I Mean They Are Called the "Golden" Globes

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

1. Kpop Demon Hunters Wins Big at the Golden Globes

We're going up up up it's our moment... KPop Demon Hunters continues its amazing awards show run, taking home the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, "Golden," and Best Animated Feature. This particular awards show is kind of a joke and I do not take it seriously. But damn if I didn't tear up watching EJAE's acceptance speech, talking about her dreams, rejections and disappointments. She dedicated the award "to people who have their doors closed at them, and that, I can confidently say 'rejection is redirection,' and so never give up... It's never too late to shine like you were born to be."

2. Postal Service To Release Stunner of Stamp To Honor Bruce Lee

The United States Postal Service will honor Bruce Lee, legendary martial artist and actor, with a Forever stamp. Designed by artist Kam Mak, the stamp artwork features a black-and-white painting of Lee executing his famous flying kick set against a yellow calligraphic brushstroke (reminiscent of Lee's iconic jumpsuit in Game of Death) on a white background. The first-day-of-issue event for the Bruce Lee Forever stamp is free and open to the public, and will be held next month at the Nippon Kan Theater in Seattle. More info at USPS.com.

3. Katie Leung on Harry Potter, sudden fame, insecurity – and starring in Bridgerton

Katie Leung, who plays Lady Araminta Gun in the new season of Netflix's Bridgerton, opens up in a new interview with The Guardian about the intense, appalling racism and online abuse she received from toxic fans when she was cast as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film franchise.

4. Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers respond to backlash over remarks about Rep. Jasmine Crockett

After courting controversy over remarks on their podcast about the current Democratic party landscape and an urge to fans to not "waste" money donating to Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett's Senate bid, Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers have responded to the resulting backlash.

5. Victor Wong Fellowship Auditions

Legendary Chicago comedy institution The Second City has announced auditions for the 4th Annual Victor Wong Fellowship, a tuition-free program created to develop and champion the next generation of AAPI comedic talent. Named after The Second City's first Asian American performer, this fellowship is about building skills, amplifying voices, and shaping the future of comedy. Learn more at secondcity.com.

Huntr/x Give Their Best Live Performance Yet

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.



1. EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI from KPop Demon Hunters - Golden (Glowin’ Version)

EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami -- the singing voices of Huntr/x from Kpop Demon Hunters -- were on Jimmy Kimmel Live to perform an all-new "Glowin'" version of "Golden." If you've been following this crazy ride, you know they've been making the rounds, but this was, hands down, their best live performance of the song so far. The new arrangement is gorgeous. And shout out for the string ensemble accompaniment comprised entirely of Asian women! I'm telling you, if this was their final audition to perform at the Oscars, they friggin' booked it.

2. Chloe Kim dislocates shoulder, could miss Olympics

Oof. Ouch. Snowboarder Chloe Kim has dislocated her shoulder and is unsure if she'll compete in next month's Winter Olympics. The two-time gold medalist announced her injury this week on social media, explaining that she "took the silliest fall" during training in Switzerland this week. After grabbing gold in Pyeongchang and Beijing, Kim was widely considered the favorite to top the podium again in Italy. Well, damn. Please join me as we lift up a prayer for Chloe's shoulder.



3. Lucy Liu - "Rosemead" | The Daily Show

I love it when Ronny Chieng's on the desk at The Daily Show because it's clear that he unabashedly uses the opportunity to give Asian guests some shine. Case in point: Lucy Liu, who gives a tour-de-force starring performance in the indie drama Rosemead, which hits theaters in nationwide in limited release this weekend. Ronny and Lucy talk about Liu’s connection to the film and how its themes of mental health and grief affected her, the time she directed Ronny onscreen, and how taking risks has led to the biggest rewards in her career. Plus, a surprise cameo from another Liu.



4. MAKING DELTRON 3030

Has it really been 25 years? (I feel like I've been saying that a lot lately.) Dive into the making of the classic hip-hop record Deltron 3030, with the artists who brought it to life. Featuring Dan the Automator, Del the Funky Homosapien, Kid Koala with appearances by Randall Park, Zane Lowe, and Damian "Domino" Siguenza, you'll hear a first-person account of creating this one-of-a-kind record.

5. Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2026: Celebrating Asian & African-American Solidarity

Oakland! Mark your calendars. The Oakland Asian Cultural Center invites you to its Lunar New Year x Black History Month Celebration, a joyous convergence of Asian and African American solidarity. The even will feature lion dancers, drummers, performers, arts and crafts, a Kids + Teens Zone curated by Storyland Collective, a marketplace of local artisans, and free admission for all ages. Register here.

ICE is Clearly the Villain of This Story

And other items of note from Angry Asian America.

1. It's clear who the villains of this story are

"In Minnesota, immigration enforcement is often framed as something that happens somewhere else. At the border. In distant detention centers. In communities separate from our own. It is discussed in abstract policy language and political sound bites, safely removed from daily life. But over the past few weeks, that distance narrowed with ICE activity increasing in the Twin Cities. And on Jan. 7, it collapsed entirely." Minnesota Star Tribune columnist Ka Vang on federal violence and the murder of Renee Nicole Good.



2. The Wrecking Crew

Here's the official trailer for the upcoming action acomedy The Wrecking Crew starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. They play two estranged half-brothers who are forced to reunite after their father’s mysterious death. Together, they are ready to WRECK anything that gets in their way! Looks like fun, and it's written by Jonathan Tropper, the showrunner behind Warrior. I'm down for it. The Wrecking Crew hits Prime Video on January 28.

3. Lucy Liu Breaks from Perfection

After a career playing glamorous, intimidating women, Lucy Liu finds her realest role yet in Rosemead. Liu talks bad tans, the rivalry of Daryl Hall and John Oates, and her early days as an omelet chef.




4. ARKAI - Sun Drifter

I recently got a heads up to the music of ARKAI, a genre-defying, electro-acoustic string duo that "bridges the classical and the contemporary, weaving cinematic soundscapes with electrifying virtuosity into epic performances around the world." Their sophomore album Brightside is nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the 2026 Grammy Awards. Check out the video for the title track here.

5. Cafe Maddy 2026 Korean Cooking Calendar

The 2026 Korean Cooking Calendar by Cafe Maddy features hand-drawn illustrations of Korean dishes, highlighted year-round with Korean holidays, American holidays, and other historically significant Korean dates. Each month includes a QR code that points to a step-by-step recipe for the dish, a story about each holiday and tradition, and a blurb about the seasonal Korean flower. You can even customize the month that features the illustration of miyeokguk (Korean Birthday Soup), making it a great gift for the Korean cuisine enthusiast in your life. Order it from cafemaddyclub.com.

Ken Jeong Fakes The Daily Show to Meet Park Chan-wook

And other items of note from Angry Asian America.

1. Director Park Chan-wook - Satirizing Capitalism in "No Other Choice"

Dr. Ken Jeong made a surprise appearance on The Daily Show -- crashing host Ronny Chieng's interview with acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook (who was on the show to promote his latest film No Other Choice) -- by his own admission, pretending to be Chieng's "translator" to get close to the legendary director and declaring Park "The Korean Scorsese"... before Ronny gave him the boot.



The shenanigans precede a full interview with the director (and his legit interpreter), whose credits including Oldboy, The Handmaiden, Decision to Leave, Joint Security Area, Thirst and more.

2. Deaths of Asian immigrants in ICE custody reveal a community under threat

"More than 30 people died while being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2025, marking it as the deadliest year for those held in custody by the agency in two decades. At least five of the detainees who died were Asian nationals: Chaofeng Ge, Nhon Ngoc Nguyen, Tien Xuan Phan, Kaiyin Wong and Huabing Xie. So far their deaths have received little public attention, even as ICE increases raids, expands capacity at its facilities and accelerates deportations across the country."

3. Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kristina Wong of Koreatown Los Angeles

Our old friend, acclaimed solo performer and playwright Kristina Wong talks to VoyageLA about feeling and deserving love, her unique brand of theater performance, formerly held beliefs, food banks, and erroneously being identified by AI journalists as Jeremy Lin's wife.

4. 'Beef' Season 2 Gets Netflix Release Date

Season two of Netflix's critically acclaimed anthology series Beef will premiere on April 16, with creator Lee Sung Jin returning as showrunner and executive producer. The new season will star Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny as a young couple working at a country club, who witness an alarming fight between their boss and his wife, played by Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan. The first season earned eight Emmys, including acting awards for Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, who return as executive producers.

5. Balloon Varsity Sweatpants

I recently Insta-stumbled across this short video promoting, um, sweatpants by Pillar, a Toronto-based clothing lable inspired by an East Asian aesthetic. Thought it was kinda dope.

Lucy Liu, Rosemead and Our Battle Against Shame

And other items of note from Angry Asian America.

1. 'Rosemead' holds up a mirror to our battle against shame

Columnist Frank Shyong reflects on Rosemead, the Lucy Liu independent feature film based on his own 2017 Los Angeles Times article about the last days of a dying woman and her son. The story unfolds in the weeks after she learns her cancer is terminal and must decide what will happen to her son, who is undergoing treatment for schizophrenia. Shyong reflects on the shame that prevents our communities from receiving much-needed treatment for struggles with mental health.

2. Perfectly In Sync

After a cancer scare and a seven-year hiatus, Olympian-sibling duo Alex and Maia Shibutani are returning to competitive skating. In a new interview with Bustle, the Shib Sibs discuss Maia's physical health following her diagnosis, their goals for their comeback, the (dis)advantages of being a sibling duo, and answer the "legacy question" of how they hope to be remembered.

3. Do you think of the perfect comeback way too late?

"For Asian Americans... an ability to instantly spin up a powerful comeback to a hurtful or misinformed comment would prove useful. We are accustomed to hearing microaggressions about how well we speak English, where we're really from, and that we look just like Jackie Chan. A new game, Clapback: The Asian American Edition is rooted in the idea that would make our parents proud: We can get better at clapping back -- with practice."

4. The Rose Korean Rock Band Documentary to Get Worldwide Theatrical Release

The Rose: Come Back to Me, a documentary about the Korean rock band The Rose, will receive a Valentine's Day theatrical release from CJ 4DPlex. The documentary chronicles The Rose, which consists of Kim "Sammy" WooSung, Park "Leo" Dojoon, Lee "Dylan" Hajoon and Lee "Jeff" Taegyeom, tracing their rise from Seoul's Hongdae district to performing at Coachella.

5. Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse Stamps

The United States Postal Service will ring in the Lunar New Year with the seventh issuance of its popular stamp series, the Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse Forever Stamp. Featuring a contemporary take on paper-cut folk art, the stamps will be available beginning February 3.

Kpop Demon Hunters Wins Big at the Critics Choice Awards

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

1. ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Kicks Off 2026 Awards Season With Two Critics Choice Wins

Netflix's runaway animated hit Kpop Demon Hunters made its first awards showing of 2026 -- and kicked off what is likely to be a considerable awards season haul -- with wins for best song (for "Golden") and best animated film at the Critics Choice Awards.

"When writing this song, I found myself living vicariously through my character Rumi. Her life and journey in the movie felt deeply familiar to me," co-songwriter and Rumi's singing voice EJAE told the crowd when accepting best song. "The song needed to be an expression of hope to convince herself that she could write and reach for her dreams. In many ways, it did the same for me, but most importantly for it to be giving hope so many people around the world is truly the greatest honor."

2. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu takes oath of office for second term

In other Asian American big city mayoral news... Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was sworn into her second term as mayor of the city Monday morning at Symphony Hall. Wu ran unopposed in the General Election after Democratic candidate Josh Kraft suspended his mayoral campaign in September.

In her opening remarks, Wu criticized the Trump Administration for cutting funding for housing, education, and health care.

"We will not appease or abet any threat to our city, and we will not wait for permission to build the world our families deserve,” Wu said. “Over the next four years, Boston will be the proof that the nation we fought for is possible — a place where we take care of each other and take on the challenges that matter the most."

3. Call Her mayor: History made as St. Paul swears in new leader

And yet in more Asian American mayoral news... Kaohly Her is the mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota. On Friday afternoon at St. Catherine University, Her was sworn in as the 56th mayor of St. Paul, becoming the first woman and first person of Hmong ancestry to hold the title.

4. Authors Kate DiCamillo and Kelly Yang Announce New Podcast StoryKind

Award-winning childen's book authors Kelly Yang and Kate DiCamillo have teamed up for a new podcast which will focus on writing and creativity for kids, parents and educators. StoryKind, which will release new 15 minutes episodes weekly starting January 19, will share "tips for writing, answer questions they receive from young readers, celebrate the hard work of teachers and librarians in literacy spaces and spread the magic of real, human storytelling."

5. The Rip

Is it me, or is Steven Yeun always appearing in the most interesting shit? He's come a long way since Glenn, and I will say it now (though I cried at the time), getting killed off The Walking Dead was probably the best thing that could have happened for him. Burning? Beef? Minari? He's not always the number one, but his supporting roles are sometimes just as intriguing. Anyway, spotted him in the trailer for this Matt Damon/Ben Affleck crime thriller The Rip, and got a kick out of seeing him in the mix. Hell, I'll watch it for my dude Steven.

The Art of Kpop Demon Hunters Available for Pre-Order

Behind-the-scenes book from Netflix and Gallery Nucleus

For the fans! I've been waiting for this book to exist from the moment I saw the movie.

Published in collaboration with Netflix, The Art of a Kpop Demon Hunters is now available for pre-order from Gallery Nucleus. Inspired by the vibrant world of K-pop magazines and fan books, this deluxe soft-cover “mook” is jam-packed with behind-the-scenes pre-production artwork, creator interviews, and insights from the writers, directors, and key artists who brought the film to life. Packed with fun facts and visual treasures, it's essential for fans of Kpop Demon Hunters and art enthusiasts alike.

Pre-order it here: Gallery Nucleus.

New Year. New York. New Mayor.

Zohran Mamdani sworn in as mayor of New York City. And other items of note from Angry Asian America.



1. Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor, capping historic rise

On Thursday, just after midnight, Zohran Mamdani was officially sworn in as mayor of New York City in a modest private ceremony held in a historic decommissioned subway station under City Hall. The oath was administered by New York state Attorney General Letitia James.

"Congratulations, Mr. Mayor," she said, to cheers.

2. For Some Asian Americans, There’s No Such Thing As a Casual Drink

After a night of partying, new year reveler, oh, you know it well. For many Asian Americans, a single cocktail -- or hell, a sip of wine -- can cause their faces to turn red. Known as the "Asian glow" or the "Asian flush," the condition can stir up mixed emotions. Here is the paper of record's perennial journalism on said condition.

3. The ABBA song that’s huge in Vietnam at year's end

While it's far from one of the Swedish pop supergroup's well-known hits, ABBA's "Happy New Year" has a poignant, unexpected popularity in Vietnam, becoming a sort of traditional new year song in its own right.

4. K-Pop Group NewJeans Faces New Uncertainty After Member Is Dropped

You don't understand how bummed I am to hear that ADOR has dropped Danielle from the five-person lineup of NewJeans -- the latest flashpoint in the more than year-long legal battle between the label and the band. My favorite Kpop group! [Shakes fist.] Look, if you know, you know. But I just someone had given these gals some good advice early on. This is why we can't have nice things.

5. Angry New Year!

Use the code NEWYEAR26 for 26% off all "Stay Angry" shirt orders. Good through January 5, 2026.

