They Call Us Bruce - Episode 43: They Call Us Will Choi

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 Will Choi, the multi-hyphenate mastermind behind the hit bi-coastal Asian American variety show ASIAN AF. We discuss improv, the art of trolling Scarlett Johansson, and the Good, Bad and WTF of the Asian American hustle.

The 'Crazy Rich Asians' parodies have begun

"They're just the brokest family in all of San Gabriel Valley."



Well, it was pretty much inevitable. The Crazy Rich Asians parodies have already begun.

I mean, somebody had to do it. First of all, if you haven't seen the hilarious, highly relatable first episode of Will Choi's webseries Crazy Poor Asians, check it out. It's well worth the 40 seconds of your time.

Similarly but differently, check out this video by improv troupe Miss Golightly, also entitled Crazy Poor Asians -- a beat-for-beat parody of the Crazy Rich Asians trailer. It's silly as hell. I don't know why the shot of "Rachel" holding a jar of nuts makes me laugh so much. And Kim Cooper does a pretty mean Awkwafina.

Just watch:

How Asian Grandpas Get Down With The Weeknd

Just another day at the park with your Asian grandpa...



This is the silliest thing you'll see today. Let it be your guide.

Funny video makers Chuck Maa and Geo Lee, aka Seventh Grade, teamed up with Will Choi of Asian AF to channel their future Asian grandpa selves for this incredible lip sync video to the tune of "I Feel It Coming." Daft Punk ain't got nothing on these visor-clad old timers. Check those stretches. Feel it.

Korean Drama Podcast - Season 1 Finale

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

And that's a wrap on the season one! On this episode, we reunite -- a little over a year after recording episode 25 -- to reflect on our experience and the growth of the podcast over the past year. Thanks to all of our listeners who've stuck with our Boys Over Flowers discussions over the past few months. We can't wait to do this again.

Finally: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #25

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

ALMOST PARADIIIIIIIISE! This episode, we're finally at the series finale of Boys over Flowers. How will chronic kidnap victim Jan Di get through to the amnesiac Perm Boy? Never fear though, this 11th hour amnesia storyline gets resolved with the oldest Jan Di trick in the book, getting rescued! After 25 episodes of K-Drama goodness, we finally take some time to reflect on what we've accomplished. Kudos and pats on the back all around!

Amnesia, Dammit: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #24

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

We are at the penultimate episode of Boys Over Flowers, and in this episode, they really pull out the big guns! Epic cries, sauna scenes, and the mother of all K-Drama tropes... AMNESIA!!!!!! Listen as we simultaneously roll our eyes and get drawn into the drama on this episode of the Korean Drama Podcast!

Really Good Cry: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #23

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

Boys Over Flowers refuses to end, and so the Korean Drama Podcast valiantly continues our vow to see this series through! On this episode, we have crying, hospital scenes, cute picnics, bitter breakups, and all the other K-Drama tropes you crave! We also share stories of being starstruck, and wonder why nobody on this series looks each other in the eyes while talking.

Stop the Wedding: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #22

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, the wedding nobody is excited about is finally here! How will Jan Di celebrate? By getting kidnapped, of course. Join us as we recap the epic conclusion to the Boys Over Flowers saga. Will love(?) triumph over all? Wait, there's still three episodes left?!?!?!?!?!! Also, we share a much more interesting list of possible Boys Over Flowers spin-off shows.

Meat Set: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #21

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

We're in the home stretch! In this episode, we are treated to the lead up to the least anticipated Korean wedding ever. In other news, Pottery Boy cries in the car as his bro pours crappy lattes, Jan Di models for food, and we wonder what Ringo is up to (probably fighting fools). Oh, and people stand in flower fields and stare off into the distance, you know, K-Drama style!

