Ken Jeong takes on his "Asian haters" in his You Complete Me, Ho Netflix standup special

The Ringer

The special, released today, will likely not win over his detractors who argue that Jeong has buiilt a career on outdated racial stereotypes, says Donnie Kwak. "The hourlong set, directed by Jon M. Chu of Crazy Rich Asians, is largely mundane (and also hackneyed, if you’ve ever seen a Jeong set before)," says Kwak. "Though who could blame Jeong for relying on the old bag of tricks that has turned him into one of the most bankable Asian American stars over the past decade? He resembles, as he puts its, 'a double-chinned Asian Mr. Burns with bad posture.' So naturally, Jeong leans into what others may perceive as shortcomings and weaponizes them for easy laughs. Hence: the frenzied dance moves, the constant profanity, the exaggerated accents, the relentless slapstick—and, yes, the litany of small-d*ck jokes...Jeong’s humor is a silly and sophomoric shtick that—depending on your perspective—either panders to or plays with stereotypes. Despite it all, he is a likable, fearless performer. But the question isn’t whether or not you find his act funny; it’s how long Hollywood will feel comfortable trading on the same, tired Asian punch lines as long as it’s an Asian face telling the jokes." ALSO: Jeong released his special on Valentine's Day for a reason, so he could celebrate his wife.