8.12.2026

I Am Not Your Asian American Doll

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.


I Am Not Your Asian American Doll

"You enjoy eating our food but deny us a seat at the table." A comic by Feeb Om.




In Wisconsin, David Crowley defeats Francesca Hong in Democratic primary for governor

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has won the Democratic nomination for governor of Wisconsin, narrowly defeating state Rep. Francesca Hong by less than 4,000 votes.




What WWII Japanese American incarceration reveals about Trump immigration crackdown

KPBS' Midday Edition discusses the parallels and through lines between the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the mass detentions and deportations of the Trump administration's immigration policy, the impact on Japanese Americans generations later, and what we can learn from the past.




'Top Chef' host Kristen Kish will defend quickfires for money '100%'

Emmy-nominated Top Chef host Kristen Kish talks about the latest season of the cooking competition series, recent criticism of the format and the hard work of being a good host.




Anida Yoeu Ali: The Buddhist Bug

Coming next month to the Vincent Price Art Museum in Los Angeles: Anida Yoeu Ali's The Buddhist Bug, an expansive performance project that brings together myth, humor, spiritual inquiry, and the lived experience of displacement. At its center is a monumental 328-foot-long saffron-colored creature with a human face tightly framed in cloth at one end and a pair of feet at the other. Activated through performance, photography, and video, The Buddhist Bug moves through markets, temples, streets, rural landscapes, and other social spaces across Cambodia. The exhibition runs September 26 through May 22, 2027.


8.11.2026

Meet the Messy Animated Asian American Siblings of DANG!

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.


DANG!

Netflix just dropped the trailer for the upcoming animated series DANG! Starring Stephanie Hsu, Poppy Liu and Andrew Law, DANG! follows a brother and sister duo whose fun, messy lives in New York City are interrupted when their worst nightmare comes true: their high-achieving older sister shows up and wants to hang out with them. DANG! premieres September 8 on Netflix.




'Spider-Man' director found his connection to the world at the movies

"As a kid, I would watch many movies with my dad, with our family, and that is how I traveled. That is how I was exposed to other cultures. That's how I understand how kids grew up in high school on the mainland. And one of my biggest takeaways was not how different we are, but how similar we are, emotionally." Destin Daniel Cretton, director of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, explains to NPR's Fresh Air about how movies connected to the bigger world outside of his upbringing in Hawaii.




Lucy Liu Boards 'Reset,' Sci-Fi Short Being Developed Into a Feature, as EP

Lucy Liu has boarded Reset, a sci-fi dramedy from writer-directors Celine Tien and Jerry Hsu, as executive producer. Set in a near-future society where citizens are physically reset to six years old at the age of 65, the short premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival, is now being developed as a feature film.




A History of the United States in 100 Objects: Nunchaku

In the early 1970s, Bruce Lee made nunchaku cool. But the "nunchucks" craze coincided with something much bigger: the birth of a radical new Asian American identity. Jeff Chang guests on BBC's A History of the United States in 100 Objects to talk about how nunchucks went from ancient weapon to symbol of resistance -- not only uniting Asian Americans in the fight for their own rights, but connecting them to every other group pushing back from the margins.




Atsuko Okatsuka: Netflix Special

Save the date! Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka is taping her Netflix special in Los Angeles. January 30 at the United Theater. Clean up those bowl cuts and get your tickets at atsukocomedy.com.


8.10.2026

The Real-Life, Offline Campaign of Francesca Hong

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.


The real-life, offline campaign of Francesca Hong

Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist state lawmaker once seen as a long-shot candidate, is now the front-runner in the Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin -- a state President Donald Trump won twice. She would be Wisconsin's first woman governor, first Asian American governor and the first Asian American woman governor elected in the United States.




Pop Music Is the Problem

"BTS and many of its fans see the new category as an attempt by the Recording Academy to keep the growing power and popularity of K-pop groups from overwhelming the prestige categories — the record, album and song of the year and multiple pop performance awards — and they reject the academy’s claims that the new award is simply a means to acknowledge the growth of popular music from South Korea, China, Japan and Southeast Asia. BTS rightfully refused to risk being pigeonholed."




New Data Shows AAPI Californians Arrested At Alarming Rates

"The USC Equity Research Institute's (ERI) latest analysis on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Californians confirmed what community organizations have been experiencing for months: ICE arrests in our communities have been unprecedented and devastating."




Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend: Greta Lee

Greta Lee sits down with Conan O'Brien's podcast to discuss her childhood deeply rooted in Korean identity, experiencing a massive cultural shift moving to the Midwest, experiencing the impact of her role in the 2023 romantic drama Past Lives on audiences, and her new Netflix film The Last House.




