The Unprecedented Triumph of ‘Beef’
Last week, Hollywood spotlighted Lee Sung-jin. His Netflix drama ‘Beef’ won 15 awards at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, and Emmys. It made history at the Golden Globes, winning Best Picture and lead acting awards. Critics’ Choice and Emmys also recognized its excellence. NBC praised ‘Beef’ for redefining mainstream culture with its Asian-American cast.
The Story Behind ‘Beef’
‘Beef’ is about Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong). It shows their conflict and downfall. The title symbolizes complaints and conflicts. The drama reflects immigrant experiences. It marks Lee’s first directorial work.
Inspiration from a Road Rage Incident
‘Beef’ started from a road rage incident in Los Angeles. A white BMW SUV driver yelled at Lee. This experience inspired the drama. Lee humorously thanked the driver at the Golden Globes.
Collaborations and Making the Drama
Lee collaborated with friends and industry veterans for ‘Beef.’ He worked with A24, known for ‘Minari.’ Steven Yeun and Ali Wong’s involvement was crucial. They helped develop the characters and script.
Netflix: A Diverse Platform
Lee chose Netflix for its diverse team. They understood Korean culture. This helped bring authenticity to ‘Beef.’ The team included Korean and Asian staff. They provided valuable insights.
The COVID-19 Challenge
Lee got COVID-19 while writing ‘Beef.’ He was isolated in a hospital. This experience influenced the drama’s emotional depth.
From Moving Houses to Moving Audiences
Lee’s childhood involved moving across the U.S. This helped him develop observation skills. He learned to quickly understand and depict characters.
First-hand Experiences as Inspiration
Lee’s personal experiences inspired ‘Beef.’ He emphasizes writing from personal knowledge. This includes his own life experiences.
Embracing Korean Identity in Hollywood
Lee transitioned from ‘Sonny Lee’ to ‘Lee Sung-jin.’ He was inspired by Korean directors like Bong Joon-ho. This reflects Hollywood’s growing diversity. Lee now comfortably expresses his Korean heritage.
Addressing Asian-American Discrimination
Asian-American discrimination still exists. Lee uses storytelling to address this issue. He believes in the power of narrative to initiate change.
Admiration for Korean Cinema
Lee admires Korean actors and directors. He cites their influence on his work. He stresses the importance of authentic storytelling for global success.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
Lee advises persistence and practice for aspiring writers. His journey from blogging to Emmy-winning writer shows hard work pays off.
Future Endeavors and Reflections
Lee is scripting Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts.’ His focus remains on directing. He is open to more stories in ‘Beef.’ He wants to connect more with his Korean roots in future projects.
Reference: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/023/0003811967?sid=102
