Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Halloween Party: S2 E2

There's no stopping the game.

Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 2 before listening on.

In episode two, Gi-hun teams up with Detective Jun-ho for a high-stakes Halloween mission. Kiera and I are joined by special guest Jaeki Cho (Founder of Righteous Eats) to discuss Gi-hun's dramatic transformation from Season 1 to Season 2, analyze the Front Man's unsettling worldview, and delve into the origin story of No-eul, a North Korean defector whose haunting past drives her to a pivotal—and chilling—decision. Plus, Jaeki faces off with Kiera in a high-stakes game of Rock, Paper, Scissors (with a Squid Game twist).

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Gganbu Gone Wrong - Rewatch S1 Eps 4-6

Get back in the game.

Fellow Squid Game fans! I'm excited to share that I'm the host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Each episode, join me and some special guests as we suit up and re-live the first season of the international phenomenon, and get you good and hyped for Season 2, which will premiere later this year. We hope to be the perfect companion to your season one re-watch.

In our latest episode, "Gganbu Gone Wrong," I'm joined by iconic comedian and actor Margaret Cho. We break down episodes 4,5 and 6 of Squid Game, taking a deep dive into the brutal tug-of-war game, the heart-wrenching marbles showdown, and the dark twists of organ trafficking, all while exploring deeper themes of Korean culture. Plus, we talk to an actual professional mortician to shed light on the grisly reality of organ harvesting. Also, a call with my mom.

They Call Us Bruce: They Call Us Culinary Class Wars

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 follow up and welcome back chef Edward Lee -- just two episodes later -- fresh off the finale of the Netflix cooking competition Culinary Class Wars. Spoiler alert! He talks about his grueling journey to the final challenge, including the Endless Cooking Hell, his unexpected new nickname, that incredible dessert dish, and how his cooking throughout the entire show told a personal story about his Korean American identity. Also: Jeff and Phil offer The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Culinary Class Wars.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Debt, Desperation, and the Deadly Games - Rewatch S1 Episodes 1-3

Get back in the game.

Fellow Squid Game fans! I'm excited to share that I'm the host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Each episode, join me and some special guests as we suit up and re-live the first season of the international phenomenon, and get you good and hyped for Season 2, which will premiere later this year. We hope to be the perfect companion to your season one re-watch.

In our premiere episode, "Debt, Desperation, and the Deadly Games," I'm joined by rapper, actor and K-town legend Jonnie Park, aka Dumbfoundead. We take a deep dive into the first three episodes of Squid Game, breaking down the characters, themes and challenges, from Red Light, Green Light to Dalgona. We also face off in a (not-so-deadly) game of our own. Plus, a call with my mom.

'Soldiers of Christ' Cult Killing Shakes Korean Community

33-year-old Sehee Cho was tortured and killed during the group's "initiation" process."

In Georgia, members of a Korean religious cult were charged in the murder of a 33-year-old woman who was killed during the initiation process into a group that called itself Soldiers of Christ. Police say Sehee Cho was held captive for weeks, tortured and starved her until she died.

Officers discovered Cho's decaying body in the trunk of a car, left in the parking lot in metro Atlanta's busy Korean business district. Video evidence shows the group beating Cho with a belt and putting her in ice baths. Seven individuals, including the group's leader Joonho Lee, face charges of felony murder, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence and concealing the death of another.

They Call Us Bruce 223: They Call Us K-Culture

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 close out 2023 and welcome critic and commentator Jae-Ha Kim to talk all things "K" -- from K-dramas to K-pop, and all the other ways Korean pop culture has spread its infectious K-embrace across the globe. We discuss the best K-dramas of the year (according to Jae-Ha), what happens when BTS takes a break for military service, and the recent tragic death of Lee Sun-kyun. I also admit -- nay, declare -- my love of NewJeans.

California Passes Resolution to Celebrate "Kimchi Day"

Calfornia Assembly passes resolution officially declaring November 22 as "Kimchi Day"



The California legislature has passed a new resolution officially declaring November 22 as "Kimchi Day."

Under the bill, which was led by Californian Assemblyman Steven Choi, the day will celebrate the traditional Korean fermented side dish to promote the consumption of healthier food. Kimchi, according to the bill, is "an excellent source of probiotics, folate, beta-carotene, choline, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K."

The bill also notes that "The increase in awareness of kimchi corresponds to higher awareness of Korean culture, including K-pop, K-beauty, K-food, and K-drama."

Okay, California. Why not? By the way, in my household, every day is Kimchi Day.

More here: California's assembly passes resolution to celebrate 'Kimchi Day'

Sandra Oh won the entire Golden Globes

May you all win awards and take the opportunity to thank your parents in their mother tongue.



