For a long time, Asian characters in Western media were easy to predict. They were often side characters, defined by accents, martial arts skills, or other one-dimensional stereotypes. Rarely were they the center of the story. That started to change when COVID-19 hit. Though disastrous for some, Netflix saw the biggest rise in its history. Throughout the pandemic, Netflix inspired millions of people around the world to click “play” on shows they didn’t expect to love, especially those that are not in English.
Before streaming platforms became dominant, Hollywood largely decided which stories were “marketable.” Asian-led narratives were often seen as too foreign or niche, leading to their alteration to fit Western expectations or their being outright ignored. Not all Asians practice martial arts (though I do), not all Asians have accents and not all Asians are Jackie Chan.
Netflix helped shift this pattern by making global stories accessible to everyone. With its aggressive investment strategy and a high volume of local content, the streaming service produced numerous movies that showed true authenticity.
Squid Game is the clearest example. A Korean-language series with subtitles became the most-watched show on the platform, not because it was watered down to fit Western audiences but because it was unapologetically Korean. Showcasing traditional Korean games while also commenting on social issues that transcend borders, the show’s popularity improved how people perceived Korea and Koreans. I was able to see the change because some of my friends decided to dress up as guards for Halloween.
When the series first came out in 2021, my Australian friends asked me countless times if I was from Squid Game. I first thought that was really racist, but then I realized being compared to the most-watched show is not the worst thing that could happen to me. Oftentimes, I would answer “yes” just to get the jokes going and sometimes I would go as far as making up an entire story of how I survived the game.
This doesn’t apply just to Koreans. Japanese animation contributed to a change in American perception of the country as militaristic, given the history of World War II. Shows like Naruto, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer were not only watched by millions, but also obsessed with the point where they also became Halloween staples. Teens wore anime merchandise, quoted characters, and debated storylines more intensely than their Western counterparts. This helped the perception as Japanese culture became associated with creativity, depth, and influence.
There are probably hundreds—if not thousands—of creative and authentic works that deserve attention but go unnoticed. Some of them may be on Netflix, while others may be so hidden that it isn’t even on any streaming services. If you are scrolling through a Netflix page right now wondering what you should watch while demolishing a bowl of pasta for dinner, why don’t you try something new? Who knows, maybe it will change something inside you.
Junyoung Hong moved to the U.S. in 2023 and has lived in Belmont since. He is a junior at Belmont High School, and is interested in writing about social issues, getting to know people, and playing sports. He plays for the Belmont varsity golf team. He also practices taekwondo and leads the demo team, which performs at Belmont Town Day every year.
