Pardoned by the State on Tuesday, Picked Up by ICE on Wednesday

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

He was pardoned by the state on Tuesday, picked up by ICE on Wednesday

Fong Khang hoped his legal troubles were over when the Minnesota Board of Pardons unanimously agreed on January 20 to set aside eight convictions -- from crimes committed nearly 20 years ago -- that were threatening his ability to remain in the United States. But less than 24 hours later, federal agents stopped Khang on his way to work and took him into custody. Now he's facing possible deportation.

Cambodian genocide survivor detained by ICE

Sithy Yi fled genocide in Cambodia and came to the U.S. as a refugee in 1981. She was ordered by an immigration court to be removed from the country in 2016, but her removal was withheld out of concerns she would be tortured if she returned to Cambodia. After 10 years complying with ICE instructions and initiating a still-pending visa application, she was detained last month at a regular immigration check-in. Her attorney says Yi's detention was a form of punishment and to instill fear in immigrant communities.

From The "Bamboo Ceiling" To City Hall: Asian American Power In Post-COVID New York

"Recent election cycles in New York City have made one thing clear: coalitions of immigrants and racial minorities are scrambling the old equations of local power. Grassroots organization and victories by progressives -- like Zohran Mamdani's in the recent Mayoral election -- and the creation of new Asian-majority constituencies have created a political landscape that looks markedly different from the one that came before it."

'KPop Demon Hunters' HUNTR/X conquer the charts and claim their destiny

Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and EJAE -- the singing voices of Huntr/x -- were on All Things Considered to talk about Kpop Demon Hunters and its breakout success. Speaking to NPR's Ailsa Chang, they explored their journeys as artists, the dreams they have for the future of the Kpop Demon Hunters universe and how they've honored their Korean heritage through their work in the film.

The First Look at Long-Awaited ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Toy Lines Is Finally Here

At long last! KPop Demon Hunters has finally given die-hard fans a glimpse at Hasbro and Mattel toy lines. The toy companies unveiled a slew of items at Nuremberg Toy Fair, including new dolls, action figures, collectibles, games and role play items inspired by the hit animated feature.

"My Parents Thought We Hade Made It. Now We Carry Papers."

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

My parents thought we had made it. Now we carry papers.

"Asian Americans, in particular, have always struggled with being perceived as perpetual outsiders, no matter how long we've lived in the country. When immigrants of my parents\' generation started families here in the 1970s, many of them figured their children would fit in and thrive here, so long as they gave their children Western names and made sure they could speak perfect American English. I always felt they went overboard, that we didn't have to whitewash ourselves to gain acceptance. A half-century later, I'm thinking maybe my parents were onto something."

ICE target was already in prison when agents detained St. Paul man in his underwear

Sorry, Wrong Asian. The images of ChongLy Thao's arrest by ICE in St. Paul sparked outrage in Minnesota and across the internet. Thao was led out of his home in freezing weather, wearing nothing but his boxers and a blanket draped around him. Agents did not present a warrant, nor did they ask Thao for identification. He was released shortly afterward. Turns out, one of the guys they were looking for was already in prison.

Alabama uses Japanese American Internment era law to charge immigrants who don’t self-register

Alabama is finding new ways -- using old laws -- to criminally charge undocumented immigrants. Federal courts in the state are using a law last applied during the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II to charge immigrants who don't register themselves.

5 arrested in local burglary ring targeting Asian American business owners

In Ohio, five people were arrested for their involvement in a highly organized burglary ring targeting Asian Americans. Authorities in the Cincinnati suburbs gathered intelligence indicating that the suspects were planning to burglarize a home and caught them in the act. The group is accused of target Asian American small business owners in the area for years.

SILK STREAM: Digital Shorts Series

Attention filmmakers! The Center for Asian American Media is launching SILK STREAM, a new digital short film series. This initiative is a contemporary, digital-first reimagining of CAAM's groundbreaking SILK SCREEN anthology, specifically designed to engage a cross-generational audience, with a strong focus on digital-native viewers. They're looking for narrative and documentary shorts that not only explore the depth of the Asian American experience but also possess a distinct visual flair and the undeniable energy of contemporary pop culture. Learn more and submit here.

