Halloween Highlights, Ronny Chieng’s New Special, and EV Controversies, K-pop Drama

October 31, 2024

Good Morning – October 31, 2024

What horror movies do you plan to binge-watch this Halloween? Any Asian horror favorites?

EVENTS

Halloween Across Asia: Diverse Celebrations and Traditions

Halloween celebrations are rapidly evolving across Asia, blending Western influences with local customs. In Japan, Tokyo’s Halloween trains and street parties draw thousands in costume, while South Korea sees similar crowds for themed events. The Philippines incorporates Halloween alongside All Saints’ Day, with costume parties becoming more popular. Singapore's Universal Studios hosts Halloween nights, and Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong is famous for its spooky attractions. Although not widely celebrated in mainland China, the Hungry Ghost Festival shares themes of honoring the dead.

TOP STORIES

Ford CEO Faces Criticism for Driving a Chinese EV

Ford CEO Jim Farley faced backlash for driving a Xiaomi EV amid Ford’s subsidies for domestic EV production. Critics called it “a slap in the face” to Ford employees, but Farley defended his decision, saying he drives competitors’ vehicles to understand the market better. He praised Xiaomi as a “powerful consumer brand,” though its U.S. launch is unlikely due to regulatory challenges​.

Man Found Guilty in Murder of Two Vietnamese Tourists

A jury found 37-year-old Julius Trotter guilty of murdering two Vietnamese tour leaders at a Las Vegas hotel. The victims, Sang Boi Nghia and Khoung Ba Le Nguyen, were found dead in their Circus Circus hotel room in 2018. Surveillance footage and a malfunctioning door lock were pivotal in identifying Trotter, who now faces life in prison​

ELECTION INSIGHTS

Newsom Endorses Evan Low in California’s Congressional Race

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has endorsed Assembly member Evan Low in a tight race against former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. Newsom praised Low’s commitment to California values, which may sway progressive voters as Election Day approaches. Polls indicate a tightening race, with Low positioning himself as a champion of social issues and middle-class families​.

BUSINESS AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS

Japan’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban Declared Unconstitutional Once More

For the seventh time, a Japanese court has ruled the country’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional, intensifying public pressure for reform. Plaintiffs celebrate the decision, though the government plans to appeal. As Japan remains the only G7 country without same-sex marriage rights, this issue could impact voter sentiment in upcoming elections.

Philippine Police Arrest Suspects in Kidnapping of Missing American

Philippine authorities have apprehended three suspects linked to the kidnapping of a missing American vlogger. Elliot Onil Eastman, a 26-year-old from Vermont, was abducted earlier this month in Zamboanga del Norte. Authorities believe Eastman is still alive and are working with the FBI to secure his release amid heightened security concerns

CULTURE AND TRENDS

12 Asian horror films to scare your socks off this Halloween!

  • “Creepy” A 2016 thriller from Japan about a former detective and his wife becoming entangled in the unsettling mystery surrounding their strange and secretive new neighbor.

  • “Incantation” A 2022 found footage horror from Taiwan about a mother desperately trying to save her daughter from a deadly curse by imploring viewers to participate in a chilling ritual.

  • “Kill Barbara with Panic” A 1995 psychological horror from the Philippines about a woman returning to the Philippines after her sister's suicide, only to find herself caught in a terrifying haunting fueled by jealousy and dark secrets.

  • “Mayhem” A 2017 U.S. action horror starring Steven Yeun and Samara Weaving about a virus that removes all inhibitions that is unleashed in an office building, leading to a chaotic and violent outbreak.

  • “May the Devil Take You” A 2018 supernatural horror from Indonesia about a young woman investigating her estranged father's mysterious illness, leading her to a dark family history and a terrifying demonic.

  • “Pee Mak” A 2013 romantic comedy-horror from Thailand about a soldier returning home from war uto his wife and newborn child, unaware that his beloved has died and is now a ghost.

  • “Pizza” A 2012 horror thriller from India about a pizza delivery boy's life taking a terrifying turn when he encounters a series of supernatural events while delivering to a mysterious customer.

  • “Searching” A 2018 screenlife mystery thriller from the U.S. starring John Cho and Debra Messing about a father using his daughter's laptop and social media to search for her after she disappears, uncovering a trail of secrets along the way.

  • “Stree” A 2018 comedy horror from India about a small town terrorized by a female spirit who abducts men at night, leading a group of friends to investigate and try to stop her.

  • “The Echo” A 2004 supernatural horror from the Philippines about a man moving into a new apartment, only to be plagued by the sounds of domestic abuse from the apartment next door. He soon discovers a dark secret that unleashes a series of terrifying hauntings.

  • “The Soul Reaper” A 2023 horror film from Vietnam set in a village shrouded in superstition, which explores the dark consequences of a satanic ritual and the terrifying consequences that unfold.

  • “Umma” A 2022 supernatural horror starring Sandra Oh and Fivel Stewart about a Korean American woman living on a secluded farm with her daughter becomes haunted by the ghost of her estranged mother, forcing her to confront her past trauma and cultural identity.

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Ronny Chieng's New Comedy Special “Love To Hate It” Set for Netflix

Comedian Ronny Chieng’s third Netflix special debuts Dec. 17, promising insights on everything from IVF challenges to internet culture. Chieng’s humor connects with audiences worldwide, especially those navigating life’s ups and downs with a comedic twist​.

Ken Jeong Tackles Anti-Asian Racism in Upcoming Film “A Great Divide”

A Great Divide, starring Ken Jeong, shines a spotlight on anti-Asian racism as a family relocates to a rural town at the start of the pandemic. The film, premiering Nov. 26, explores racism and the pressures faced by Asian American families. Director Jean Shim describes it as “a call for empathy and understanding” amid rising hate crimes​

QUICK HITS

  • Stephanie Hsu’s Rom-Com “Laid” Premieres on Peacock Dec. 19: The Oscar-nominated actress explores quirky relationship dilemmas with her signature humor.

  • Hybe CEO Apologizes for Derogatory Document Criticizing Rival K-pop Idols: Hybe’s CEO Lee Jae-sang expressed regret after an internal document surfaced with disparaging remarks about Blackpink and other artists.

  • K-pop Idol Leaves Group Amid Fan Outrage: Seunghan left the group Riize following backlash over leaked photos of him smoking and kissing a woman, underscoring issues of fan expectations in K-pop.

  • Seventeen’s Seungkwan Speaks Out on K-pop Idol Mistreatment: The popular idol called for respect for artists’ autonomy after a Hybe document scandal triggered industry backlash​.

  • K-pop Star J Apologizes to Fans Over Weight Gain: STAYC’s J recently apologized after receiving criticism, bringing renewed attention to beauty standards in K-pop culture​.

  • Rosé’s “APT.” Tops Billboard Global Charts: Rosé’s new single featuring Bruno Mars achieved the No. 1 spot on both the Billboard Global 200 and Excl. U.S. charts​.

  • Son Heung-min Wins AFC’s Asian International Player of the Year: The Tottenham star secured the prestigious award for the fourth time, celebrating his influence in global soccer​.

  • MAMA Awards Makes U.S. Debut: For the first time, the MAMA Awards will be held in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre on Nov. 21, spotlighting top K-pop talent for an international audience​.

  • Awkwafina Mourns the Loss of Her Best Friend: The actress shared an emotional post about the recent passing of Regina Biondo, her close friend, underscoring the importance of connection and community during times of grief.

Stay informed, stay inspired. We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories that matter to the Asian and Asian American community.