The Week in Pop Culture: April 14 - 20
Disney’s casting of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ character prompts colorism debate
For the live action adaptation of the film, fans, especially those who are native to Hawaii are not pleased with the lighter-skinned actors who were casted for Nani and David. Sydney Agudong is a biracial, light-skinned actress that has left people disappointed that she doesn’t reflect the darker skin and black hair of the original Nani character. Fans saw the same issue with actor Kahiau Machado. Both actors are facing criticism and backlash since these announcements have come out — and a discussion about Disney’s history of whitewashing and colorism has resurfaced.
How Netflix’s ‘Beef” nailed the Korean American evangelical experience
Netflix’s new comedy-drama shows accurate representation of the painful dynamics that Korean Americans have in relation to church. The show itself is centered around a Korean American church in California’s Orange County. “Beef” stars familiar faces like Steven Yeun and Ali Wong who help calibrate this almost perfect portrayal of Korean culture. There are episodes that display strong emotions surrounding the church, including Yeun crying in church as an emotional relief. These portrayals speak especially to second-generation Korean Americans who sit with religious trauma, immigration difficulties, and unbelonging.
First ladies Jill Biden and Yuko Kishida plant sakura tree to mark US-Japan friendship
Biden and Kishida honored the friendship between countries with a sakura sapling planted near the East Wing of the White House. The tree is supposed to symbolize the everlasting friendship between the US and Japan. Before the sakura sapling was planted, Jill Biden welcomed Kishida into the presidential residence with tea and a grand tour. The two then met over a ladies-only lunch including Rep. Doris Matsui, Yale professor Akiko Iwasaki and dancer Maki Onuki. This was the first time the spouse of the Japanese prime minister traveled to the US alone.
Gold House Gala to honor Ke Huy Quan, Sandra Oh and Iman Vellani
The second annual Gold House Gala takes place in May at the Jerry Moss Plaza Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles. The Gold House Awards are a celebration of AAPI excellence and heritage. The event honors the most impactful Asian individuals on the Gold house A100 list. Sandra Oh will receive the SeeHer Award. Quan will receive the Leading Man Award and Vellani will receive the first-ever New Gold Award.
Lena Khan to direct Hasan Minhaj’s Bollywood comedy
Lena Khan’s directing career takes its next step with the direction of Hasan Minhaj’s anticipated Bollywood comedy. She specializes in comedy with her indie debut of “The Tiger Hunter” in 2017 and Disney+ movie in 2021 “Flora & Ulysses”. The 2017 indie film is a story loosely based on Khan’s father, telling the tale of an Indian engineer that immigrated to America. The Amazon Studio’s project that Minhaj and Khan will collaborate on will showcase the world of competitive collegiate Bollywood dance.
BTS Jimin Becomes First South Korean Soloist to Top Billboard HOT100
Jimin, member of the K-pop group BTS, has made history with his debut album ‘FACE’ and debut single ‘Like Crazy’. The six-track album ‘FACE’ debuted at No.2 on Billboard 200, the highest since Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ in 2021. With his song debuting at No.1 on Billboard HOT100, he has become the first South Korean soloist to top the chart. The album and song had been much anticipated following the excitement created by the pre-release track ‘Set Me Free Pt.2’ which debuted at No.30. This is a monumental achievement both for the singer’s solo career and for K-Pop as a whole.
