Senator Andy Kim Pepper Sprayed by ICE Agents

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

ICE agents pepper-spray protesters, N.J. senator in clash outside Delaney Hall in Newark

U.S. Senator Andy Kim was pepper sprayed by ICE agents during a protest outside the Delaney Hall immigrant detention facility in New Jersey. He was part of crowd of demonstrators responding to a hunger strike inside the Newark facility, organized by inmates in an effort to stop inhumane conditions, including poor-quality food and subpar medical care. Kim said he had trouble breathing after being caught in the cloud of pepper spray deployed by federal agents. "What we saw here is unfortunately just what we see all over the country," the senator said. "It's a sad day."

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BTS is releasing limited edition hotteok-flavored Oreos

So I guess this is happening! Global music stars BTS are partnering with Oreo, the world's #1 cookie, to create a limited edition Oreo & BTS cookie. Paying homage to the band's Korean roots, the cookie features a brown sugar pancake creme inspired by the street snack hotteok, on an original purple wafer (a first for Oreo) with 13 unique cookie embossments. Rolling out across more than 80+ countries, the Limited Edition OREO & BTS Cookies will be available for presale starting on June 1 before hitting retailers in the U.S. starting on June 8.

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Avatar: The Last Airbender: Season 2 | Official Trailer

In case you missed it, here's the official trailer for season two of Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. We see the Aang Gaang is back, plus the introduction of fan-favorite Earthbender, Toph (Miyako). Season two continues Avatar Aang's quest to master the four elements to restore balance to a world threatened by the terrifying Fire Nation. The highlight for me? Live action Joo Dee, assuring us that "there is no war in Ba Sing Se." (If you know, you know.)

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Feds say Colombian crew targeted Asian Americans in series of Oregon, Washington burglaries

Last week in Oregon, two men pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a sophisticated burglary ring which targeted the homes of Asian American business owners in the Northwest. 34-year-old Derinson Martinez-Grandas and 27-year-old Steven Alexander Quiroga-Solano each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods. They were part of a group of at least suspects who burglarized four homes in early October 2025, staying in short-term rentals as they moved between cities and looked for potential victims, all of them Asian American small business owners in Oregon and Washington.

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MC Jin, Pacific Music Group Launch Family Style Records Imprint

Pacific Music Group has launched Family Style Records, a new hip hop imprint led by MC Jin, debuting alongside Jin’s new single, "Humble Flex," in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month. The label launches with a four-act roster: MC Jin alongside Korean sibling duo Lil Cherry and Goldbuuda, 13-year-old Indonesian rapper Nada (Nada Askana), and Brooklyn-bred Chinese-American rapper Khantrast.

They Call Us Third Act

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 filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura to talk about Third Act, his acclaimed documentary about his father, pioneering filmmaker Robert A. Nakamura, aka "The Godfather of Asian American Media." Tad talks about growing up in the shadow of his revered artist/activist parents, and the pressure that evolved into pride and partnership; making the movie he always knew that he had to make, and the challenges of putting himself front and center in the film; and how the camera -- and the ticking clock -- became the ultimate intermediary for father and son. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Third Act.

They Call Us Flower Drum Song

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 acclaimed legendary playwright David Henry Hwang, who talks about his new take on the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song, now playing at East West Players in Los Angeles. He talks about rewriting and re-contextualizing the book for this beloved show (still only one of the few Broadway musicals to center Asian Americans); refreshing some of the more outdated and regressive elements of the story -- including a few of the cringe-inducing lines from David's own 2002 revisal -- for contemporary times; and how this staging of Flower Drum Song represents a full-circle moment for David's life and career.

Tad Nakamura's Third Act Premieres May 25 on PBS

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Third Act - Independent Lens

Generations call Robert A. Nakamura the godfather of Asian American film. Tadashi Nakamura calls him Dad. In his documentary Third Act, Tad turns the camera on his father as they confront art, activism, and aging. From World War II incarceration to cultural awakening and a Parkinson's diagnosis, the film is a tender portrait of legacy, inherited trauma, and the final chapter of a shared creative life. Third Act premieres May 25 on PBS' Independent Lens (check local listings) and will be available to stream on pbs.org.

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Jonnie Park - Finding a Rap Voice As Dumbfoundead in "SPIT: A Life in Battles"

Rapper, actor, and writer Jonnie Park, aka Dumbfoundead, joins Ronny Chieng on The Daily Show to discuss his new memoir SPIT: A Life in Battles. They talk about getting his start in battle rapping at 14 years old in Los Angeles, evolving from freestyle battles to prepared matchups, developing a thick skin as the only Asian in the rap battle arena, dabbling in other mediums like acting in Nemesis and writing for season 2 of Beef, and chronicling his story through the different family, immigration, and career battles he’s faced.

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Deli Boys Season 2 | Official Trailer

Deli Boys returns! In season two of the acclaimed crime comedy series, the Dars are drowning in dirty cash and Philly's sketchiest crooks are circling. Enter Max Sugar: casino king, money launderer, and Lucky's new crush who turns laundering into a chaotic situationship. Raj plots revenge on Ahmad, Mir tries to expand DarCo without blowing it up, and Philly D.A. Andrew Chadwater hopes one big bust will make him mayor. Season two, starring Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, and Poorna Jagannathan, premieres May 28 on Hulu.

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US university's commencement speaker reveals he will pay off students' final-year loans

Anil Kochhar, a North Carolina State University donor, gave graduates of the school's Wilson College of Textiles a lot more than just words of wisdom when he delivered their keynote commencement address earlier this month. The entrepreneur also announced that he would pay off any student loans taken out by the college's graduates during their senior year. "I hope that all of you leave... today not only with a degree but with greater freedom to pursue your goals, take risks and build the lives that you've worked so hard to achieve," Kochhar said, prompting loud cheers, applause and a standing ovation from the class of 2026.

