to really like him, a lot ladies...(dare i say??)...seem to think he's sexy, and all and all a lot of people want him to get back together with his wife, which is a huge jump from the beginning, where everyone wanted him to die and his wife to hook up with Michael.

my sister is really into this show.
and she told me that in an interview daniel
was asking viewers of the show to give
his character a chance, that it will get
better towards the end and everything will
start to make more sense.

[Irezumi Kiss]

my sister is really into this show.
and she told me that in an interview daniel
was asking viewers of the show to give
his character a chance, that it will get
better towards the end and everything will
start to make more sense.
Sounds similar to what he said to folks when the whole series started out and peeps were crying blood from jump street...and don't they make the actors do alternate endings so that even they themselves don't know how things are going to end, for the sake of secrecy and surprise?

[PropellerheadCP]

Well... it looks like the "Asian Couple's kiss" that everyone was looking for, did happen last night on the show. They also showed a white couple being racist in a flashback, as well. I thought that was pretty funny.

[Banana]

Who was racist and against whom?

[PropellerheadCP]

Who was racist and against whom?

It was the flashback about the Korean couple when they were at the airport. A white woman was saying a bunch of crap about them to her husband and saying that "They can't understand us. They don't speak English", in a very condescending way. Little did she know that Sun can hear them.
The incident that triggered the event was Sun... I guess in their eyes, "serving" Jin like a he's a king. The white woman snickers and says to her husband that it's degrading.
The white man replies, "Don't knock it. Their divorce rate is 20 times lower than ours."
Sun spills the coffee on Jin and she starts panicking, but Jin didn't get mad or anything. He just tells Sun that he's gonna wash it off.
The white woman, seeing how worried Sun got, says "It's Memoirs of a Geisha, all over again".

I thought that did well in hinting yet another reason for Sun's "rebellious" nature when they landed on the island.

I can see why Jin's character is really getting the love from the audience, now. They really made him out to be a guy who would do everything for his wife. The scene where the couple kissed and made up was really well done.

[Banana]

Wasn't that white woman on the island with them as well. I was told that it was the same woman that said something about Sayid being an "Arab guy that just left his bags" to airport security.

[YuheiCarreau]

Well... it looks like the "Asian Couple's kiss" that everyone was looking for, did happen last night on the show. They also showed a white couple being racist in a flashback, as well. I thought that was pretty funny.

I was honestly shocked when I saw that. I can't even recall the last time I saw a young Asian couple on TV together, let alone seen 'em kissing. Seriously, I reacted less to that scene with the gay Black gangstas on THE WIRE than I did that kiss.

When was the last time I saw that? Maybe SURF NINJAS?

I really wish they'd drop the corporate thuggery angle of Jin & Sun's story, because there had to be a more realistic way to introduce marital strife than to go the Asian ganster route. That part (and some scenes earlier in the show which imply that Jin beats Sun, which is clearly not true) is the only thing standing in the way of the characters being the most fully rounded Asian characters on TV today.

[applehead]

Sounds similar to what he said to folks when the whole series started out and peeps were crying blood from jump street...and don't they make the actors do alternate endings so that even they themselves don't know how things are going to end, for the sake of secrecy and surprise?

and judging by the the last episode.
i have to agree with mr. kim.
i mean, his character is becoming more and more
likable.
i think it's awesome.

and how freakin cool was that kiss?
i don't think i ever saw an asian couple kiss
like that, ever. on american tv.
i so was not expecting that.

[Irezumi Kiss]

and how freakin cool was that kiss?
i don't think i ever saw an asian couple kiss
like that, ever. on american tv.
i so was not expecting that.
Was this kiss one of those actual "first time ever" kinda thing...like William Shatner's and Nichelle Nichols' IR kiss in "Star Trek?" Can't be, right? Or so we'd like to think?

[yoMAMA]

and judging by the the last episode.
i have to agree with mr. kim.
i mean, his character is becoming more and more
likable.
i think it's awesome.

and how freakin cool was that kiss?
i don't think i ever saw an asian couple kiss
like that, ever. on american tv.
i so was not expecting that.

must be some kind of genetic mutation.

cauz you know, asian people don't kiss.

[PropellerheadCP]

Wasn't that white woman on the island with them as well. I was told that it was the same woman that said something about Sayid being an "Arab guy that just left his bags" to airport security.

