Ken Jeong, the well-known comedian and actor, has recently opened up about his experiences working on the Audible Original comedy series, “The Moons of LA.” This innovative audio series tells the story of a Korean American father who must navigate his life’s purpose when his daughter selects him as the subject of her middle school podcast project. Jeong, alongside co-star Daniel Dae Kim, shared insights during an exclusive discussion about the creative challenges and opportunities presented by the audio format.
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While Jeong is no stranger to the entertainment industry, having gained fame from projects such as “The Hangover” series and TV show “Community”, he admitted that converting to audio storytelling posed a unique set of challenges. “I have no experience doing audio projects,” he explained. Unlike his previous work in animation, where visuals aid in performance, audio requires a different approach. Jeong found the task of conveying emotion without facial expressions was a significant departure from his usual methods.
The series, which also features talents such as Jae Suh Park, a regular on the project, and Alyssa Abiera, who plays Jeong’s daughter, has been well received for its fresh take on family dynamics. Both Jeong and Kim contributed their insights and perspectives to the creative process. The project is crafted by writer Paul Bae and produced through Jeong and Kim’s collaborative efforts, under Jeong’s company, 3AD.
Jeong expressed gratitude for the support he received during the production, crediting Kim and the Audible team with enhancing his performance. “They took me to a better place, a deeper place,” he reflected. This immersion into the audio-only world compelled him to tap into different expressions of performance, illustrating how he has evolved as an artist. “You can’t rely on your face; you really have to dig deeper,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, Jeong seems enthusiastic about the direction of his career, especially in light of his wife Tran’s light-hearted comment about his appearance suited for audio work. He joked, “I have a face for it, that’s what I’ve been told,” displaying his characteristic sense of humour. The comedian seems to embrace the evolving nature of his performances, stating, “As I get older, I’m down,” suggesting a willingness to explore more diverse avenues of storytelling.
Moreover, Jeong’s camaraderie with Kim shines through their discussions. The two share a strong professional relationship, with Jeong referring to Kim as “a brother,” whom he respects greatly. Their collaboration on “The Moons of LA” has encouraged Jeong not just to grow as an artist, but also as an individual. “You realise those two go hand-in-hand,” he remarked, illustrating the personal growth that often accompanies professional development.
Looking ahead, both Jeong and Kim are eager for future collaborative opportunities. Kim optimistically noted that he hopes they’ll continue to work together “in every medium,” to which Jeong enthusiastically agreed. “Hallelujah,” he said, underscoring his appreciation for their partnership. Kim also joked about the potential for future roles, imagining scenarios where they could play brothers again, which only adds to the light-hearted spirit of their discussions.
In conclusion, “The Moons of LA” represents a significant milestone for Ken Jeong, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to growth within the entertainment industry. As he explores new creative formats, his dedication to storytelling and performance continues to resonate with audiences. With the support of fellow artists like Daniel Dae Kim, there is a sense of excitement about what lies ahead for Jeong in this fresh adventure into audio storytelling. As they continue to develop their craft, fans can anticipate seeing both actors reprising their dynamic partnership in future projects across various platforms.