Angry Asian Man

Vietnamese Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody

2026-04-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Death of Vietnamese immigrant in Indiana facility is latest ICE detainee fatality

A Vietnamese immigrant died in government custody last week, marking the latest detainee death -- the 46th person to die in federal custody -- during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. 55-year-old Tuan Van Bui died at the Miami Correctional Center in Indiana. According to ICE, "onsite staff discovered Bui unresponsive." The cause of death is under investigation.

US War Machine Is Built on Decades of Lies. The Assault on Iran Is No Exception.

"Calling truth a casualty of war may imply, however, that truth survives between wars. But the reality is that militarism and the warfare state are sustained by lies which stretch over decades. The ideology of American exceptionalism is driven by the myth that U.S. intervention plays a unique role in spreading freedom and democracy around the globe. Keeping the public uninformed and miseducated has been a key tactic to tamp down dissent."

In Conversation: Mia Wenjen and Jolene Gutiérrez

Mia Wenjen and Jolene Gutiérrez both grapple with the cruelty of internment and family separation in their new picture books Barbed Wire Between Us and Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp, respectively. The two authors spoke about depicting difficult subject matter for young readers, carrying on the legacy of late author and collaborator Minoru Tonai, and the importance of remembering painful pieces of history.

'X-Men' Reboot Director Hires 'Beef' Creator, 'The Bear' Writer

Emmy-winning Beef creator Lee Sung Jin is part of the team taking the latest crack at the reboot of X-Men for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The project, which re-introduces the mutant superhero team into the MCU, reunites Lee with Jake Schreier and Joanna Calo, who worked on the screenplay for last year's Thunderbolts.

The Grandmaster: Tony Leung
From Hard Boiled to Happy Together to Infernal Affairs to, of course, In the Mood for Love, Film at Lincoln Center presents The Grandmaster: Tony Leung, a career-spanning retrospective that gives audiences the chance to rediscover, on the big screen, why the world continues to fall for Tony Leung time and time again.

Congressional Candidate Gets Threats For Running Ad in Hindi

2026-04-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

A N.J. congressional candidate ran an ad in Hindi. Then came the threats.

Jay Vaingankar, who is running for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th District, has become the target of death threats, racial slurs, and calls for him to be deported and stripped of his birthright citizenship -- all because he posted a campaign video reaching out to voters in Hindi. The vitriol comes courtesy of MAGA conspiracy theorist Lauren Loomer and her followers, who lost their shit over Vaingankar's multilingual outreach.

"New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District is one of the most diverse places in America," Vaingankar shot back in a press release. "One in every three residents is foreign-born, and two in five households speak a language other than English. While Loomer calls this 'un-American', in Central Jersey we know that this diversity represents the best of America."

UMich investigating engineering researcher’s death after alleged questioning by U.S. government

At the University of Michigan, authorities are investigating the March 20 death of Danhao Wang, an assistant research scientist in the College of Engineering. Chinese officials claim that Wang took his own life after harassment and interrogation from U.S. officials about his work with the university.

Everything changed when ICE showed up at our family's motels

"The federal government’s disorganized campaign to rid Minnesota of violent, undocumented immigrants has indiscriminately targeted anyone who looks Other, without due process or adherence to our Constitution. America is a young republic but is made of old souls drawn here from all over the world to actualize its promise. The vilification of Others as un-American is the undoing of our nation's enlightened principles."

Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease Study Recruiting Volunteers

The Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease seeks participants for a research study to find out more about Alzheimer's disease, what causes it, and how to might prevent it for future generations. Asians are among the fastest growing populations in the United States and Canada, yet they are underrepresented in Alzheimer's Disease research. They're looking Asian Americans and Canadians of Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese ancestry, 60 years and older, and able to speak English, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Korean, or Vietnamese. For more info, go here.

AAPI Renaissance Rally 2026

Two-thirds of Asian representation in mainstream film and TV remain confined to narrow archetypes. For the second year, Seed & Spark's AAPI Renaissance Rally returns to keep rewriting the narrative. Building on last year's movement toward multidimensional and unexpected Asian and Pacific Islander leads, this year expands the canvas -- championing creators who are redefining the culture across every genre, form, and feeling. All projects are funding from March 30-April 29th and if they meet their goals and gather at least 350 followers they can qualify for up to $12,500 in funding, mentorship and more. Learn more about all the project and pitch in here.

Meet Artemis II's Moon Mascot, Designed by 8-Year-Old Lucas Ye

2026-04-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

8-year-old watches his plush toy rocket to the moon with Artemis II mission

A second-grader's plush toy design has rocketed to space alongside astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen on board the Artemis II moon mission launch. 8-year-old Lucas Ye of Mountain View, California designed a plush named "Rise," which wears an Earth cap with a brim highlighting the galaxy and rockets. The moon mascot serves as the Artemis II astronauts' zero gravity indicator, letting the crew know that they have reached weightlessness when it floats upward during their journey.

Brother, sister charged after explosive device found outside Florida Air Force base

What in the hell. Two siblings have been charged after an explosive device was left outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa this month. 20-year-old Alen Zheng and 27-year-old Ann Mary Zheng were charged last week in separate federal indictments. The sister is in custody, while the brother has fled. Alen Zheng is charged with attempting to damage government property, unlawfully making a destructive device and possessing an unregistered destructive device, while Ann Mary Zheng is charged with witness tampering and being an accessory after the fact in Alan Zheng's case.

Lisa Lee on Translating an Emotion

"In writing toward what I didn't know, I rediscovered something I had largely forgotten. This is one of the benefits of writing into uncertainty. Sometimes you find out that you know more than you thought. For me, I think this embrace of uncertainty might be the answer to the question of how to write about a word that has no direct English equivalent. I believe firmly that nothing is untranslatable. It's just that sometimes a word might take a whole book to translate."

'BTS: The Return' Director Bao Nguyen on Capturing an Intimate Look at the Band

BTS: The Return follows the band from Los Angeles to Seoul as they reunite after serving mandatory military service. When director Bao Nguyen set out to film the documentary and tell the story of the biggest band in the world, he knew he wouldn't have acces to the band 24/7. So he gave all seven members their own camcorders. And that's how Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook all officially earned "additional cinematography by" credits in the documentary.