No, that's a completely different woman.

Was this kiss one of those actual "first time ever" kinda thing...like William Shatner's and Nichelle Nichols' IR kiss in "Star Trek?" Can't be, right? Or so we'd like to think?


It's not a first time, if you count the "Witchblade" TV serious.

Somehow, it looks like a couple of the writers went to the forums and are aware of the "Asians kissing" issue, but it looked like they were trying really hard to build up to it. Not to mention that it was more passionate than some of the other loves scenes that we saw, in the past.

[applehead]

It's not a first time, if you count the "Witchblade" TV serious.


i've seen the laotian couple
in the king of the hill make out
often.
:biggrin:

[Yeahman]

I haven't been following this show at all but I caught the season finale. Can someone explain to me what's going on? I was so lost (no pun intended).
What's the story behind the Korean couple? What was the deal with the hatch? Were there other people on the island before they crashed? What is that monster thing? Why did that woman take the baby?

[applehead]

I haven't been following this show at all but I caught the season finale. Can someone explain to me what's going on? I was so lost (no pun intended).
What's the story behind the Korean couple? What was the deal with the hatch? Were there other people on the island before they crashed? What is that monster thing? Why did that woman take the baby?

omg. ye11o. you are sooo lost.
this is going to take forever.
:biggrin:

my sister told me that there's going to be re-runs
soon. so you should check up on that.

[lethal]

Wasn't that white woman on the island with them as well. I was told that it was the same woman that said something about Sayid being an "Arab guy that just left his bags" to airport security.

No, that's someone else. This white couple was just in the airport cafe, not people on their flight.

Seriously, it would take an essay to describe each episode. There's no way we could tell you all that happened this season.

Try tvtome.com for brief episode recaps.

[thaite]

anybody following along? Tonight was a very good episode in character development and explored the relationship between Sun and Jin. Made them look like real people.

[lethal]

I love what the show is doing with the Jin and Sun characters.

It is, to some extent, making Korean culture seem a bit...with the overbearing parents and bad treatment of the poor by the rich.

[abc!]

anybody following along? Tonight was a very good episode in character development and explored the relationship between Sun and Jin. Made them look like real people.

I agree, they're actual human beings with feelings, not just props or scenary to decorate the set. Yeah, this is my favorite show that I absolutely cannot miss! Everytime I watch it I'm just mesmerized by it. Yes, this episode adds even more more depth to these two, especially Jin. Viewers can't help but root for him now!


It is, to some extent, making Korean culture seem a bit...with the overbearing parents and bad treatment of the poor by the rich.

A bit...?

To me the parents don't seem that bad. Sun's mom and the other mom of the son being set up with Sun, are the typical wealthy wives talking about schools and stuff like that. Jin's dad is a really cool, laidback fisherman and I don't think we ever see Jin's mom. The only overbearing parent really is probably Sun's dad, but he's just plain evil!

And about the rich treating poor like scum, well that's pretty universal, nothing unusual there. Jin stands up to his boss on his own whim and didn't need anybody to tell him to do it.

[PropellerheadCP]

There are some serious "Jin" fans out there. Go to the "Lost" website and visit the forums.

I'm a pretty big fan of the character, myself. It's not because he's Asian, either. I really do like what's been happening with the characters of "Sun" and "Jin". Having them apart right now is very heart-breaking to watch and "Jin's" simply one of the most likeable characters on the island. Awesome show.

[Banana]

I remember the comments about Jin and how harsh they were from the fans. What did they do to Jin that caused the fans to come full circle?

[thaite]

I think viewers like him because he's a strong person who complains little -- and that comes across as very manly. People also look to Sun for cues on how to respond to Jin. Despite their marital troubles previously to the crash and those currently, on the island she stands by him. She sees something that redeems him, so that redeems him in the eyes of the viewer.

[applehead]

I remember the comments about Jin and how harsh they were from the fans. What did they do to Jin that caused the fans to come full circle?

i like him because
beneath his strong exterior there's
a vulnerability to him and
that's very appealing.

[deez nuts]

I remember the comments about Jin and how harsh they were from the fans. What did they do to Jin that caused the fans to come full circle?

i think it was korean fans commenting on how shitty his korean is and probably rightfully so just like how i think BD wong's mandarin is crap in that one episode of svu with ming na.

