Buy a Stay Angry Shirt, Support Immigrant Rights in Minnesota

And others items of note from Angry Asian America.

1. Stay Angry Fundraiser

This weekend, all proceeds from sales of Stay Angry gear -- fine shirts and hoodies -- will be donated to MIRAC (MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee), a grassroots, multiracial, and multinational immigrant rights mass-movement organization fighting for legalization for all, an end to immigration raids and deportations, an end to all anti-immigrant laws, and full equality in all areas of life. Buy a shirt or donate directly.

2. Man acquitted of murder in S.F. killing of 'Grandpa Vicha'

The man who was caught on video violently shoving and kililng 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee in San Francisco has been found not guilty of murder. Instead, Antoine Watson was convicted of lesser charges, including involuntary manslaughter and assault with force likely to cause injury. The 2021 case became a nationwide symbol of rising attacks against Asians during the coronavirus pandemic.



3. Video of St. Paul man refusing to open door for federal agents goes viral

When federal agents knocked on this guy's door, he said nope. Kong Vang was working from home in St. Paul on Monday afternoon when ICE agents apparently showed up at his doorstep. Vang started recording. He refused to let the agents inside and demanded to know why they were there. They were not forthcoming. After a minute and a half of back and forth, they left. Because fuck those guys. Vang posted the video to Facebook to spread the word and remind people to know their rights. "They keep on telling you that they think they’re doing the right thing," he told Fox9, "but they're not."


4. Leave Us Alone

"Trump, MAGA, and the right chose Minnesota not because there's an immigration or corruption problem. They want to corrupt us with fear. They want us to stop caring for our neighbors. They want us to stop supporting one another through our robust public programs. When they murdered Renee Nicole Good, a white woman in broad daylight, they used the state as ground zero to see if they can break all of us."

5. Gene Luen Yang To Write X-Men's Jubilee For Marvel With Michael YG

Gene Luen Yang is writing a new X-Men solo series Jubilee: Deadly Reunion, with art by Michael YG, that puts a spotlight on Jubilee's Chinese American heritage. Debuting in April 2026 as part of Marvel's Voices spotlight on AAPI Heritage Month, the saga kicks off when Jubilee's long-lost cousin shows up at the X-Men's doorstep -- with mutant powers of his own and a mission that will force Jubilee to explore her heritage and family history in a profound way.

What Deportation Actually Does to a Human Life

And other items of note from Angry Asian America.

1. One Minnesota woman’s deportation story

She came to Minnesota as a child refugee in the 1980s. Last year America sent her away to Laos, where she didn’t know anyone. Columnist Ka Vang shares the story of one Hmong refugee and the incalculable cost of deportation. "I am telling her story because Minnesotans deserve to understand what deportation actually does to a human life — what happens after the headlines fade, after the handcuffs are removed, after someone is forced to leave the only home they remember."

2. Hospital needs help identifying man found unconscious in Los Angeles

A Los Angeles hospital is asking for help identifying a patient who has been hospitalized for weeks. According to Dignity Health, the patient is male, around 25-35 years old, and was found near Wilshire Boulevard and Witmer Street in the Westlake neighborhood and has been hospitalized since December 29. He is described as an Asian or Hispanic man who stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He does not have any tattoos or distinct scars. Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call Dignity Health at 213-742-5511 or 213-507-5495.

3. Chloe Kim says she's 'good to go' for Olympics

It's all good, everybody. Whew. Snowboarder Chloe Kim says she's "good to go” for the Milan Cortina Olympics despite tearing the labrum in her shoulder during a training run last week in Switzerland. Send good vibes.



4. Anderson .Paak Dives Into the World of Korean Music Competition Series in 'K-Pops!' Trailer

Check out the trailer for K-Pops!, the new family comedy from Grammy Award-winning musician Anderson .Paak. Produced, co-written, directed by and starring .Paak, the film follows a down-on-his-luck musician entering a Korean singing competition as he reunites with his long-lost son. Also starring Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park, Yvette Nicole Brown and .Paak’s real-life teen son, Soul Rasheed. K-Pops! opens exclusive in AMC Theatres on February 27.

5. Fast & Furious Han Lue Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure

At long last! It's the Fast & Furious Han Lue Funko Pop! Figure! Made in the likeness in Sung Kang, in that Funko kinda way, as he munches on a snack while planning a heist with Family. The figure stand four inches tall and comes packaged in a window display box. Now available for pre-order.

Why Minnesotans Fear ICE

And other items of note from Angry Asian America.

1. Why Minnesotans Fear ICE

"All of this calculation of distance and I can’t reconcile the most important space of all: the distance between myself and some of my fellow American citizens, who believe that the actions of ICE—from the racial profiling, imprisonment, and detainment of people on American soil, to the killing of Good and Porter—are acceptable. I have felt sick all week. This vast gulf between us, not just as Americans but as human beings, has drained me of hope." Poet, author, and lifelong Minnesotan Bao Phi on the outrage in his community.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HwaJeong Kim (@hwajeongkimstp)

2. ICE agents are knocking on doors and asking "Do you know any of your Hmong neighbors?"

In Instagram video posted on Monday, St. Paul Councilmember Hwa Jeong Kim said that she has received first-hand accounts from constituents about ICE agents knocking on doors and asking whether the residents know their Hmong or Asian neighbors.



3. Philadelphia police probe string of violent purse snatchings targeting Asian women

In Philadelphia, police are searching for suspects in a string of violent thefts targeting Asian women in during the holiday season. Investigators say the attacks occurred between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, all within the same area in Northeast Philadelphia and under similar circumstances. All of the victims were Asian women who got their purse snatched in broad daylight by men in ski masks. Police believe the crimes are connected, with three men involved in most, if not all, of the thefts, including two attackers and a getaway driver.

4. 'Squid Game' Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk Sets New Netflix Series 'The Dealer'

Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, is following up the biggest Netflix show of all time with his next series, The Dealer, a crime Korean drama set in a casino that follows a card dealer who is roped into a seedy underworld of gambling. Produced by Hwang for Netflix, the series stars Jung So-min leads the cast as the titular dealer. Here's the official synopsis:

"The Dealer" centers on Geonhwa, a gifted casino dealer whose life is upended when her wedding plans collapse after she becomes entangled in a housing scam. Forced back into a world she had deliberately left behind, Geonhwa plunges into the shadowy underworld of illegal gambling — and is compelled to tap long-suppressed supernatural abilities that give her an unnatural edge at the tables as she fights to reclaim control of her future.

5. The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller

The Moon Without Stars, the new book from New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor–winning author Chanel Miller, hits shelves this week. In this household, we are big fans of her 2024 children's book Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All. Her new middle school novel explores the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering. From the back of the book:

At the beginning of seventh grade, Luna knows who she is: an observant, quiet girl who loves writing and making zines with her best friend, Scott. But when one of their zines takes off, Luna is somehow swept up into the popular group and learns just how much of herself she’s going to have to compromise to stay there. Will she give up her writing? Her best friend? What about her own beliefs about who she is and what she stands for?

Featuring author-illustrator Chanel Miller’s signature line drawings, The Moon Without Stars is a deeply personal and often funny novel about what it means to lose and then find yourself again during the vulnerable, life-changing years of middle school.

Shop:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Bookshop

Sorry, Wrong Asian: Laufey Edition

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

1. Laufey Corrects Photographers Who Called Her the Wrong Name on the Golden Globes Red Carpet

Oh, no you did not. While posing on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards, singer-songwriter Laufey ran into an awkward case of mistaken identity when a group of photographers repeatedly called her "Megan" while trying to get her attention. "My name isn't Megan," the Icelandic Chinese singer told the photographers. "So, I don't know." Yikes. My guess? They thought she was Megan Skiendiel from Katseye. Sorry, wrong Asian.




2. Arden Cho & Ahn Hyo-seop from KPop Demon Hunters
Half a year after its release, Kpop Demon Hunters is still going strong with the awards/publicity push and people can't seem to get enough. Voice actors Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop, who play Rumi and Jinu in the hit animated feature film, were guests on The Tonight Show -- an appearance that was hyped weeks in advance. They talk about reading the script for the film for the first time and recording their own covers of "Free" before demonstrating their voice-acting skills.