They Call Us Culinary Monster

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 chef Hasung Lee, aka "Culinary Monster," one of the breakout contestants from season two of Netflix's hit Korean cooking competition show Culinary Class Wars. He talks about his journey from Korea to the United States to train in some of the world's best kitchens; getting cast on the show as a Black Spoon chef -- including how he got his nickname; his unique focus and confidence while competing in each cooking challenge; and which fellow contestants' dishes he wishes he could have tasted. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of competing on Culinary Class Wars.

Kpop Demon Hunters Earns Two Oscar Nominations

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

KPop Demon Hunters is Officially Oscar-Nominated

Forget the Idol Awards. KPop Demon Hunters is officially in the running at the Oscars. Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were announced on Thursday morning, and as expected, Kpop Demon Hunters earned two nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Golden."

Now, does this mean we can expect to see a live performance of "Golden" by Huntr/x, aka EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, during the Academy Awards broadcast? (Honestly, that's all I've wished for since the moment I saw this movie.) EJAE says it's "definitely" a possibility, if she can get over her stage fright.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw on making history with her 'Sinners’ cinematography nomination

Ryan Coogler's epic horror drama Sinners made history with a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and a variety of technical categories -- including Best Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw. Her historic nomination makes her the first woman of color -- and only the fourth woman ever -- to be recognized in the category.

Chloé Zhao Becomes Only Second Female Filmmaker Nominated Twice for Best Director

Chloe Zhao's emotional historical drama Hamnet earned eight nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress. Zhao, who previously won for directing Nomadland, becomes only the second female director to be nominated twice for Best Director. She is also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Oscar Documentary Nominations: Director Geeta Gandbhir Scores Two Nods

Documentary filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir scored not just one but two nominations -- one for directing the documentary feature The Perfect Neighbor and another for the documentary short The Devil Is Busy, which she co-directed with Christalyn Hampton.

The 8 Biggest Snubs of the 2026 Oscar Nominations

How in the hell did Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice earn exactly zero Oscar nominations? International Feature? Best Director? Best Actor? None. Nothing. Zilch. Completely ignored by the Academy. Somehow the master auteur behind Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave has still never seen one of his films get a single Oscar nomination. This shit is rigged!

EJAE Sings in a New Super Bowl Ad Teaser

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Ejae Sings In the Bathroom in Liquid I.V. Super Bowl Teaser

EJAE, one the songwriters and breakout stars to emerge from Kpop Demon Hunters, will sing and star in a Super Bowl commercial for hydration brand Liquid I.V. In this teaser, EJAE is seen looking into a bathroom mirror before we hear a voiceover of her singing Phil Collins' 1984 hit "Against All Odds." The full 30-second commercial will air during the first half of the Super Bowl on February 8.

St. Paul mayor, a Hmong American, said it was ‘heartbreaking’ to see man taken by immigration agents

Kaohly Her took office as the first woman and the first Asian American mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, the week an immigration officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen who lived nearly 15 miles west of her city. "Nobody ever comes into an office and within the third day of being in office there's an ICE shooting. But I also understand that this is the moment in which you are asked to lead, and so you step up and you lead... I hope I'm rising to the moment."

T.S.A. Leader Defends Working With ICE to Congress

Sighhhhhh. During a House oversight hearing, Ha Nguyen McNeill, the acting director of the Transportation Security Administration, defended her agency's practice of sharing information about travelers suspected of having deportation orders with agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She said her agents were "absolutely" allowing ICE agents access to passenger data to help with their deportation efforts. Disgrasian.

Seattle Children's Theatre Pulls Bruce Lee Play From Kennedy Center Lineup

Seattle Children's Theatre has joined the growing list of artists who wish to no longer be affiliated with the Kennedy Center following President Trump's takeover. The theatre has announced that it willbe pulling its upcoming production of Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story from the Kennedy Center's Family Theatre venue. The show, about martial arts legend Bruce Lee before he became famous, was supposed to run in April. Not anymore. On behalf of Bruce's global fandom, thank you.

And everybody, if you happen to be in Seattle, please support Seattle Children's Theatre.



