Netflix’s production “Beef” clinched the prestigious Golden Globe for the most outstanding limited television series. This noteworthy achievement marked a historic milestone, as it became the initial creation by and featuring Asian Americans to secure victory in this particular category.
Amid the acceptance of this esteemed award, creator Lee Sung Jin humorously acknowledged the inspiration drawn from a genuine road rage incident involving him. In his words, “Our show is actually based on a real road rage incident that actually happened to me, so I’d be remiss not to thank that driver.
Sir, I hope you honk and yell and inspire others for years to come.” This resonated as a unique and unconventional origin for the acclaimed show.
Competing against other notable nominees such as “All the Light We Cannot See,” “Daisy Jones and the Six,” “Fargo,” and “Lessons in Chemistry,” “Beef” emerged triumphant. Prior to this, the lead actors, Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, also secured Golden Globes for their stellar performances in the series.
Released on Netflix in April, “Beef” unfolds a narrative centered around Danny, a struggling and high-strung contractor portrayed by Yeun, and Amy, a successful yet unfulfilled business owner brought to life by Wong. The plot takes a fascinating twist as a chance road rage encounter propels them into a relentless pursuit of each other’s downfall, all the while navigating the unraveling complexities of their individual lives.
Despite the critical acclaim garnered for its portrayal of the Korean American evangelical experience and nuanced explorations of race and Asian American life, the show faced controversy.
This arose from the resurfacing of artist David Choe’s 2014 comments, characterized by his self-proclaimed “rapey behavior.” Choe’s controversial history, including the removal of tweets critical of him, stirred further debate about the show’s casting decisions.
In response, the show’s creator, Lee, along with executive producers Yeun and Wong, released a joint statement acknowledging the hurtfulness of Choe’s fabricated story and distancing themselves from its endorsement. They highlighted Choe’s past apologies and efforts towards mental health improvement over the years.
“Beef” anticipates a successful awards season, building on its prior achievements, including two Gotham Independent Film Awards, and securing multiple nominations for forthcoming events such as the Emmy Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and Critics’ Choice Television Awards.
The series continues to navigate a complex landscape, balancing its artistic merits with the challenges posed by its controversial associations.