This paper explores the performance history of the Korean girl group The Kim Sisters, once highly... more This paper explores the performance history of the Korean girl group The Kim Sisters, once highly visible racial icons, within the social and cultural context of 1960s Cold War America and popular entertainment culture. The Kim Sisters’ disappearance from American screen and scene raises questions about public memory of the Korean War, the status of Asian American performers in popular entertainment industries, and shifting attitudes about race, gender, and sexuality in the 1960s. Focusing in particular on the production and reception of their feminine beauty on stage and television, this paper highlights the Kims’ early years in the newly-formed Republic of Korea, as well as their success in the Las Vegas showroom scene and on television musical variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Dinah Shore Chevy Show.
This paper explores the performance history of the Korean girl group The Kim Sisters, once highly... more This paper explores the performance history of the Korean girl group The Kim Sisters, once highly visible racial icons, within the social and cultural context of 1960s Cold War America and popular entertainment culture. The Kim Sisters’ disappearance from American screen and scene raises questions about public memory of the Korean War, the status of Asian American performers in popular entertainment industries, and shifting attitudes about race, gender, and sexuality in the 1960s. Focusing in particular on the production and reception of their feminine beauty on stage and television, this paper highlights the Kims’ early years in the newly-formed Republic of Korea, as well as their success in the Las Vegas showroom scene and on television musical variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Dinah Shore Chevy Show.
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