3. Asian-American sues South Coast Plaza security provider for alleged slur by guard

In Southern California, a man is suing an Orange County mall's security provider for discrimination, after a security guard allegedly used a racial slur against him during one of two encounters while he was using the center's EV charging stations. John Le says a security guard at South Coast Plaza called him a chink -- as in "Chink, you must leave" -- and unfairly targeted him over allegedly time limits for staying on the premises.



4. U.S. Figure Skater Alysa Liu Heads Toward 2026 Olympics With Momentum— and Statement Performance

After stepping away from the sport at age 16 following a sixth-place finish at the Beijing Olympics, Alysa Liu's return has been one of the most unexpected comeback stories in recent skating history. Following an impressive second place finish at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Liu joins skaters Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito to round out the U.S. women's singles Olympic figure skating team headed to Milano Cortina next month.




5. We Were the Scenery

Filmed on location in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Long Beach, California, We Were the Scenery is a short documentary based on the experiences of writer Cathy Linh Che's parents, two Vietnam War refugees who, while in a refugee camp in the Philippines, were utilized as background extras in the film Apocalypse Now. Shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards for Best Documentary Short Film, We Were the Scenery premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025 where it won the Short Film Jury Prize for Nonfiction.

I Mean They Are Called the "Golden" Globes

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

1. Kpop Demon Hunters Wins Big at the Golden Globes

We're going up up up it's our moment... KPop Demon Hunters continues its amazing awards show run, taking home the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, "Golden," and Best Animated Feature. This particular awards show is kind of a joke and I do not take it seriously. But damn if I didn't tear up watching EJAE's acceptance speech, talking about her dreams, rejections and disappointments. She dedicated the award "to people who have their doors closed at them, and that, I can confidently say 'rejection is redirection,' and so never give up... It's never too late to shine like you were born to be."

2. Postal Service To Release Stunner of Stamp To Honor Bruce Lee

The United States Postal Service will honor Bruce Lee, legendary martial artist and actor, with a Forever stamp. Designed by artist Kam Mak, the stamp artwork features a black-and-white painting of Lee executing his famous flying kick set against a yellow calligraphic brushstroke (reminiscent of Lee's iconic jumpsuit in Game of Death) on a white background. The first-day-of-issue event for the Bruce Lee Forever stamp is free and open to the public, and will be held next month at the Nippon Kan Theater in Seattle. More info at USPS.com.

3. Katie Leung on Harry Potter, sudden fame, insecurity – and starring in Bridgerton

Katie Leung, who plays Lady Araminta Gun in the new season of Netflix's Bridgerton, opens up in a new interview with The Guardian about the intense, appalling racism and online abuse she received from toxic fans when she was cast as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film franchise.

4. Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers respond to backlash over remarks about Rep. Jasmine Crockett

After courting controversy over remarks on their podcast about the current Democratic party landscape and an urge to fans to not "waste" money donating to Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett's Senate bid, Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers have responded to the resulting backlash.

5. Victor Wong Fellowship Auditions

Legendary Chicago comedy institution The Second City has announced auditions for the 4th Annual Victor Wong Fellowship, a tuition-free program created to develop and champion the next generation of AAPI comedic talent. Named after The Second City's first Asian American performer, this fellowship is about building skills, amplifying voices, and shaping the future of comedy. Learn more at secondcity.com.

Huntr/x Give Their Best Live Performance Yet

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.



1. EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI from KPop Demon Hunters - Golden (Glowin’ Version)

EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami -- the singing voices of Huntr/x from Kpop Demon Hunters -- were on Jimmy Kimmel Live to perform an all-new "Glowin'" version of "Golden." If you've been following this crazy ride, you know they've been making the rounds, but this was, hands down, their best live performance of the song so far. The new arrangement is gorgeous. And shout out for the string ensemble accompaniment comprised entirely of Asian women! I'm telling you, if this was their final audition to perform at the Oscars, they friggin' booked it.

