A scene from "The Devil Wears Prada 2" / Captured from YouTube channel "20th Century Studios"
The much-anticipated sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada" has run into controversy just before its release, with debate erupting over possible racial insensitivity toward Asian characters.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” premiered in South Korea on April 29, marking its first release anywhere in the world. The film had already generated strong buzz ahead of its debut, fueled by its return nearly two decades after the original, the reunion of its main cast, and visits to Korea by stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
However, about a week before its release, the film became embroiled in allegations of racism, shifting public sentiment from excitement to a mix of anticipation and concern.
At the center of the controversy is the character Jin Chao, played by Chinese-American actor Helen J. Shen, who serves as an assistant to Andy, portrayed by Hathaway. Some online users raised concerns that the pronunciation of the character’s name resembles a derogatory term historically used in Western contexts to mock Asians. Critics also pointed to the character’s styling in promotional footage, saying the appearance — including outdated glasses, a conservative hairstyle and a checkered shirt — felt out of place compared with other characters.
These elements led to accusations that the character reflects lingering Western stereotypes about Asians. In China, the issue gained traction among online communities, with some users even calling for a boycott.
Following the film’s release, reactions have been divided. Some viewers say the controversy may have been overstated, noting that the film does not overtly caricature Asian characters. They argue that Jin Chao’s awkward and inexperienced portrayal mirrors the early character arc of Andy in the original film — a newcomer navigating and gradually adapting to the fashion industry.
From this perspective, the character is seen as part of a broader narrative device rather than an attempt to mock a specific race.
Still, criticism has not fully subsided. Some say the filmmakers should have exercised greater care in shaping the character, especially given the sensitivity surrounding racial representation in Hollywood. While overtly exaggerated portrayals of Asians — such as the caricatured depiction in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” — have become less common, concerns persist that stereotypes continue in more subtle forms.
Regardless of intent, critics say repeated patterns in how Asian characters are portrayed remain problematic, particularly in globally targeted productions like “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” With an international audience in mind, they argue, greater cultural awareness is essential at every stage of character development.
Source: Korea Times News