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How 'A Grain of Sand' amplified Asian American identity

A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle of Asians in America was one of the first recognized musical albums expressing Asian American identity. The 1973 work -- preserved at the Smithsonian Institution -- combines elements of folk, jazz and blues. It's often considered a blend of political statements within a collective art project. Sojin Kim, curator of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, details the album's legacy and place in American history for WBUR.

They Call Us BTS: The Return

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 friend and filmmaker Bao Nguyen, director of the Netflix documentary BTS: The Return, which follows global pop supergroup BTS -- Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook -- as they reunite and record their highly anticipated comeback album Arirang. Bao talks about riding shotgun and spending the summer with the biggest band in the world; getting an intimate glimpse into the group's camaraderie, artistry, and unique dedication to their massive fanbase; and what it means for BTS to represent their nation and culture at this pivotal moment in their career. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making BTS: The Return.

California Bill Would Designate May 17 as "Bruce Lee Day"

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

May 17 could become ‘Bruce Lee Day' in California

A bill designating May 17 as "Bruce Lee Day" in California was announced Wednesday to honor the legacy of the San Francisco-born actor and martial arts star. The bill, which would encourage schools and communities to teach Bruce Lee's impact, was introduced by San Francisco Assemblyman Matt Haney. If it passes, he would become the first Chinese American to be recognized with a day in California state law.

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Racial backlash erupts online after California mayor admits to being an agent for China

The resignation of Arcadia, California mayor Eileen Wang, who pleaded guilty to acting as a foreign agent for China, has sparked backlash and reignited fears of anti-Asian discrimination. Cue the wave of racist comments, which hit social media as soon as the FBI announced the case against Wang, casting suspicion, fear and discrimination on Asian communities as a whole. Nothing new in these United States of America.

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The Season | Official Trailer

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hong Kong, The Season is a high-gloss drama that follows a group of close-knit friends gathering for a summer of sun-drenched splendour as the boating season begins. The glamor unfolds as a young newcomer joins this society for the summer. When secrets are revealed, the line between ally and enemy blurs, and ambitions could change everything. The Season premieres on Hulu on June 17.

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May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Let’s put it to good use

"Trump and the right wing are correct about one thing. It would be ideal if nobody cared about immutable differences, and we didn’t need to have things like Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. But if recent history teaches us anything, fear of differences that stoke the worst in human tendencies can easily explode to the surface."

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The Oldest Tofu Shop in America

"Ota Tofu has survived in Portland since 1911. I use the word survived, because many of the Japanese-owned businesses of the early 20th century in Portland did not. Their owners were placed in prison camps by the US government during World War 2; only 1/3rd of the Japanese community returned, finding their businesses sold or confiscated. The founders of Ota Tofu were brothers, and one died in the camps."

Kpop Demon Hunters is Officially Going on Tour

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

'KPop Demon Hunters' Is Officially Hitting the Road With Global Concert Tour

Gather up. It's our turn to help seal the Honmoon. The rumors are true. Netflix is teaming up with AEG Presents for a KPop Demon Hunters global concert tour, promising to bring "a live experience that will bring elements of the two-time Oscar-winning film to life in spectacular ways." At this point, there's no indication whether the tour will feature any of the actual singing talent from the films. But if you're a superfan, that might not matter. For now, you can join an official waitlist for further information.

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The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas

In celebration of Heritage Month, the new HBO documentary The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas centers AAPI identity and community, interviewing fifteen influential individuals across generations, experiences, and communities. The profiles include legendary journalist Connie Chung, Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, "Basement Bhangra" creator DJ Rekha, chef Yia Vang, and actors Sandra Oh, Kumail Nanjiani and Bowen Yang. You can watch it now on HBO Max.

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Priceline® Brings Back the Negotiator to Save the Summer Vacation

Whoa. Randall Park is the new face of Priceline. After serving decades as the travel booking site's iconic pitchman, William Shatner is handing over the title of Pricline Negotiator to actor and comedian Randall Park. The Fresh Off the Boat star's first order of business? Helping to launch Priceline's biggest summer sale ever with the "Unbummer Your Summer" campign. I gotta say, aside from being a talented, funny performer who deserves getting that bag, Randall is perfectly suited for the public face of Priceline. Love it.

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New Musical HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET Sets Cast for Seattle Benefit Concert

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is now a musical. Jamie Ford's beloved 2009 novel, a multi-generational family drama and love story set in Seattle's Chinatown International district during World War II, has been adapted by bookwriter Lainie Sakakura and composer/lyricist Paul Fujimoto into legit stage musical. While the full-fledged production is still in the works, they're staging a sneak peek benefit concert of the musical's first act this month at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle.

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Mahjong is trending but Asian Americans are still fighting for belonging

"Asian Americans are bound by two stereotypes: one that excludes us from being American, and one that includes us at the expense of others. Our role is conditional, but our cultures are alluring. As Chinatown fills with lines for the latest boba drops and waves of attention around the next Asian trends, it's easy to see this moment as celebration. But what often goes unnoticed is what and who was left behind: the community that is still fighting for recognition, safety, and belonging."

They Call Us American Peril

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 our old friend, writer and educator Scott Kurashige, author of American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism. He talks about his personal journey into Asian American activism and movement scholarship; the erasure of anti-Asian racism and colonial violence, and why it seems we are constantly learning and re-learning this history; and why legislating and prosecuting hate crimes isn't necessarily the answer for multiracial solidarity. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of writing American Peril.