[lethal]

I remember the comments about Jin and how harsh they were from the fans. What did they do to Jin that caused the fans to come full circle?

Those comments came early the first season when no one had any background on the characters. Now that viewers have gotten to know Jin and Sun better and have some of their backstory, they're a lot more likeable. Early on, Jin was the foreign guy who was harsh to his wife and was hostile and unfriendly to other people on the island. Now he's the guy who is a good husband and loyal to others almost to a fault.

[lethal]

A bit...?

To me the parents don't seem that bad. Sun's mom and the other mom of the son being set up with Sun, are the typical wealthy wives talking about schools and stuff like that. Jin's dad is a really cool, laidback fisherman and I don't think we ever see Jin's mom. The only overbearing parent really is probably Sun's dad, but he's just plain evil!

And about the rich treating poor like scum, well that's pretty universal, nothing unusual there. Jin stands up to his boss on his own whim and didn't need anybody to tell him to do it.

I couldn't come up with the right word, so I left it at "..."

[applehead]

Those comments came early the first season when no one had any background on the characters. Now that viewers have gotten to know Jin and Sun better and have some of their backstory, they're a lot more likeable. Early on, Jin was the foreign guy who was harsh to his wife and was hostile and unfriendly to other people on the island. Now he's the guy who is a good husband and loyal to others almost to a fault.

yes. loyal. very and i think he's a man of honor.
i personally feel that lost is the most perfect
show on tv right now.
although it has gone down a bit with
michelle rodriguez becoming part
of the past.
i can't stand that woman.

[applehead]

i think it was korean fans commenting on how shitty his korean is and probably rightfully so just like how i think BD wong's mandarin is crap in that one episode of svu with ming na.


like my sister said,
hurley korean accent is better than jin's.
i couldn't agree more.
it takes me awhile to process his accent
and get used to it. but who the hell cares.
he's good! the show's good! the acting is super.

[mr. x]

so uh, what was in the hatch...

[pikachupacabra]

3 weeks! Someone is seriously going to die for this.

[lethal]

so uh, what was in the hatch...

Watch the show.

[applehead]

i'll be hawking copies of lost.
i have last week's episode and will
be taping each one from now on.

contact me for more details.
i'm thinking 10 bucks. that includes shipping and handling.

[lethal]

$10!

You can get each episode on iTunes for $1.99. :-)

[applehead]

oh. damn it.
reeeeeeeeeally?
well this sucks.

[pikachupacabra]

You should throw something extra in. Like rabid-fan commentaries.

[Chad]

OK so I just finished watching the first season on DVD (thanks to the library). It's pretty good as tv dramas go but I do find some of melodrama moments irritating with the performers seeming to move in slow motion and the music swell etc. makes me want to puke. But other than that, it's pretty good.

[Martino]

what's your favourite character-back story? I really like Hurley's ...

[pikachupacabra]

Boingboingboing

http://www.lost-media.com/modules.php?name=coppermine&file=displayimage&album=829&pos=4


HAWT!!!

[Arex]

^ LOL! Way to shatter the wimpy Asian male image! Go Jin!

I kept hearing all the good press/internet babble about this series so I finally set a Tivo season pass and rented all the DVDs. I only recently got through the DVDs and all the saved up Season 2 episodes. Pretty good show. It's been a while since I could say there was a show on TV that I actually looked forward to seeing the next episode, but this is definitely one of those shows.

Now that I'm all caught up and have to wait each week for the next piece in the story, I kind of wish I'd waited until the series was over and all shows available on DVD before getting into it. Waiting each week kinda sucks.

[Faithless]

... she (Christina Kim) told the U.S. edition of the JoongAng Daily. “I guess that since there are Korean characters in the show, they needed someone who knew about the language and culture.”

“In the first season, we weren't able to show what a real Korean couple is like,” she says. "But in the second season, along with interpreting for her husband, Kim Yoon-jin's character will take on a more independent existence."

The Invisible Korean Behind U.S. Hit Drama (http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601020030.html)

Updated Jan.2,2006 22:36 KST

If Kim Yun-jin and Daniel Dae Kim are the front-of-house Koreans on “Lost”, the U.S. show just nominated for a best drama Golden Globe for the second year running, Christina Kim can be said to toil unseen in the kitchen.