"Sandra Oh made history at last night's Golden Globes ceremony. Well, she made a lot of history. First, as a host: She is the first person of color to ever host the Golden Globes in its 76 year history, and the first Asian to host any major award show. And secondly, as a winner: By earning Best Actress in a Television Series Drama for Killing Eve, Sandra Oh became the first Asian performer to win multiple Golden Globes."

But perhaps most importantly, for so many of us, Sandra Oh's historic night made us feel seen. Like everybody else, I blinked away tears when her name was announced, as she walked out from backstage to accept the award, then took her moment to say "I love you" -- in Korean -- to her parents sitting in the back of the ballroom. And then bowed. May you all win awards and take the opportunity to thank your parents in their mother tongue.

They Call Us Bruce - Episode 39: They Call Us The Korean

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. 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.

On this episode, we welcome T.K., aka "The Korean," the pseudonymous blogger behind Ask a Korean! They discuss recent historic developments towards peace on the Korean peninsula, the long road that got us to this place, and the possibility of a reunified Korea.

Real Korean Moms React to "Brad Makes Kimchi"

Let us turn to a trusted source.



If you've ever wanted to see a white dude dressed as Christopher Columbus get slapped in the face with a fistful of kimchi -- really, who hasn't? -- look no further than this great video from Bad Appetite Magazine.

As if that alone wasn't awesome enough, the actual video features a couple of legit Korean moms talking about how to make kimchi. Or rather, offering a few critical thoughts on one guy's kimchi-making technique.

The video, produced by our friend Jenny Yang, is a response to "Brad Makes Kimchi," a recent video by Bon Appétit, in which a white dude named Brad shows you how to make kimchi. Nothing wrong with a white dude named Brad showing you how to make kimchi, but we definitely didn't need anybody to "de-mystify" it, as he puts it. The Columbus-ing vibe of it all bugged the hell out of a lot of folks.

So let us turn to a trusted source: Korean moms. What do the experts think of Brad and his kimchi?

Stay Angry, But Not Hangry

Sponsored Post by KPOP Foods



KPOP Foods was started by a couple of friends who came together through a mutual love for Korean food (and soju), and wanted to share their obsession with the flavors and experience of eating Korean food with America. Powered by an enormously successful Kickstarter campaign, their first product is KPOP Sauce, a "chili sauce with attitude" that can be used for cooking and as a condiment, "good on everything from burgers to broccoli."

Want to get a taste of KPOP Sauce in action? The folks at KPOP Foods have cooked up a special recipe just for you, the good readers of this blog: Angry Asian Man's Pork Belly & Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich. A spicy, Korean twist on a cheesy traditional American classic.

New Jersey teacher accused of making anti-Korean comments

A teacher at Bergen Academies High School reportedly singled out Korean students and said "I hate Koreans."



In New Jersey, a high school teacher is under fire for recent comments she made during class, reportedly saying she hated the Korean culture and telling Korean students, "I hate Koreans."

Bergen Academies teacher accused of making anti-Korean comments

The teacher, whose name is being withheld, teaches Spanish at the prestigious Bergen Academies High School in Hackensack. According to The Korea Daily, the teacher asked students what their native countries of origin were. When a Korean student answered "Korea," the teacher reportedly said, "I hate Korean." Later, in another class, she allegedly asked Korean students to raise their hands and repeated the sentiment.

School administrators say the teacher has been reassigned to different classrooms and offered verbal apologies to the students. But community leaders representing ten Korean American organizations are now calling for the teacher to be fired, among other demands, claiming it wasn't an isolated incident. The teacher's remarks are allegedly part of a "years-long pattern" of derogatory comments and discriminatory behavior.

Flash mob! Meet the badass ladies of Ajumma EXP

"Celebrating middle-aged women everywhere through the Ajumma EXPerience."



Grab your visor and get that perm tight. It is on. The world-wide takeover of Ajumma EXP begins now.

Started by lead ajumma instigators Sonia Chin and Lee Ann Kim, Ajumma EXP is a self-described "crew of fierce women who embrace growing older, getting wiser, and being able to laugh at ourselves." They aim to create a fun platform to educate and entertain the world about the "Ajumma," and in doing so, celebrate all middle-aged women. Wait, what is an ajumma? Aigoo! Read here.

And what better way to demonstrate this fierceness than through dance? The badass ajummas of Ajumma EXP recently made their sun-shielded, perm-tastic debut earlier this month with by crashing the dance floor at the San Diego Asian Film Festival, with a flashmob dance set to JJ Fad's "Supersonic."

I was present, it was one of the most wonderful things I have ever witnessed. Check it out:

Queens couple plead guilty to keeping children as slaves

Sook Yeong Park and Jeong Taek Lee held two Korean kids as slaves in their home for several years.



This week in New York, a Flushing couple admitted to holding two Korean children as slaves in their home for several years, forcing them to work long hours and withholding contact with their parents.