They Call Us In Your Dreams

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 animator and filmmaker Alex Woo, co-director of the Netflix animated feature In Your Dreams. He talks about the foundational education in storytelling he received while working at Pixar, leaving to strike out on his own and chase the brave new world of streaming with Kuku Studios, and telling an emotionally grounded story -- while teaching kids about suffering -- through the wildly entertaining and absurd world of their dreams. They also discuss the unfairness of Simu Liu's talent; Phil's totally wrong theories about Stevie and Elliot's namesakes; and that nasty, magical place behind the refrigerator. And will the real Alex Woo please stand up? Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making In Your Dreams.

They Call Us Rina Oh, Epstein Survivor

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 artist, author and advocate Rina Oh, one of the only Asian American women to publicly share her experience as a victim of sex offender and trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. She shares about her journey as an immigrant and striving artist that eventually led her into the orbit of the disgraced financier -- a relationship marked by manipulation, exploitation, and ultimately, regret. She talks about the reckoning still yet to come, as details about the web of players from the Epstein investigation continue to come to light. Rina also shares about her journey of healing and renewal as a survivor and artist. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of the release of the Epstein files.

They Call Us Francesca Hong

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 Francesca Hong -- chef, community organizer, state assemblymember, and candidate for governor of Wisconsin. She talks about her working class roots and political ascent from the food service industry to being elected the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature, and now running for governor as a Democratic Socialist to build a Wisconsin in which everyone has a seat at the table. She also talks about rocking the Stay Angry shirt, why Wisconsin is more than just beer and cheese, and how it's "cool as hell" to be Korean right now (and feeling some kind of way about it). And of course, The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of running for governor of Wisconsin.

They Call Us Minor Legends

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 creator/star Angela Wong Carbone and actors Celia Au and Derek Basco -- voices behind the new comedy fiction podcast Minor Legends (part of the Potluck Podcast Collective), an ambitious narrative project that's "a little cringe, a little crazy" that delves into the funny, weird and wild side of Asian America. Angela talks about being inspired to create a multi-dimensional showcase for her community of hugely creative friends; Celia and Derek talk about summoning/channeling their Asian parent vibes ("Ai-yaaaahh!") for their roles. Also: The Good, The Bad, and WTF of making Minor Legends. Plus: stick around to the end and listen to a bonus episode of Minor Legends.

They Call Us The Queen of My Dreams

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 friend and filmmaker Fawzia Mirza, writer/director of indie comedy/drama feature The Queen of My Dreams. We talk about the Asian diasporic film subgenre of "Our Parents Are People Too"; Fawzia's own journey of telling this story over multiple iterations and embracing her identity as a director; and the challenges of shooting a narrative that spans several time periods and countries, from 1969 Karachi to 1989 Nova Scotia. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Queen of My Dreams.

They Call Us Water Mirror Echo

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

Photo: Daren Mooko Photography

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 celebrate the 300th episode of They Call Us Bruce and welcome writer/scholar Jeff Chang, author of Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, recorded live at Skylight Books in Los Angeles. He talks about writing a biography of Bruce Lee that authentically centers the man behind the legend, while doubling as a stealth culturally history of Asian America, in a way that it's never been told before. We discuss Bruce's rough-and-tumble (and highly cinematic) teen years; how young Bruce was actually kind of awkward (and annoying); and the hard-fought Asian American journey to becoming a global icon. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of writing Water Mirror Echo.

They Call Us Korea & Hollywood's Future

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 pop culture pals and cultural critics Dino-Ray Ramos and Rebecca Sun to discuss two new similarly-flavored TV series, Butterfly and Tempest. They explore the cultural significance of these Korean and Korean-adjacent shows, their unique storytelling approaches, and the evolving landscape of Asian American representation in global content. They discuss the future of authentic Asian storytelling in Hollywood -- beyond stunt casting and "flower vases"; the role of diaspora creatives; and the balance between small, intimate stories and larger global narratives. They also caution against Hollywood's inevitable exploitation and commodification of K-culture.

They Call Us Butterfly

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 actors Daniel Dae Kim and Reina Hardesty, stars of the Prime Video thriller series Butterfly. Daniel talks about adapting the original graphic novel to create an action/espionage series around Korean American characters; Reina talks about auditioning for "Untitled Daniel Dae Kim Project" and finding her way in the role of estranged daughter (and highly-skilled assassin) Rebecca; they talk about the need for nuance in ethnic-specific casting for Asian American actors; and we get The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Butterfly.