2026 SDAFF Spring Showcase

Attention, San Diego film fans! Our friends at Pacific Arts Movement invite you to the 15th SDAFF Spring Showcase, a curated 3-day celebration of Asian and Asian American cinema, featuring bold, moving, and unforgettable stories from around the world. From Aotearoa New Zealand to Iran, Japan to the Philippines, this year's lineup spans continents and perspectives bringing together stories that connect us across borders and generations. It's happening April 24-26 at UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley. View the full schedule here.

Nurul Amin Shah Alam's Death Has Been Ruled a Homicide

2026-04-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Nurul Amin Shah Alam's Death Was a Homicide

On Wednesday, the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office announced that it ruled the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Blind Rohingya refugee who was left on the freezing streets of Buffalo by Border Patrol officers, a homicide. Neither Shah Alam’s family, who had waited to meet him outside the facility where he was being held, nor his lawyers, who had been attempting to contact him, were notified of his location. Shah Alam spoke very little English.

In the Birthright Citizenship Hearing, a Story of Asians Fighting for Rights

"In the decades before and after the Wong lawsuit, immigrants from China, Japan and India fought an immigration system that tried to keep people like them from entering the United States and from becoming American citizens. Taken together, the cases reflect a body of case law, beyond that of Wong Kim Ark, that has shaped the American immigration system for more than a hundred years."

Birthright citizenship made me American. We can't lose it.

"Make no mistake: The birthright citizenship case before the Supreme Court is not some isolated policy debate. It's part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to put an end to multiracial democracy as we know it, by making it harder for communities of color to live, work, study and build a life in the United States."

BEEF: Season 2 | Official Trailer

Netflix has debuted the first full trailer for the second installment of the Emmy-winning series BEEF. Trading the parking lot for the country club, the new season begins when a young couple witnesses an alarming fight between their boss and his wife -- setting off a high-stakes game of favors and coercion within an elitist world ruled by a Korean billionaire. Created and produced by Lee Sung Jin, season two stars Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Charles Melton, Cailee Spaeny and guest starring Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho. Beef season two premieres April 16.

2026 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

Heads up! The 2026 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival has announced its official program lineup. If you're in Southern California, you have to check out this perennial celebration and showcase of film, culture and community. (Full disclosure: I am board member of the festival's presenting organization, Visual Communications.) From narratives to documentaries, shorts and special presentations, this is a chance to see exciting cinematic works from seasoned and up-and-coming AAPI filmmakers. LAAPFF runs April 29 to May 3 at venues around the Los Angeles area. See you there.

Ending Birthright Citizenship Would Disproportionately Affect Asian Americans

2026-04-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Lawful Asian immigrants would be disproportionately affected if birthright citizenship ends.

If President Trump succeeds in eliminating universal birthright citizenship, there could be 6.4 million U.S.-born children without legal status by 2050, according to a new study. In addition to affecting undocumented immigrants in the country, the authors say, that change would have a disproportionate effect on Asians who are in the country lawfully.

ACLU’s Cecillia Wang Argues Trump Birthright Order Is Unconstitutional

Here's the audio of Cecillia Wang, National Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, aguing in the Supreme Court that Trump’s executive order seeking to restrict birthright citizenship is unconstitutional.

This Man’s Great-Grandfather Made Millions of People Americans

Norman Wong, the great-grandson of Wong Kim Ark, is a 76-year-old retired carpenter living outside San Francisco. His family has not only fought for the constitutional right to citizenship, they're painfully aware of what it looks like when that citizenship, once won, can be used against you.

Padma Lakshmi: The Decision That Would Create a Permanent American Underclass

"If the Supreme Court doesn't block this executive order, it would create a mess of legal and logistical consequences. Confusion would replace certainty, opening the door to discrimination and a patchwork of rules governing noncitizens' access to our society. Hundreds of thousands of children born in the United States would be thrown into legal limbo every year. And the harm would compound. Ending birthright citizenship would create a permanent underclass of people born in the country but cut off from the rights that citizenship provides."

Member of burglary ring targeting Asian business owners in Oregon pleads guilty

In Oregon, one of seven members of an alleged burglary ring that has targeted Asian American business owners across the state has pleaded guilty. 45-year-old Jhon Alexander Quintero was part of a group that burglarized Oregon and Washington residences starting in early October 2025. The group identified and watched potential victims, performed reconaissance on their homes, then ransacked the residences. Each of the victims were Asian Americans who owned businesses, and were working at the time of the burglaries.

Mayor Mamdani Tells New Yorkers to Stop Catcalling

2026-03-31T22:08:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Mamdani tells New Yorkers to stop catcalling people in new anti-street harassment campaign

Keep your thoughts to yourself! Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants construction workers and others around the Big Apple to stop catcalling and making unwanted verbal advances to passersby on NYC streets, announcing his demand through a new ad campaign launching Wednesday.

'Where Would I Go If I Am Denaturalized?'

"This executive order, if it should come to pass, it has no backward barrier. It could also look at anybody who is the child of people who are undocumented. And all of those people, no matter when or how old they are or when they were born in America, could have their citizenship removed. Where would I go? Would I be deported to an El Salvadoran prison?"

Detained by ICE, he missed multiple cancer treatments. Now he’s in hospice.

Some immigrants with chronic health problems were swept up by ICE, leading to untreated injuries, denial of life-sustaining medications and, for one man, missed chemotherapy sessions. Critics say the Department of Homeland Security is shirking federal standards that require detainees to have access to basic medicine.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Season 2 | Date Announcement

Season two of Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender will drop on June 25th. Here's a behind-the-scenes featurette catching up with Gordon Cormier (Aang), Kiawentiio (Katara), Ian Ousley (Sokka), Dallas Liu (Zuko), Elizabeth Yu (Azula) and Miyako (Toph), and a preview of what’s in store for fans.

In Jesa, Jeena Yi Wrote the Asian American Family Drama She Always Wanted to Be In

"As an actor, the one lament I had was there was never a show that I could be in. If it's about a family, you have to kind of look like the family. Often the families are white, so I could never be a member of the family unless it was specifically written in a certain way or somebody was doing a very specific take." So Jeena Yi wrote her own Korean American family drama.

