ADULT KOREAN ADOPTEES OF PORTLAND
PSU INSTITUTE FOR ASIAN STUDIES
present
DATE: Saturday, November 19, 2011
LOCATION: Rec Center Auditorium (ASCR 001)
Portland State University
1800 SW 6th Avenue
5:30 - 7:00 PM Film Screening
7:00 - 8:00 PM Q&A with Joy Osmanski & Nancy J. Lee
TICKET INFORMATION
Limited Seats - only 200 tickets sold
PSU Student Admission $7.00
General Admission $10.00
*** plus online processing fee***
Order Your "WEDDING PALACE" Tickets HERE
http://akapweddingpalace.eventbrite.com/
A special THANK YOU to the Portland Paramount Hotel for donating rooms for the Wedding Palace actors attending the NW film premier!
Centrally located in downtown Portland and across from the newly constructed Director Park, where you can experience one of their many unique events, or you can easily walk to Nordstrom, the Portland Art Museum, the Schnitzer Concert Hall and Pioneer Square. We are also one block from the MAX light rail and the Portland Street Cars. Take these to the Rose Garden, the Oregon Convention Center, OHSU, Portland State University, the Pearl District, Nob Hill, Union Station and the Portland International Airport...read more
Adult Korean Adoptees of Portland (AKAP) was organized in 2001 as a place for Korean adoptees in the Portland metropolitan area to meet and network. Over 200,000 Korean children have been adopted overseas. AKAP continues to support, connect and provide resources.
Thank you for attending and supporting AKAP's efforts to educate, empower and connect Korean adoptees to the Asian community in the Portland area. We are happy to answer questions and connect with you! Please feel free to contact us as akaportland@gmail.com.
Thank you for attending and supporting AKAP's efforts to educate, empower and connect Korean adoptees to the Asian community in the Portland area. We are happy to answer questions and connect with you! Please feel free to contact us as akaportland@gmail.com.
Joy Osmanski & Nancy Lee will attend and host a Q&A
Joy Osmanski
(Jinni Park the Runaway Bride)
Joy Osmanski is a Korean adoptee who grew up in Olympia, Washington. She graduated from Principia College majoring in Creative Writing and Studio Art and then earned an MFA in Acting from the University of California, San Diego. Joy is currently a featured voice on the new Fox animated series ALLEN GREGORY, produced by Jonah Hill. Joy is also known for playing “Darcy," a series regular, in the Fox comedy, THE LOOP. Other recurring and guest star roles on TV include: SAMANTHA WHO?, TRUE JACKSON, VP, NUMB3RS, BETTER OFF TED, and IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA. On stage, Joy has played major roles in productions at Chalk Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, A Noise Within, Mark Taper P.L.A.Y., and the San Jose Rep. WEDDING PALACE marks Joy's first major feature film role. When she's not acting, Joy loves to craft, camp, blog, and help take care of three bee hives with her husband, Corey.
I'm thrilled to be a part of the amazing cast and crew of WEDDING PALACE! Not only does the film bridge cultures on a global level, it does so for me personally, as well. Growing up an adoptee I've slowly come to understand more and more about how my Korean ethnic heritage connects with my American cultural upbringing. Playing "Jinnie" made that connection possible in a surprising and delightful way. Working with director Christine Yoo was empowering for so many reasons...being given creative freedom to bring a character to life is a gift. I'm so proud to be a part of the first movie to join Korea and the U.S. so completely.
I'm thrilled to be a part of the amazing cast and crew of WEDDING PALACE! Not only does the film bridge cultures on a global level, it does so for me personally, as well. Growing up an adoptee I've slowly come to understand more and more about how my Korean ethnic heritage connects with my American cultural upbringing. Playing "Jinnie" made that connection possible in a surprising and delightful way. Working with director Christine Yoo was empowering for so many reasons...being given creative freedom to bring a character to life is a gift. I'm so proud to be a part of the first movie to join Korea and the U.S. so completely.
Nancy J. Lee
(Doctor Aunt Myung Ja)
Born in San Francisco and raised in the Bay Area, Nancy J. Lee grew up in a typical
strict Korean immigrant home. While her parents begged her to be an accountant and marry a nice, successful Korean man, Lee dreamed of becoming a back up dancer for Janet Jackson or a fabulous hair‐stylist while being married to Johnny
Depp with four kids. Lee’s dream partially came true when she became a back‐up dancer for Jay Z at the SOUL TRAIN MUSIC AWARDS. Lee’s fascination with hair styles morphed into trying out different wigs for various characters she’d play with the Propergander Theater Group, a Los Angeles based sketch comedy group. Currently, Nancy performs stand‐up in Los Angeles and San Francisco comedy clubs – The Laugh Factory, The Improv, The Comedy Store, The Punchline, Cobbs, Pepperbelly’s, Mixed Nuts, The HaHa Café, The Fat Cat and many more! WEDDING PALACE marks her feature film debut, and yes—she wears a wig.
Some Korean families really are this wacky, loving and dramatic. I laughed my butt off during filming so much because the movie is so painfully honest and revealing.
strict Korean immigrant home. While her parents begged her to be an accountant and marry a nice, successful Korean man, Lee dreamed of becoming a back up dancer for Janet Jackson or a fabulous hair‐stylist while being married to Johnny
Depp with four kids. Lee’s dream partially came true when she became a back‐up dancer for Jay Z at the SOUL TRAIN MUSIC AWARDS. Lee’s fascination with hair styles morphed into trying out different wigs for various characters she’d play with the Propergander Theater Group, a Los Angeles based sketch comedy group. Currently, Nancy performs stand‐up in Los Angeles and San Francisco comedy clubs – The Laugh Factory, The Improv, The Comedy Store, The Punchline, Cobbs, Pepperbelly’s, Mixed Nuts, The HaHa Café, The Fat Cat and many more! WEDDING PALACE marks her feature film debut, and yes—she wears a wig.
Some Korean families really are this wacky, loving and dramatic. I laughed my butt off during filming so much because the movie is so painfully honest and revealing.
YOUR LOOK INTO "WEDDING PALACE" FILMMAKERS & ACTORS
Pressured to get married by family and friends, 29 year‐old advertising executive Jason Kim finds the woman of his dreams in cyberspace, 9000 miles away in Seoul, Korea. Complications arise when his bride to be arrives in Los Angeles for the first time.
Jason Kim (Brian Tee) is struggling to overcome the dreadful fate of an ancient family curse that threatens his very life if he is not married by his 30th birthday. The drama takes off when the picture perfect girl, Jinnie Park (Joy Osmanski) abandons Jason at the altar of the Wedding Palace. With Jason's 30th birthday or death fast approaching, bridal replacements are quickly interviewed. To the horror of Jason's parents (Stephen Park and Jean Yoon), Jason rejects them all, insisting he believes more in love than some ridiculous family curse. On a business trip to Korea, he finally meets the girl of his dreams, Na Young Song (Kang Hye‐jung). They embark on a long distance cyber love affair fueled by imagination and 24/7 video chats. Jason proposes to Na Young and his family is delighted. But when Na Young arrives in Los Angeles, what Jason soon discovers is that a relationship can sometimes be deeper online than in real life. Can Jason find the courage to defy his parents and bridge the gap between family expectations of beauty and true love? With all of her shortcomings, is Na Young the special girl with the power to break his family's ancient curse forever?
Jason Kim (Brian Tee) is struggling to overcome the dreadful fate of an ancient family curse that threatens his very life if he is not married by his 30th birthday. The drama takes off when the picture perfect girl, Jinnie Park (Joy Osmanski) abandons Jason at the altar of the Wedding Palace. With Jason's 30th birthday or death fast approaching, bridal replacements are quickly interviewed. To the horror of Jason's parents (Stephen Park and Jean Yoon), Jason rejects them all, insisting he believes more in love than some ridiculous family curse. On a business trip to Korea, he finally meets the girl of his dreams, Na Young Song (Kang Hye‐jung). They embark on a long distance cyber love affair fueled by imagination and 24/7 video chats. Jason proposes to Na Young and his family is delighted. But when Na Young arrives in Los Angeles, what Jason soon discovers is that a relationship can sometimes be deeper online than in real life. Can Jason find the courage to defy his parents and bridge the gap between family expectations of beauty and true love? With all of her shortcomings, is Na Young the special girl with the power to break his family's ancient curse forever?
