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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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."

Three White Women Made a Mahjong Line Nobody Asked For

Dallas company apologizes after criticism for redesigning mahjong tiles
It seems that white people, not content with bottling bad kimchee and crappy pad thai, are exploring new dimensions in cultural appropriation. The latest Asian shit stolen and made "new": mahjong, courtesy of three white ladies, who have given the game a "respectful refresh" that absolutely nobody was asking for.

The Mahjong Line, based in Dallas, was the brainchild of Kate LaGere after she "discovered" that traditional mahjong tiles had the same designs and "did not reflect the fun" she had while playing the game, according to the company’s website. Perhaps worst of all: the damn thing costs $425. I had no idea that mahjong could be gentrified. But they've done it. And the internet of Asian America has let them know accordingly. Do not mess with our shit, because we will let you know.

* * *

Brooklyn Democratic Party Leader Resigns Over Racist Tweet
A Brooklyn Democratic District Leader has resigned her post after triggering a firestorm of criticism over a racist rant she posted against Chinese people over the weekend, including the bizarre slight: "I can't even look at Chinese food." Lori Maslow posted the comments on Twitter with a link to a news item on Chinese tariffs. It has since been deleted. On Monday, Maslow issued a statement apologizing and resigning from her position in the party: "I hereby resign from my position as 6th vice chair of the Kings County Democratic County Committee effective immediately. I sincerely apologize for the poor choice of words I used in a social media posts over the weekend, which were hurtful to members of the Chinese American Community."

* * *


Rose Ochi, Japanese American trailblazer for civil rights, dies at 81
Rose Matsui Ochi, a trailblazing Los Angeles attorney who tapped far-flung political networks from City Hall to Congress in her fierce advocacy of civil rights, criminal justice reform and Japanese American causes, has died at 81. Ochi broke barriers as the first Asian American woman to serve as a Los Angeles Police Commission member and as an assistant U.S. attorney general. She advised L.A. Mayors Tom Bradley and James Hahn on criminal justice, served on President Carter’s Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy and worked with President Clinton on drug policy and race relations. Ochi died December 13 after being diagnosed with a second bout of COVID-19, which exacerbated existing health problems.