Cecilia Wang is Leading the Fight For Birthright Citizenship

2026-03-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Daughter of immigrants brings history to bear in fight for birthright citizenship

American Civil Liberties Union Legal Director Cecillia Wang, the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, has filed lawsuits challenging racial profiling, illegal arrests and mandatory detention for undocumented immigrants. But when she appears before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, she will be arguing against the Trump administration over a question that is fundamental not only to the nation but also to her own family.

In Supreme Court fight over birthright citizenship, a great-grandson hears echoes of 1898

As the Supreme Court hears arguments over the legality of Trump's executive order stripping birthright citizenship -- a guarantee established by the landmark 1898 ruling that affirmed the American citizenship of Wong Kim Ark, who was born in the United States -- his great-grandson Norman Wong worries that the principle enshrined by his ancestor's case may be in peril.

Trump officials invoke racist scholars and white supremacists in push to end birthright citizenship

Trump’s attempt to unilaterally rewrite the Constitution to determine who gets to be an American is relying on century-old legal arguments from white supremacists, a former Confederate officer and a case that denied citizenship to Native Americans. In their briefs to the court, Trump administration lawyers cite several scholars who campaigned against birthright citizenship in the 1800s, a movement fueled by anti-Black and anti-Chinese racism in the aftermath of Reconstruction and a rise in anti-immigrant views. Ah, going back to the classics, I see. I would expect nothing less than the worst.

Alex Duong, comedian and Blue Bloods actor, dies at 42

Alex Duong, the comedian and actor who starred on several episodes of Blue Bloods, has died. He was 42. Duong had been battling alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of tissue cancer, since 2025. In addition to being a fixture in the Los Angeles standup scene, Duong also appearances in shows such as Everybody Hates Chris, Dexter, Death Valley, The Young and the Restless, and Pretty Little Liars.

KPop Demon Hunters Ceramic Mug Derpy and Sussie

This awesomeness of this Kpop Demon Hunters Derpy and Sussie mug is self-explanatory.

They Call Us Bait, Bridgerton, Hamlet, The Pitt, and More

2026-03-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome back our best pals in podcasting, cultural critic/journalist/educator Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos of DIASPORA, to re-connect, reset, and share what they've been watching/consuming/experiencing in pop culture and beyond. They discuss, among other things, Asians in the Regency romance of Bridgerton; the possibility of a brown James Bond in Riz Ahmed's offbeat comedy Bait; the audacity of multiple Asians cast members as health care workers on The Pitt; and how far pretty privilege can get you on The Traitors. Also: Jeff finally watched Pop Star Academy. This episode is sponsored by Chinese Republicans, a new play from Roundabout Theatre Company.

Read more »

Jeremy LIn's Got a New Gig with ESPN

2026-03-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Jeremy Lin shines in Luka Dončić breakdown on ESPN's 'NBA Today'

Yes, you love and remember him from the era affectionately known as Linsanity. But after retiring from pro basketball last year, Jeremy Lin has a new gig -- with ESPN. The former New York Knick debuted as a special guest commentator on the network this week. On Friday, in a segment on NBA Today, Lin walked studio hosts Malika Andrews and Tim MacMahon through what makes Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić so dynamic. And did a pretty awesome job. This is a good look. It's great to see him on this next chapter of his career and I'm hoping we'll see more of him on this side of the coverage.

How casinos in New England are exploiting Asian communities for profit

It's no secret that casinos deploy sophisticated strategies designed to entice people to wager beyond their means. And their favored target: people of Asian descent. A three-part Boston Globe series found that New England's largest casinos are relentlessly targeting people of Asian descent across the region, often with devastating results, driving people toward addiction and sapping wealth from Asian communities.

Another Alysa Liu mural in Oakland — this one with Kristi Yamaguchi

Another mural for a champion. Two champions, actually. Artist Julie Engelmann has created a mural celebrating hometown hero Alysa Liu -- at the Oakland Ice Center, where Liu first learned to skate -- alongside 1992 Olympic figure skating gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, who also hails from the area.

THE AUNTIE SEWING SQUAD RESISTANCE PLAYBOOK: A New Documentary Film

The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook is a feature-length documentary that follows the Auntie Sewing Squad founded by Kristina Wong, a collective of mostly BIPOC women volunteers who came together on social media with a mission: to protect vulnerable communities from COVID-19. This national network of hundreds of Aunties, Uncles, and non-binary volunteers turned their living rooms into "sweatshops," where they sewed and donated cloth facemasks to counter the US government's failure to provide protective gear for its people. They are currently in the homestretch to complete the film, and are asking for crowdfunding assistance. Your contribution would support editing, sound design, color correction, and other aspects of postproduction before they get the documentary out into the world. For more information, go here.

No Other Choice Limited Edition Poster

"They didn't really send you the eel, did they?" I must have this incredible No Other Choice poster by acclaimed artist James Jean, celebrating legendary director Park Chan-wook's cinematic masterpiece. Limited edition print of 1000. Available from NEON.

Man Sentenced to Probation in Killing of "Grandpa Vicha"

2026-03-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Judge orders man convicted in death of ‘Grandpa Vicha' to be released on probation

On Thursday, a San Francisco judge ordered probation for the man who was convicted in the 2021 death of an elderly man who became known as "Grandpa Vicha." 25-year-old Antoine Watson was sentenced to a total of eight years in the unprovoked attack and death of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee. Since Watson, who was 19 years old at the time of the attack, has already served five years in jail and earned additional credit for good behavior, Judge Linda Colfax suspended the remaining two years of his sentence and ordered him to be released on probation. Watson was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and assault for the violent attack, which was caught on camera and became a flashpoint in the "Stop Asian Hate" movement. Is this justice?

CNN Original Series: K-Everything

In the CNN Original series K-Everything, hosted and executive produced by Tony-award nominated actor, director, producer, and social advocate Daniel Dae Kim, is a cultural exploration of Korea's explosive global influence. Across four immersive episodes, Kim explores the forces behind Korea’s cultural rise, tracing how distinct traditions evolved into global phenomena. The series premieres May 9, and airs weekly on CNN.

