The Week in Pop Culture: April 21 - 27
Netflix investing $2.5 billion in South Korean films and TV shows
After revealing that the highest watched non-English shows on Netflix are Korean, including the very popular show Squid Games, Netflix has decided to invest more money in South Korean films. Netflix’s co-chief executive made the announcement after meeting with South Korea’s president Yoon Suk-yeol, who was visiting President Biden in Washington D.C.. Both parties are confident that the Korean creative industry will be able to put out great stories while profiting from the exposure of South Korean entertainment.
Purdue Northwest chancellor who mocked Asian languages will serve entire term
Chancellor Thomas L. Keon seemingly mocked Asian languages in an impromptu impression onstage at the college’s winter commencement. During the ceremony in December, Keon spoke made-up words and called it an “Asian version” of a previous speech given by radio host James Dedelow. The board issued a formal reprimand, but that is the height of the consequences Keon will be facing. Calls for Keon’s resignation still continue as petitions circulate and the college’s board seeks action for Keon’s insensitive comments.
Poet Rupi Kaur speaks out about her most famous work being banned at higher rates across the United States. School districts claim to ban the book of poetry due to its exploration of issues of sexual assault and violence. Kaur points out that the list of most banned books in the country by PEN America covers topics like LGBTQ identity, race, gender, etc. She also expresses how she found comfort in reading books that touched on trauma like hers do, and banning these books are depriving younger readers from that.
TW: sexual assault
‘Beef” creators address David Choe’s resurfaced comments about ‘rapey behavior’
Creators of the Netflix show Beef discussed the controversy surrounding actor David Choe and his 2014 comments about “rapey behavior.” Creator Lee Sung Jin and producers Ali Wong and Steven Yeun have put together a statement saying that they understand why the story is “upsetting and triggering” defending Choe as he has “put in the work to get the mental health support he needed over the last decade to better himself and learn from his mistakes.” The cast has not responded to several requests to comment from platforms like NBC News.
As Eid and Earth Day coincide, young Muslims are driving the modern climate movement
Climate disasters have reached extreme levels in the Muslim world, showing record-breaking temperatures in the Middle East and fatal flood occurrences in Pakistan. Many young Muslim climate activists share that their faith helps them keep optimistic beliefs about climate action. They also bring a new perspective as climate change has made their families back home suffer the tragic consequences of it. Young activists can bridge the gap between differences in climate change events from back home to the United States. The sighting of the new moon on Eid al-Fitr can bring a new mindset and joyous celebration of climate optimism.
