NBC's latest show, The Courtship, takes dating and puts it into a time machine. Contestants are transported to the time of chivalry and forthrightness and are faced with the peculiar predicaments that arise when modern dating is turned upside down. Danny Kim, a contestant on the show, is notably the only Asian American on the show. Through the trials and tribulations of this classic approach to modern dating, Danny had an incredibly unique insight into what the show was like through his lens. To hear more about what his time on The Courtship was like, allkpop spoke with Danny Kim on being Korean American, vying for love, Big Bang, and more. Check out the interview below:
allkpop: Your latest endeavor was on the Courtship, a sort of Bridgerton-era Bachelor of sorts! Can you explain to our readers more about the show and its premise?
Danny Kim: The Courtship is Bridgerton themed but I would say it’s different from any modern dating show. It was going back to the regency era where men had to be gentlemen and really make an effort to “court” the woman he would fall in love with. It was about taking time and making an effort to have the woman fall in love with him.
akp: You were among 16 eligible suitors that participated in a battle to win Nicole Remy’s heart, however, you were the only Asian in the cast. How was that experience?
Danny: My purpose for the show was to fall in love and manifest the relationship I dream of. Yet being the only Asian guy, I felt that it was a great opportunity for me to show how Asian men can be sexy and awesome. I know I do not represent all Asian men but in western media and especially in dating shows, there are not a lot of Asians, if any, casted. Usually, they will be eliminated in the first round or get zero air time. Being the only Asian, I felt like it was a privilege to show that when an Asian man falls for a woman, he will do everything to go for the woman he desires.
akp: How did your South Korean heritage play a role in your time on the show?
Danny: Growing up in a Korean household, I saw the tradition of dating in Korean culture. My mom still had letters from my dad when he wrote her after leaving Korea to find a better life in the U.S. Also, I have lived in Korea for the past year and the dating culture is so different from America. Right now Korean dramas are very popular and I think one of the main reasons is because the male protagonist courts the main female character throughout the whole series. Korean culture showed me that romance and courtship is not dead.
akp: What was the hardest aspect of being on The Courtship?
Danny: The hardest part for me was that I was competing against other suitors for one woman. Especially, fighting for the woman I can possibly love against all the 16 men who were all gentlemen. I am very competitive so it was difficult to control my emotions at times.
akp: On the flip side, what was the easiest aspect of being on The Courtship?
Danny: The easiest aspect for me was being genuine on the show. Being romantic and a gentleman is something I learned from my parents and my Korean heritage. I grew up watching Korean dramas and I learned how important romance is in a relationship. I felt I could just be me on the show and that was enough for me to win the heroine over.
akp: What was the most memorable part of your time on the show? Any specific memories that stood out - good or bad?
Danny: The most memorable part of my time on the show was being part of the whole experience. Being transported back to the regency era and “courting” the possible future queen in my life was a journey I would never forget. The memory that stands out the most is when I first approached the castle where the heroine lived and saw her for the first time.
akp: Seeing as we are allkpop, share with us some of your favorite artists!
Danny: I am kind of old school but I love Big Bang. They are the OG of K-Pop and stated the whole K-Pop movement. I must say BTS "Dynamite" was my morning song for a bit and I love Blackpink. They are very talented.
akp: What’s one K-Pop song you have on repeat right now?
Danny: It has to be BTS "Dynamite." It just brightens up my day and makes me want to dance!
What’s next for Danny Kim after your involvement in The Courtship? Can we keep our eyes peeled for more from you in regards to television?
Danny: My next goal is to start acting in Korea and represent Korean Americans in Asian media. I, as a Gyopo, believe that it's time for Korean Americans to be represented in Korean media and dramas.
akp: We’re looking forward to seeing more of Danny in the future. Cheers and best of luck to you! Please leave our readers with one last message!
Danny: Yes, I went on the courtship to find love but I want the readers to watch the show to see that Asian men can be a prince charming who wins over his princess!
I'm not a fan of "dating shows" per se, but glad to see he had a positive experience.