Ryan Coogler's 'X-Files' Pilot Casts Himesh Patel Opposite Danielle Deadwyler

Himesh Patel will star opposite Danielle Deadwyler in Ryan Coogler's reboot of The X-Files. According to the official logline, the series will follow "two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents" who "form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena." I love this pairing, and I can't wait to see how Coogler's take on this series.

Kelly Marie Tran’s Art-Forgery Caper 'Forge' Lands May Release (Exclusive)

Forge, a crime caper starring Kelly Marie Tran, will get a theatrical release in May. The film, directed by Jing Ai Ning, centers on Miami-based siblings Raymond and Coco Zhang, who run an art forgery ring and are recruited by a disgraced millionaire to create counterfeit masterpieces for his family's collection. Meanwhile, FBI Art Crimes agent Emily Lee investigates a string of forgeries in the area. The film also stars Andie Ju, Brandon Soo Hoo, Edmund Donovan, Eva De Dominici, T.R. Knight, Jack Falahee and Sonya Walger.

Ryan Gosling to Star in Next Movie From 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Directing Duo Daniels

We've finally got some news about the next project from Daniels -- Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert -- the acclaimed directing duo behind the smash hit Everything Everywhere All at Once: the movie will star Ryan Gosling. And that's pretty much it. Other details are slim, but the untitled feature will reportedly start shooting this summer, and is set for release in 2027.

Take the Asian American Food Habits Research Survey

2026-03-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Asian American Food Habits Survey

Putting out this call again. Help out some academic researchers who are some interesting work around Asian Americans and food. The study, administered by Dr. Oliver Wang (California State University Long Beach), Kelli Kimura (UC Irvine), and Sam Titus (UC Irvine), aims to explore intersections between food and identity, especially as it relates to the diverse community of Asian Americans. You can help this team out by completing an online survey.

‘Forgotten Island’ Trailer: H.E.R. and Liza Soberano Star in Filipino Folklore-Inspired Animated Movie

Dreamworks Animation has released the first trailer for its upcoming animated feature Forgotten Island. Set in the 1990s, H.E.R and Liza Soberano voice Jo and Raissa, two best friends who are about to go their separate ways. As they celebrate their last night together, the pair stumble on a magical portal -- a gateway to stories they've heard about growing up, places in Filipino folklore where shapeshifters, demons, witches and monsters exist -- and their friendship is put to the test as they seek to find their way back home.

'Monstress' Adult Animated Series in the Works at Amazon From Former 'One Piece' Showrunner

An adult animated series based on the hit comic book series Monstress is in development at Amazon MGM Studios from Steven Maeda, a co-creator and former showrunner on Netflix's One Piece. Set in an Asian-inspired fantasy world, Monstress tells the story of a young woman with a literal monster living inside of her. On a quest to understand her past and avenge her mother's murder, she's joined by a colorful ensemble including a talking cat and a hybrid fox/human girl as they’re thrown into a war between human and otherworldly forces.

Oscar-Winning Pioneering Chinese-American Cinematographer James Wong Howe Gets Biopic

Hong Kong filmmaker Herman Yau has been attached to direct The Cinematographer, a biographical feature on the life of pioneering Chinese American cinematographer James Wong Howe. Winner of two Academy Awards, Wong is considered one of the most influential cinematographers in film history, with credits that included The Rose Tattoo (1955), Hud (1963), Algiers (1938), Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940), Kings Row (1942), The North Star (1943), Air Force (1943), The Old Man and the Sea (1958), Seconds (1966) and Funny Lady (1975).

Bangarang Skate Deck

RU-FI-O! Hook fans, you're gonna want this Bangarang skateboard deck from Patti Lapel, featuring everybody's favorite Lost Boy, the one and only Rufio, as portrayed by Dante Basco. Only 30 made!

Man Wanted in Anti-Muslim Subway Hate Crime

2026-03-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Random subway attack investigated as hate crime

An attack at a subway station in Brooklyn is being investigated as a possible hate crime. A reportedly approached a 20-year-old woman March 17 at the 9th Avenue subway station and made Islamophobic statements before grabbing her and throwing her to the ground. He then grabbed the victim's phone and threw it to the ground. Authorities are asking for the public's help identifying the suspect.

18-year-old man charged with 2nd-degree murder in Alberta highway shooting

In Canada, a man has been charged with second-degree murder in the deadly shooting of a Sikh man on a highway south of Edmonton. 18-year-old Jimmy Gassner has been charged in the killing of Birinder Singh, an international student from India, who was fatally shot on March 14. Community members are calling on police to investigate it as a potential hate crime.

Schools Hire Asian Teachers at Half the Rate of Other Groups, Research Finds

School hiring processes play a crucial role in determining the racial demographics of the American teacher workforce -- including by putting non-white teaching candidates at an apparent disadvantage -- according to a study released in February. In dozens of school organizations around the country, Asian American applicants to teaching jobs were significantly less likely than those of other groups to advance at each stage of the hiring process.

Trailer: The Furious

Hell yes. Check out the brutal trailer for The Furious, the latest from action choreographer-turned-director Kenji Tanigaki. Starring Xie Miao, Joe Taslim, and Yang Enyou, the movie follows an unlikely duo on a rampage of revenge after their loved ones are kidnapped by traffickers. Martial arts madness ensues. Say no more. I'm in.

McDonald's and Netflix Call on Fans to Pick a Side with Two New KPop Demon Hunters-Inspired Meals

I'm surprised this didn't happen sooner. After dominating charts, screens and playlists worldwide, Kpop Demon Hunters is taking on the Happy Meal. Starting March 31, Netflix and McDonald's are partnering up for two all-new meals for adults -- The HUNTR/X Meal and The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal -- and exclusive photocards that unlock first-access content for a limited time. Also: The Derpy McFlurry.

Stinky Tofu Too Stinky For San Gabriel?

2026-03-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Neighbor complaints get a classic 'stinky' dish booted from local restaurant

Haters! Stinky tofu is no longer on the menu at Golden Leaf restaurant in San Gabriel, California after the city received complaints about the dish's aroma. But the family behind the restaurant is fighting to bring back the popular Taiwanese street food, prized for its distinct, potent stench.

