Gook, Ms. Purple and Blue Bayou

Justin Chon’s films have always been bittersweet and unsettling, yet he never shies away from telling stories of those who are often overlooked or marginalized. Whether it was his groundbreaking debut feature Gook, Sundance sensation Ms. Purple or his latest offering Blue Bayou, Chon has always taken the bigger picture into consideration when crafting his works.

Early Life and Education

David Barillas Chon is a Poqomam Maya migrant and Assistant Professor of Education with an expertise in Indigenous and Latinx education. His research explores the racialized and linguistic experiences faced by Maya and Indigenous youth from Guatemala and Southern Mexico who immigrate to North America.

He is best known as the writer and director of Sundance Award-winning Ms. Purple, but what truly inspires him about his work is getting to see firsthand the effect his research has on people’s lives. His recent project is the Critical Latinx Indigeneities (CLI) framework which examines how Indigenous migratory movements from Guatemala and Mexico are being used to build, sustain, and decolonize Latinx/Indigenous identities. Currently his research focusses on language acquisition, literacy skillset, and community in fostering cultural capital for Indigenous/migrant youth.

Professional Career

David Chon specializes in estate and trust litigation, elder law and disability law. He has been recognized by California Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” and is an active member of the American Association for Justice.

He has successfully defended hundreds of cases in state and federal courts regarding trustee removal, accountings, surcharge actions, deeds related to capacity or undue influence. Additionally, he represents clients in probate and conservatorship proceedings.

The film’s premise – an Indonesian rapper (Brian Imanuel) struggling with family conflict that threatens his career – may sound familiar, but director Justin Chon finds unique angles from which to explore it. He especially skillfully handles backstory by weaving in fragmented memories without resorting to tedious flashbacks.

Achievements and Honors

david chon is an accomplished actor and self-described movie buff. His latest project as director, Gook, follows the unlikely friendship of two Korean American brothers running a struggling women’s shoe store during 1992 Los Angeles riots. It’s the first film to make it onto VOD where it will be seen by an expanded audience; eOne executives Nick Meyer and Zev Foreman are credited with making this possible. For more on the film, check out our interview with its star and co-star Justin Chon; it’s quite lengthy but well worth reading!

Personal Life

David Chon is a multi-talented Korean-American comedian, YouTuber, actor and entrepreneur. He hosts and writes Vevo’s first original scripted series The Comment Show for Vevo TV, co-hosts Send Foodz with Tim Chantarangsu on his food podcast Send Foodz with him as well as owning two restaurants in Koreatown Los Angeles: Drips & Swirls and Junbi Matcha & Tea.

His most recent film, Gook, follows two Korean-American brothers during the 1992 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. Chon, who has previously starred in Twilight (2008) and 21 & Over (2013), stars as Eli – a shoe store owner struggling to stay afloat after the disturbances break out. He’s joined by his wannabe R&B artist brother Daniel (David So) and 11-year-old African American girl Kamila (Simone Baker). While not overtly political, this story offers insight into simmering tensions between black and Korean Americans at that time.

Net Worth

David So is a well-known social media star with an expansive YouTube channel. With millions of subscribers and the potential to make big money from his videos, David So has achieved great success on his channel.

He boasts a net worth of $10 million, which he has amassed through successful stock investments, lucrative property holdings and lucrative endorsement deals.

His career has been a triumph due to his hard work and dedication. Through acting and comedy roles, he has earned an impressive amount of money.

He has starred in many films and television shows, such as The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010), From The Rough (2011), Detention of the Dead (2012), Revenge of the Green Dragons (2014) and Seoul Searching (2015).