Alan Chikin Chow Is Coming to Netflix to Form the Next K-Pop Sensation

Alan Chikin Chow, the multi-hyphenate creator behind Alan's Universe and YouTube's most-watched Shorts creator, is partnering with Netflix for a new scripted series in collaboration with HYBE America. The new series will follow a misfit crew of aspiring pop idol rejects enrolled in an arts academy who come together to form a co-ed band. The emerging artists who will star alongside Chow will release original music concurrently with the series.

ICE Wrongly Targets Man, Drags Him Out in the Freezing Cold

And Other Items of Note from Angry Asian America.

1. US citizen says ICE took him at gunpoint in only underwear despite frigid cold and no warrant

Federal immigration agents bashed open a door and detained a Hmong American man in his Minnesota home at gunpoint without a warrant, then led him out onto the streets in his underwear in subfreezing conditions. ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was then reportedly driven out to the middle of nowhere, where ICE agents finally reviewed his identification, then brought home with no apology. What in the fuck.



2. Riz Ahmed's 'Studio'-Esque Prime Video Comedy 'Bait' Drops First Look

Prime Video has released first-look images of Riz Ahmed in his new showbiz comedy series Bait. The six-part series follows Ahmed -- who also serves as writer and showunner -- as struggling Brit actor Shah Latif, whose world implodes when he finds out he's in the running to play the next James Bond. The series premieres on March 25.

3. Your Guide to the Projects by Asian Filmmakers at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival

With the latest edition of the Sundance Film Festival kicking off this week, here's an overview of the exciting new film projects by Asian and AAPI filmmakers -- including eight feature categories and five short programs -- premiering in the 2026 lineup.

4. 2026 ASPIRE Youth Leadership Program

New England! Applications are now open for ASPIRE's 2026 Youth Leadership Program (YLP), dedicated to supporting the development of emerging Asian American women leaders. Designed specifically for high school students (open to sophomores and juniors), YLP caters to their needs as rising leaders in their social, academic, and future professional communities. Learn more and apply here.




5. 'What is being asked of you is extreme': Inside the mayhem of Korea's Oscar hopeful

Just for fun, here are some cool character posters from one director Park Chan-wook's latest diabolical masterpiece No Other Choice, one of my favorite movies of 2025. If there was any justice motivating deities of cinema, this film would be showered with accolades during awards season -- including and especially for star Lee Byung-hun.

The MLK Speech We Need Today, Not the One We Remember

And other items of note from Angry Asian America.

The MLK Speech We Need Today Is Not the One We Remember Most

"What made King truly radical was his desire to act on this empathy for people not like himself, neither black nor American. For him, there was “no meaningful solution” to the war without taking into account Vietnamese people, who were “the voiceless ones.” Recognizing their suffering from far away, King connected it with the intimate suffering of African Americans at home. The African-American struggle to liberate black people found a corollary in the struggle of Vietnamese people against foreign domination."

It's a good day to reflect on tise 2019 TIME essay by Viet Thanh Nguyen, who considers Martin Luther King Jr.'s much lesser-known speech, "Beyond Vietnam," far more necessary and insighful -- and urgent -- than the speech is he most remembered for.

A Bay Area woman thought her music days were over — until TikTok found her song

This is the awesome story of Elizabeth Yi and the obscure song she sang nearly 30 years ago -- "Reunion," as part of the late '90s indie band Korea Girl -- that unexpectedly became TikTok-powered viral hit in 2025, and rediscovered by a new generation of listeners.

Connie Chan has a not-so-secret weapon in run for Congress: Being Chinese

Meet Connie Chan, the San Francisco Supervisor who is running in a competitive race to replace the finally-retiring Rep. Nancy Pelosi -- and leaning hard into her Chinese American heritage to get her name out, build community coalitions, and court the city's Chinese American voters.

Martial arts icon Bruce Leung passes away at 77

Hong Kong veteran martial arts actor Bruce Leung Siu-Lung passed away last week at the age of 77. Yes, he was one of the many "clones" of the Bruceploitation era. More recently, he was seen as "The Beast" in Stephen Chow's 2004 blockbuster Kung Fu Hustle. Known in the 1970s as one of Hong Kong's "Four Dragons" alongside Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Ti Lung, he had established a multi-faceted career as an actor, stuntman, action choreographer, and director.

This is My Year T-shirt

This "Year of the Horse" shirt design from Subtly Asian Shop is my vibe.

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.

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