AAPI adults mostly think Trump has done more harm than good on immigration

Most Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders believe the Trump administration has done more harm than good on the issue of immigration and border security in his second term so far, according to a new survey from AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Johnny Itliong breaks silence on sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez

Johnny Itliong, son of the late labor leader Larry Itliong, says he has spent decades trying to speak out about Cesar Chavez's alleged misconduct -- long before revelations that Chavez was allegedly sexually assaulting women and minors came to light. But Johnny Itliong says he was told to keep quiet.

When your culture becomes a meme: the 'jarring' effect of Chinamaxxing

"China is not a new concept. So what does it feel like for your culture to become a trend? From North America to Australia, those from the Chinese diaspora who I spoke to all used the same word to describe Chinamaxxing: jarring – though with varying levels of indignation.

Riz Ahmed is his own worst critic. His new show 'Bait' explores that

In his new comedy series Bait, Riz Ahmed stars as a struggling British Pakistani actor named Shah who lands an audition to be the next James Bond. Ahmed talks to Fresh Air about what James Bond represents in Bait, playing with a multiplicity of genres in the series, and working with the one and only Patrick Stewart, who has the weirdest voice role ever.

Kim's Convenience Comes to Los Angeles

2026-03-20T22:24:25.491-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Center Theatre Group Presents: Kim's Convenience

Attention, Los Angeles theater-goers! Before it was a TV show, it was a play. The award-winning play Kim's Convenience comes to Los Angeles, presented by Center Theatre Group. This award-winning comedy drama, which inspired the Netflix hit, is a hilarious, feel-good story about a Korean family-run corner store. Mr. Kim works hard to support his wife and children with his Toronto convenience store. As he evaluates his future, he faces both a changing neighborhood landscape and the gap between his values and those of his Canadian-born children. Playwright Ins Choi, who will also star in the production as the titular character, calls Kim’s Convenience his "love letter to his parents and to all first-generation immigrants who call Canada their home." The play March 21 to April 19 at the Ahmanson Theater. For tickets and more info, go here.

Asian American Food Habits Survey

Help out some academic researchers who are some interesting work around Asian Americans and food. The study, administered by Dr. Oliver Wang (California State University Long Beach), Kelli Kimura (UC Irvine), and Sam Titus (UC Irvine), aims to explore intersections between food and identity, especially as it relates to the diverse community of Asian Americans. You can help them out by completing an online survey.

Why Gene Luen Yang’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Matter Again

Last year, American Born Chinese writer Gene Luen Yang started writing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics for IDW, becoming the first Asian American writer to pen a flagship title for the 40-year franchise. He says he sees the turtles -- and their bi-cultural identity -- as quintessentially Asian American.

VOTE NOW: Which KPop Demon Hunters doll should we make?

Toymaker Mattel has two potential ideas for upcoming Kpop Demon Hunters dolls, and they're asking fans to vote on which one they'll make available for pre-sale later this year. Choose between the Demon Jinu doll and a Sleeping Bag Mira doll. Styled in the likeness from Saja Boys' performance of "You Idol," the Demon Jin Doll comes with a robe, hanbok, pants, hat, shoes and other accessories. The Sleeping Bag Mira doll, sporting the her iconic look from the character's introduction, includes a sleeping bag with drawstring toggle, spiked hair cuffs, earrings, and bodysuit. See videos of the figure prototypes and cast your vote here.

Coming Soon: Kpop Demon Hunters Concert Tour?

2026-03-19T22:53:48.765-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

KPop Demon Hunters Concert Tour Could Be Coming To An Arena Near You

I think we all saw this one coming. Netflix is reportedly in talks to produce a global concert series based on the hit animated film Kpop Demon Hunters. Will we get to see the Huntr/x gals perform their Oscar-winning anthem "Golden"? Maybe Saja Boys singing some "Soda Pop"? Will we actually get to see the likes of Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna on stage? Or something more virtual (there is mention of holograms)? Nothing's solid yet, but according to Bloomberg, Netflix is currently negotiating with concert promoters to stage an arena concert tour in venues that hold 10,000 to 20,0000 fans.

Sheng Wang: Purple

Sheng Wang returns for his second Netflix stand-up special, Sheng Wang: Purple, directed by Ali Wong. In this special filmed at the Warner Theater in Washington DC, Sheng delves into what it means to be a grown-up and explores ordinary life moments: sharing prized berries with your friends' kids, cooking with shallots, braving the ghosts in your house, finding joy in nature and much more. Sheng Wang: Purple hits Netflix on April 7.

BTS: The Return

The feature-length documentary BTS: The Return chronicles the long-awaited return of pop royalty, BTS. From acclaimed director Bao Nguyen, the film offers unprecedented access, following the seven membes of BTS as they come back together after completing South Korea's compulsory military service to begin a reunion set to be etched in pop culture history, while reflecting on the journey that transformed seven Korean members into global icons. BTS: The Return premieres March 27 on Netflix.

White Lotus’-Like Asian Drama 'The Season' Set for U.S. Launch on Hulu in June

The glossy Hong Kong high society-set limited series The Season, describe as a "rich-people-behaving-badly" thriller, will premiere on Hulu in June. The official logline reads: "Set against the opulence and striking contrasts of Hong Kong, The Season follows a privileged group of friends gathering for a summer of sun-drenched luxury as boating season begins. What starts as a glamorous escape soon spirals into a web of deception, power struggles, and life-altering consequences." The series stars Jessie Mei Li, Toby Stephens, Karena Lam, Chris Pang, Celina Jade, Justin Chien, and Yvonne Chapman.

Giveaway: 2026 LAAPFF Festival Pass

Los Angeles film fans! Enter for your chance to win a festival pass to the 2026 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. The Festival Pass includes ten (10) complimentary film screening tickets, additional discounts, advanced ticketing, a festival badge, and gift bag. For details, go here.

I'm Good: Dancing Restaurant Robot Goes a Little Crazy

2026-03-18T22:09:30.117-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

After wild dance goes viral, South Bay restaurant robot returns to its tame routine

Can't stop won't stop... the dancing robot. At Haidilao Hot Pot in Cupertino, California, restaurant-goers are reguarly greeted by a remote-control robot programmed to dance, say hi and do friendly hand gestures. But a viral video making the recently rounds shows three staffers having to restrain the robot when its dance moves get a little out of control. Someone apparently hit the "crazy dance mode" button. I don't know, I'm pretty sure this is how the robot uprising in Terminator got started.