Comedian Jenny Yang uses a comedy tour to uplift immigrants, one grocery store at a time

Coming soon to the dried fish aisle near you! If you haven't heard, our friend Jenny Yang has been on a unique nationwide summer standup comedy tour, turning immigrant grocery stores into comedy clubs for a night.


8.09.2026

They Call Us Jimothy

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 Kiana Hall, the Seattle resident who spotted and named the viral phenomenon "Jimothy," the unusually-shaped raccoon who has captured the internet's heart. She talks about the fateful evening she encountered Jimothy on a neighborhood walk ("What am I looking at?"); why Jimothy has become a symbol of joy and resilience for so many, especially in this moment; the unexpected viral attention Kiana has received from the discovery; and the inevitable attempts to monetize and exploit Jimothy's image. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of discovering and naming Jimothy.

8.02.2026

They Call Us The Great Star Theater

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 Alice Chu, President of the legendary Great Star Theater in San Francisco's Chinatown -- the oldest Chinese theater in North America -- and David Chiu, City Attorney of San Francisco, to talk about the rich history, legacy and future of the Great Star and Chinatown at large. They talk about the mission to preserve and revitalize the century-old performing arts venue to serve the community; the continuing resilience of Chinatown businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond; and the Great Star's interesting connection to this podcast's namesake, Bruce Lee. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of San Francisco Chinatown's historic legacy.

7.25.2026

They Call Us Leonardo Nam

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 Leonardo Nam, who stars in Disney's Descendants: Wicked Wonderland. He talks about his journey as an artist from Argentina to Australia to Hollywood, where he first broke through in films like The Perfect Score, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift; his unexpected and delightful villainous turn as Maddox Hatter in Disney's wildly popular Descendants franchise -- including his very own full-fledged musical number; and the joy of getting to share this family-friendly project with his kids. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Descendants: Wicked Wonderland.

7.18.2026

They Call Us Wong Kim Ark's Descendants

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 Annie Lee, Managing Director of Policy for Chinese for Affirmative Action, and Sandra Wong, great-granddaughter of Wong Kim Ark, whose landmark 1898 Supreme Court victory established birthright citizenship in the United States. They discuss the history of United States v. Wong Kim Ark and its profound impact on American citizenship and civil rights; the contemporary political challenges to birthright citizenship and the erosion of constitutional rights; and the importance of educating the next generation about Wong Kim Ark's legacy.

7.13.2026

Rest in Peace, Wai Ching Ho

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.


Wai Ching Ho, 'Daredevil' and 'Iron Fist' Actress, Dies at 82

Wai Ching Ho, best known for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing crime boss Madame Gao in Daredevil, Iron Fist and The Defenders, has died. She was 82. Her Hollywood career spanned over forty years, with roles in Fresh Off the Boat, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, and Turning Red, among many others.

Most recently, Ms. Ho starred in the excellent narrative podcast Aunties. Written by Kevin Yee, and also starring Rosalind Chao and Lauren Tom, it's a fun comedy/mystery series that follows three Chinatown shopkeepers who secretly fight crime and gentrification. I highly recommend checking it out on Audible.




What a subway ride with white supremacists taught me about America

"On the Fourth of July, while I was on my way to a party, I found myself riding a Washington Metro train surrounded by hundreds of masked white supremacists. A subway car is supposed to be one of society’s great equalizers. But it was the last place I expected to reflect on what it means to be an American."




Dallas man sentenced after admitting anti-Asian bias motivated 2022 salon shooting

In Dallas, a man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to a hate crime for shooting three women inside a Korean-owned hair salon. 41-year-old Jeremy Theron Smith pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon classified as a hate crime for firing more than a dozen rounds at Hair World Salon in Dallas' Koreatown in 2022. According to investigators, Smith had apparently "experienced delusions" that Asian people were trying to harm him.




San Francisco Chinatown’s historic Great Star Theater seeks emergency funds to stay open

The Great Star Theater in San Francisco is asking for the public's support to stay afloat. The historic Chinatown theater launched a GoFundMe campaign this month seeking $45,000 in donations to cover essential operating expenses. The nonprofit venue, which celebrated its centennial last year, is described as the last remaining Chinese theater in any Chinatown in the United States.




Gemma Chan Shares Update On Anna May Wong Biopic: "It's A Really Resonant Story"

Gemma Chan shares that her upcoming biopic on Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American movie star, is "still in development," with producer Nina Yang Bongiovi and playwright David Henry Hwang adapting Graham Russell Gao Hodges’ 2012 biography Anna May Wong: From Laundryman's Daughter to Hollywood Legend.


