It's amazing how overly sensitive people can be on this forum, often mistaking analysis for endorsement. I am hardly xenophobic. I think this young man is talented and good looking. He's a great dancer and a great singer. But as someone with a background in show business, I know that the bottom line is the dollar in the business: and I know that it would be hard for this guy to break into the mainstream as a sex symbol in the United States. I am not the first person to make this commentary. This is a bigotry that Asian males face, and it's been discussed repeatedly on this forum. I am not saying that I agree with this; I'm just saying that this is the way it is. Hopefully it will change at some point. Currently, this country seems to only allow Asian males two roles in popular culture: the "brain"/nerd, or the martial artist.
With regard to Bruno Mars being part Asian, that's the key: part Asian. He looks more black than anything, and he sings black music. He therefore has crossover appeal.
As to the man who posted on this forum from the US knowing who Jay Park is -- and therefore he's not a "complete unknown" in the US -- come on, people. Of course a male who frequents "Large Penis Support Group" is going to know about good looking male Asian singers. But LPSG is hardly representative of mainstream sensibilities in this country. This forum is "completely unknown" to about 99% of the US population.
Geez, people. Use your minds, here. Don't mistake my discriptions of the marketing strategies of American show business for agreement with them. I am aware that show business in this country is bigoted and xenophobic. I think it's wrong that it is. But just because I am describing it doesn't mean I agree with it. I repeat:
I think this guy is talented and good looking and I hope he DOES make it big. He deserves it. (In addition to having to battle the stereotypes and bigotry against Asian males in this country, he also has another type of bigotry to battle: age-ism. I think he is in his mid-20s by now, which is on the older side of the "teen idol" demographic. Past 30 is "old" to the US music market. I don't think he has much change of crossing over. It's possible, but doubtful.)
I live in Arizona. I'm not asian. Don't say something so misguided and on-the-edge-of xenophobic without any merit. He's from Seattle and he has quite a firm following here. Just because you personally haven't heard of him or heard him on the radio does not mean he is "complete (sic) unknown".