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HalfKorean.com recently had the chance to interview Ray Munns, Former MTV personality (VJ) and current DJ/recording artist. Ray was best known on MTV for his distinct laugh and the quote that landed him his job, “TV already has enough blonde Barbies!”, and he proudly states that he was “the first Korean VJ” on MTV. He has released an album, “Ray’s House”, on Kinetic Records in 2001 (a DJ mix CD of some popular House/Trance hits) and is currently hard at work completing his next mix CD titled, “Ray Munns Presents a DJ’s Night Out”, which is slated for release this November 2002 on Funk Wax Records. He currently resides in Las Vegas and spins house and trance at various locations. We covered his background, career and personal life in a very interesting conversation. Enjoy!
Please note that HalfKorean.com comments/questions are in BOLD.
Background
Where were you born/raised and where have you lived (and where do you live currently)?
I was born in St Charles, MO. My birthday is 3/11/80. I’ve lived everywhere from Athens, Greece as a kid to Saudi Arabia. I lived in Korea mainly until third grade. Before third grade we lived in Roanoke, Virginia and Cali for a little bit. In third grade we moved from Korea to Roanoke, Virginia again. I lived there until 5th grade summer when we moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. I moved to New York when I first turned twenty and won the contest. I moved to Vegas about 6 months ago. Whew that took forever (haha).
What is your ethnic mix?
Korean and English with a drop of Irish. Mom is Korean and Dad is the English Irishman.
How did your parents meet?
Good question… no clue; I’ll have to ask them (haha).
So do you speak Korean at all?
Yea a lil bit I can understand it more than speak it to. I have no one to talk to in Korean so it’s wearing off.
Yeah, I hear you on that. I can understand more than speak, and I’m like you, I don’t really have anyone to speak to.
Do you eat Korean food and what is your favorite?
Kimchi chigae, danjang chigae, bulgogi, kalbi, daeji bulgogi.
Were you raised “Korean” or influenced by Korean culture??
Well I was raised in Korea so, yea, I am pretty Korean. I guess in my mentality but I’m way more liberal and fresh and new school.
Have any brothers and/or sisters?
A younger sister, she’s 20 and trying to make it in the biz (acting). I hope she makes it and buys me a mansion.
Have you experienced any racism and/or prejudice growing up?
Not really… Have you seen me? I look like a white dude.
Have any identity issues growing up?
Looking white and being raised as a Korean was and is definitely a little twisted. It’s like you have two completely different cultures going on at times they can clash.
Did you grow up around other half/mixed Koreans? (Or half/mixed Asians in general)
I had some Korean friends in Colorado. One in particular who rocked was Joshua Choi so if you read this dude hit me up.
Have you been to Korea?
Yea lived there, great place.
CAREER
What is some of your past work?
In the past, let’s see… Worked at MTV for 2 years, put out a mixed cd, judged at Miss Teen USA, and was on People magazine’s 2001 “America’s Top 50 Bachelors” list.
What are your current and future plans?
I just wrote a bomb-ass script with my writing partner so now I’m putting my heart into getting it made and out there. I’m currently working on 3 other story lines that go with the script that’s done and I’m writing what I call the “Star Wars, of martial arts trilogies”. I’m still looking for an agent for the realm of TV and film so “hey if you are one hit me up”. Besides that, I spend my time DJ’ing and MC’ing at clubs. Hey it pays the bills and is a fun time.
Why (and/or how) did you get your gig on MTV (it was the “Wanna be a VJ” contest, right?)?
I did it because I was following my heart. Not to sound overtly cheesy, but it was a dream come true and I feel as though it was an overall great experience. And, I guess, I got the gig because I got the votes. Thanks for the votes.
Met any other half/mixed Koreans/Asians while working for MTV (and/or Asians in general)?
I met SuChin (SuChin Pak), the news girl, she’s cool.
That is a trip that you mention her, I actually went to the same church as her back in the day in Hayward California (though, I didn’t really know her all that well… haha).
Was your ethnic background ever mentioned and/or brought up on MTV?
I guess only behind the scenes. I would proudly announce I was the first Korean VJ.
Do you get to travel a lot while working (either MTV or otherwise)?
With DJ’ing, MTV, and just for fun I’ve traveled everywhere and I still do to DJ. It’s exhausting but great.
Do you think your ethnic background has helped/harmed you in your career?
I don’t think it did neither. Everyone thinks I’m white until they see me in person. I’m hoping it helps though.
How long have you been DJ’ing? What type of music are you into?
Trance, breaks, house, you name it man when it comes to spinnin’. But when I’m just chillin’ I love to listen to just about everything from Taeji boys (the old stuff and only every now and then), rock, hiphop, Tupac, pop, alternative. Like I said, I listen to everything.
How was the general experience working for MTV?
It was cool. Not what I expected but that’s life and I learned a lot. I was truly blessed to work there. I owe MTV a lot and the viewers even more for helping me in my quest to a successful career.
How was the experience making an album (referencing “Ray’s House”)?
Fun (haha), you like that answer. That’s why I did it again 🙂
In reference to your record deal, how is the experience in being signed to a label?
Cool, I guess. I’m still not as big of a DJ as I’d like to be because everyone still thinks of me as that kid from MTV. It’s all good though. And now I’m signed to Funk Wax Records and I’m releasing my first cd with them in November.
Quick DJ question: Which do you prefer – vinyl or digital (cd, mp3, etc…) or both?
I love vinyl but maybe its just cause I’m stuck in the 90’s.
Yeah, I’m into vinyl too, as I love my Technics! I must say those Pioneer CDJ-1000s look pretty impressive though! (But I’ll still stick with my vinyl for now! haha)
PERSONAL
Hobbies/interests (what do you do to relax)?
Chill, spin records, lifting weights (tacky but true), traveling, playing with my dog, reading, hanging out with my dad, snowboarding, rollerblading, and cooking.
Anybody that your respect and/or look up to?
My parents, of course, mainly for putting up with me. And I could list a slew of other people but who really cares (haha).
Do you think the KA community is accepting of half/mixed Koreans (in general)?
I never really thought about it. I do know most Korean girls won’t give me the time of day (boohoo). But, in general, yea I think the new school Koreans don’t care but I’m sure some of the old school ones might… who knows
Have you run into any resistance (or non-acceptance) from the KA community (and/or Asian community), being half?
Nada, they just trip out on my blue eyes and go “wow”.
Do you hang out/visit Koreatown much?
I don’t know if there is one in Vegas. I used to hang out around “Korean way” in lower midtown NYC.
Since we are both Korean, do you drink/like soju?
Soju is, umm, not to tasty if u ask me. My mom thinks it’s alright though.
Any preferences in dating and/or marriage? What kind of person are you attracted to (Korean? Half/Mixed?), or does it not matter?
Doesn’t really matter. I love mixed ladies but I also love surfer girls. I don’t mean blondes, but real surfer girls. Girls that surf… how hot is that!!! I wanna marry a surfer, a professional surfer.
Do you get on the internet often?
Yea, to IM my friends in LA and NYC, but that’s about it.
How do you feel about other prominent half Koreans (Hines Ward, Amerie, Lindsay Price, etc.), have you met any of them?
I’m so ignorant; I need to look them up on the net. Ya see, at least I’m honest. I could have lied and said “blah blah blah blah” ya know.
I read a quote in KoreAm Journal where you said at the 2001 AMMY Awards, “There are so many hot Asian American chicks here. I’m in heaven. Oh my God, is that Nicole Bilderback?” So, did you ever hook up with her (haha)?
I wish…she’s beautiful!!
Any words that you would like to pass on to other half/mixed Koreans (or anyone, if you like)?
Don’t drink expired milk and always wash your clothes in cold water.
Any words/thoughts about HalfKorean.com (were you aware of the site before I e-mailed you?)?
Once again, I had no clue dude. But, I went to it after you told me and skimmed it over really quickly and I thought it was cool.
Well, I guess its good I pursued this interview with you to let you know about the site! You were a great interviewee and we all look forward to your future endeavors. Good luck and talk to you again soon!
Be sure to check out Ray’s new album coming in November 2002, “Ray Munns Presents a DJ’s Night Out“, on Funk Wax Records. In the meantime, you can purchase Ray’s first album, “Ray’s House.”
Interview by: David Lee Sanders
Posted: 9/17/2002
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