2. Chloe Kim dislocates shoulder, could miss Olympics

Oof. Ouch. Snowboarder Chloe Kim has dislocated her shoulder and is unsure if she'll compete in next month's Winter Olympics. The two-time gold medalist announced her injury this week on social media, explaining that she "took the silliest fall" during training in Switzerland this week. After grabbing gold in Pyeongchang and Beijing, Kim was widely considered the favorite to top the podium again in Italy. Well, damn. Please join me as we lift up a prayer for Chloe's shoulder.



3. Lucy Liu - "Rosemead" | The Daily Show

I love it when Ronny Chieng's on the desk at The Daily Show because it's clear that he unabashedly uses the opportunity to give Asian guests some shine. Case in point: Lucy Liu, who gives a tour-de-force starring performance in the indie drama Rosemead, which hits theaters in nationwide in limited release this weekend. Ronny and Lucy talk about Liu’s connection to the film and how its themes of mental health and grief affected her, the time she directed Ronny onscreen, and how taking risks has led to the biggest rewards in her career. Plus, a surprise cameo from another Liu.



4. MAKING DELTRON 3030

Has it really been 25 years? (I feel like I've been saying that a lot lately.) Dive into the making of the classic hip-hop record Deltron 3030, with the artists who brought it to life. Featuring Dan the Automator, Del the Funky Homosapien, Kid Koala with appearances by Randall Park, Zane Lowe, and Damian "Domino" Siguenza, you'll hear a first-person account of creating this one-of-a-kind record.

5. Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2026: Celebrating Asian & African-American Solidarity

Oakland! Mark your calendars. The Oakland Asian Cultural Center invites you to its Lunar New Year x Black History Month Celebration, a joyous convergence of Asian and African American solidarity. The even will feature lion dancers, drummers, performers, arts and crafts, a Kids + Teens Zone curated by Storyland Collective, a marketplace of local artisans, and free admission for all ages. Register here.

ICE is Clearly the Villain of This Story

And other items of note from Angry Asian America.

1. It's clear who the villains of this story are

"In Minnesota, immigration enforcement is often framed as something that happens somewhere else. At the border. In distant detention centers. In communities separate from our own. It is discussed in abstract policy language and political sound bites, safely removed from daily life. But over the past few weeks, that distance narrowed with ICE activity increasing in the Twin Cities. And on Jan. 7, it collapsed entirely." Minnesota Star Tribune columnist Ka Vang on federal violence and the murder of Renee Nicole Good.



2. The Wrecking Crew

Here's the official trailer for the upcoming action acomedy The Wrecking Crew starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. They play two estranged half-brothers who are forced to reunite after their father’s mysterious death. Together, they are ready to WRECK anything that gets in their way! Looks like fun, and it's written by Jonathan Tropper, the showrunner behind Warrior. I'm down for it. The Wrecking Crew hits Prime Video on January 28.

3. Lucy Liu Breaks from Perfection

After a career playing glamorous, intimidating women, Lucy Liu finds her realest role yet in Rosemead. Liu talks bad tans, the rivalry of Daryl Hall and John Oates, and her early days as an omelet chef.




4. ARKAI - Sun Drifter

I recently got a heads up to the music of ARKAI, a genre-defying, electro-acoustic string duo that "bridges the classical and the contemporary, weaving cinematic soundscapes with electrifying virtuosity into epic performances around the world." Their sophomore album Brightside is nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the 2026 Grammy Awards. Check out the video for the title track here.

5. Cafe Maddy 2026 Korean Cooking Calendar

The 2026 Korean Cooking Calendar by Cafe Maddy features hand-drawn illustrations of Korean dishes, highlighted year-round with Korean holidays, American holidays, and other historically significant Korean dates. Each month includes a QR code that points to a step-by-step recipe for the dish, a story about each holiday and tradition, and a blurb about the seasonal Korean flower. You can even customize the month that features the illustration of miyeokguk (Korean Birthday Soup), making it a great gift for the Korean cuisine enthusiast in your life. Order it from cafemaddyclub.com.