Controversy Over Chinese Character Name Resembling "Ching Chong"... "The Devil Wears Prada 2" Faces Boycott Threat in China

by Lee Jonggil

Published 22 Apr.2026 08:00(KST)

Updated 22 Apr.2026 08:27(KST)

Controversy Grows Over Chinese Character's Name and Portrayal

Movie Still Cut from "The Devil Wears Prada 2"

The Hollywood film "The Devil Wears Prada 2" is facing a boycott movement in China amid controversy over its character settings, which have been criticized as racist.

According to Chinese media outlets such as China.com on April 21, criticism is spreading online that the name and portrayal of a Chinese character in a video released on April 17 through the official YouTube account of 20th Century Studios contains elements that disparage Chinese people.

The controversial role is "Qin Zhou," who appears as an assistant to the protagonist Andy (Anne Hathaway). The character is played by Chinese actress Sun Yutian. It has been pointed out that the pronunciation of this character's name is similar to "Ching Chong," a derogatory term historically used in Western societies to mock Chinese people. "Ching Chong" is known as a representative slur that originated in the 19th century to ridicule Chinese laborers.

Movie still cut from "The Devil Wears Prada 2"

The way the character is depicted has also become an issue. The character is shown wearing glasses and a checkered shirt, contrasting with the glamorous figures in the fashion industry. Scenes include openly criticizing her boss or showing off. Netizens have criticized this as a reproduction of Western stereotypes about highly educated Asians-good at studying but lacking social skills. There are also claims that exaggerated facial expressions and acting made the character appear foolish, further caricaturing Chinese people.

As the controversy grows, there are increasing calls online in China to oppose the film's screening, with criticisms that the movie "targets the Chinese market while disparaging Chinese people." With the film set to be released during the May Day holiday (May 1-5), some predict that the controversy could negatively impact its box office performance.