The first turn of thanks and gratitude are granted to the main stars themselves, Steven Yeun and John Cho. I will continue to follow their illustrious and fascinating careers with great interest and attention. Although I remain in anonymity to these actors, I will always consider them fellows. 

The second round of thanks are to my peers and educators from my undergraduate studies at Kansas State University. Special appreciation goes to Drs. Shireen Roshanravan, Brianne Heidbreder, and Katy Karlin. Dr. Karlin guided me through the field of Film and Media Studies and (heavily) nudged me towards the path of graduate school. She provided me with invaluable support and was often the first hand of encouragement and enthusiasm with some of my hair-brained paper ideas. 

I am, of course, infinitely indebted to the work of scholars of color, queer scholars, and minoritarian subjects as a whole. These scholars fight every system that is made to belittle them, including academia, but nonetheless produce thoughtful, impactful work that all citizens and peoples should be able to access. 

The RTF Media Studies faculty gave me resources, guidance, and support far beyond what I could have asked for in a graduate program. Drs. Alisa Perren and Madhavi Mallapragada lended early enthusiasm and guidance. Drs. Mary Beltrán and Curran Nault - acting as my primary advisor and second reader, respectively - deserve noteworthy recognition in the development of my Report project. Both professors were excited about my non-traditional graduate project and provided readings, perspectives, and critical feedback that shaped my project over a year. They encourage and create environments of true learning and curiosity, with no attention or particular privileging to prestige material or subjects. Dr. Beltrán in particular illuminated star studies as a crucial framework for my studies, in both our own conversations and her brilliant book Latina/o Stars in U.S. Eyes: The Making and Meanings of Film and TV Stardom (University of Illinois Press, 2009). She has been with this project from its earliest stages and always expressed confidence in my ability to fulfill my vision. 

And to Sam Maurer, a fellow graduate student and report-maker. I consider this report just as much mine as it is yours. Our weekly report check-ins were vital to the success of this project and you provided jokes, mind-blowing observations, and friendship that I didn’t realize I could cultivate with people I didn’t grow up with. Thank you so much, for our Zoom meetings, park hangouts, and mutual encouragement. 

Lastly, I have to thank my support system, my carers, and my loved ones. David, Zach, and Rachel have always been there for me, some since high-school. To Del, who has seen me feel on top of the world, at my most unsure, and in all other moments in between. 

To Mom, Dad, and Davis. You’ve been the only family I’ve ever known or want to know. Thank you to my Mom, who has always made sure I’ve thought outside of the box, to challenge the norms that have been set. You’ve never made this culture - Korean American and adoptee culture - ever feel odd or strange. To Dad, who bought my ticket for Burning and is always up for a conversation about the latest movie or tv show. You and Mom have always nurtured a curious mind that is never satisfied with a surface-level answer. To Davis, who shows me what it’s like to fully indulge in my interests and that fulfillment can come from a big project that takes months or just learning a new piece of trivia, reading something I’ve never read before, or talking with people who share my interests.