They Call Us Crusing J-Town

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 Oliver Wang, professor of sociology, curator for the Japanese American National Museum exhibition Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community, and author/editor of the exhibition's companion book. We talk about the rich history of Japanese American car culture in Los Angeles, its significance in shaping community identity, the impact of urban development, the surprising gamesmanship involved in street racing, and the complex tapestry of stories still waiting to be uncovered in Asian American history. Oliver also shares some of his research on an important question: why is "Bizarre Love Triangle" the unofficial anthem for Asian Americans (of a certain age)?

They Call Us Breaking Into New Hollywood

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 Ada Tseng, co-author of Breaking Into New Hollywood: A Career Guide to a Changing Industry, and actor/comedian Amy Anderson and her daughter Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (Modern Family). Ada talks about writing a practical guide to getting started in today's entertainment industry; Amy and Aubrey trade stories with Jeff -- who's had some experience as a stage parent -- about how getting cast on network television show changed their families' lives; and how everybody's navigating this current moment of upheaval and uncertainty. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of "The New Hollywood."

They Call Us Kaila Yu

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 writer and former pinup model Kaila Yu, author of the memoir Fetished: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty, a memoir-in-essays exploring the roles pop culture and colonialism played in shaping pervasive and destructive stereotypes about Asian women and their bodies. She talks about her iconic status as a model on import tuner scene; her own reckoning with being an object of Asian fetish; and her personal journey of self-love and healing. They also discuss Phil and Kaila's shared history as members of the extended Fast & Furious cinematic universe, as well as the remote possibility that Jeff and Kaila (née Elaine Yang) could be related.

They Call Us Maybe Happy Ending's Casting Controversy

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 Howard Ho, playwright/composer/YouTuber, and Diep Tran, Editor in Chief of Playbill, to discuss Asian Americans in theatre, Broadway, and controversy over the recent announcement that Andrew Barth Feldman, a white actor, would be taking over the lead role in Maybe Happy Ending, the hit Tony Award-winning musical about robots finding connection in future Korea. They talk about the historical lack of opportunities for Asian Americans in theatre, enjoying a moment of hope in the wake of recent successes, and why Maybe Happy Ending's re-casting is such a disappointment on multiple levels. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of this moment in Asian American theatre.

They Call Us Superheroes

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 pop cultural pals Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos to discuss recent superhero movies like Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps. (But really, a good excuse for friends to hang out and gab, because it's been a minute.) We talk about the so-called "woke" Superman, where the heck Shang-Chi has been, watching these movies in a world of real-life supervillains, and the significance of superhero narratives in the context of Asian American identity, history and culture.

They Call Us Kpop Demon Hunters

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 Maggie Kang, creator and co-director of the hit Netflix animated feature Kpop Demon Hunters. She talks about the seven-year journey of bringing the film to life; behind-the-scenes insights on crafting an epic animated action musical that incorporates both supernatural demon lore and kpop idol culture; assembling the voice and music team to tell this uniquely Korean story; and the incredible, unexpected global response to the movie. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Kpop Demon Hunters.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - S3E7: Season 3 Finale Explained by Creator and Stars!

Play one last time.

Squid Game is back! The third and final season 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 break down every shocking twist and betrayal, and the choices that will determine who, if anyone, makes it out alive. Alongside creators, cultural critics, and viral internet voices, we'll provide our own theories for how the season ends, and what Squid Game ultimately reveals about power, sacrifice, and the systems that shape us.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 before listening on.

For our final bonus episode Kiera and I head to New York City for an exclusive sit-down with the minds and hearts behind Squid Game, series creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the unforgettable Player 456 himself, Lee Jung-jae, and the enigmatic Front Man, Lee Byung-hun. The masks are off! We do a deep dive with some burning questions about the show's most iconic moments and characters, and get real with the legends behind the global phenomenon.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - S3E6: Humans Are...

