For Lee Sung Jin, creating and running the show Beef has been a deeply personal and powerful experience. The 10-episode dark comedy, which premiered on Netflix in April, received critical acclaim for its culturally specific exploration of anger. However, it was the response from viewers struggling with depression or mental health issues that truly resonated with Lee. Many viewers reached out to him on Reddit or through direct messages, expressing that they felt a connection to the show and that it made them feel less alone. This response has had a profound impact on Lee, making him feel less alone as well.
Lee, who previously wrote under the name Sonny Lee, decided to change his name back to his given name, Lee Sung Jin. He had used the name Sonny as a way to fit in and make friends when he moved to Minnesota from Korea in the sixth grade. However, as he grew more comfortable in his own skin, he wanted to embrace his true identity. The incident at a coffee shop where his name was butchered and he felt humiliated was a turning point for him. Inspired by Korean directors like Bong Joon Ho and Park Chan-wook, he decided to reclaim his Korean name and use it in his writing.
This name change had a significant impact on Lee’s storytelling. It allowed him to feel freer and more comfortable being himself, which ultimately influenced the personal nature of his writing. Beef is the most authentic and personal project he has ever worked on. The show was inspired by a road rage incident between Lee and a white man, which initially led him to envision a story with two men at the center. However, he soon realized that this approach would only reinforce the Asian versus white dynamic and lack nuance. Instead, he cast Ali Wong opposite Steven Yeun, which added layers and complexity to the character dynamics.
Despite referencing Stanley Tucci as a potential casting choice, Lee has not heard from him. However, he expressed his desire to work with Tucci in the future and hopes that this article might catch his attention. The decision to set the show in Los Angeles was influenced by Lee’s personal experiences as a first-time homeowner. The disparities in class and the cultural melting pot of L.A. provided rich material for the show. Additionally, Lee wanted to pay homage to his filmmaking heroes, like Paul Thomas Anderson, who often depicted the Valley in their work. He wanted to show a different side of the Valley and feature Asian characters in a cinematic way.
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The pilot episode of Beef includes a scene where Danny, the main character, returns hibachi grills and a carbon monoxide detector multiple times, which was borrowed from Lee’s own experiences. Lee initially didn’t pitch that the main theme of the show would be the void that many of us feel. This theme emerged during the creative process, specifically during a discussion about intimacy exercises between Amy and her husband George in episode three. As the writers talked about this feeling, Lee shared a personal story about his goddaughter and began to cry. The words that poured out became almost identical to what Amy says to George in the show. This shared experience bonded the writers and led to the exploration of this theme throughout the series.
Overall, Beef has been a deeply personal and transformative experience for Lee Sung Jin. The show has allowed him to embrace his true identity and tell stories that reflect his experiences. The positive response from viewers struggling with mental health issues has made him feel less alone and reaffirmed the power of storytelling to connect and heal.