"This is such a bad idea": Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #20

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

We're in the home stretch! In this episode, Jan Di is homeless now (because apparently she has no real friends) and becomes a maid in Perm Boy's family. Perm Boy still doesn't know what he wants... and a shocking cliffhanger ending! Also, we talk about lucid and recurring dreams and our own high school experiences with student government.

Stupid Korean Games: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #19

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, we discuss Perm Boy's mom's spy games, surprise pizza trucks, and how Pottery Boy sucks now, but Ringo is still keeping it real. Also, we explain the strange, punitive world of Stupid Korean Games.

Ramyun Talk: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #18

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

This episode is just another episode of Boys over Flowers: innocent misunderstandings, Ringo fighting fools, Jun Pyo realizing that he's a jerk... wait that's new! Perm Boy finally learns that he's been a dick for the past 17 episodes and tries to make good, by learning to eat ramyun! Ramyun so good that we go off on an extended discussion on the goodness of ramyun.

Pretty People Problems: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #17

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, as we move towards the final arcs of Boys Over Flowers, we're introduced to a pottery girl, witness a ramen challenge, and find out Perm Boy learned how to swim?!?!?! (Character development!) Also, Jan Di needs to be saved a lot and there's a bunch of misunderstandings. Just another week with F4!

Poison Soba: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #16

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, JK (Perm Boy's fiance), who we all kinda like, tries to be friends with everyone but really just causes more drama. We also share our relationship with sleepovers, drinking culture, and Korean food (specifically, the blatant lies Will's mom told him about soba noodles).

Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #15

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, our heroes wrap up their adventures in Macau and return to birthday parties, new jobs, and ... MORE DRAMA! We struggle between rooting for the relationships the show wants us to root for and the relationships we actually want to root for. Also: a (very) in-depth discussion on public restrooms.

More Drama With Perm Boy's Mama: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #14

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, more fun in Macau (including masks and gondola karaoke) and more drama with Perm Boy's mama! We discuss if it's possible to have a sudden change of heart. We also discuss where the Boys Over Flowers actors are now and imagine an alternate Korean drama following Pottery Boy and Ringo's action detective adventures.

Welcome to Macau: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #13

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, we catch up with our plucky K-Drama heroes as we enter what is essentially "season 2" of Boys Over Flowers. Skipping ahead six months, we follow Jan Di to Macau in search of the Perm Boy who left her behind. Will also learns where and what a Macau is. Oh, and the mystery of the juk man deepens.

F4 To The Rescue: Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #12

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, we pick up from last episode's cliffhanger. Jan Di is rescued from the creepy model guy and the crew takes (another) trip to unwind, this time to the slopes! We talk about possessive gift giving, why Jun Pyo needs to stop trusting mean girls, Jan Di's fainting problem, cute DIY bentos, and consensual kissing!

Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #11

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

In this episode, a delicious ramyun scene, suspicious modeling jobs, and all around poor decision making from our heroine Jan Di as she ends up on the wrong side (again!) of the F4. We also meet a nice boy/potential love rival that seems almost too well adjusted for this show... until he suddenly becomes a creepy kidnapper...

Korean Drama Podcast - Boys Over Flowers #10

A K-Drama re-watch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.



Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Then this podcast is probably not for you. The Korean Drama Podcast is the K-Drama rewatch podcast by (and for) people who don't watch Korean dramas.

In season one, host Will Choi (founder of Asian AF) and I -- both self-professed Korean drama beginners -- with help and hand-holding by our resident K-Drama expert Joanna Lee, attempt to watch and discuss the 2009 megahit drama Boys Over Flowers in its entirety, episode by episode.

Last week our "one true pairing" finally came together, so in Korean drama world, that can only mean one thing... it's time for the CURVEBALL! The tilt comes in the form of Perm Boy's mother (Perm-Mom?) who does not approve of the sorta cute and cheesy relationship we've grown to tolerate over the past nine episodes. In this episode, we analyze her multi-phase Machiavellian plot to separate our plucky heroes. Will she succeed?