THE FILMMAKERS
CHRISTINE YOO
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, COWRITER
Christine Mia Yoo (b. Buffalo, New York) earned a BA in Film Production from the
University of Southern California's School of Cinema‐Television. She makes her
feature film debut with WEDDING PALACE after working as a professional film & TV
writer in Hollywood for nearly a decade. She co‐wrote the animation series AFRO
SAMURAI starring Samuel L. Jackson for Spike TV and Fuji TV. She also co‐wrote
HANNIBAL for Vin Diesel and BET network. Her original screenplay, the romantic
comedy, FOR STEPPERS ONLY was optioned and developed by Lionsgate.
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, COWRITER
Christine Mia Yoo (b. Buffalo, New York) earned a BA in Film Production from the
University of Southern California's School of Cinema‐Television. She makes her
feature film debut with WEDDING PALACE after working as a professional film & TV
writer in Hollywood for nearly a decade. She co‐wrote the animation series AFRO
SAMURAI starring Samuel L. Jackson for Spike TV and Fuji TV. She also co‐wrote
HANNIBAL for Vin Diesel and BET network. Her original screenplay, the romantic
comedy, FOR STEPPERS ONLY was optioned and developed by Lionsgate.
KBS (Korean Broadcasting Service) Documentary, LA Behind the Scenes Part 1 and Part 2
JONATHAN KIM
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
CEO & President of Dyne Films, Jonathan HyoungJoon
Kim is a veteran producer and screenwriter of the Korean motion picture industry. He has produced 15 motion pictures, including SILMIDO, which is in the top ten box office hits of all time in Korea. In 2004, SILMIDO received Best Picture and Best Director at the 25th Blue Dragon Film Awards, the Grand Award from the PaekSang Art Awards, and the Executive Producer Award and Grand Jury Award at the 41st Daejong Film Festival. As a screenwriter, he received the Most Popular Script Award for MR. MAMA and Best Script at the Annual PaekSang Art Awards for THE MAN WITH BREASTS. He has served in leading positions for numerous industry associations, including Chairman of the Korean Film Producers Association, Director of International Affairs for the Motion Picture Association of Korea, and Chairman of KOFIC’s Digital Cinema Committee. He currently also serves as a professor at the Korean Academy of Film Arts. He graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Southern
California.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
CEO & President of Dyne Films, Jonathan HyoungJoon
Kim is a veteran producer and screenwriter of the Korean motion picture industry. He has produced 15 motion pictures, including SILMIDO, which is in the top ten box office hits of all time in Korea. In 2004, SILMIDO received Best Picture and Best Director at the 25th Blue Dragon Film Awards, the Grand Award from the PaekSang Art Awards, and the Executive Producer Award and Grand Jury Award at the 41st Daejong Film Festival. As a screenwriter, he received the Most Popular Script Award for MR. MAMA and Best Script at the Annual PaekSang Art Awards for THE MAN WITH BREASTS. He has served in leading positions for numerous industry associations, including Chairman of the Korean Film Producers Association, Director of International Affairs for the Motion Picture Association of Korea, and Chairman of KOFIC’s Digital Cinema Committee. He currently also serves as a professor at the Korean Academy of Film Arts. He graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Southern
California.
ERNEST HOLZMAN, ASC
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY, USA PRODUCTION
Cinematographer Ernest Holzman, ASC, is a graduate of New York University and
The American Film Institute. He entered the motion picture industry in 1982 as
assistant cameraman for Jordan Cronenweth, ASC, on the production of "Blade Runner". In 1986, Holzman began photographing television commercials and was offered his first theatrical assignment in 1989 on the ABC drama "thirtysomething". His first theatrical feature was "love jones" for New Line Cinema in 1995 and in 2001 he won the ASC award for best cinematography for his work on the PBS television film "Cora Unashamed." Ernie lives in Los Angeles with his wife, screenwriter Terry Anne Holzman.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY, USA PRODUCTION
Cinematographer Ernest Holzman, ASC, is a graduate of New York University and
The American Film Institute. He entered the motion picture industry in 1982 as
assistant cameraman for Jordan Cronenweth, ASC, on the production of "Blade Runner". In 1986, Holzman began photographing television commercials and was offered his first theatrical assignment in 1989 on the ABC drama "thirtysomething". His first theatrical feature was "love jones" for New Line Cinema in 1995 and in 2001 he won the ASC award for best cinematography for his work on the PBS television film "Cora Unashamed." Ernie lives in Los Angeles with his wife, screenwriter Terry Anne Holzman.
THE CAST
BRIAN TEE (JASON KIM)
Brian Tee is best known for his starring role as “DK, the Drift King,” in Universal
Pictures' action‐thriller THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS 3: TOKYO DRIFT ($157mm
worldwide), directed by Justin Lin. His first film role was in the action‐drama WE
WERE SOLDIERS, opposite Mel Gibson. On TV, he starred as EMT “Eddie Choi” for
the series CRASH, based on the Academy Award winning Best Motion Picture for
STARZ cable channel. Other guest starring roles for TV include: BURN NOTICE, LIE
TO ME, GREY’S ANATOMY, BONES, CSI:CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, and DARK
BLUE. On the stage, Tee starred in SNOW FALLING ON CEDAR for the Hartford Stage
Company. ALos Angeles native of Korean and Japanese descent, Tee holds a bachelor's degree in Dramatic Arts‐Acting from the University of California,Berkeley.
When I first read the script, I was immediately inspired by its universal themes of love, family and community. My heart and soul connected with the story’s warmth, humor and positive portrayal of our roots and traditions within the Korean setting.
Brian Tee is best known for his starring role as “DK, the Drift King,” in Universal
Pictures' action‐thriller THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS 3: TOKYO DRIFT ($157mm
worldwide), directed by Justin Lin. His first film role was in the action‐drama WE
WERE SOLDIERS, opposite Mel Gibson. On TV, he starred as EMT “Eddie Choi” for
the series CRASH, based on the Academy Award winning Best Motion Picture for
STARZ cable channel. Other guest starring roles for TV include: BURN NOTICE, LIE
TO ME, GREY’S ANATOMY, BONES, CSI:CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, and DARK
BLUE. On the stage, Tee starred in SNOW FALLING ON CEDAR for the Hartford Stage
Company. ALos Angeles native of Korean and Japanese descent, Tee holds a bachelor's degree in Dramatic Arts‐Acting from the University of California,Berkeley.
When I first read the script, I was immediately inspired by its universal themes of love, family and community. My heart and soul connected with the story’s warmth, humor and positive portrayal of our roots and traditions within the Korean setting.
KANG HYEJUNG (NA YOUNG SONG)
Kang HyeJung is an award winning actress from South Korea. She is internationally recognized for her starring role in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful film OLD BOY, 2004 Cannes Film Festival Grand Jury Prize Winner. In 2006 she won Korea’s Grand Bell for Best Supporting Actress in WELCOME TO DONGMAKGOL, which remains in the top 10‐ box office hits of all time in Korea. Kang has starred in more than ten feature films and is recognized as one of the best young actresses in the Korean film industry. She continues to distinguish herself by picking risky and quirky roles. WEDDING PALACE marks Kang’s English language debut.
[The character] Na Young was born with a ‘complex’ but she’s confident and doesn’t let that stop her in finding her goals.
Kang HyeJung is an award winning actress from South Korea. She is internationally recognized for her starring role in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful film OLD BOY, 2004 Cannes Film Festival Grand Jury Prize Winner. In 2006 she won Korea’s Grand Bell for Best Supporting Actress in WELCOME TO DONGMAKGOL, which remains in the top 10‐ box office hits of all time in Korea. Kang has starred in more than ten feature films and is recognized as one of the best young actresses in the Korean film industry. She continues to distinguish herself by picking risky and quirky roles. WEDDING PALACE marks Kang’s English language debut.
[The character] Na Young was born with a ‘complex’ but she’s confident and doesn’t let that stop her in finding her goals.
BOBBY LEE (KEVIN JASON’S BEST FRIEND)
Bobby Lee is an American actor and comedian best known for his membership on Fox’s sketch comedy series MADtv from 2001‐2009. On MADtv he impersonated both Asian and non‐Asian characters, including Kim Jong‐il, Connie Chung and The Penguin from the “Batman” series. His film work includes work in the HAROLD &
KUMAR franchise series from New Line Cinema, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS and KICKIN’ IT OLD SCHOOL. Lee has toured across the USA with his stand‐up comedy and is a regular performer at the legendary Comedy Store in West Hollywood.
Bobby Lee is an American actor and comedian best known for his membership on Fox’s sketch comedy series MADtv from 2001‐2009. On MADtv he impersonated both Asian and non‐Asian characters, including Kim Jong‐il, Connie Chung and The Penguin from the “Batman” series. His film work includes work in the HAROLD &
KUMAR franchise series from New Line Cinema, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS and KICKIN’ IT OLD SCHOOL. Lee has toured across the USA with his stand‐up comedy and is a regular performer at the legendary Comedy Store in West Hollywood.
MARGARET CHO (THE SHAMAN)
Margaret Cho is an American comedian, fashion designer, actress, author and
recording artist. As a stand‐up comedian she has sold out tours across the USA and turned the following stage shows into films: I’M THE ONE THAT I WANT, NOTORIOUS C.H.O., ASSASSIN. On TV, she was most recently a contestant on the 2010 ABC’s DANCING WITH THE STARS. Other significant TV roles include DROP DEAD DIVA and the pioneering series ALL AMERICAN GIRL in 1994‐5. Cho has been performing stand‐up comedy since the age of 16 and is recognized as an advocate of equal rights for all, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Margaret Cho is an American comedian, fashion designer, actress, author and
recording artist. As a stand‐up comedian she has sold out tours across the USA and turned the following stage shows into films: I’M THE ONE THAT I WANT, NOTORIOUS C.H.O., ASSASSIN. On TV, she was most recently a contestant on the 2010 ABC’s DANCING WITH THE STARS. Other significant TV roles include DROP DEAD DIVA and the pioneering series ALL AMERICAN GIRL in 1994‐5. Cho has been performing stand‐up comedy since the age of 16 and is recognized as an advocate of equal rights for all, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity.
STEPHEN PARK (KWAN KIM JASON’S FATHER)
Stephen Park is best known for his work in FARGO and the sketch comedy
series IN LIVING COLOR for Fox. His first film role was in the now iconic Spike Lee film, DO THE RIGHT THING. Other film work includes: KINDERGARTEN COP, DESPERATE MEASURES, ROCKET SCIENCE, STATE OF PLAY, A SERIOUS MAN, and MORNING GLORY. A native New Yorker, Stephen lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children.
I had more fun working on WEDDING PALACE than any other film I've ever done. I fell in love with everyone and it really felt like we were a family. A really rare and wonderful experience.
Stephen Park is best known for his work in FARGO and the sketch comedy
series IN LIVING COLOR for Fox. His first film role was in the now iconic Spike Lee film, DO THE RIGHT THING. Other film work includes: KINDERGARTEN COP, DESPERATE MEASURES, ROCKET SCIENCE, STATE OF PLAY, A SERIOUS MAN, and MORNING GLORY. A native New Yorker, Stephen lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children.
I had more fun working on WEDDING PALACE than any other film I've ever done. I fell in love with everyone and it really felt like we were a family. A really rare and wonderful experience.
JEAN YOON (MI SOOK KIM JASON’S MOTHER)
Jean Yoon is an actor, writer and theatre artist, born in Illinois and raised in
Toronto where she makes her home. A seasoned film and television actor her
credits include: THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, THE PATH TO 9/11, AN ACCIDENTAL
FRIENDSHIP, WAREHOUSE 13, THE BEST YEARS, ODYSSEY 5, BEING ERICA, THIS IS
WONDERLAND, COW BELLES, and the acclaimed CBC mini‐series DRAGON BOYS, for
which she earned a 2007 Gemini nomination for her portrayal of a hardened mob
wife. Jean’s playwriting credits include THE YOKO ONO PROJECT, a multimedia
performance art comedy and HONGBU & NOLBU: THE TALE OF THE MAGIC PUMPKINS a comedy for family audiences. Jean is thrilled to be part of WEDDING PALACE, channeling the Korean “Tiger Mom” Within.
Playing Mi Sook was hugely satisfying because I could push the Korean mother trope to the boundaries of the ridiculous, but always locking into that core instinct, to do the best for my child, he would thank me in the future, a mother has to do what a mother has to do. And my God, what a thrill to be working with such an incredible team there is so much talent in this film. And there's director Christine Yoo persisting, driving forward taking on one challenge after another to finish the film, to create this smart ass kimchihot romantic comedy. It's amazing really. You know, the only other times I've been with so many Koreans was when I was in Korea. Or as a child in church. And I gotta say, it was never so much fun as WEDDING PALACE.
Jean Yoon is an actor, writer and theatre artist, born in Illinois and raised in
Toronto where she makes her home. A seasoned film and television actor her
credits include: THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, THE PATH TO 9/11, AN ACCIDENTAL
FRIENDSHIP, WAREHOUSE 13, THE BEST YEARS, ODYSSEY 5, BEING ERICA, THIS IS
WONDERLAND, COW BELLES, and the acclaimed CBC mini‐series DRAGON BOYS, for
which she earned a 2007 Gemini nomination for her portrayal of a hardened mob
wife. Jean’s playwriting credits include THE YOKO ONO PROJECT, a multimedia
performance art comedy and HONGBU & NOLBU: THE TALE OF THE MAGIC PUMPKINS a comedy for family audiences. Jean is thrilled to be part of WEDDING PALACE, channeling the Korean “Tiger Mom” Within.
Playing Mi Sook was hugely satisfying because I could push the Korean mother trope to the boundaries of the ridiculous, but always locking into that core instinct, to do the best for my child, he would thank me in the future, a mother has to do what a mother has to do. And my God, what a thrill to be working with such an incredible team there is so much talent in this film. And there's director Christine Yoo persisting, driving forward taking on one challenge after another to finish the film, to create this smart ass kimchihot romantic comedy. It's amazing really. You know, the only other times I've been with so many Koreans was when I was in Korea. Or as a child in church. And I gotta say, it was never so much fun as WEDDING PALACE.
JUNE K. LU (GRANDMA)
As a college student in the 1960’s, June K. Lu was preparing for a career as a
teacher. However, one of her professors told her that her voice and presence needed to be more authoritative and suggested she take a speech class or acting class. Lu chose the acting class. Since then, Lu has become a veteran of film, TV, and awardwinning stage actor. Notable film work includes BLOODWORK directed by Clint Eastwood and LADY IN THE WATER directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and MENACE II SOCIETY directed by the Hughes Brothers. Her TV credits include CSI, LOST, SEINFELD and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. She has performed on stage in theaters from coast to coast, including the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C, for which she received the coveted “Helen Hays Award”; the Public Theatre & Vineyard Theatre, New York City; Trinity Repertory, Providence, R.I.; Mixed Blood Theatre, Minneapolis; Long Wharf Theatre, New Haven, Conn.; the Mark Taper Forum, the Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC) and East West Players in Los Angeles. She has been honored by the Los Angeles Weekly with two “Best Actress Awards,” and is the recipient of three “Drama Logue Awards” and an “Ovation” nomination for the “Waiting Room” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.
I am proud to be part of the WEDDING PALACE. I found the storyline very humorous and creative, and it was a joy to be part of the cast and to work with a very skilled production crew.
