NYC Teens' Racist Attack,Double Murder Over $80K,North Korea's Exploding Drones,Japan's Oldest Royal Dies at 101, Ohtani Wins Again, NBA Showdown:Japanese Stars Clash, Diabetes breakthrough by K-pop Dad

Good Morning – November 18, 2024

Your daily update on stories impacting the Asian and Asian American community, along with key insights into business, culture, and trends.

TOP STORIES

Teens make “slant-eye” gesture, hurl whipped cream at couple in alleged NYC hate crime

A group of teens is accused of committing an anti-Asian hate crime in Brooklyn, New York City, after allegedly hurling whipped cream at an Asian couple while making mocking gestures at them last month.

• What happened: The incident occurred outside the City Point shopping mall at Albee Square near Fulton Street at around 10 p.m. on Oct. 19, police said on Wednesday. The couple, both aged 29, were walking in the area when the group of four teens allegedly approached them, pulled back the corners of their eyes — attempting to mimic the couple’s physical features — and yelled “ni hao” (Chinese for “hello”). One of the teens allegedly sprayed whipped cream from a can into another girl’s hand, who then flung it at the victims. All four then fled the scene in an unknown direction. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

• How to help: The couple managed to film the incident, police said. Surveillance footage captured the suspects entering a nearby subway station. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime, with the HYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force in charge. Police released the suspects’ images in hopes of someone recognizing them. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Tips may also be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website or on X @NYPDTips.

California man charged with murder for executing couple he owed $80,000

A California man was charged with murder for allegedly executing a couple and setting their car on fire.

• What happened: A family member of Kuanlun Wang, 37, contacted the Brea Police Department on Oct. 15 to report concerns about his whereabouts after not hearing from him for several days. The relative shared that Wang had mentioned being owed $80,000 by Huangting Gong, a business associate. On Oct. 12, Wang’s family reached out to Gong, who claimed that Wang and Wang’s wife, Jing Li, 37, never showed up for a supposed trip to New York City — though Wang’s family had no knowledge of such plans. The investigation revealed that Gong allegedly met Wang in the desert on Oct. 12, shot him and then drove Wang’s Tesla back to Brea. There, he allegedly attacked Li, forcing her to give up her phone password before driving her to another desert location, shooting her and burning her body. Gong then allegedly returned to retrieve Wang’s body from the Brea home, disposed of it in a desert area in Riverside County and later burned it. He also took the couple’s two Teslas to two different desert locations and set them ablaze. On Oct. 14, Gong allegedly returned to Wang’s home and stole $250,000 in valuables. 

• His charges: Gong, 30, was arrested at LAX on Nov. 5 as he returned from Seattle. He faces murder, kidnapping, arson of property and first-degree burglary charges, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced on Tuesday. The charges include special circumstance enhancements for multiple murders and committing murder during the commission of kidnapping. Gong is eligible for life without parole or the death penalty and will return to court for his arraignment on Dec. 2.

Shohei Ohtani adds to GOAT argument with 2nd Hank Aaron award

Shohei Ohtani was named the National League's (NL) Hank Aaron Award winner for 2024 on Thursday during the All-MLB Team Show. The achievement, which comes shortly after being named to the All-MLB First Team as designated hitter, follows his American League win in 2023 with the Angels. Ohtani, who became the first player in MLB history to win the award in both leagues, led the NL in numerous offensive categories, including home runs (54), RBIs (130) and slugging percentage (.646), while also setting a career-high in stolen bases with 59. He joins an elite group of players, including Alex Rodriguez and Mike Trout, who have won the award multiple times. The Hank Aaron Award, introduced in 1999, recognizes the best overall offensive performer in each league based on a combination of Hall of Famer votes and fan input. Ohtani, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, accepted the award via video message.

POLITICS AND POLICY

AAAPI coalition urges Newsom to deploy CHP on BART amid violent attacks

The Bay Area Council and a coalition of more than 100 AAPI groups have called on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to deploy the California Highway Patrol (CHP) across BART’s transit system in response to a wave of violent crimes that have left the AAPI community and other vulnerable populations feeling unsafe. A letter addressed to the governor highlighted a recent unprovoked slashing that nearly killed a 54-year-old AAPI woman on a San Francisco BART train, as well as a July incident in which a 74-year-old AAPI woman was fatally pushed into a moving train. Jim Wunderman, president and CEO of the Bay Area Council, stressed the need for “strong, decisive and immediate action” to address these threats, emphasizing that safety concerns have severely impacted BART ridership, with a 2023 poll revealing that 78% of AAPI respondents fear being victimized. Although BART has implemented measures like increased police staffing and new fare gates, critics argue that the response has been inadequate. In response to the group’s request, Newsom’s office clarified that BART’s operations are overseen by an independent board, though the state has allocated substantial funds to fight hate crimes and bolster transit safety.

GLOBAL NEWS

Japanese PM appeared to be asleep during his re-election vote win in the Diet

Shigeru Ishiba, leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was re-elected as the country’s 103rd prime minister on Monday during a plenary session of the House of Representatives. The confirmation, however, was overshadowed by a viral footage showing Ishiba with his eyes closed during the vote.

• Snoozing PM: The viral video trended on social media under the hashtag “#Ishibashushonoinemuri” or “PMIshibaSnoozing,” with critics questioning Ishiba’s commitment during such a critical session. The controversy comes at a challenging time for Ishiba’s administration, as the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito lost their Lower House majority in recent elections. Ishiba’s victory over opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda was seen as a crucial first step for the new government. 

• In defense of Ishiba: Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi later addressed concerns over Ishiba's apparent drowsiness, explaining that the prime minister was under the weather with a cold and had taken medication. “The prime minister has been extremely busy working late nights,” Hayashi said. “I understand he was taking cold medicine today, but his health is otherwise fine.”

North Korea orders mass production of exploding drones

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the immediate mass production of exploding drones designed to hit ground and sea targets shortly after testing their capabilities on Thursday. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency released images of Kim observing the tests, which involved various drone types accurately striking targets including a car and tanks. This move comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with North Korea accusing South Korea of deploying drones for propaganda leaflet drops and the U.S. expressing concerns over Pyongyang's deepening military cooperation with Russia. Kim emphasized the crucial role of drones in modern warfare, highlighting their low cost and diverse military applications. Analysts suggest North Korea may be leveraging Russian technology to advance its drone program. 

Oldest member of Japan’s imperial family dies at 101

Princess Yuriko, the widow of Prince Mikasa and the oldest member of Japan’s imperial family, died at the age of 101 on Friday at St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo. Yuriko had been hospitalized since March 3 following a stroke and aspiration pneumonia. Her condition fluctuated before deteriorating sharply earlier this month. Yuriko married Mikasa, Emperor Hirohito's youngest brother, in 1941, and the couple lived through World War II, famously enduring the 1945 firebombing of Tokyo while sheltering with their baby. Yuriko had since led a life devoted to service, including campaigns for maternal and child health as president of Boshi Aiiku Kai. Outliving her husband and three sons, Yuriko remained active well into her centenarian years, taking morning exercises. Her death leaves Japan’s imperial family with 16 members, heightening concerns about the monarchy’s future due to the restrictive male-only succession laws. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is currently attending global summits, expressed “heartfelt condolences,” while Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako mourned privately at the Mikasa residence. The public can offer condolences in a book starting Saturday, and her funeral, “Renso-no-gi,” will be held at the Toshimagaoka burial ground on Nov. 26.

China unveils world’s first AI-powered robot lifeguard

China has developed an AI-powered robot lifeguard designed to save people from drowning in rivers. Developed by scientists from the Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences, the unmanned device was first tested in a river in Luohe City, Henan province, in late October. Equipped with buoyancy aids and 100 optical and thermal cameras, the robot collects data and uses an algorithm to detect drowning individuals, providing 24/7 surveillance. Once the AI identifies a person in distress, it deploys the robot to the location, conducting faster rescue times. The device also features a rescue arm to pull individuals from the water if they are unable to grab the buoy. Scientists will station the fully autonomous robot permanently in the same river. This technology aims to reduce drowning deaths, particularly in China, where around 59,000 people reportedly die annually, 95% of whom are children aged 1 to 4.

Shigeru Ishiba, leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was re-elected as the country’s 103rd prime minister on Monday during a plenary session of the House of Representatives. The confirmation, however, was overshadowed by a viral footage showing Ishiba with his eyes closed during the vote.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Taiwanese chipmaker accused of bullying US workers, discriminating against non-Asians

More than a dozen current and former U.S. employees are suing Taiwanese chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for allegedly favoring Taiwanese and Chinese workers and subjecting non-East Asian workers to a hostile work environment. The legal challenge comes at a critical time as the company’s $65 billion project to build facilities in Arizona receives billions in federal funding.

• What they’re claiming: The class-action lawsuit, initially filed in August and recently refiled with 13 plaintiffs from diverse ethnic backgrounds accuses TSMC Arizona of favoring Taiwanese and Chinese workers in hiring, promotion and performance evaluations. Meanwhile, American employees were allegedly bullied, called “lazy” or “stupid,” subjected to stricter safety standards and “expected to work long hours without pay.” The suit highlights job postings requiring Mandarin proficiency even when not necessary and alleges managers use “Chenglish” to exclude non-East Asian employees from key information. “What we allege [is that] there is a cultural preference for one type of person, and that cultural preference, we believe, is what’s dictating their hiring, promotion, and termination practices,” Daniel Kotchen, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, told Arizona’s Family. The suit also claims TSMC failed to meet diversity commitments mandated by the CHIPS and Science Act, noting that as of last year, about half of the 2,200 employees at TSMC Arizona were visa holders from Taiwan.

• What TSMC is saying: TSMC has declined to comment directly on the pending litigation but released a statement affirming its commitment to diversity. “TSMC believes strongly in the value of a diverse workforce and we hire and promote without regard to gender, religion, race, nationality, or political affiliation because we respect differences, and believe that equal employment opportunities strengthen our competitiveness,” the company said, adding that it provides channels for concerns and that it strives to address them constructively.

• Key consideration: TSMC’s $65 billion investment in Arizona received $6.6 billion in federal funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. President Joe Biden recently celebrated the CHIPS funding as “the largest foreign direct investment in a greenfield project in U.S. history,” emphasizing its importance while workers and legal representatives insist on the need for greater oversight and accountability. Despite this transformative economic impact, critics argue TSMC must be held accountable for fair and lawful employment practices. 

SPORTS

Japanese NBA stars Kawamura and Hachimura share moment in Lakers-Grizzlies clash

Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura and Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, the only two active Japanese players in the NBA, shared a heartfelt embrace and posed for the cameras when their teams faced each other at the Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday. Hachimura, who had a standout game with 19 points on 6-of-7 shooting, praised Kawamura, despite the latter not seeing playing time that night. Kawamura, currently on a two-way contract with Memphis, has gained a significant following due to his electrifying playmaking and passion on the court. Both players represented Japan at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Hachimura hinted at the possibility of playing together in the future, saying, "We can maybe be teammates one day. It would be fun."

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Swiss court rules Yoko Ono rightfully owns John Lennon’s $4.5 million watch

On Thursday, a Swiss court ruled that a rare Patek Philippe watch Yoko Ono gifted to John Lennon for his 40th birthday in 1980 — just two months before his assassination — rightfully belongs to her, not the Italian man who bought it years later. The 18-carat gold watch, engraved with the message “(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER LOVE YOKO 10·9·1980 N.Y.C,” was stolen in 2006 by Ono’s Turkish chauffeur. It resurfaced in 2010 after passing through multiple countries and eventually being auctioned to its most recent owner. Ono only discovered the theft in 2014 when a Geneva-based firm alerted her lawyer during an appraisal. Following years of legal battles, the Federal Tribunal’s ruling aligns with previous decisions from 2022 and 2023, marking the conclusion of a decade-long dispute. The watch, currently valued at $4.51 million, is currently being held in Geneva pending its return to the 91-year-old artist.

Pokemon loses to My Little Pony in National Toy Hall of Fame honors

The beloved Pokemon franchise will have to wait another year for a shot at a National Toy Hall of Fame recognition after losing out to Mattel’s Phase 10 and Hasbro’s My Little Pony and Transformers in 2024. The National Toy Hall of Fame, housed in The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, announced the three inductees on Tuesday. The three winners were selected from 12 finalists, which included the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Since debuting with the original “Pokemon Red and Green” games in 1996 (“Pokemon Red and Blue” in English), the franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, expanding from video games into anime, films and trading cards. Widely considered the world’s highest-grossing media franchise, Pokemon has generated $99 billion globally since its inception. Between March 2023 and February 2024, it earned a record-breaking 297.5 billion yen ($1.9 billion), marking its strongest year to date.

Physicist dad of 2NE1’s CL makes diabetes testing breakthrough

Professor Lee Ki-jin, the father of 2NE1 leader CL, has developed a groundbreaking non-invasive method for blood sugar testing. Sogang University announced on Oct. 21 that Lee and Armenian researcher Zhirayr Baghdasaryan successfully measured blood sugar levels in mice with 7.05% Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) during a clinical test, all without drawing blood. Instead, they used a device they had developed in 2016 that features a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera sensor, which employs microwaves to convert images into electrical signals. Lee described this method as a painless alternative to traditional blood sugar tests. In a 2021 appearance on “You Quiz on the Block,” Lee revealed that Huawei once offered him a blank check to acquire the CCD camera technology through a transfer proposal, but he declined. “I was out of funds for research at the time, but my conscience said no,” Lee said.

Hello, Love, Again,”  might just be what Philippine cinema’s “Box Office Queen”

Kathryn Bernardo is saying to herself as she steps back into romantic comedy. Check out NextShark’s interview with Kathryn Bernardo here!

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