YouTube star Kevin Wu has 2.3 million subscribers — more followers than people in Philadelphia.
Known as “KevJumba” online, 21-year-old Wu screened his new movie “Hang Loose” for the hundreds of students packed in Claudia Cohen Hall G17 Sunday night.
As Wu entered, cheers and screams from devoted fans filled the room until he was ready to speak.
Wu is a comedian, actor and philanthropist, best known for his comedic YouTube videos. As a first-generation Asian American, many of his videos satirize issues within Asian-American culture and society.
Wu’s video topics range from making fun of Asian-American stereotypes to dealing with the trials and tribulations of college life, something many college students can relate to.
“His videos are hilarious since they poke fun at all of the Asian stereotypes,” Engineering freshman David Kim said. “He has good story lines that are very relevant to people our age.”
Wu often includes his father, “Papa Jumba,” in videos. As a result, he’s also become an internet sensation that helps create a comical contrast between Asian parents and their first-generation American children.
CSA board member and College freshman Kelly Zhou became a fan of KevJumba in high school. “I think he talks about things that most people our age can relate to,” he said, “and I feel like he broke a lot of the Asian stereotypes and attracted a lot of Asian-American viewers.”
“I [expected] the event to be pretty, if not very, successful,” Zhou said. “[The Chinese Student Association board] has worked really hard to pull this off in such a short time span.”
Penn was one of Wu’s college stops along his “Hang Loose” movie screening tour. After the screening, he gave audience members an in-depth look into his first cinematic movie.
“Our main mission in bringing KevJumba is just allowing people to learn about his experiences as an Asian American in the entertainment industry,” College junior and CSA President Anthony Tran said. “We thought that he would be able to tell us some really interesting stories regarding his experiences as a YouTuber who is making inroads into the mainstream.”
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.