As a college student in the 1960’s, June K. Lu was preparing for a career as a
teacher. However, one of her professors told her that her voice and presence needed to be more authoritative and suggested she take a speech class or acting class. Lu chose the acting class. Since then, Lu has become a veteran of film, TV, and awardwinning stage actor. Notable film work includes BLOODWORK directed by Clint Eastwood and LADY IN THE WATER directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and MENACE II SOCIETY directed by the Hughes Brothers. Her TV credits include CSI, LOST, SEINFELD and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. She has performed on stage in theaters from coast to coast, including the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C, for which she received the coveted “Helen Hays Award”; the Public Theatre & Vineyard Theatre, New York City; Trinity Repertory, Providence, R.I.; Mixed Blood Theatre, Minneapolis; Long Wharf Theatre, New Haven, Conn.; the Mark Taper Forum, the Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC) and East West Players in Los Angeles. She has been honored by the Los Angeles Weekly with two “Best Actress Awards,” and is the recipient of three “Drama Logue Awards” and an “Ovation” nomination for the “Waiting Room” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.
I am proud to be part of the WEDDING PALACE. I found the storyline very humorous and creative, and it was a joy to be part of the cast and to work with a very skilled production crew.
CHARLES KIM (PROFESSOR UNCLE TAY)
Charles Kim has been performing for audiences ever since he caught the acting bug while attending law school. 13 years later, he practices law and enjoys making folks laugh regularly with his award‐winning, live sketch comedy troupe, OPM. Among Charles' memorable characters are North Korean dictator Kim Jong‐il, Asian‐American rapper MC B‐Hung, and a racist Korean mother described by the L.A. Times as "priceless." His television credits include: LAW & ORDER: LOS ANGELES, THE UNIT, iCARLY, THE BILL ENGVALL SHOW, JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE, RAISING THE BAR, and LEWIS BLACK'S THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. When not appearing on stage, screen or in court, Charles loves to sleep.
I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the WEDDING PALACE family. Christine, our fearless writerdirector, created such a wonderful and smart project, filled with KoreanAmerican voices that convey some universal truth and humor about families all over: they're dysfunctional and wacky, but at the end of the day, it's all love... On a selfish note, I am utterly grateful that Christine was so generous as a director and allowed me to express facets of my alltooKorean upbringing via the character of Professor Uncle. “WP” faaa liiife, yo!
Charles Kim has been performing for audiences ever since he caught the acting bug while attending law school. 13 years later, he practices law and enjoys making folks laugh regularly with his award‐winning, live sketch comedy troupe, OPM. Among Charles' memorable characters are North Korean dictator Kim Jong‐il, Asian‐American rapper MC B‐Hung, and a racist Korean mother described by the L.A. Times as "priceless." His television credits include: LAW & ORDER: LOS ANGELES, THE UNIT, iCARLY, THE BILL ENGVALL SHOW, JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE, RAISING THE BAR, and LEWIS BLACK'S THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. When not appearing on stage, screen or in court, Charles loves to sleep.
I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the WEDDING PALACE family. Christine, our fearless writerdirector, created such a wonderful and smart project, filled with KoreanAmerican voices that convey some universal truth and humor about families all over: they're dysfunctional and wacky, but at the end of the day, it's all love... On a selfish note, I am utterly grateful that Christine was so generous as a director and allowed me to express facets of my alltooKorean upbringing via the character of Professor Uncle. “WP” faaa liiife, yo!
KELVIN HAN YEE (WHEELER DEALER UNCLE HANK)
San Francisco native Kelvin Han Yee began his career as a company member at the
American Conservatory Theater. Classically trained, Yee was the first Asian
American actor to join Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival and performed with
Berkeley Repertory Theater, Huntington Theater, San Jose Stage, LATC, East West
Platers and Lodestone Ensemble. Yee’s TV work includes: CRASH, TV series, based
on the Academy Award Best Picture Winner, HAWAII FIVEO, CHUCK, ENTOURAGE,
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and THE MENTALIST. Daytime drama includes: THE
YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, DAYS OF OUR LIVES and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL. Yee’s film credits include: MILK, LUCKY YOU, TRUE CRIME, COPYCAT, SO I MARRIED AN AX MURDERER and A GREAT WALL, the first American feature film shot in the Peoples Republic of China. Upcoming films are SAN FRANCISCO 2177 and BORN TO BE A STAR. When he’s not acting, Yee mentors incarcerated youth and teaches writing workshops as an alternative to violence. Yee lives with his wife and rescued English Bulldog “Louie.”
