The Devil Wears Prada 2 Faces Expanding Backlash Over Alleged Anti-Chinese Character Portrayal

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[The Financial News]  As the release of "The Devil Wears Prada 2" approaches, the film is facing allegations of bias over its portrayal of a Chinese character.
According to reports from Chinese-language media, including Mirror Media in Taiwan, on the 21st, the Chinese assistant character in "The Devil Wears Prada 2" has become a source of controversy among Chinese audiences. Some reports say boycott calls are also emerging.
The character in question is named Qinzhou, and the role is played by Chinese American actor Shen Yutian. In the trailer released earlier, Qinzhou is shown wearing no flashy outfits unlike the other cast members. Instead, the character appears socially awkward, with a somewhat unfashionable plaid outfit, thick glasses, and an unkempt hairstyle.
In Chinese-language circles, critics say the character not only sounds very similar to "Qingchong," a term used in the West to mock Chinese people, but also looks outdated. They argue that the portrayal could be read as a blatant form of anti-Chinese cultural discrimination. Others have also criticized it as a direct reflection of long-standing Western stereotypes about Asians.
On Chinese social media, criticism has intensified. Users are saying that even in 2026, films and dramas are still using outdated stereotypes to demean Asians. They called it a clear example of how deeply rooted and widespread such stereotypes remain. Some also reacted by asking whether even the fashion industry cannot present an ideal standard of Asian beauty.
Sing Tao Daily in Hong Kong reported that the controversy could hurt not only the film's reputation but also its box office performance.
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"The Devil Wears Prada 2" continues the world of its predecessor, which was released 20 years ago and became a global hit. The sequel is said to depict the realities and challenges facing the fashion industry as it adapts to a rapidly changing media environment.
The film is scheduled for a world premiere in Korea on the 29th. In China, it is expected to be released on the 30th to coincide with the Labor Day Golden Week holiday period.
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hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter