Back in 2018 and 2019, Kcrush published two articles about biracial celebrities with Asian backgrounds. We’re revisiting those articles and including more celebrities that have Asian backgrounds. Of course, we encourage our readers to share others we may have missed!
Bruno Mars
Singer-songwriter Bruno Mars (Peter Gene Hernandez) is of Filipino, Puerto Rican, Spanish, and Jewish descent.
During his time in the music industry, Bruno Mars has stated that record executives “had trouble categorizing him” because of his mixed-race background. He’s even been accused of cultural appropriation due to his racial ambiguity, though several celebrities have called the allegations bogus.
“There are a lot of people who have this mixed background that are in this gray zone,” Bruno Mars told Latina magazine. “A lot of people think, ‘This is awesome. You’re in this gray zone, so you can pass for whatever the hell you want.’ But it’s not like that at all. It’s actually the exact opposite.”
Despite his struggles in the industry, Bruno Mars has become one of the most recognized singers over the past decade. With songs like “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “Uptown Funk” among others, Bruno Mars is a certified hit-maker!
Charles Melton
Riverdale actor Charles Melton is of Korean and English descent. Melton grew up in both the United States and South Korea. The model-turned-actor is the first Korean-American/Asian-American actor to lead a teen romance film by a major Hollywood studio when he starred in The Sun is Also a Star.
Chrissy Teigen
Model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen is of Thai and Norwegian heritage. Teigen, who is married to John Legend and a mother to two children, began her modeling career with the clothing company Billabong. She’s also modeled for Sports Illustrated prior to morphing into a television personality and an oft-controversial figure.
Teigen is also a cookbook author, having two cookbooks published that went on to be New York Times best-sellers. In 2019, Times Magazine named her as one of the top influential people in the world.
Danny Pudi
Best known for his role as Abed Nadir in the TV show Community, Danny Pudi is Indian and Polish. The three-time Critics’ Choice nominee grew up in Chicago where he attended Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, Illinois. Growing up, Pudi spoke Polish to his mother and grandmother; he also took Polish dance lessons. He is a Marquette University graduate with a degree in communications and theatre. While attending Marquette University, Pudi was the first recipient of the Chris Farley Scholarship which opened the door to him performing improv and studying at Chicago’s Second City.
Besides being known for his role in Community, Pudi also stars as Brad Bakshi in Mystic Quest and voices Huey in the 2017-2021 Ducktales reboot.
Darren Criss
Darren Criss—who is a singer, actor, and songwriter— has Chinese, Filipino, Spanish, English, German, and Irish roots.
The Glee alum has an impressive acting and Broadway resume, but many will remember Criss as Harry Potter in A Very Potter Musical, A StarKid Production musical; Criss is a founding member and co-owner of StarKid.
Criss is an Emmy and Golden Globe winner for his role as spree killer Andrew Cunanan in 2018’s The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. On Broadway, Criss replaced Daniel Radcliffe as J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. During his three-week stint, Criss’ appearance helped the show turn in three of its most lucrative weeks. Impressive for his Broadway debut!
Devon Aoki
Actress and fashion model Devon Aoki has Japanese, German, and English backgrounds.
Aoki, who is the half-sister of Steven Aoki, has had starring film roles in 2006’s DOA: Dead or Alive and 2008’s Mutant Chronicles. She’s appeared in 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), Sin City (2005), and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead (2009).
Aoki made her modeling debut in 1997. She’s walked the runway for Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Comme des Garçons. In 1998, she was the face of Versace. She’s also appeared in ad campaigns for Tiffany & Co., Baby Phat, and Marc Jacobs among others.
In 2009, Aoki retired from acting to focus on motherhood. She and husband James Bailey share three daughters and one son.
Aoki is the daughter of Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki, the founder of Benihana restaurant and Genesis Magazine. She is also the aunt of model and singer-songwriter Yumi Nu.
H.E.R
H.E.R (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) is of Filipino and African American descent.
H.E.R debuted as a musician in 1997 when she performed as Gabi Wilson when she appeared on The Today Show. The singer-songwriter is known for her R&B hits like “Focus” (2016), “Best Part” (2017), and “Damage” (2020). Several of her hits have been certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA, and she’s the 2021 Apple Music Awards Songwriter of the Year. Between 2017-2021, H.E.R has headlined three tours.
In 2021, it was announced H.E.R would make her feature film debut in the upcoming adaptation of The Color Purple. She is slated to play Squeak.
Han Hyun-Min
In 2017, Time Magazine named Han Hyun-Min as one of the magazine’s top 30 most influential teens.
Han, who is of Nigerian and South Korean descent, is the first Korean model of African descent to appear on South Korean and international catwalks. A modeling agency discovered Han on his Instagram when he was 15-years old. Following a meeting at a coffee shop, Han was signed on-the-spot and quickly became one of the modeling world’s most in-demand models… but that doesn’t mean he didn’t face racism along the way as his career blossomed. He hopes to someday become a model in Japan.
Hayley Kiyoko
Singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer Hayley Kiyoko Alcroft has Japanese, Welsh, and Scottish roots.
As an actress, Kiyoko’s appeared in Lemonade Mouth (2011), Jem and the Holograms (2015), and the TV series The Fosters (2014).
As a singer, Kiyoko was a founding member of the American pop group The Stunners. Kiyoko, who identifies as a lesbian, uses her music to tell her story about coming to terms with her orientation. Through her music, she hopes to inspire others who struggle with their sexual identities.
“I think it’s just important for people to lead by example,” Kiyoko told Billboard in 2018. “My motto is to help people love themselves sooner. I can’t teach them how to do that. They have to figure that out on their own — that’s their journey.”
Henry Golding
Malaysian-British actor, TV host, and model Henry Golding had quite the journey before his starring role in Crazy Rich Asians made him a recognizable face!
Born in Sarawak, Malaysia, Golding’s mother is a native-born Sarawakian of indigenous Iban Dayak ancestry. Golding’s father is British. Golding moved to England when he was eight-years old before moving to Kuala Lumpur to pursue acting. Prior to heading back to Malaysia where he was TV host for The 8TV Quickie, Football Crazy, and The Travel Show, Golding worked as a hairdresser in London.
In 2017, Golding won the role of Crazy Rich Asian’s leading man, Nick, following a casting call. His charm and personality caught Jon M. Chu’s eyes after his accountant brought him to his attention. As the cliché goes, the rest is history!
Following the success of Crazy Rich Asians, Golding earned roles in A Simple Favor (2018), Last Christmas (2019), and The Gentleman (2019).
In 2016, Golding married Taiwanese TV presenter Liv Lo. Prior to their marriage, Golding had to complete a bejalai—an Iban rite of passage into manhood—as part of his Iban Dayak’s ancestry’s culture. He spent two months in the Borneo wilderness. He filmed his experience for the documentary Surviving Borneo which aired on Discovery Channel Asia.
Golding has several projects in the works coming out in 2022 and 2023. In 2021, he and his wife Liv welcomed their first child.
Jessica Henwick
Chinese-Singaporean and Zambian actress Jessica Henwick has had her hand in some of pop culture’s biggest shows and movies!
In 2009, Henwick became the first actress of East Asian descent to have a lead role in a British television series when she landed the role of Bo in Spirit Warriors.
From 2015-2017, Henwick had a recurring role as Nymeria Sand in Game of Thrones. From 2017-2018, she played a main role in Iron Fist, The Defenders, and Luke Cage as Colleen Wing. She also appeared as Jessika “Testor” Pava in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Bugs in Matrix Resurrection, the latter of which earned her Best Supporting Actress nominations by Gold House and CAPE.
Karen O
South Korean-born singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer Karen O (Karen Lee Orzolek) sports a Korean-Polish background.
Karen O is the lead singer of the American rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs. While she was born in Busan, South Korea, she grew up in New Jersey. In addition to being the lead singer for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, she’s also an accomplished soloist who’s collaborated with Willie Nelson, The Flaming Lips, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and Trent Reznor among others.
Kristin Kreuk
Perhaps best known for her role as Lana Lang in Smallville, Canadian-born actress Kristin Kreuk’s background is Chinese and Dutch.
Kreuk began acting in 2000 when a casting director contacted her for a role in the Canadian soap opera Edgemont. From Edgemont, Kreuk snagged the lead role in Snow White: Fairest of Them All for ABC. After Snow White wrapped, Kruek, who was also still acting in Edgemont, landed the role as Smallville’s Lana.
Since Smallville, Kruek has appeared in the revival of the TV series Beauty and the Beast and Burden of Truth. She also works behind the camera as a producer.
Kreuk also had ties to NXIVM, a cult and multi-leveling marketing group. Kreuk left NXIVM in 2013. Initially, she believed it was a “self help group,” and didn’t see any wrongdoings during her time with the organization. Meanwhile, Smallville co-star Allison Mack (Chloe Sullivan) was arrested and charged due to illegal activities with the organization including sex-trafficking, racketeering, and forced labor. Mack is serving prison time for racketeering and racketeering conspiracy.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Best known as Saved by the Bell’s Zach Morris, Mark-Paul Gosselaar is Dutch and Indonesian.
“I was arguably America’s favorite white boy at one point,” Gosselaar told Newsweek in 2019 when asked about his own interracial experiences growing up. “…[It’s] like, ‘Wait, that guy is mixed?’ It’s one of those things that because of the way I looked I didn’t have to deal with it. It’s a conversation I have had and I do have with my kids because they are—as well—mixed.”
Gosselaar, who has been an active actor since 1986, has appeared in Mixed-ish, Hyperion Bay, NYPD Blue, and in the Saved by the Bell spin-offs and recent revival.
In addition to acting, Gosselaar is also a race car driver, cyclist, and pilot.
Michael Yo
Michael Yo has a black and Korean background.
The actor, stand-up comedian, and former host of The Insider has a solid résumé! In addition to his stand-up routine Blasian, Yo hosts the The Yo Show on Yahoo TV! and provides commentary on Showbiz Tonight. He’s also appeared on Chelsea Lately and America’s Got Talent.
Yo is married to Miss Wyoming USA 2010 winner Claire Schreiner.
Naomi Scott
Many know Naomi Scott for her roles as Mo in Lemonade Mouth and Kimberly the Pink Ranger in 2017’s Power Rangers movie. The English-Indian actress and singer became a household name for Disney fans thanks to her role as Jasmine in 2019’s live-action adaption of Aladdin.
Scott’s been active as an actress and singer since 2008. She was originally discovered by British pop singer Kéllé Bryan, which helped open many doors for Scott. Throughout her career, Scott’s work with British songwriters and producers Xenomania and appeared in the Disney UK’s series Life Bites. In addition to Power Rangers, Aladdin, and Lemonade Mouth, Scott also held roles in Charlie’s Angels (2019), Anatomy of a Scandal (2022), and 2022’s film Distant.
For her acting roles, Scott’s been nominated for Teen Choice, Saturn, and Shorty awards. In 2019, she won a Teen Choice Award for her role as Jasmine in Aladdin.
If there’s anyone we missed, stay tuned for part four! Of course, continue the discussion in the comments below!
Photo credits: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16)
—-Olivia Murray
#biracialcelebrities #Asianbiracialcelebrities #HER #NaomiScott #MichaelYo #MarkPaulGosselaar #KristinKruek #KarenO #JessicaHenwick #HenryGolding #HaleyKiYoko #HanHyunMin #DevonAoki #DarrenCriss #DannyPudi #ChrissyTeigen #CharlesMelton #BrunoMars #kcrush #kcrushamerica #Asianhistory #Asiancelebrities #CrazyRichAsians
On June 18, 2022, former B.A.P leader and current rapper and producer Bang Yongguk will be holding a global fan meeting at 1am CST and 5am CST (15:00 and 19:00 KST).
The event titled Bang Yongguk Global Fan Meet-Up: Bangstergram, which is hosted by Hello Live, is a ticket-only event. We at Kcrush will be giving away two tickets to two lucky fans for this event!
To enter, we’re asking for donations to be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) via K-Pop Social Night’s fundraiser on the NAMI webpage. Even a donation as small as a $1 gets you entered into the contest. After making a donation, take a screenshot of your donation (do not provide any personal information!) and message us on Facebook to let us know. That’s it! We’ll notify winners on Friday June 17 by 3pm CST.
Each ticket will be purchased under the name and email of the giveaway winner, and we will send you the login information. The winning tickets will not include the video call.
Good luck to all who enter!
#BangYongGuk #giveaway #contest #BangYongGukFanMeeting #BAP #BAPBABYS #kpop #kindie #ksoul #BangYongGukCONCENT #Junefanmeeting #meetandgreetBangYongGuk #livestreamfanmeeting #BangYongGuklivestream #BangYongGukJuneevents
After setting the world on fire with their mega hits like “Butter,” “Fire,” “Boy in Luv,” and “Fake Love” among other tracks, BTS announced that they will be taking a group hiatus to focus on solo projects.
On Tuesday June 14, 2022, BTS made the announcement during their 2022 BTS Festa live video.
“We’re going on a hiatus now,” Suga said. “Should we talk about why we’re not doing the FESTA or making content?”
From here, the septet discussed their rise to fame and how COVID-19 and some of their music releases impacted the group.
RM added that when he writes song lyrics, the message he wants to send is important.
“We have to accept that we’ve changed,” RM said. “For me, it was like the group BTS was within my grasp until ‘On’ and ‘Dynamite,’ but after ‘Butter’ and ‘Permission to Dance,’ I didn’t know what kind of group we were anymore.”
Later on in the event, Jimin echoed RM’s sentiments.
“We can’t help but think of our fans no matter what — we want to be the kind of artists that are remembered by our fans,” Jimin said. “I think now we’re starting to think about what kind of artists we each want to be remembered by our fans. I think that’s why we’re going through a rough patch right now: We’re trying to find our identity and that’s an exhausting and long process. Our fans know us, and we know us.”
Suga later said, “We need something to say … you can’t force it. I have to talk about something that I really feel, but right now I’m just squeezing it out because we have to satisfy people’s wants and the listeners … it’s so painful.”
RM continued by describing how he wanted to mature but that the K-Pop machine doesn’t really allow for maturity or growth.
“They don’t give you time to mature. You have to keep producing music and keep doing something,” RM said. “…I need to think and have some alone time and then those thoughts can mature into something uniquely mine… I can’t physically mature anymore.”
RM then described how he felt it was his job to be a rap machine and English speaker for the group, adding that he felt “trapped inside himself” even as he praised the team.
“Right now, we’ve lost our direction and I just want to take some time to think,” RM said.
RM alluded that he plans to take time for himself before being able to show his true self again.
While the news sounds dire, J-Hope assured their fandom, ARMY, that the hiatus doesn’t mean BTS will be breaking up. As it is, the group wants time to recharge and find themselves while showing off their individual colors.
“I think that change is what we need right now,” J-Hope said. “It’s important for BTS to start our second chapter.”
“We’re each going to take some time to have fun and experience a lot of things,” Jungkook said. “We promise we will return someday even more mature than we are now.”
The members then announced they will be releasing separate mixtapes.
Following the Festa, however, Hybe Entertainment announced that BTS are not taking a hiatus.
“BTS are not taking a hiatus. Members will be focusing more on solo projects at this time,” Hybe said in their statement.
Meanwhile, it was also revealed that the BTS members have moved out of the dorms and are currently living separately.
“It is not right for seven grown men to live together,” RM said. “We are family more than friends, It’s about keeping a little physical distance and protecting each other’s privacy.”
While the news is shocking to fans, the BTS members will be active in various ways moving forward. J-Hope will perform as a headliner at Lollapalooza in Chicago July 31, 2022. He is the first Korean act to be a headliner at the music festival.
On June 13, Jungkook dropped his solo track “My You,” a gift for ARMY.
In the coming months, the group will release their solo efforts with J-Hope’s set to drop his first.
Meanwhile, BTS released their three-disk anthology Proof with the new track “Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment).”
What do you think of BTS’ hiatus? After nine years of consistent work, their break seems well-deserved, and we look forward to what their solo efforts and new chapter brings!
—-Olivia Murray
#BTS #koreanboygroup #BTShiatus #BTSsoloefforts #BTSanthologyProof #BTSProof #korea #kpop #kseoul #Asianartists #Asianmusic #BTStopKoreangroup #Lollapalooza #HYBE #BIGHIT #kcrushnews #kcrushmedia #kcrushamerica #BTSFesta2022
What were your favorite K-Pop tracks from May 2022? Let us know in the comments! Here are our favorites for the month.
– MCND’s 4th mini album pre-released song, “W.A.T.1” teaser! A powerful performance that catches your eyes and ears + melody
– Continuing on with the American tour in August, all seats in Europe are sold out! 9 cities in 4 countries including Brazil, Mexico, the United States and Canada will be visited At midnight on the 10th, the teaser for the track video “W.A.T.1” was released on MCND’s official channel. The addictive sound in the teaser video captivated listeners’ ears, while MCND members performed intense performances like an “all-main dancer group” while traveling between the desert during the day and night, raising expectations for the upcoming track video main and album.
MCND announced its comeback in July at midnight on the 4th through a post with the phrase “JULY.” Following “THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION CHAPTER.1”, which was released in August last year, the news of the official album release in 11 months drew attention from K-pop fans at home and abroad.
MCND, which opened the first K-pop performance in Europe since the pandemic in April, will start performing in the Americas in August with MCND AMERICA TOUR 2022 (First MCND America Tour). Starting with Sao Paulo on August 12, he will visit four Brazilian cities, Mexico City, LA, San Francisco, New York and Chicago, and Toronto, Canada, to perform in four American countries.
MCND proved its global popularity by selling out all seats on the European Tour, and showed the potential of the “fourth generation representative talented group” by making a rare scene in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris through the European Tour.
MCND’s “W.A.T.1” track video will be released on its official channel at midnight on the 12th.
#MCND #MCNDcomeback #MCNDWAT1 #MCNDAmericaTour2022 MCNDBrazil #MCNDMexicoCity #kpop #kpopidol #MCNDCanada #MCNDtickets #MCNDconcertsellout #kpop #koreanmusic #MCNDmusic #kpopfans #newAmericantour #kcrushnews #kcrushofficial #MCNDJuly2022comeback
As the excitement from her incredible, emotional 20th anniversary concert the previous day lingered, BoA released her 20th anniversary album ‘The Greatest’ on May 30 – just as she entered the 21st year since her debut in Japan. The album hit No.3 on the Oricon Daily Album Ranking on its first day, as well as taking the No.1 spot on AWA’s real-time chart, proving BoA’s enduring power in both the physical and digital markets.
Download and streaming links:
‘The Greatest’ includes 10 self-covers that were originally released over 10 consecutive weeks, as well as the title track ‘The Greatest’, BoA’s latest dance track whose music video set the internet alight. It’s an album that captures the essence of BoA as she is today, so don’t miss it.
‘The Greatest’ music video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxaWj8eoRmw
BoA recently marked the climax of her 20th anniversary with a one-off concert titled ‘BoA 20th Anniversary Special Live -The Greatest-’, held at the Yoyogi National Stadium 1st Gymnasium in Japan. The concert brought together around 7,000 fans, as BoA was joined on stage by VERBAL (m-flo), Crystal Kay and Yunho from TVXQ for an unforgettable show.
As she enters her 21st year, BoA continues to shine – keep an eye out for more!
Social media links
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/boa_avex_staff
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boa_jp/
Release information
BoA 20th anniversary album ‘The Greatest’
Released May 30, 2022
■ CD version (supports Sumapura) <first pressing limited edition>
Specifications: Double-face sleeve, changeable jacket
*Tall case size
Price: 5,500 yen (tax included)
Catalog number: AVCK-79833 / POS: 498806479833/9
CD tracklist:
○ The Greatest
○ Dakishimeru -The Greatest Ver.-
○ make a secret -The Greatest Ver.-
○ Kono Yo no Shirushi -The Greatest Ver.-
○ AGGRESSIVE -The Greatest Ver.-
○ Sweet Impact -The Greatest Ver.-
○ Every Heart -Minna no Kimochi- -The Greatest Ver.-
○ LISTEN TO MY HEART -The Greatest Ver.-
○ DO THE MOTION -The Greatest Ver.-
○ LOVE LETTER -The Greatest Ver.-
○ QUINCY -The Greatest Ver.-
○ My Dear
■ CD version (supports Sumapura) <regular edition>
Price: 3,080 yen (tax included)
Catalog number: AVCK-79834 / POS: 498806479834/6
CD tracklist:
○ The Greatest
○ Dakishimeru -The Greatest Ver.-
○ make a secret -The Greatest Ver.-
○ Kono Yo no Shirushi -The Greatest Ver.-
○ AGGRESSIVE -The Greatest Ver.-
○ Sweet Impact -The Greatest Ver.-
○ Every Heart -Minna no Kimochi- -The Greatest Ver.-
○ LISTEN TO MY HEART -The Greatest Ver.-
○ DO THE MOTION -The Greatest Ver.-
○ LOVE LETTER -The Greatest Ver.-
○ QUINCY -The Greatest Ver.-
○ My Dear
CD purchase links:
BoA profile
BoA made a huge impact with her debut release in Japan, ‘ID; Peace B’, on May 30, 2001. Her first album ‘LISTEN TO MY HEART’ went straight to No.1 on the Oricon Album Chart and became a million seller. She went on to top the charts with six consecutive original albums, securing her position as one of Japan’s top recording artists. In March 2009, she made her North American debut with the self-titled album ‘BoA’, expanding her arena of activity from Asia to the world. In 2014, she released the long-anticipated ‘WHO’S BACK?’, her first new original album in four and a half years, and began a nationwide tour the same month, eagerly awaited by her fans in Japan. Next, BoA continued to expand her career as an actress and served as a judge on an audition show with huge viewership in her home country of South Korea, further cementing her position as a genuine artist. In 2021, she celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut in Japan and released a new digital single ‘My Dear’ on November 5, her birthday. Following the ‘BoA 20th Anniversary FILM LIVE ~BoA THE LIVE EDITION~’ concert tour held in December 2021, BoA continues to draw attention as her career goes from strength to strength.
#BoA #BoATheGreatest #JPOP #21stAnniversary #KPOP #TheLiveEditionConcertTour #kcrushnews #jpopidol #kpopidol #BOAtheactress #BoAthesinger #BoAYoYoGiNationalStadium #Japan #Asianmusic #Asianperformers
Japanese male-female dance-pop group lol recently released their new single, ‘Baby tonight’. This love song was written by group member Yusuke Sato, while his bandmate honoka was inspired by the lyrics to write the rap section. ‘Baby tonight’ was unveiled during the group’s first national tour in about two and a half years, ‘lol live tour 2022 -laugh out loud-’, and the intense dance performance and melancholy lyrics became a hot topic among fans.
lol / ‘Baby tonight’ Dance Practice Moving ver.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toIiWbAgY3E
‘Baby tonight’ download and streaming links
https://lol-JP.lnk.to/BabyTonightGD
Lol are a five-member group consisting of hibiki, moca, Yusuke Sato, honoka and Naoto Komiyama. They are best known for their songs ‘power of the dream’, which was used as the final-season opening theme tune for anime series ‘FAIRY TAIL’; and for ‘trigger’, which was a big hit on TikTok in Japan.
lol / ‘power of the dream’ art track
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCPHC_5TxKg
lol / ‘trigger’ music video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KluTpe-nyQE
Fashionista hibiki is also the brand director of fashion label VIVAMUS, a hot brand that is growing in popularity among Japanese artists.
VIVAMUS
As the youngest in the group, moca is currently a university student. She has a beautiful singing voice and a sweet smile. She is currently learning Chinese, and is an artist with an affinity for various forms of culture and entertainment.
Both hibiki and moca are also members of the group QUEENDOM, who performed the theme song ‘CIKI CIKI BAM BAM’ for the hit anime series ‘Ya Boy Kongming!’, attracting the attention of anime fans in Japan and around the world.
QUEENDOM / ‘Ya Boy Kongming!’ opening theme ‘CIKI CIKI BAM BAM’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XicdpSmxuT0
Yusuke Sato is also an actor who has appeared in the BL (boys’ love) drama series ‘Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice But to Kiss!’, and his popularity among teen girls in Asia is skyrocketing. His deep understanding of the BL genre and his earnest attitude have endeared him to fans, and when he posted a photo on social media showing him in a costume from Thailand’s global hit BL drama show ‘2gether: The Series’, he sent fans around the world into overdrive. Sato is about to release his second photobook, which is available to pre-order from the link below.
Yusuke Sato Twitter post:
https://twitter.com/lol_yusuke/status/1529372088196567042?s=20&t=Dk5lx717Nr2GPjPtF_aFgw
With her own solo career also in the ascendant, honoka is a skilful rapper and dancer, who stands out thanks to her cool performance style.
honoka / ‘rai-rai’ (producer: KM) music video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QB6FHGsRjE
Naoto Komiyama is the leader of the group. He is such a masterful performer that he sometimes even teaches dance workshops, and recently he has been actively honing his skills as an actor on the stage.
lol information
▼ Official website
▼ Official Twitter
▼ Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lol_official_avex/
▼ Official TikTok
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSJYCfWmu/
Yusuke Sato’s 2nd Photobook
Pre-order: May 16, 2022 – August 27, 2022
Shipping begins in September 2022
*Each copy includes a bonus large photocard
#lol #YusukeSatophotobook #NaotoKomiyama #Japanesemalefemaledancegroup #JPOP #JPOPIdols #Honoai #Hibiki #Moco #Japanesegroup #kcrushnews #lolBabyTonight #lolTRIGGER #lolPowerOfTheDream #lolnewsingle #newjpopmusic #lollivetour2022laughoutloud
This summer, BROOKLYN will hit the road on his ‘I’M GONNA LOVE YOU TOUR,’ performing in cities across the United States and Europe.
BROOKLYN REVEALS U.S. DATES FOR SUMMER 2022 TOUR
BROOKLYN will perform live in Houston, Orlando, Miami, and San Diego this summer on the North American leg of his 2022 ‘I’M GONNA LOVE YOU TOUR.’
Watch the U.S. dates reveal video here: https://youtu.be/tvlubx7YA6Q
U.S. Dates:
Sat June 25 — Houston, TX — Independence Park
Sat July 02 — Orlando, FL — The Geek Easy
Sat July 09 — Miami, FL — Miami Beach Convention Center
Sat July 16 — San Diego, CA — Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre
For tickets, visit: https://www.brooklynofficial.com/tour
Stay tuned for the announcement of Europe dates!
Watch the tour trailer here: https://youtu.be/Aovmj6aBBdk and stay tuned for date announcements!
—
About BROOKLYN
BROOKLYN is a modern rockstar. His music is a unique offering in K-Pop with nearly every one of his releases incorporating a glowing guitar melody. In 2018, BROOKLYN started performing live in Seoul, which quickly escalated into sharing stages with the likes of A.C.E and industry veteran Amber Liu (SM Entertainment) in North America the same year. Bending the rules established by K-Pop, BROOKLYN displays an uncommon authenticity in his music and voice. Growing up, BROOKLYN found a necessary emotional escape in his favorite rock music. Today, he strives to give his audience that same cathartic experience through his own artistry.
MUSIC VIDEOS
BROOKLYN 브루클린 ‘I’M GONNA LOVE YOU’ M/V: https://youtu.be/-DGrv5t8TT0
BROOKLYN 브루클린 ‘IMAGINE’ M/V: https://youtu.be/TcmrflACLIA
SOCIAL MEDIA & STREAMING LINKS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklynjuliana/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooklynjuliana
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brooklynjuliana?
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/brooklynjuliana
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BROOKLYNJULIANA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/brooklyn/935326941
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4AJKk9TOuKRj9iZqDjb77T?si=1SJFO01sQMyRRvhOLEHILg
WEBSITE & MERCHANDISE
Official website: https://www.brooklynofficial.com/
Merchandise: https://www.brooklynofficial.com/shop
#Brooklyn #BrooklynUSTour2022 #BrooklynEuropeanTour2022 #BooklynImGoingToLoveYouTour #livetour #liveconcert #BooklynImagine #kpop #kpopmusic #krock #Korea #Asianmusic #kcrushnews #BrooklynTourAnnouncement2022
The next-generation Japanese girl group FAKY released new single ‘Diamond Glitter’ on, May 25. This is the lead track from their forthcoming first full-length album, which is set for release on Wednesday, October 19. The new digital single is accompanied by a music video, also released on the 25th.
▼ ‘Diamond Glitter’ Music video:
FAKY are a girl group – or “girls’ union” to their fans in Japan – made up of five members with a diverse selection of roots and styles. Their ‘CANDY’ EP reached No.3 on the iTunes all-genres album chart behind only Ariana Grande and Radiohead, and entered the Top 10 of the Spotify Viral Top 50 chart in the United States. The group have also performed successful overseas concerts in countries such as Brazil, Canada and Spain. After joining the group in 2019, members Hina and Taki gained a huge fan base among teens after they appeared on the popular romance reality series ‘Ookami’ on streaming video service ABEMA, taking the group’s domestic success to all new heights. FAKY will finally release their long-awaited first full album in October 2022.
Since the announcement of the album release, FAKY have been gaining attention with their high-octane performances at concerts and other events. Now they are taking the next step with today’s release of ‘Diamond Glitter’ as a digital single and music video, as an advance taste of the forthcoming album.
With its catchy hooks and melody lines designed to curl up comfortably your ears, the track is beyond genre classification. It is a gorgeous song that is unique to FAKY, incorporating elements of Western pop and J-pop in a way that only FAKY can do. It is a bright and powerful song that will make you feel like a “glitter filter” has been applied to the world around you.
In stark contrast, the music video delivers a grittier “dirty” vision. The video shows the members of FAKY creating sparkles in the decadent yet dark setting of a crumbling wedding venue, a smoky and cool image with a dark tone that contrasts brilliantly with the sound of the track. FAKY use this paradoxical technique to deliver a brilliantly colorful “dirty world”.
The video was directed by Takuto Shimpo, who won the Best Japanese Group Video Award at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2021 for his video for Official Hige Dandism’s ‘Cry Baby’, as well as the Best Video Director Award at the Space Shower Music Awards 2021. Shimpo has previously worked on videos for FAKY’s releases ‘little more’ and ‘Darlin’ (Prod. GeG)’, and the video for ‘Diamond Glitter’ references both of these videos, with homages to the mirror scene from ‘little more’ and the sofa room scene from ‘Darlin’ (Prod. GeG)’. These playful nods to FAKY’s past shine a light towards their upcoming first full album.
Perfectly fusing Western pop music and J-pop with a powerful sound and catchy hooks, FAKY’s unique “J-pop alternative style” is a must-listen!
The new song ‘Diamond Glitter’ is out now on digital download and subscription streaming services.
▼ Download and streaming links:
https://avex.lnk.to/diamondglitter
FOLLOW FAKY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
■ FAKY official YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/FAKYjp
■ FAKY official website:
■ FAKY official Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fakyjp/
■ FAKY official Twitter
■ FAKY official Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FAKYjp/
■ FAKY mobile fan club information:
https://fanicon.net/fancommunities/1942
#FAKY #firstfullalbum #DiamondGlitter #single #solo #Japanesegirlgroup #asiangirlgroup #FAKYgirlgroup #TakutoShimpo #musicvideo #Octoberalbumrelease #JPoP #JapanesePop #Candy #kcrushnews #kcrushofficial #kcrushmagazine #OoKami #kcrushamerica
‘WARPs DIG’, a new project from avex entertainment’s WARP-Syndicate collective, has launched on YouTube.
‘WARPs DIG’ teaser video:
WARP-Syndicate (commonly known as WARPs) stands for Wind Assemble Radical People-Syndicate, meaning a collective that harnesses the wind of innovation. By operating groups with fixed lineups as well as various projects across multiple artistic disciplines and regardless of age, gender and nationality, it is a collective that aims to create a new landscape where talent can shine beyond existing categories and frameworks. The Japanese-Chinese mixed boys’ group WARPs UP have been active as the first act under the WARPs umbrella.
The new ‘WARPs DIG’ project being launched this time will focus on the members of WARPs ROOTS, a training ground for the next generation of WARPs talent aiming for global success. ‘WARPs DIG’ is a documentary series that aims to create a new style of entertainment and a unique kind of culture; it will shine a spotlight on world-class young talent from Japan, digging up hard workers with a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
‘WARPs DIG’ began in earnest, May 20, with a video released on YouTube. This will be followed by further updates on the same channel. The new series follows ‘ROOTS on ROOFs’, a series of rooftop performance videos by the members of WARPs ROOTS; and ‘YOUR ROOTS?’, a series in which the members each discuss their backgrounds and ambitions. Subscribe to the YouTube channel below to support the ‘WARPs DIG’ and WARPs ROOTS projects.
WARPs ROOTS YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChodAyzDLcTBExcQFVC0rKg
- ‘WARPs DIG’
For the ‘WARPs DIG’ series (also known as ‘DIG’), the members of WARPs ROOTS are divided into teams, competing in categories such as dance, rap, vocals, etc; the members must aim for the championship while uniting as a team and working hard together. In addition to technique, the members will need to exhibit strength in human and spiritual elements as well. The panel of guest judges will also be affected by the votes of special celebrity judges and an audience vote. ‘DIG’ will consist of four seasons a year, at the end of which one group will earn their major-label debut. In season one, which covers from April to June, the members will hone their skills in dance, freestyle, choreography, composition, and the ability to work together and win as a team.
The entertainment industry in Japan was hit hard by the effects of the covid-19 pandemic, but the members of the first WARPs group, WARPs UP, have found success through their activities around the world, including being selected to appear on a major audition series on TV in China. WARPs UP believe that the expression of entertainment transcends national borders, and that Japan and Asia are home to many world-class talents who have not yet been exposed to the sun. This ethic can be seen in ‘DIG’, which, as its name suggests, aims to excavate these talents for the world to see. The 365-day process of building and launching a major-label group can be followed via various WARPs ROOTS social media channels.
The ‘DIG’ project is also always on the lookout for new participants. We hope the next generation of talents will come forward to take up the challenge.
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- WARPs ROOTS social media links
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChodAyzDLcTBExcQFVC0rKg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WARPsROOTS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warpsroots_official/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warpsrootsofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@warpsroots
Weibo: https://weibo.com/u/7686520386
Bilibili: https://space.bilibili.com/1146977372
#WARPs #WindAssembleRadicalPeopleSyndicate #WARPsRoots #newjapaneseboygroup #WARPsUP #WARPsDIG #JPOP #Japanese #tvgroupcompetition #WARPsROOTandWARPsDIGproject #AvexEntertainment #kcrushnews #kcrush #asiantalent #asianboygroup #kcrushamerica
TRiDENT is formed by three members who have been called the, “next generation of a classic, girls rock band”. They will be digitally distributing their new song called “Spoopy”! This song is included in their 1st mini album “D-X”, which is planned to be released this Autumn. Its music video has also already been released in advance.
TRiDENT ”Spoopy”
Music distribution: https://ssm.lnk.to/Spoopy
MV: https://youtu.be/16APM8itvv0
The recording of this song was done by Manabu Taura from CRYSTAL LAKE and the arrangement was done by DAIDAI from Paledusk.
The theme of this music video is the, “coexistence of horror and pop”. If you see the music video, you will understand how TRiDENT has moved onto their next level after they celebrated their two year anniversary. They have changed in both their music and also their view of the world.
They are planning to release their 1st mini album called “D-X” this Autumn and they are going to do a solo tour promoting their album release. Their fans must be thrilled. We can’t stop keep our eyes off of their exciting actions.
[ Release information ]
1st mini album “D-X”
* ”D-X” stands for digital transformation.
The timing of the release: This Autumn
The details will be released later.
[ The tour information ]
“TRiDENT D-X RELEASE ONEMAN TOUR”
On Monday the 7th of November, Osaka, Shinsaibashi BIGCAT
On Sunday the 20th of November, Nagoya, Electric Lady Land
On Monday, the 5th of December, Ebisu(Tokyo) LIQUIDROOM
The details will be released later.
[ TRiDENT Social media ]
Official Site：https://trident-japan.com/
Official Twitter：https://twitter.com/TRiDENT_japan
Official Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/trident_jp/
Official Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/TRiDENTjapan
Official YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/c/TRiDENTjapan
#TRiDENT #Japanesegirlgroup #firstminialbumDX #TRiDENTDXAlbum #JPOP #TRiDENTTour #Osaka #Nagoya #TRiDENTDXReleaseONEMANTour #TRiDENTSPOOKY #rockband #kcrushnews #DAIDAI #kcrushamerica #ManabuTaura #CRYSTAlLLAKE #Paledusk #kcrushofficial
Happy All-Asia Friday (on Sunday)! Our Spotify playlist admin was on vacation from Thursday-Sunday, but she’s back and providing us music!
This week’s All-Asia Friday features #metal music from Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Mongolia, Thailand, and Indonesia among others! Check out music from The HU, BAND-MAID, Bloodywood, Mysteraincn, and Shewolves. Check out our Spotify list!
Told in a light but appealing dark voice and a concise yet rich sound, his story draws attention to ‘love’ and ‘survival’.
The mini-album, consisting of a total of 4 songs, features the album and the new song ‘Only Lovers Left Alive’, which is the same name as the album, which was included on Harry Big Button’s last album.
‘Fun is Fun and Done is Done’, ‘Trust Game’ and ‘Control’ are newly arranged in unplugged versions.
🎧 음원 사이트 | Digital Audio
✮ 멜론(Melon) : https://bit.ly/3Nyeq6E
✮ 지니(Genie) : https://bit.ly/3sYPY6v
✮ 벅스(Bugs) : https://bit.ly/3GjhaSW
✮ 바이브(VIbe) : https://bit.ly/38pwUre
✮ 플로(FLO) : https://bit.ly/3Gkv3QQ
✮ 애플뮤직(Apple Music): https://apple.co/3GktSkl
✮ 스포티파이(Spotify) : https://spoti.fi/3MQ0xRo
✮ 유튜브(Youtube) : https://bit.ly/3lKVgP2
Lyric video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ommxvoqwaSY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ommxvoqwaSY
#HarryBigButton #MirrorBall #LeeSungSu #hardrocker #newalbum #newsolo #OnlyLoversLeftAlive #FunIsFunandDoneIsDone #TrustGame #Control #unpluggedversions #Koreanmusician #KoreanRock #kcrushnews #kcrushofficial #HarryBigButtonBand #rockband #AppleMusic #Melon #Genie #Spotify #Youtube
Looking back at 2010’s K-Pop hits
Kcrush’s pics for best K-Pop tracks for April 2022.
(image from the AT&T website for AAPI Heritage Month https://about.att.com/inside_connections_blog/2021/aapi_heritage_month.html)
For those who hadn’t known, May is observed as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States. It is when the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in various fields are acknowledged, and it also recognizes their influence to future generations.
The celebration is in efforts to strengthen the idea that AAPI people are not to be looked at as “foreign” and treated differently, rather AAPI people should be appreciated for the role they play in today’s society, and in the process doing so, their unique cultures are introduced and given notice.