We all became a real hilariously dysfunctional family on set and kept each other in stitches constantly like when Bobby Lee came out of his trailer one day in his "tidy whiteys" and walked all the way to set before realizing he wasn't fully "in wardrobe" (I have pics). I think the audience, no matter who they are or what culture they come
from, will laugh till their face hurts in recognition of their own family experience.
San Francisco native Kelvin Han Yee began his career as a company member at the
American Conservatory Theater. Classically trained, Yee was the first Asian
American actor to join Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival and performed with
Berkeley Repertory Theater, Huntington Theater, San Jose Stage, LATC, East West
Platers and Lodestone Ensemble. Yee’s TV work includes: CRASH, TV series, based
on the Academy Award Best Picture Winner, HAWAII FIVEO, CHUCK, ENTOURAGE,
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and THE MENTALIST. Daytime drama includes: THE
YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, DAYS OF OUR LIVES and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL. Yee’s film credits include: MILK, LUCKY YOU, TRUE CRIME, COPYCAT, SO I MARRIED AN AX MURDERER and A GREAT WALL, the first American feature film shot in the Peoples Republic of China. Upcoming films are SAN FRANCISCO 2177 and BORN TO BE A STAR. When he’s not acting, Yee mentors incarcerated youth and teaches writing workshops as an alternative to violence. Yee lives with his wife and rescued English Bulldog “Louie.”
We all became a real hilariously dysfunctional family on set and kept each other in stitches constantly like when Bobby Lee came out of his trailer one day in his "tidy whiteys" and walked all the way to set before realizing he wasn't fully "in wardrobe" (I have pics). I think the audience, no matter who they are or what culture they come
from, will laugh till their face hurts in recognition of their own family experience.
YOUNG JOO KO (MRS. PARK – JINNIE PARK’S MOTHER)
Young‐Joo Ko is a renowned radio personality in the Korean American community. She got her start in radio broadcast in 1984 at KBS Radio in Korea, then transitioned to 1540AM Radio Korea in Los Angeles in 1991. Currently, Ko hosts two shows, DONGNAE BANGBAE SHOW and LIFE THROUGH YOUNG‐JOO KO’s EYES. Between the two shows, Ko reaches Korean American listerners in all 50 states 6 days a week. In the theatre, Ko’s stage work includes KIMCHIGOOK GOES CRAZY, TURN AROUND AND LEAVE, SUNMOOL, MY HOME SWEET HOME and LIFE IS WORTH LIVING. She makes her feature film debut in WEDDING PALACE.
Because the whole envionment was so new to me, everything felt very fresh. I had so much fun and enjoyed every second of this entire experience with the Wedding Palace. Unforgettable!
Young‐Joo Ko is a renowned radio personality in the Korean American community. She got her start in radio broadcast in 1984 at KBS Radio in Korea, then transitioned to 1540AM Radio Korea in Los Angeles in 1991. Currently, Ko hosts two shows, DONGNAE BANGBAE SHOW and LIFE THROUGH YOUNG‐JOO KO’s EYES. Between the two shows, Ko reaches Korean American listerners in all 50 states 6 days a week. In the theatre, Ko’s stage work includes KIMCHIGOOK GOES CRAZY, TURN AROUND AND LEAVE, SUNMOOL, MY HOME SWEET HOME and LIFE IS WORTH LIVING. She makes her feature film debut in WEDDING PALACE.
Because the whole envionment was so new to me, everything felt very fresh. I had so much fun and enjoyed every second of this entire experience with the Wedding Palace. Unforgettable!