Couple Who Kept Korean Teens as 'Slaves' at Flushing Home Plead Guilty

50-year-old Sook Yeong Park pleaded guilty to two counts of labor trafficking. Park was sentenced to six months in prison followed by five years probation, after taking a plea deal. The 60-count indictment against her included grand larceny, forcible touching and assault for her treatment of the two children. Her husband, 54-year-old Jeong Taek Lee, was sentenced to five years probation.

The two victims, a 9-year-old brother and 11-year-old sister from Korea, were brought to stay with the couple in January 2010. Shortly afterwards, Park confiscated their passports and effectively enslaved them.

How To Make Kimchi (Taught By Koreatown Aunties)

Saturday, June 17. Hosted by API Forward Movement and Koreatown Youth and Community Center.



As of this writing, this class is already fully registered, but I had to make note of how awesome this sounds: How to Make Kimchi, hosted by API Forward Movement and Koreatown Youth and Community Center in Los Angeles. But wait, is this gonna be some legit Korean kimchi-making? Rest assured, just so you know that this is an authentic endeavor, the advertising makes clear that this class will be "TAUGHT BY KOREATOWN AUNTIES." Yes, real ajummas will be schooling you in the art, science and history of spicy fermentation.

It's happening Saturday, June 17 at Doulos Mission Church in Koreatown. Here are some more details:

'aka SEOUL' explores Korean adoptee stories

New digital documentary follows the journeys of five Korean adoptees.



aka SEOUL is a new documentary that explores the journeys of five Korean adoptees. Directed by Jon Maxwell and produced by ISAtv in partnership with NBC Asian America, the documentary will be released online in seven parts throughout November, with each episode focusing on new characters and intertwining storylines offering a unique perspective on the adoptee experience.

aka SEOUL is a follow up to the documentary series aka DAN, which chronicled the 2013 journey of rapper and Korean adoptee Dan Matthews as he reconnected with his birth family, including a twin brother he never knew about. Three years later, aka SEOUL follows Dan and four other Korean adoptees as they visit Korea during the summer of 2016 and shed light on different aspects of their adoptee identities.

Here's the trailer:

Throwback comedy 'Seoul Searching' hits theaters in June

Benson Lee's coming-of-age comedy opens in New York City on June 17 and Los Angeles on June 24.



At long last, after crowd-pleasing hit festival run -- including a world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival -- the indie coming-of-age comedy Seoul Searching hits theaters in limited release next month.

Based on writer/director Benson Lee's own experiences as a teenager, Seoul Searching tells the story of a group of teens from all over the world who converge in Seoul during the summer of 1986 to participate in a government-sponsored program to help them connect with their heritage.

Starring an international all-Asian cast of fresh faces and seasoned performers, the film pays homage to the classic John Hughes dramedies of the eighties, while putting a fresh Asian American spin on the genre with nostalgia, hilarity and heart. This is the movie my generation wished we could have seen while growing up.

Here's the recently released theatrical trailer on iTunes:

Robin Ha's 'Banchan' Comics Will Make You Hungry

By Keith Chow. Cross-posted from The Nerds of Color.



Last weekend, at Baltimore Comic-Con, I had the opportunity to run in to several members of the SIUniverse fam in attendance. One of the alums I visited with was artist Robin Ha, who was exhibiting in Artist Alley for the first time. Not only was it great to catch up — however briefly — but it was also an opportunity to get a print copy of Banchan in Two Pages, a pretty cool recipe comic she's been updating on the tumblr of the same name.

New Music: The Cure, the new album from Drunken Tiger

I normally don't post much on Korean music -- nothing against it, but other sites cover popular music from Asia a lot better than I can -- but every now and then something cool breaches my consciousness and I'm inclined to share. A friend passed me The Cure, the new album from Drunken Tiger, and I'm digging it.

I won't pretend to be Korean rap-literate, but long ago, I was advised by folks far more knowledgeable than me that Drunken Tiger is pretty much the foremost force in Korean hip hop. Here, Tiger JK and his wife Yoonmirae -- dubbed Korea's rap royal couple -- come together with MC Bizzy to demonstrate why they've earned that title. The nine-track EP also features guitar contributions from our old friend singer/songwriter David Choi.

Here are some recently released music videos from the album:

White House presents Health Care Hangout in Korean

A Korean-language discussion on the Health Insurance Marketplace.



The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders is hosting a series of Asian-language Google Hangouts to discuss and answer questions about the Health Insurance Marketplace. The first Hangout, held in Korean, happened on August 27: Learning about the Health Insurance Marketplace in Korean.

If you missed the conversation, or you know someone of limited English proficiency who might benefit from this information presented in Korean -- remember, nearly 1 in 5 AAPIs do not have health insurance -- here's the video from the Hangout. Please pass it along: