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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Shahana Yasmin

Daniel Dae Kim criticizes nationality-specific casting for Asian characters

  • Daniel Dae Kim has criticized what he terms an 'overcorrection' in nationality-specific casting for Asian characters in the entertainment industry.
  • He argued that casting often demands a specific Asian nationality even when the role does not require cultural or language-based specificity, particularly if the character is not written by an Asian person.
  • Kim suggested that for roles focusing on the shared 'American experience of being Asian', nationality is less important as the feeling of being 'othered' is a common experience.
  • He acknowledged that nationality-specific casting is valid when there is an authentic language requirement or the character is a real person with significant cultural ties to a particular country.
  • Kim highlighted a double standard, noting that British actors frequently portray American superheroes without their nationality being questioned, unlike the scrutiny often faced by Asian American actors.

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