Play one last time.

Squid Game is back! The third and final season 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 break down every shocking twist and betrayal, and the choices that will determine who, if anyone, makes it out alive. Alongside creators, cultural critics, and viral internet voices, we'll provide our own theories for how the season ends, and what Squid Game ultimately reveals about power, sacrifice, and the systems that shape us.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 6 before listening on.

The Game ends here. In the gripping series finale, "Humans Are..." Kiera and I sit with the full emotional weight of the series' conclusion -- unpacking Player 456's remarkable final act of defiance, the Front Man's quiet reckoning, and the question at the heart of the show: what does it mean to be human in an inhumane world? We revisit lingering fan theories, reflect on the characters we’ll never forget, and explore a final twist that raises even more questions than it answers.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - S3E5: Circle, Triangle, Square

Play one last time.

Squid Game is back! The third and final season 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 break down every shocking twist and betrayal, and the choices that will determine who, if anyone, makes it out alive. Alongside creators, cultural critics, and viral internet voices, we'll provide our own theories for how the season ends, and what Squid Game ultimately reveals about power, sacrifice, and the systems that shape us.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 5 before listening on.

In Season 3, Episode 5, "Circle, Triangle, Square," Kiera Please and I unpack the twisted politics of fairness, the final betrayal of the Os, and Player 456's decision to protect the baby -- even if it means risking everything. And Comedian Steven He ("EMOTIONAL DAMAGE!") joins the pod to break down Guard 011's revenge, Min-su's haunting farewell, and the flashback that finally reveals how the Front Man won his season. Plus, we put Steven in the hot seat for a ruthless game of "Who Wants to Be a Squid-ionaire?"

They Call Us Dylan Park-Pettiford

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 Dylan Park-Pettiford -- TV writer, combat veteran and author of the memoir Roadside: My Journey to Iraq and the Long Road Home. He talks about growing up as a Black/Korean American kid in Campbell, California; getting swept up in the post-9/11 patriotism that sent him to Iraq, where his days alternated between boredom and terror; losing his brother to gun violence; uncovering a part of his identity through family history; and the kinds of topics you might want to avoid writing about if your mom might eventually read your book.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - 222: S3E4

Play one last time.

Squid Game is back! The third and final season 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 break down every shocking twist and betrayal, and the choices that will determine who, if anyone, makes it out alive. Alongside creators, cultural critics, and viral internet voices, we'll provide our own theories for how the season ends, and what Squid Game ultimately reveals about power, sacrifice, and the systems that shape us.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 4 before listening on.

In Season 3, Episode 4, "222" we unpack how innocence gets weaponized when the baby is named the Game's newest player -- and explore what South Korea's plummeting birth rate says about why this baby holds so much weight. Then, activist and content creator Amber Whittington (aka "AmbersCloset") joins to break down the heartbreaking end to the Jump Rope game, the Front Man's shocking reveal, and faces off with Kiera in a game of "Poisoned Bottle" that’s equal parts delicious and disgusting. Also: we call my mom to get her latest Squid Game takes!

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - It's Not Your Fault: S3E3

Play one last time.

Squid Game is back! The third and final season 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 break down every shocking twist and betrayal, and the choices that will determine who, if anyone, makes it out alive. Alongside creators, cultural critics, and viral internet voices, we'll provide our own theories for how the season ends, and what Squid Game ultimately reveals about power, sacrifice, and the systems that shape us.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 3 before listening on.

In Season 3, Episode 3, "It's Not Your Fault," we react to one of the season's most devastating twists, the newborn baby's forced induction into the Game and Player 456's newfound purpose. Plus, we break down the backstory of our favorite creepy dolls: Young-hee and Chul-su and their role in Korean education. Then, special guest Philip Wang of Wong Fu Productions joins to talk about the show's evolving definition of family -- and what it means when even the heroes have blood on their hands. Plus, we face off in a morally impossible round of "The Lesser Evil" -- because sometimes, there are no right answers.