Kim joined last June for the show’s second season. After majoring in English at Georgetown University, she did her post-graduate work at the University of Southern California, where she studied screenwriting, before making her debut on “Lost.”

She modestly attributes getting a writing job on the show to pure luck. "I never imagined that my first work would be on a drama as big as ‘Lost,’” she told the U.S. edition of the JoongAng Daily. “I guess that since there are Korean characters in the show, they needed someone who knew about the language and culture.”

“In the first season, we weren't able to show what a real Korean couple is like,” she says. "But in the second season, along with interpreting for her husband, Kim Yoon-jin's character will take on a more independent existence."

The show’s producers always come straight to Kim for advice on anything concerning Korea. For example, the window of Daniel Dae Kim's home in the show, supposedly looking out on Seoul, actually showed Singapore. "After looking at the pictures, it seemed like it definitely wasn’t going to work, so we decided to do away with the background altogether. But in the end, we went to great lengths to find a picture of Seoul and put it in," Kim explains.

More important are the cultural nuances. "In the original version of the script, there was a scene where Jin” -- Kim’s character -- “goes to the office of a bad-tempered superior to confront him, but after I explained some about Korean culture, where one must be modest towards one's superiors, they changed the scene," she recalls.

Kim, who was born in Chicago but attended middle school in Korea, found a dream job on “Lost” since it combines TV, which she has always liked, and writing.

For the future, she is already developing a thriller that will feature a strong female character against the backdrop of the Korean War.

(englishnews@chosun.com )

[AliBabaIncorporated]

For example, the window of Daniel Dae Kim's home in the show, supposedly looking out on Seoul, actually showed Singapore.
Uh, how the hell does that happen? Did they film in the wrong city? Or did the special effects morons put the picture in the window in post-production, only to find out that yes, Seoul is a different city than Singapore, and not only that, it has a different skyline too?

[Faithless]

Uh, how the hell does that happen? Did they film in the wrong city? Or did the special effects morons put the picture in the window in post-production, only to find out that yes, Seoul is a different city than Singapore, and not only that, it has a different skyline too?
Maybe they wanted an "Korea" shot, and decided Singapore would be better visually. :rolleyes: They probably also didn't think people would notice.

But in the end, we went to great lengths to find a picture of Seoul and put it in," Kim explains.
Somebody slap them around!

[Banana]

Not only do Asians all look alike but apparently, our cities do too.

[Fireblade]

Not only do Asians all look alike but apparently, our cities do too.

Kinda like how Toronto is NYC, San Francisco, LA, some middle american town called Smallville ???

[grimfan]

Uh, how the hell does that happen? Did they film in the wrong city? Or did the special effects morons put the picture in the window in post-production, only to find out that yes, Seoul is a different city than Singapore, and not only that, it has a different skyline too?

Oh please, this is nit-picking to infinity. Most cities are not very distinct, and most people will not care if the Empire State Building looks like the CN Tower.

[Banana]

I'm inclined to agree.

Now one is going to tell the difference and it makes no difference to the storyline. It's funny how they can see fit to change the scene if the city photographed is incorrect but god forbid they change racial stereotypes.

[phobs]

If you're born and raised in nyc, you can tell when movies/tv shows are not actually filmed in nyc but claim to be. Each city does have its own character.

[Deadpool]

Apparantly Vancouver looks like every major city in the US.

[Banana]

I just watched part of the show last night. What's the deal with that black smoke?

[thaite]

It's a mystery.

[mr. x]

Apparantly Vancouver looks like every major city in the US.
hehe reminds me of a The Onion piece, reasons why hollywood is shooting elsewhere

"Because Vancouver a much more convincing New York than New York"

[AliBabaIncorporated]

Oh please, this is nit-picking to infinity. Most cities are not very distinct, and most people will not care if the Empire State Building looks like the CN Tower.
Not really --- if you're gonna waste several man-hours and CPU time putting in a picture of a fake background, why not use the right city? In my company, we bother with "nit-picking to infinity" details like this, and we damn well know no one even looks at the photos in our promotional materials or research reports, not like the millions of people who watch "Lost".

[lethal]

This is the absolute best show on TV. And it promenently features Asians in multi-dimentional roles. I love it.