7.11.2026

They Call Us The Furious

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 actor, martial artist, and stuntman Brian Le of MartialClub, whose credits include Everything Everywhere All at Once, Paper Tigers, and this summer's gritty action thriller The Furious. He talks about his humble beginnings from watching kung fu flicks on bootleg VHS, to making YouTube videos with his brother Andy as self-taught action stars; getting to work with some of the world's best film fighters in The Furious -- and the steep learning curve of making action movies in Asia; and channeling his inner baby to play the unstoppable henchman Ho. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Furious.

7.01.2026

They Call Us Asian American Voters

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 check in with Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), and Karthick Ramakrishnan, Executive Director of AAPI Data, to get a pulse on the upcoming midterm elections. They discuss the challenges of voter engagement — including new and ongoing barriers to voting (and how you can take action); significant data trends across Asian American and Pacific Islander voter demographics; some of the urgent issues affecting AAPI voters; and key races to keep an eye on that could shape the future of our democracy. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of the upcoming midterm elections.

6.25.2026

They Call Us Noma's Kevin Jeung

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 Kevin Jeung, Chef of Research and Production at the legendary restaurant Noma -- named the World's Best Restaurant -- which is finishing up a 16-week residency in Los Angeles. He talks about neglecting to inform his parents when he dropped out of college to pursue cooking full time; the culinary experimentation (both failure and success, but mostly failure) that happens inside Noma's Fermentation Lab; and what the $1500 per seat menu actually looks and tastes like. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of doing a restaurant pop-up in Los Angeles.

6.22.2026

We Are One Step Closer to "Bruce Lee Day" in California

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.


California bill to create Bruce Lee Day heads to Gov. Newsom

In case you hadn't heard: we are one step closer to Bruce Lee Day. A plan to officially designate May 17 as Bruce Lee Day in California is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk after winning unanimous approval in the state. The bill would honor the martial arts icon's impact on film, culture and Chinese American history, and would make Lee the first Chinese American commemorated with a day in California.




Eugene, Springfield Asian American households still may be targeted by burglary ring

Despite recent prosecutions of a burglary ring targeting Asian American business owners and households in Oregon, local law enforcement say there has been an increase in organized burglary activity, and Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander households in the Eugene and Springfield communities could still be at risk.



@thesavbananas G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S😮‍💨 @Kelsie Whitmore #savannahbananas #bananaball #fergie #glamorous ♬ original sound - thesavbananas

Watch Savannah Bananas give Kelsie Whitmore legendary entrance with champagne and Fergie

You gotta smile at the Savannah Bananas giving pitcher Kelsie Whitmore, one of the baddest players in baseball, the glamorous entrance that she deserves, complete with champagne and Fergie. Already a veteran and trailblazer in the women's baseball, she was the first overall draft pick in the inaugural Women's Pro Baseball League, set to debut this year. So yeah, a fitting walk up, Bananas-style.




'The Fast and the Furious' took the Asians out of an Asian American story

"Fans of modified Japanese import cars, like me, have a love-hate relationship with the $7 billion Fast and Furious franchise. On one hand, the movies helped popularize modified Japanese cars. People all over the world fell in love with them and the import car culture they publicized. On the other hand, the movies left out so, so much of the story."




The Outer Threat

Constance Wu stars in the new sci-fi thriller The Outer Threat, in which the discovery of extraterrestrial life forces an astrophysicist and his family to flee from their home, pursued through the countryside by a relentless and anonymous danger. Their escape for their lives tests the limits between cosmic truth and paranoia. The Outer Threat hits digital platforms on July 10.

6.05.2026

They Call Us Jenny Yang's Good Egg Immigrant Grocery Store Standup Comedy Tour

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 comedian, writer, podcaster, and sister in rice Jenny Yang to catch up, kick off the summer, and spread the word about her Good Egg Immigrant Grocery Store Standup Comedy Tour, in which she jokes about growing up as a "good" immigrant kid, the importance of food to our cultures, and her own failed fertility journey. Jenny shares about the personal struggles that led her towards her first standup special and a nonprofit comedy tour benefitting immigrants rights organizations -- performed in immigrant grocery stores around the country. We're talking durian, bok choy, air conditioning, bad lighting, and Jenny's jokes. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Jenny's fertility journey.

5.26.2026

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."




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.




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.)




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.




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.


5.25.2026

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.

5.21.2026

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.




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.




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.




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.




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.


5.16.2026

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.

5.14.2026

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.




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.





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.




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."




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."


5.13.2026

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."


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