Sexiest API men alive for 2024
Our highly subjective, and in no way definitive, list of sexy Asian Pacific Islander men
Words by JoySauce
People magazine has just crowned John Krasinski as their Sexiest Man Alive for 2024, and while we all have a soft spot for Jim Halpert, our tall and lanky prankster from The Office (let’s not forget Dwight Schrute’s famous warning: “Identity theft is not a joke, Jim! Millions of families suffer every year!”) frankly, it feels like someone stole the spotlight here. And that it once again should have gone to an API hottie. Also, Randall Park as Asian Jim is right there!
Maybe A Quiet Place: Day One was taken a little too seriously because People clearly didn’t hear the news that there are plenty of other outrageously attractive men worth noticing. Sure, Krasinski’s got his Hollywood cred, especially with his latest whimsical turn in IF, but IF only People had dug a little deeper, they’d find leading men who can make us swoon and crack a smirk. So, while Krasinski keeps winning hearts as everyone’s perennial nice guy, we’re bringing you the ones who define real sex appeal in 2024—without the Jim-face.
Here's our highly subjective list for the Sexiest Asian Pacific Islander men of 2024, as nominated and selected by our writers and editorial team. This list is in no way definitive. So, who did we miss?
Manny Jacinto: Sexiest API man alive
Our top spot goes to Manny Jacinto. Known for his real-life nice-guy charm and as everyone’s favorite doofus, Jason Mendoza from The Good Place, Jacinto shocked fans by diving into the dark side in Star Wars: The Acolyte—and now we’re all wondering if it’s finally time to pick up a red lightsaber of our own. As the intense, dangerously magnetic Qimir, Jacinto’s raw passion brought a new allure to the Force’s darker path. A shirtless scene showcased those sculpted arms, but it was his ruthless, arm chokehold of a Jedi that truly left us breathless. Admittedly, that wouldn’t be a bad way to go. Becoming his apprentice might mean joining the dark side, but we would risk it all to learn all sorts of tricks under him.
Hiroyuki Sanada: Sexiest actor
There's so much to say about Hiroyuki Sanada. He's smooth, suave, debonaire, and the definition of the adage "aging like fine wine." But even with all of these descriptors, I'd like to add, "one heck of an actor." With his recent Emmy win for his role as Yoshii Toranaga in the period drama Shōgun, he's been receiving more attention than ever from American audiences, but let it be known, he's been turning in stellar performances for his entire career—playing men who demand respect, and invoke fear. In 2018, Sanada even received a Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, one of the highest honors awarded by the Emperor of Japan, for his decades of work as an actor and contribution to the arts.
-Carolyn Hinds
Ray Kam (Daddy Dumpling): Sexiest content creator
Ray Kam is the daddy of dumplings who is single handedly making Cantonese and family sexy again. Don't know what I'm talking about? Just check out his content of humor, muscles, funny skits and Cantonese wit. He makes you fall in love with him by the way he disarmingly charms you with his personal stories, travel vlogs, cooking content, and journey to becoming an actor.
-Howin Wong
Hasan Minhaj: Sexiest comedian
Hasan Minhaj, 39, is an Emmy Award-winning comedian. Whether he's interviewing political leaders or performing a new comedy special, he's always repping his Indian American roots—with the tall, dark, and handsome looks to match. He's hilarious, intelligent, effortlessly charming, and a certified DILF.
-Yati Sanghvi
Bruno Mars: Sexiest musician
He can sing, dance, and play multiple instruments. Whether he's solo or teaming up with other artists, he's always releasing hits—but is somehow still underrated (in my opinion). And with his new songs with Rose and Lady Gaga, he's making a bit of a comeback (not that he really went anywhere). Who hasn't been singing "APT" on repeat lately? Also, as a 5'0" girly, I appreciate an uber-talented short king.
-Samantha Pak
Shohei Ohtani: Sexiest athlete
Shohei Ohtani slides back onto our list—and it’s no wonder why. Just a month after our 2023 picks, he snagged the biggest deal in sports history with a 10-year, $700 million contract from the Dodgers, making him one very high-priced catch. This season, he’s been unstoppable, hitting 50 home runs, stealing 50 bases, and finally scoring his first World Series ring by taking down the Yankees in five games. With stats like those, let’s just say he’s mastered rounding the bases—and we’re all dreaming of a grand slam with Shohei.
Edward Lee: Sexiest chef
Chef Edward Lee is the full course—a James Beard-nominated culinary mastermind with grit, heart, and enough charm to make a soufflé rise on command. Competing as a White Spoon veteran on Culinary Class Wars, he brought out a new flavor, reconnecting with his Korean heritage in a way that had fans falling hard. From Louisville to D.C., his dedication and humility shine as brightly as his award-winning dishes.
-Daniel Anderson
Charles Ling: Sexiest reality TV star
The gentle standout of The Golden Bachelorette turned this wholesome show into a swoon-worthy watch with his quiet charm and kindhearted nature. A retired data analyst from Pennsylvania, Charles Ling inspired fans to rally behind him with calls to "protect Charles at all costs," proving once and for all that kindness is the ultimate heartthrob quality.
Published on November 13, 2024
Words by JoySauce
Art by Ryan Quan
Ryan Quan is the Social Media Editor for JoySauce. This queer, half-Chinese, half-Filipino writer and graphic designer loves everything related to music, creative nonfiction, and art. Based in Brooklyn, he spends most of his time dancing to hyperpop and accidentally falling asleep on the subway. Follow him on Instagram at @ryanquans.