The mere presence of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month seems to be an active step towards a holistic and accommodating society. The implication it gives is that the general public understands and accept that AAPI people are a part of the community and society and that their presence matters. And yet, the need for this publicly recognition also could mean that it somehow needs to be imposed due to the lack of the aforementioned acceptance and understanding.
Personally, the impression I get from AAPI Heritage Month is the latter reasoning, that it is being celebrated to spread awareness of the unique cultures of AAPI people, because there is still so many that are not aware. The ultimate goal seems to be in making the general public know of it, but honestly, it still has a long way to go. Most of the content and celebration I see of AAPI Heritage Month is from those who within the community and informing others of their culture, and the actual appreciation is still the minority. There still seems to be a substantial amount of people who are not accepting of AAPI people, and sadly would need more active efforts such as AAPI Heritage Month.
Calendar of ways to enjoy AAPI Heritage Month
(image taken from https://asiasociety.org/northern-california/31-ways-celebrate-aapi-heritage-month-2022)
The recognition of AAPI Heritage Month is based in the United States, so the celebration is usually centered within North American regions and resonates with those who are currently in or from that area. There may be other areas that observe a similar celebration, but it may be limited to places wherein the AAPI community is still in the process of being fully accepted, and is still considered a minority.
Given this analysis, AAPI Heritage Month isn’t really observed or commonly practiced within countries wherein AAPI people are the majority, such as the countries in Asia, like South Korea.
Although South Korea is slowly progressing toward multi-culturalism, it is still strongly monocultural. Hence, many things are strongly leaning toward East Asian practices with slow efforts in accepting and coping with the “western” ideal of things.
(Image taken from https://www.ktalktalk.com/studylog/?idx=3795315&bmode=view)
May is actually known under a different nickname in South Korea, as it is dubbed as “family month.” May has Children’s Day (May 5th) and Parents’ Day (May 8th) together and adding that it is also a popular month for weddings, the month is more in line with the theme of spending time with family.
The extent of AAPI Heritage Month being felt in Korea is probably from those who came from North America, or through Koreans that have visited or moved to North American regions.
Most of the AAPI Heritage Month celebrations I observe are not first-hand, but rather from those that share it on social media platforms. And the content that is shared on social media does not seem to target those in South Korea or in Asia, but the international market outside of Asia.
Korean traditional patterns
(image taken from https://m.blog.naver.com/hellopolicy/150183585200)
A traditional Korean-style full-course meal
(image taken from https://www.korea.net/AboutKorea/Korean-Life/Food)
Based on the content that I see regarding AAPI Heritage Month, it seems to be filled with information regarding food and some cultural aspects that are rooted in the history. And with the rise of Korean media (music, movies, TV series, etc.), Korean culture is introduced as a way to spread and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. I’ve been seeing historically inspired content, and even people sharing their childhood experiences. But this is just touching on the surface and trying to catch people’s attention, because understanding and appreciating heritage doesn’t happen overnight.
The general idea seems rooted in intending to show where you came from by adding a hint of personal memories. These add the idea that we shouldn’t be ashamed of where we came from and that the AAPI community (along with other minority groups) should not be overlooked.
The reach of AAPI Heritage Month doesn’t seem strong within South Korea, possibly because the majority are Asian and the perception that embracing one’s (Asian) culture and heritage is not bound to a month, rather it is a lifestyle of accepting yourself.
Having said that, any attempt at sharing and educating others of AAPI Heritage that they are not fully aware of, is progressive and is note-worthy.
—-Eun Hae Oh
#AAPI #AAPIHeritage #Asianculture #AAPIHeritageMonth #SouthKorea #monthofMayinKorea #NorthAmericaAAPIHeritageMonthCelebration #kcrush #officialkcrush #KoreanTraditionalPatterns #KoreanChildrensDay #KoreanParentsDay
2022 is turning out to be the Year of the K-Celebrity Wedding as another singer announced her upcoming nuptials!
On May 11, 2022, Davichi’s Lee Hae Ri shared a handwritten letter on Instagram announcing her upcoming wedding. Her agency, WAKEONE, confirmed the news, mentioning she will wed in July.
View this post on Instagram
In her letter, Lee said:
Hello Davichi Chord!
How have you been?
The truth is, there’s something I want to tell you first, so I came here with a nervous heart.
It feels like a dream that I’m about to say this.
It doesn’t feel real yet, but… I’m getting married
He’s a good person whom I can learn a lot from, and when I’m with him, there are many reasons to laugh.
More than anything, he’s a person who respects and cares about me more than anyone else, and I’ll cherish him and be with him forever.
I will continue to sing as well as laugh and chat with Min Kyung as Davichi’s Lee Hae Ri.
Davichi Chord… thank you for always loving me unconditionally.
I am waiting for the day we can meet at the concert venue, and I will repay you with good albums.
From,
Davichi’s eternal eldest member Lee Hae Ri
In their statement, WAKEONE stated:
Hello, this is WAKEONE.
Davichi’s Lee Hae Ri Lee will marry her beloved lover in July.
It will be a small wedding with family, relatives, and acquaintances. We ask for your understanding that it is difficult to disclose details related to it in consideration of her non-celebrity fiancé and both families.
Please give warm blessings and support to Lee Hae Ri, who met her precious partner and started a new chapter in her life.
Lee is both a solo singer and half of the long-time duo Davichi, which debuted in 2008 under Core Contents Media. Throughout their career, Davichi has had a string of hits including “Don’t Say Goodbye” (2011), “Turtle” (2013), “Be Warmed” (2013), and “Two Lovers” (2015) among others.
Even though she is getting married, Lee promises to continue promoting as a singer.
Congratulations to Lee Hae Ri and her fiancé!
—-Olivia Murray
With Covid travel restrictions* lifting, many of us may be feeling the nips from the travel bug reminding us that life is short, and we need to go out to see and experience the world.
Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s major tourist attractions. According to 2021 data, over 39.8 million people toured the country in 2019 (6.7 million in 2020 while Covid restrictions were in place), making it one of the top countries visited prior to the pandemic. Before the pandemic, the numbers of foreign visitors coming to visit Thailand were trending upward before falling off due to travel restrictions. However, numbers are set to increase this year and in the coming years.
While many visit the country for the food, birding tours, inexpensive accommodations, beaches, backpacking and nature excursions, nightlife, and even plastic surgery tourism. Thailand’s culture-rich experiences have a lot to offer!
Of course, one of the best ways to see and experience Thailand is to visit the temples. The temples dotting the country have rich histories and meaning that will please any history buff or anyone interested in Thai belief systems including Buddhism and Islam. Of course, the architecture is something to behold! If you plan on visiting Thailand any time soon, these temples should be on your list!
Wat Samphran | Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom
A stately Eastern dragon wrapped around a pink building? Yes, please!
Located 40 kilometers (almost 25 miles) outside of Bangkok, the dragon protecting Wat Samphran (also known as “Rose Buddha Prayer”) looms and watches over the land, inviting visitors to come wander the gardens. The dragon, now mostly hollow, used to house a staircase, but due to deterioration, the dragon is no longer safe to climb. For the same reason, parts of the temple are closed off to the public, which might be a massive disappointment. However, photo opportunities can be found throughout the complex.
Colloquially known as the “Dragon Temple” in the West, Wat Samphran was registered in 1985 and is 80 meters (262.5 feet) tall to mark Buddha’s death at 80-years old. At the foot of the building stands places of worship, a large gold Buddha statue, and gardens that invite you to take in the peaceful location while taking in the astounding dragon. In addition to the large dragon wrapped around the pink cylinder building, several smaller dragons will be found throughout the complex, especially on and within the shrines.
Traveling through the gardens will have visitors stumbling across all kinds of animal statues and a trail made from bricks marked with handprints and footprints. There are several ponds and wells that invite guests to toss coins to receive different blessings.