The Sunny Naqvi case shows how outrage, politics, and incomplete information collide

"As a journalist, it’s always been important for me to center the people directly impacted by injustice and tell stories that capture their full humanity, not just ones that fixate on their trauma. So, when I opened Instagram last Friday and learned that 28-year-old Sundas ‘Sunny’ Naqvi, a U.S. citizen of Pakistani descent, had allegedly been detained for roughly 30 hours at O’Hare International Airport, I, like many others, was outraged. But, as more information about the situation has trickled out, it’s become evident the story is not as clear-cut as initially thought."

Minnesota’s Laotian refugees with decades-old convictions swept up in mass deportations

They served their prison sentences and in many cases never reoffended. They built quiet lives in Minnesota, marrying and having U.S.-born children. But many Laotians whose families fled after the Vietnam War and legally settled here as refugees -- because of history, politics and crimes they committed decades ago -- now risk being sent back to Laos, where they don’t speak the language, don’t have family, and are unlikely to be welcomed as citizens.

Walking Bruce Lee’s Oakland with Jeff Chang

Scholar and Bruce Lee biographer Jeff Chang, author of Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, takes The Oaklandside on a tour of the sights and sites of the martial artist's roots in Oakland.

The Sartorial Is Political in "The New York Sari"

The New York Sari, an exhibition at New York Historical, reminds us that the sari is a living art form, an heirloom, a document, and a political statement in one. The show serves as a primer on South Asian history in New York, framed conceptually and visually through the sari in all its infinite pleats, drapes, and patterns.

Honmoon Sealed. Kpop Demon Hunters Wins Big at the Oscars.

2026-03-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

'KPop Demon Hunters' makes Oscars history after dominating awards season

Kpop Demon Hunters took home two trophies at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday night, capping off a triumphant awards season run for Netflix's most watched movie of all time. "To all the fans who got us here and for all of those who look like me, sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this. But it is here, and that means that the next generations don't have to go longing," said co-director Maggie Kang said while accepting the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. "This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere."

The team behind the movie's record-breaking hit anthem "Golden" won Best Original Song, becoming the first K-pop song to win an Oscar. "Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone’s singing our song and all the Korean lyrics," said EJAE, who co-wrote the song with Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park. "I’m so proud. And I realized, the song, this award is not about success; it’s about resilience."

It was a moving moment, but cut short. The team was abruptly played off as soon as Lee took the microphone, and the show cut to a commercial. The disrespect! Later, backstage, EJAE elaborated on what the team wasn’t able to finish in their televised speech: "Golden" Songwriting Team Speaks Out Backstage After Oscars Acceptance Speech Was Cut Off

'Golden' From KPOP DEMON HUNTERS Live at the 98th Oscars

Speaking of "Golden," here's that dazzling performance of the Oscar-winning song by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami -- the ladies of HUNTR/X -- on the Academy Awards stage, which included pansori performers, hanbok-clad dancers, traditional drummers, and an army of audience members wielding light sticks. Honestly, until I saw it, I didn't realize I had been waiting to see this moment since I was kid.

'Sinners'' Autumn Durald Arkapaw becomes first woman to win cinematography Oscar

Autumn Durald Arkapaw won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for Sinners, making history as the first woman ever to win in the category. Arkapaw, who is of Filipino and Creole descent, is only the fourth woman nominated for the award, and the first woman of color. During her speech, Arkapaw asked for all the women in the audience to stand, saying, "I don’t get here without you guys."

Congress marks 5 years since 8 killed in Atlanta spa shootings

Today, several members of Congress introduced a resolution commemorating the five-year remembrance of the Atlanta spa shootings. U.S. Reps. Lucy McBath of Georgia, Grace Meng of New York, Judy Chu of California and Nikema Williams of Georgia announced the measure, marking the anniversary of the 2021 attack, in which a gunman killed eight people, including six Asian women, and injured another person during shootings at two spas and a massage parlor in the Atlanta area. The violence occurred during a nationwide surge in anti-Asian hate crimes linked to rhetoric blaming Asian Americans for the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Five years after the Atlanta spa shootings, our city still carries the grief of the eight lives stolen in an act of anti-Asian hate," McBath said. "That tragedy shook our community and left lasting pain for the families, loved ones, and neighbors who continue to mourn."

Understanding the Complex History of Anti-Asian Racism

"While individuals may harbor unconscious bias, this calculated form of erasure stems from the willful amnesia at the core of the U.S. empire. The ideology of American exceptionalism set in place the myth that the United States was born free and uniquely destined to spread liberty and democracy, acting solely out of virtue. Under Donald Trump, the U.S. government is brutishly acting to rewrite history to promote white nationalism. Overcoming this willful amnesia is a crucial first step in addressing the problem. We cannot expect better policies or leadership to stop anti-Asian violence until we develop a better understanding of its historical and contemporary causes and manifestations. But power emanates from historical consciousness. It can reshape collective identity and foster the shared awareness necessary to build multiracial coalitions linking our struggles to transformative movements for social justice."

They Call Us Slanted

2026-03-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome writer/director Amy Wang and actress Shirley Chen to talk about their new film Slanted, a horror/comedy described as "Mean Girls meets The Substance." They discuss blending body horror and black comedy to tell an Asian American story about race, shame, and belonging; why the American high school prom is a useful and universal -- they love this movie in Germany! -- cinematic narrative device to interrogate some big ideas; how to find the "whitest" stock footage for your fake karaoke video; and why McKenna Grace speaks Chinese so well in the movie. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Slanted. This episode is sponsored by Chinese Republicans, a new play from Roundabout Theatre Company.

Read more »

When Your Name is Also Alysa Liu

2026-03-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Woman named Alysa Liu has Instagram suspended for sharing name with superstar skater

Her name is Alysa Liu. No, not that Alysa Liu. As the Bay Area celebrates the Olympic gold medalist, a young woman in San Francisco is finding out what it's like to share a name -- spelled the exact same way -- with the figure skating phenom. Not only has Alysa Liu, a tech worker, been getting some online attention meant for the skating superstar, she has apparently been deemed an imposter by Instagram.

Jimmy O. Yang Sets Theatrical Release For Comedy Special 'Finally Home'

Comedian Jimmy O. Yang has set a theatrical release for Finally Home, his third comedy special, taped during a sold-out arena run in his hometown of Hong Kong. The special promises to be a full-scale homecoming celebration -- complete with pyrotechnics, musical moments, and surprise cameos. Finally Home will screen exclusively in Hong Kong at Emperor Cinemas beginning March 20, and open in theaters across the U.S. and Canada on March 27.

God and Buddha Are Friends

God and Buddha Are Friends is a short dramedy that grapples with religion and spirituality from a Taiwanese American child's perspective. Written and directed by Anthony Ma, the story is inspired by a real childhood event. When a young boy is told by a fiery pastor that his Buddhist jade necklace is a "devil’s totem," it sparks a comedic yet emotional clash between faith, culture, and a fiercely protective Buddhist mother. Watch it here.

Godzilla Popcorn Bucket

Kaiju fans! Your movie night is not complete without this collectible limited edition Godzilla Popcorn Bucket, designed by Scott Sugiuchi. Just open up the King of Monsters' mouth and in (and out) go the snacks.

The Kpop Demon Hunters Sequel is Officially Official

2026-03-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

'KPop Demon Hunters' Sequel Officially a Go From Netflix

It's on. Kpop Demon Hunters is getting a sequel. There have been months of unconfirmed rumors and reports, but now it's officially official. Netflix has closed deals for directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans to return for the sequel as part of a new, multi-year writing and directing pact. No word on when we can actually expect to see this sequel, but considering how long it takes to make animated movies, it's going to be at least a few years. But before they get to any of that, you can count on Kpop Demon Hunters collecting a couple of trophies this weekend at the Academy Awards.

'She is our hero': Oakland celebrates Alysa Liu after Olympics triumph

Nearly 5,000 people gathered in Oakland on Thursday afternoon to celebrate local hero Alysa Liu – a fitting homecoming for the two-time Olympic figure skating gold medalist. At a lively celebration that included fans sporting Alysa-inspired striped wigs, performances from local artists, and tributes from other Bay Area sports legends, mayor Babara Lee presented Liu with the key to the city.

Chef Shirley Chung Returns to TOC

Chef Shirley Chung is a badass. After being diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer and beating it, she returns to compete on Food Network's Tournament of Champions, just as she promised host Guy Fieri she would do. She faces off against chef Date Talde on the latest episode, airing Sunday at 8/7c.

Chinese-American Novelist Yulin Kuang Grew Up Feeling “Shame” Around Sex, But Now She’s Known For Writing Incredible Smut

"A lot of the [Asian American books] I've read that get elevated to the point of best seller status, they can feel very deep and thought-provoking and all of these things. And I think I need to be all of those things too, [but] I guess what I'm here to do is represent our horny side as well. We can be sad, and deep, and horny, as well."

XO, Kitty: Season 3 | Official Trailer

It's a surprise Song-Covey sister reunion. Lana Condor will reprise her role as Lara Jean in the upcoming season of XO, KITTY, making it her first time appearing in the series and officially returning to the franchise, which kicked off with the To All the Boys I've Loved Before film series.

Pre-Order: Auntie Kristina's Guide to Asian American Activism

2026-03-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Auntie Kristina’s Guide to Asian American Activism

I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. But they need a guide. Kristina Wong has stepped up with a book that connects the youth to Asian American history, community and beyond: Auntie Kristina's Guide to Asian American Activism, a fun and inspiring book that shows young readers "how to love their bodies, fight for social justice, and be proud of the history that's made them who they are."

"Grounded in diverse lived experiences of featured Auntie Heroes and inspiring Young Rebels, this guide discusses the Asian American community, past and present; explores allyship with other communities of color; finds a place in national and global movements; and turns inward so young readers can practice love and self-care. Each chapter includes activism strategies for all kids--from those who love math and statistics to those who can't wait for their next art project."

Auntie Kristina's Guide to Asian American Activism hits shelves on April 14. Pre-order now.

Vietnamese man living in US since childhood detained by ICE over expunged marijuana charge

A man who has lived in the U.S. since he was a child and has worked in Oklahoma for nearly 15 years is now being held in detention, facing possible deportation over a decades-old marijuana charge that was previously erased from his record. Hai Nguyen, who went in for a routine check-in with immigration officials last week, found himself detained by ICE and sent to a detention facility. Now he's look at deportation, and leaving behind the life, career and family he's built in the United States over the last thirty years. This shit is cruel and broken.

In 'Bad Asians,' a friend group threatens its reputation with a viral video

Lillian Li's Bad Asians was recently highlighted as NPR's Book of the Day. In the novel, four 20-somethings from a hyper-competitive Chinese American community confront the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis and begin to let loose. Their former classmate documents their frustrations in what becomes one of the first viral YouTube videos. Li talks about the initial privacy of the early internet, exploding Asian American stereotypes, and why she wanted to write about friendship.

'The Pitt's Isa Briones Joins 'Just In Time' on Broadway

If you heard her sing that lullabye this season on The Pitt, you are aware she had the goods. Isa Briones, who plays Dr. Trinity Santos on the hit medical drama, will be taking over the role of famed ballad singer Connie Francis next month in the Broadway musical Just in Time. The role marks a return to Broadway for Briones, who made her debut in Hadestown in March 2024.

Newly Created Godfather Prize Will Recognize Asian American Playwrights

The Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA) has created a new national, annual award for playwrights: The Godfather Prize for Playwriting. Each year, the award will honor one Asian American, Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI), South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA), Middle East and North Africa (MENA), or mixed-race playwright, as well as six to eight finalists. For more information, visit here.

It's Official: HUNTR/X Will Perform at the Oscars

2026-03-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Oscars Producers Confirm, Detail Special 'Sinners' and 'KPop Demon Hunter' "Moments"

The producers of the 98th Academy Awards have confirmed that this year's Oscar ceremony will feature special "moments" celebrating two of 2025’s most popular movies, Sinners and KPop Demon Hunters. That means, as we all hoped and predicted since the moment the movie hit Netflix, we will get to see EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami -- the ladies of HUNTR/X -- performing "Golden" on the Oscar stage. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the performance will include a fusion of traditional Korean instrumentalists and dance celebrating the folklore and cultural inspiration behind Kpop Demon Hunters. Cool.