[pikachupacabra]

Have a possible spoiler for ya'll...concerning one of them multi-dimensional asians...

highlight below for info...
I have heard that Naveen is unhappy with his role and may be departing...so if you're wondering why Sayid has been so..."absent", it may be foreshadowing for another possible death.

[Arex]

Last week's episode was kinda dumb. I wish Kate would get killed. She and her drama bug me. And what the hell is up with Michael wigging out all the time?? I hope this week's episode is better.

[lethal]

The preview shows Sun getting abducted. This has to mean Jin gets to play hero too.

[Banana]

I hope he totally wigs out and owns people.

[younggiftedandblack]

I was wondering if they were going to come and take her. The others said in a past episode that they only take the good people. So far in her flashbacks we haven't seen her (Sun) do anything close to half the shit some of the other survivors have.

[Arex]

I hope he totally wigs out and owns people.That would seem to be in line with what's going on with everyone else on the program. They should rename the show "Crazy" since almost everyone on that island is a damn loon.

Now you can add Charlie to my hit list. Given last night's antics, I hope he cracks open a bunch of those Virgin Mary statues and ODs on all that delicious heroin.

RX

[haplesshobo]

From the previews, this week might be one that focuses on Sun's backstory.

Last week's was better, but I'm getting turned off by the uneveness of the series- one week, its good; the next, it sucks.

The frustrating thing is that the show doesn't answer any questions before coming up with some new ones. It almost seems like the producers don't know themselves so they keep on pushing back those first mysteries and come up with new ones to distract us. And, its ratcheting up the expected payoff when we finally do find the answers. But, from what I've heard from fans of Alias, another show the creators did, there were all those questions too that only disappointed and angered fans. I suspect that fans of Lost are going to be 'that's it' when they finally reveal the secrets of the island, and that's why they've been so reluctant to tell us anything.

[younggiftedandblack]

From the previews, this week might be one that focuses on Sun's backstory.

Last week's was better, but I'm getting turned off by the uneveness of the series- one week, its good; the next, it sucks.

The frustrating thing is that the show doesn't answer any questions before coming up with some new ones. It almost seems like the producers don't know themselves so they keep on pushing back those first mysteries and come up with new ones to distract us. And, its ratcheting up the expected payoff when we finally do find the answers. But, from what I've heard from fans of Alias, another show the creators did, there were all those questions too that only disappointed and angered fans. I suspect that fans of Lost are going to be 'that's it' when they finally reveal the secrets of the island, and that's why they've been so reluctant to tell us anything.
They gave some new clues last week, but also answered a few questions. This is one of those shows that no matter what the ending is there's going to be some pissed off fans.

[haplesshobo]

And, that's what happens when you drink and drive.

Up till then, I was all ready to finally quit watching Lost. But, now, they've sucked me back in.

Loved the first season, but the second season had been forgettable for the most part. But, I just know that the finale is going to be so addictively awesome that I end up watching the third season as well.

[mr. x]

can someone who does watch Lost religiously (I guess like everyone who isnt me) explain any significant happenings with the k-couple?

[lethal]

can someone who does watch Lost religiously (I guess like everyone who isnt me) explain any significant happenings with the k-couple?

No you have to watch on your own. And if you don't watch, why do you even care?

[mr. x]

No you have to watch on your own. And if you don't watch, why do you even care?
cuz i like to be in know, now make with the info!

[Arex]

Wifey is pregnant, even though Jin supposedly had a problem with his spermies. The episode tried to made it look like she may have gotten pregnant from her English instructor, although it was not made clear if anything ever happened between them.

Maybe it's Michael's.

[Chinasaur]

I've caught a few random episodes of this once in a while, and I've actually kinda enjoyed them. I'm not sure why I don't follow this show. I remember one ep in particular where the big dude sees his imaginary friend on the island, and at the end it turns out that this other girl was supposedly at the same mental asylum as the big guy was.

So what's up with them? They used to be crazy? Or are they still?

[Arex]

Wasn't too impressed with the season finale. It was interesting and all, but I can't really say I'm anything more than just mildly curious to see what happens next season. No real exciting cliff hangers. I think, perhaps, I just don't care about the characters that much anymore. I wonder how many seasons they're planning on dragging this out for.