While a cool attraction, Wat Samphran, which is barely a blip on tourists’ radars, has a somewhat dark history. In 2004, several of the temple’s clergy were sentenced to prison following a sexual assault scandal. Buddhist abbot Chamlong Khonsue was sentenced to 160 years in prison for 28 counts of rape, molestation, and attempted rape on the girls under the age of 15. The scandal does stain the legacy of this beautiful structure, which may make it a “must miss” on many people’s sight-seeing lists.
Wat Rong Khun | Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai
Known as the “White Temple,” Wat Rong Khun isn’t a traditional Buddhist temple! Instead, it’s a privately-owned art exhibit built in the style of a Buddhist temple.
Designed and built in 1997 by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple is a rebuild to honor the original Wat Rong Khun, which has been in a poor state since the beginning of the 20th Century. The temple features Kositpipat’s personal touches inspired by Orthodox Buddhist teachings. Kositpipat considers the White Temple to be a gift to Buddha that will grant him immortality.
Wat Rong Khun, which features buildings done in all white in exception of the golden building, is still in the construction phase. Currently, the compound has four structures present: Cycle of Rebirth bridge, Ubosot, the golden building, and the Gate of Heaven.
The bridge of “the cycle of rebirth” leads to the main building, the ubosot, which is guarded by statuary representing Death and Rāhu, making up the Gate of Heaven. Near the building is a small lake. After crossing the bridge to get to the building, you’ll have access to an art gallery, a hall of relics, a meditation hall, and the monks’ living quarters.
The ubosot is all white and contains mirrors around the exterior. The buildings feature the three-tiered roof common in Thai architecture, and it’s decorated in nāga serpents. Inside the ubosot, the white shades and traditional appearances from the outside fade to fiery oranges and décor featuring Western pop culture icons including the Matrix’s Neo and pop singer Michael Jackson. There are some unsettling elements present that include images of 9/11 and nuclear warfare, but the point is to start conversation regarding the destructive nature of humanity and the damage humans cause to the earth and each other.
Finally, the Golden Building is the all-gold building on property. The building represents worldly desires, specifically money and material possessions. The goal of the Golden Building is to get people to focus on the mind and spirit instead of worldly possessions.
Visiting the temple is free for Thai citizens. Foreign visitors are required to pay 100 baht (almost $3 USD).
Wat Lok Moli | Chiang Mai
Located about 400 meters (a quarter of a mile) from Chang Phuak, Wat Lok Moli (or Wat Lok Molee) is at least 800-years old, but it’s unknown how old the temple actually is! There are references to the temple back in the 1300s during the sixth king of the Mangrai dynasty’s reign. During this period, Burmese (now Myanmar) Buddhist monks stayed at the temple to help spread their teachings. During the 1500s, the chedi and viharn were built, completing the structure as it appears today.
The tidy gardens enhance Wat Lok Moli’s picturesque appearance. The overall structure goes against the grain of other temples in the Chiang Mai area and in Thailand, in general. Bare brickwork, wooden façades, and North-South-aligning axis are key features that make Wat Lok Moli different as many temples use stucco and face an East-West axis. The temple features the traditional Lanna architecture style.
Inside the chedi, the ashes of Mengrai dynasty royalty reside, including the ashes of queen regnant Wisutthithewi who ruled Lanna from 1564-1578.
It’s free to visit Wat Lok Moli.
Wat Arun | Bangkok Yai, Bangkok
As one of Bangkok’s and Thailand’s most famous temples, Wat Arun is one of the must-see attractions for many visiting the city and country. The temple’s located just west of the Chao Phraya River and can be reached via ferry or taxi.
Prior to being known as Wat Arun, the temple was called Wat Makok (olive temple) during the Ayutthaya era. During the 19th Century, King Rama II had the temple restored and the towers raised to the height they are today.
Wat Arun is Bangkok’s highest temple at 82m (270 feet) high! It utilizes Khmer architecture, so it resembles Cambodian sanctuaries with its appearance. The highest prang symbolizes Mount Meru, which for Tibetan Buddhists is considered the center of the world. The four smaller prangs represent and house four guardian gods.
The temple earns is “Temple of Dawn” moniker thanks to the porcelain and seashell tiles that cover the façade. When the sun rises, its rays gleam off the exterior creating a shimmery effect. The tiles feature floral patterns; the ordination hall features murals from royal life. The temple also has a marble-clad courtyard and Chinese stone statuary depicting lions, dragons, and warriors.
Wat Arum is open from 8am to 5:30pm local time. It is free to visit, but the main tower, Phra Prang, costs 50 baht ($1.45 USD).
Of course, there are many other temples and sights to see in Thailand! We hope you enjoyed our selections. Please check out future Wanderlust Wednesday posts for more travel ideas.
*Note: As of May 11, 2022, Thailand requires proof of Covid-19 vaccine or a five-day quarantine period to enter the country.
Additional Sources: (1), (2), (3)
—-Olivia Murray
#Thailand #ThailandTemples #WatArumTemple #PhraPrang #TempleOfDawn #TravelToThailand #WatMakok #WatRongKhun #whitetemple #olivetemple #ChaoPhrayaRiver #Ayutthayaera #Lannaarchitecture #SoutheastAsia #WatSamphran #RoseBuddhaPrayer #Kcrush #kcrushamerica #WatLokMoli #Mangraidynasty #ChalermchaiKositpipat #internationaltravel #funtravel #MueangChiangRaiDistrict #ChiangRai
Oklahoma-born K-Pop singer AleXa has a lot to celebrate as she was crowned the champion of the American Song Contest!
Thank you so much to every single person working behind the scenes! The songwriters, my fellow contestants, my friends, family, & loved ones…Zanybros & ZB Label…and my fellow Oklahomans- thank you for supporting me!! A.I TROOPERS I LOVE YOU!#AmericanSongContest #AleXaOnASC pic.twitter.com/8foJyH96w4
— AleXa ❤️👑 (@AleXa_ZB) May 10, 2022
During first-ever American Song Contest, which is the United States’ take of the Eurovision Song Contest, 56 entries from across the United States and US territories competed against each other to earn the top spot. Like the Eurovision Song Contest, points were awarded by 56 professional jury members that were divided into 10 geographical locations of the United States. Each juror announced during the broadcast which competitors earned 12 points while other points appeared on the screen during the show.
After its eight-week run, AleXa, who represented Oklahoma, found herself surviving each round. During the Grand Final, AleXa placed fifth in jury votes with 60 points. The professional jury voted Washington state’s Allen Stone and his song “A Little Bit of Both” into first with 105 votes.
However, the public votes helped AleXa take the top spot! The televote earned Oklahoma an additional 650 points, giving AleXa 710 points total. Washington state only earned 254 points total following the televote, sending Allen Stone down to fifth place.
Colorado’s Ryker Lynch, who was initially last in jury voting, rocketed to second place with 503 points after the televote with his song “Feel the Love.”
AleXa performed her song “Wonderland” three times over the course of the competition. As the winner of the contest, hosts Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson revealed AleXa will get to perform “Wonderland” during the Billboard Music Awards May 15, 2022, and iHeartRadio listeners will get to hear her song all summer long!
View this post on Instagram
Following her win, AleXa told Billboard, “It felt like my brain exploded because my mother was holding onto my arm, and she was crying and shaking and so I cried with her.”
“It was a very emotional experience,” she added. “Sharing that moment with my team and all the ASC friends who were in the crowd meant the world to me.”
See both KCrush interviews with AleXa on our site.
Congratulations to AleXa and her incredible win during the inaugural contest!
—-Olivia Murray
#AleXa #AleXaWonderland #iHeartRadio #Billboard #Oklahoma #AmericanSongContest #AleXawinsAmericanSongContest #BillboardMusicAwards #KellyClarkson #snoopDog #kpopidol #kpopsinger #koreanamericankpopstar #AleXacontestant #kcrushinterview #kcrushnews #kcrushoriginal #onstage
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! As we celebrate the contributions made by the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, we also need to look at their contributions in the literary world.
Asian/Asian American writers and other writers who are POC often aren’t mentioned as often as their white peers, which is a travesty on many levels. We hope that our little article helps to change that! As we head into summer and, ultimately, Beach Reads season, we hope you add these books and authors to your personal libraries! Many selections are Young Adult books, but we’re sure older readers will enjoy these stories also!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea – Axie Oh
Axie Oh is a first-generation Korean American author. Oh writes young adult speculative fiction that delights the senses and transports readers to worlds akin to a Miyazaki fantasy.
In The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Oh puts her spin the Korean folktale The Tale of Shim Cheong. Dive between the spirit realm and the mortal realms as you follow Mina’s journey as she adventures through the spirit world to wake the Sea God in hopes of stopping the storms that have ravaged her homeland.
The story is considered a “feminist retelling” of The Tale of Shim Cheong. Fans of the original will like the life Axie breathes into the story. Oh’s ability to world build will take readers on an adventure that will touch and excite the heart. If you’re a fan of Yangsze Choo’s The Ghost Bride and Hayao Miyazaki’s films, this story is right up your alley!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, published by Feiwel & Friends, came out February 22, 2022. It is a teenage-friendly book, but adults will definitely enjoy the storytelling!
Other books by Axie Oh: XOXO, Rebel Seoul, Rogue Heart
Symptoms of a Broken Heart – Sona Charaipotra
Released July 9, 2019, Symptoms of a Broken Heart is Sona Charaipotra’s debut novel. This young adult piece follows sixteen-year-old Saira as she navigates being the youngest medical school graduate trying to prove herself in the medical world while still being a teenager with normal teenage feelings and emotions and while still abiding by her parents’ rules.
The story has an interesting point-of-view. Saira is driven and goal-oriented, so her character speaks to those who wish to achieve great things while they’re young. Her Indian heritage hits the sweet spot within the literary world’s need for more diversity. Charaipotra’s wit shines throughout the story, and the charming characters will transport you to a romantic comedy that is youthful, complex, and refreshing!
The Symptoms of a Broken Heart is a YA medical novel that’s published by Imprint.
Other books by Sona Charaipotra: How Maya Got Fierce comes out July 12, 2022
Cold – Mariko Tamaki
For fans of Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones and Kei Sanbe’s Erased, Cold should be on your must-read list!
The story follows Todd and Georgia, two outcast, queer teens and a connection the pair have following Todd’s murder. As details behind Todd’s death unfurl, it is discovered the two teens do have a connection to one another.
While the book may feel like a murder mystery, it is a ghost story at its core and a story about teenagers navigating the world. As an LGBTQA+ novel, it has a certain vulnerability that forms a connection with readers.
Tamaki’s stories are usually well-rounded. Cold does have some underwhelming feelings at times, but it’s still a story that delivers overall.
Published by Roaring Brook Press, Cold hit bookshelves February 8, 2022.
Other books by Mariko Tamaki: Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, This One Summer, I Am Not Starfire
The Stationery Shop – Marjan Kamali
Written by Iranian American Marjan Kamali, The Stationery Shop, published by Gallery Books, is a beautifully woven tale of lost love. The main character, Roya, will be someone you’ll hold close to your heart as she falls in love with Bahram in 1950s Tehran only to be separated following the 1953 coup d’état. While the story has hopeful moments, readers will find the tale bittersweet and sad. Readers may find themselves asking if the characters really do have a true love between them or if the unfinished business of teenage romance clouds their judgement.
Roya’s journey between Tehran and America as well as her connections to Bahram and Walter will move casual romance fans. If you’re a fan of James Patterson’s The Notebook and the rich worlds crafted by Khaled Hosseini, this story will fill your niche wonderfully!
The Stationery Shop’s currently being adapted into an HBO series. Pick up the book before the series debuts!
Other books by Marjan Kamali: Together Tea
Amina’s Voice and Amina’s Song – Hena Khan
While technically listed as children’s books, Amina’s Voice (book one) and Amina’s Song (book two) are stories that have a lesson for everyone, especially readers who struggle to find themselves.
Through both stories, Khan does a great job portraying Amina’s middle school journey of being torn between being true to herself, her Muslim background, wanting to fit in with her friends, and what it means to be “American.” The themes presented are especially timely giving today’s tumultuous environment, and they may give readers young and old a chance to learn about acceptance, inclusion, and personal growth.
Published by S&S Books for Young Readers, the stories are suitable for grades three and up.
Other books by Hena Khan: More to the Story, Like the Moon Loves the Sky, Night of the Moon, Under My Hijab
Heaven – Mieko Kawakami
Heaven is probably the darkest book on this list, and because of this, it comes with several trigger and content warnings due to bullying, depression, and suicidal ideation among others. It is a read guaranteed to make you cry as the main character, a nameless 14-year-old boy, slips further into nihilism as his cruel reality continues to haunt him and made more prominent by newfound “friend” Kojima.
This story is a well-crafted downer. The characters embrace bleakness and reflect it well, so much so that there feels like there is no hope in the story at all until the main character starts discovering things on his own outside of Kojima’s influence. While the ending isn’t exactly a positive one, there is some odd semblance of hope, so Heaven will make you think.
Heaven, published by Europa Editions, is Mieko Kawakami’s second novel translated in English. It is worth the read even if it is a darker story. Fans of J.D. Salinger (more specifically The Catcher in the Rye), Banana Yoshimoto, and Haruki Murakami will find Heaven up their alley.
Other stories by Mieko Kawakami: Breasts and Eggs, March Yarn, Where Have All the Sundays Gone?
What have you been reading lately? Share your reading list with us in the comments!
—-Olivia Murray
#asianwriters #MiekoKawakami #MiekoKawakamiHeaven #HenaKhan #AminasVoiceandAminasSong # #TheStationeryShop #MarjanKamali #ColdMarikoTamaki #MarikoTamaki #Asia #youthbooks #SymptomsofaBrokenHeartSonaCharaipotra #TheGirlWhoFellBeneaththeSeaAxieOh #AxieOh #AsianAmericanwriters #summerbooksuggestions #beachbookreading #youngadultbooks #AsianAmericanandPacificIslanderMonth #fiction #authors
In late April, the 29-year-old Japanese-born, Korea-based singer and actress posted a handwritten message announcing her upcoming nuptials.
View this post on Instagram
Yukika (Teramoto Yukika) said:
Hello, this is Yukika.
I’m writing this letter because I want to share some news with the fans who are always rooting for me.
I came to Korea in 2016, and six years have already passed since then.
Starting from group activities to my solo debut, many things have happened, and I’m both happy and amazed that I’m continuing to gain so many different memories and experiences here in my second homeland.
And then I met someone who leads my life in an even happier and brighter direction, and we will be getting married.
I’m sure there are people who will be surprised by this sudden news, but I hope that you will congratulate me and cheer me on for the future.
I will work hard to show you even better things in the future and bring you good music through my next album!
Thank you.
Ubuntu Entertainment confirmed Yukika’s news by saying, “Yukika is engaged to be married with her Korean boyfriend, whom she’s currently dating.”
The singer, best known for her City Pop tracks, will be marrying a former Korean celebrity who is no longer involved in the industry. She and her company have chosen to keep his identity private.
“He once promoted as a celebrity, but he is currently working in a different field,” Ubuntu Entertainment said. “As he has left the entertainment industry, we ask for your understanding regarding the fact that we can’t reveal the details of his identity.”
Yukika has been involved in both the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries since 2006. The voice actress and former model took a break from the industry between 2012-2015 to attend university before returning to acting in August 2015. From there, she appeared in Idolmaster KR and was part of the Real Girls Project. She appeared on Mix Nine and finished 34th. Yukika made her solo debut in Korea with “Neon” February 22, 2019.
We wish Yukika the best of luck on her upcoming marriage!
—-Olivia Murray
#Yukika #JPop #Japanesesinger #CityPop #Neon #UbantuEntertainment #Kpop #MixNine #voiceactress #model #IdolmasterKR #RealGirlsProject #kpopidols #kpopsinger #kpopmarriage #2022marriage #koreanidolmarriage