Bait - Official Trailer

"Did Daniel Craig die?" Check out the new trailer for the upcoming Riz Ahmed comedy series Bait. Ahmed as Shah Latif, a struggling actor, whose last chance to hit it big comes in the form of an audition of a lifetime. The series follows him over the course of four wild days as his life spirals out of control and his family, ex-lover and the entire world weigh in on whether he is the right man for the job. Bait premieres March 25 on Prime Video.

"None of us need your hateful 'love.'"

Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and François Arnaud posted matching statements to their Instagram stories on Monday, telling off viewers who post hate comments on their castmates' socials."Don't call yourself a fan if you share racist/homophobic/biphobic/misogynist/ageist/ableist/parasocial/bigoted comments of any kind," read the posts. "None of us need your hateful 'love.' We all respect and support and love each other and are on the same side. If you can't accept that gtfoh." That means Get The Fuck Outta Here, my friends.

Olympian Alysa Liu Has Also Inspired Fans Off the Ice — in the Hair Salon

You know Alysa Liu as the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in women’s single figure skating since 2002. And even if you don't know anything else about her, you recognize her iconic hair -- which is now inspiring a wave of alternative hairstyles emulating her distinctive "raccoon" rings.

Peter S. Kim: Rice Piglet

Peter S. Kim, one of the funniest standup comics in the land, has dropped his debut comedy special on YouTube. In Rice Piglet, Peter tackles outrageous immigrant lies, the Korean church system, late in life gay horror stories, aging ungracefully and much more. Watch it and spread the word.

Stabbing in San Francisco Chinatown Caught on Video

2026-03-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Shocking daylight stabbing in SF’s Chinatown caught on video

A man was arrested after stabbing another man in the back on a busy street in San Francisco's Chinatown Thursday afternoon. The unprovoked attack was caught on surveillance video, which shows a man in a hoodie walking down Stockton Street, and then violently lunging at a man who was waiting at the corner to cross the street. The victim was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and is expected to survive. The suspect, described as an Asian man in his 30s, was held on charges of attempted murder.

U.S. citizen stopped at O'Hare, detained by immigration officials for nearly 30 hours

A U.S. citizen from the Chicago area spent nearly 30 hours in custody by federal immigration officials after she was detained at O’Hare Airport following a work trip Thursday. Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi and five colleagues, including two other U.S. citizens and three individuals with green cards, were all detained at the airport by federal immigration agents for their "recent travel history" after returning from Istanbul.

Didn't Die

Here's a very different take on the zombie movie... In Didn't Die, directed by Meera Menon, a podcast host struggles to maintain her dwindling audience during the zombie apocalypse, but when her ex shows up with an orphaned baby, priorities shift in order to battle the ever-mutating threat. Starring Kiran Deol, Didn't Die premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and is currently in limited theatrical release.

LAAPFF Festival Pass

Film fans, if you're in Los Angeles, and you want to support Asian American cinema, mark your calendars for the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, presented by Visual Communications, happening April 29 to May 3. Better yet, go one step further and purchase a Festival Pass. It's the best way to fest. And a great deal. And an awesome way to support Visual Communications. Purchasing a Festival Pass helps offset rising venue, staffing, and accessibility costs — allowing Visual Communications to keep individual ticket prices lower and sustain artist support. Get yours here.

JVKE x JEON SOMI - moonboy (official live video)

I cannot resist the charm of this dreamy new song collaboration from Jeon Somi and JVKE: "moonboy," a catchy pop-love duet that captures the thrill of falling head over heels.

They Call Us Hoppers

2026-03-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome back Daniel Chong, director of the Disney/Pixar animated feature Hoppers. They discuss the silly, unlikely pitch for "Penguin Avatar" that actually got the green light; centering an angry Asian young woman at the heart of this adventure (and why this movie arrives amidst an incredible moment for animated Asian movie heroines); and all the fun world-building that goes into crafting a story set in the animal kingdom. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Hoppers. This episode is sponsored by Chinese Republicans, a new play from Roundabout Theatre Company.

Read more »

Maybe Happy Ending Cast Perform NPR Tiny Desk Concert

2026-03-05T23:00:00.000-08:00

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Maybe Happy Ending: Tiny Desk Concert

What can robots teach us about humanity and about love? Maybe Happy Ending, the 2025 Tony Award winner for best musical, tells the unlikely story of two humanoid robots, as they fall in love while on a road trip. The show, including stars Darren Criss, Helen J. Shen, Marcus Choi, Dez Duron -- and Hwaboon -- recently paid a visit to NPR's Tiny Desk for a delightfully tiny performance.

BEEF: Season 2 | Official Teaser

Netflix has released the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated second season of Beef from showrunner Lee Sung Jin. Trading the parking lot for the country club, the new season begins when a young couple witnesses an alarming fight between their boss and his wife -- setting off a high-stakes game of favors and coercion within an elitist world ruled by a Korean billionaire. Season two premieres April 16.

Chinatown Street to Be Named for Rescuer of Trafficked Girls

A stretch of street in San Francisco's Chinatown will be named to publicly honor one of the neighborhood’s fiercest heroes. Tien Fuh Wu spent half a century rescuing trafficked women and girls and taking care of them at the Occidental Mission Home, which was later renamed Cameron House. "Tien Fuh Wu Way" will cover the portion of Joice Street that runs alongside Cameron House, which continues to be a safe haven for children, as well as women dealing with domestic violence.

The Many Lives of Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh talks about playing five different characters in Sean Baker's new film Sandiwara, how Quentin Tarantino convinced her not to retire, that viral "Wicked Witch" meme, and the highs and lows of her storied career. "If there's no up and down," she says, "you've flatlined."

Hoppers Is the Craziest Pixar Movie Yet, and It Could Have Been Even Crazier

The new Pixar animated feature Hoppers involves body-swapping and flying sharks, both of which are absolute insanity from start to finish. But director Daniel Chong reveals that while the movie as it stands is admittedly crazy, it could have been a whole lot crazier.