A Conversation With John Cho: ‘Troublemaker’
VIEW EVENT DETAILSA First Look at The Acclaimed Actor’s Debut Novel
LIVE WEBCAST
Watch Live on Facebook
John Cho’s prolific acting career has spanned over two decades, from his iconic portrayal of Sulu in the blockbuster Star Trek franchise, to his breakout roles in the cult comedies Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and American Pie, to more recently starring in Netflix’s series Cowboy Bebop. Now, Cho is adding “published author” to his lengthy list of achievements, as he releases his debut young adult novel Troublemaker, which highlights the perspective of a young Korean American during the 1992 L.A. Riots.
What inspired him to write Troublemaker — and why now? Join John Cho for an exclusive reading from his novel, followed by a conversation about his book and the important topics addressed in it, including the model minority myth, social injustice, standing up for what’s right, and learning how to be an ally. The program will end with Cho answering live questions from the audience.
About the Book
Troublemaker is a captivating and heartfelt story that follows the events of the 1992 L.A. Riots through the eyes of Korean American 12-year-old Jordan, who is navigating school and family. In the wake of the acquittal of the police officers filmed beating Rodney King, as well as the shooting of a young black teen, Latasha Harlins, by a Korean store owner, the country is at the precipice of confronting its racist past and present. As tensions escalate, Jordan and his friends embark on a dangerous journey, and is forced to face the racism within their own community. Though it takes place during the 1990s, the issues tackled in the book of police brutality, systemic racism, and social injustice remain relevant today.
Speakers
John Cho is one of the first Korean American actors to blaze a unique path through cultural and business barriers into the mainstream, delivering compelling performances in both film and television. Cho’s debut middle-grade book, Troublemaker, will be released in March 2022. Upcoming, Cho is set to star in the Amazon Studios’ father-daughter dramedy, Don’t Make Me Go. Recently, Cho executive produced Erick Oh’s animated short film Namoo. Cho starred in the live action series for Netflix, Cowboy Bebop, based on the worldwide phenomenon from the original Japanese animated series in 1997. On the big screen, Cho starred in Aneesh Chaganty’s film Searching, which garnered him an Independent Spirit Award nomination in the category of “Best Male Lead.” Born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Los Angeles, California, Cho began acting while studying English literature at the University of California, Berkeley. He also spent time as a middle school teacher, and he is a parent to kids who are just the right age to read his new book.
Janet Yang (moderator) is a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning Hollywood producer with deep roots in China. Yang is a member of the Board of Governors of the Motion Picture Academy, as well as an officer chairing the Membership and Governance Committee. Yang has worked with some of the most formidable directors and actors in the world. She came to prominence through her collaboration with Steven Spielberg on Empire of the Sun (1987). That was followed by a long partnership with multiple Academy Award-winner Oliver Stone — where she served as executive producer on the iconic The Joy Luck Club (1993), and as a producer on the Golden Globe-winning The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996). Her latest film is Over the Moon (2020), an animated feature based on her original story inspired by the Chinese moon goddess. Committed to fostering global understanding, Yang has been a long-standing member of the Committee of 100, an organization of the most prominent Chinese Americans; an advisory board member of Asia Society Southern California where she also chairs its highly regarded U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit; and co-founder of Gold House, the non-profit collective of the most influential Asian cultural leaders. She was also recently appointed as a presidential fellow at Loyola Marymount University.
This conversation is presented as part of the Center for Global Education’s #ownvoices virtual reading room, featuring curated authors of contemporary children’s and young adult fiction books about the Asian and Asian American experience.