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· Carl Samson
China introduces the world’s first ‘AI child’
Chinese scientists recently announced the creation of the world’s first “artificial intelligence child.” What she does: Unveiled at the Frontiers of General Artificial Intelligence Technology Exhibition in Beijing in late January, Tong Tong, or “Little Girl” in English, is a…
· Ryan General
Malaysians question foreigner’s claims he witnessed cat meat trade in hidden KL market
A UK videographer’s claims of witnessing cat meat being sold in a hidden alleyway of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown have sparked outrage and demands for clarification among Malaysian netizens. About the claim: In a series of images purportedly taken in June 2018 and posted on his…
· Michelle De Pacina
‘Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó’ director Sean Wang on authenticity over acclaim
The Academy Award-nominated short film “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó” was born out of the emotional juxtaposition of joy and silliness amid the backdrop of anti-Asian hate crimes. First-generation Taiwanese American director Sean Wang, who had been living in New York City for over five…
· Bryan Ke
Kumail Nanjiani reveals he sought counseling after negative reviews of ‘Eternals’
Kumail Nanjiani recently opened up about how he was impacted by the negative reviews for Marvel’s “Eternals,” sharing that the experience left him traumatized and requiring counseling. High expectations: Speaking to host Michael Rosenbaum on his podcast “Inside of You,” uploaded…
· Ryan General
UK court to rule on Australian man’s claim he is Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto
A trial in the UK is underway to verify the claims of an individual asserting to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous founder of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. About the defendant: On Feb. 6, Australian computer scientist Craig Wright testified at the High Court to assert that he…
· Bryan Ke
Lana Condor, Andrew Koji’s ‘Worth the Wait’ gets picked up
“Worth the Wait,” the Asian American star-studded rom-com film by Lana Condor and Andrew Koji, has been picked up by The Exchange, according to a report. About the movie: Set in Seattle and Kuala Lumpur, “Worth the Wait” is a “modern approach to ‘Love Actually’ with a…
· Ryan General
Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong acquitted in stock, accounting fraud case
A South Korean court has acquitted Samsung Executive Chairman of stock price manipulation and accounting fraud charges. About the ruling: On Feb. 5, Seoul Central District Court absolved the 55-year-old executive and 13 other current and former Samsung officials of charges…
· Michelle De Pacina
Ukraine-born Miss Japan 2024 relinquishes title following report of affair
Karolina Shiino, a Ukraine-born model with Japanese citizenship, has relinquished her title as the 2024 Miss Japan Grand Prix winner after a magazine report revealed her affair with a married influencer. Exposed: On Wednesday, Shukan Bunshun reported that Shiino, 26, was in a…
· Bryan Ke
Nike to release ‘Year of the Dragon’ Air Force 1 Low in China
In time for the Chinese New Year, Nike is dropping a limited-edition “Year of the Dragon” version of their Air Force 1 Low sneakers in China this month. Exclusive release: Instagram user @shanghaisole, who shared some of the promo photos, said the Nike shoes will be available in…
· Ryan General
Pigeon suspected as ‘Chinese spy’ in Mumbai released after PETA intervention
After being detained for eight months, a pigeon believed to be a “Chinese spy” was finally set free following intervention by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. Espionage suspicion: The initial suspicion arose due to illegible letters the officers found on…
· Editorial Staff
Coffee Meets Bagel joins forces with acclaimed men’s clothing rental service Taelor for Valentine’s Day
Coffee Meets Bagel users can add some extra flair to their fashion this Valentine’s Day with Taelor, the leading men’s clothing rental subscription. Taelor is the acclaimed service that offers personalized styling services from professional human stylists and AI and was…
· Ryan General
This pediatrician aims to be Sacramento’s first Asian American elected mayor
A pediatrician and former state senator aims to break barriers by becoming the first Asian American to be elected mayor of Sacramento. Announcing his bid: Dr. Richard Pan, known for his advocacy on public health issues — including vaccination mandates — announced his candidacy…
· Michelle De Pacina
Prime Video’s ‘Expats,’ set and filmed in Hong Kong, is unavailable to watch there
The Amazon Prime series “Expats,” which was filmed in Hong Kong and follows the lives of three American women living there, is not available for viewing in the city. “Currently unavailable”: The show, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on Jan. 26, states “this video is…
· Bryan Ke
Malaysia swears in billionaire as new king in world’s only rotational monarchy
A billionaire has been sworn in as the new king of Malaysia under the Southeast Asian country’s unique monarchy system, where several rulers take turns on the throne. What happened: Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, 65, was sworn in at a ceremony attended by other royal families, Prime…
· Ryan General
Henry Golding fights Nazis in ‘Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ trailer
Henry Golding showcases a gritty new role in World War II action-comedy “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.” A first look: The upcoming film, which released its first trailer this week, introduces viewers to a band of unconventional fighters led by Major Gus March-Phillips…
· Bryan Ke
Eating kimchi daily could lower obesity risk, study suggests
A new South Korean study suggests that eating around three servings of kimchi per day could help lower the risk of obesity in adults. Key findings: The study, published in the British Medical Journal Open on Tuesday, found that one to three servings of baechu kimchi (cabbage…
· Ryan General
Playing an instrument linked to better brain health in adults: study
Engaging in musical activities, such as playing instruments or singing in choirs, could contribute to maintaining cognitive sharpness in older age, a new study suggests. About the study: The study, published this month in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry,…
· Bryan Ke
Drinking 3 cups of tea daily could delay aging, study suggests
Scientists at China’s Sichuan University found that daily tea consumption could extend people’s lifespans. Key findings: Their research, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific in November, found that people who drink tea everyday exhibit signs of slower…
· Michelle De Pacina
Battery charge against Asian man who punched his convicted sex offender in court dropped
Tylor Fu, who punched 80-year-old convicted sex offender Richard Gross during his sentencing in a Las Vegas courtroom, will no longer face a battery charge. Fu’s claims: Fu, who claims he was sexually abused by Gross for years, expressed frustration with the plea deal that Gross…
· Bryan Ke
Anime film restorer reveals reason why ‘Sailor Moon’ has a pink ‘aesthetic’
A possible explanation has been given as to why the 2000s DVD version of the classic “Sailor Moon” series has a pink tint “aesthetic,” a topic recently sparked discussions on social media. Driving the conversation: X user @kane_hisa kicked off the conversation in a post on Jan.…
Answer
BTS connects to HYBE, Weverse, memberships, merch, and tickets.
People & Works
Open
Person · Screen
Anna Sawai
Her 'Shogun' win cracked a category that had never gone to an Asian actor in 76 years of the Emmys — a ceiling break that arrived only once the industry let an Asian-led epic play in its own language.
Culture surface · Beauty
Beauty retail
Beauty retail is a culture-first entry point into the listed company behind it.
Person · Music
Dimash Qudaibergen
A Kazakh singer with a freakish multi-octave range conquered China's living rooms overnight and became Central Asia's most improbable soft-power export — a diaspora-of-one proving fandom now flows East before West.
IP · Anime
Haikyu!! films
Haikyu!! is the rare franchise that peaked commercially after its manga ended — the 2024 film cleared $100M worldwide and back-catalog sales grew ~50% post-conclusion, evidence that a well-timed theatrical event can reactivate a completed IP rather than merely close it out.
Platform · Platforms
Kakao Entertainment
Kakao Entertainment connects to Kakao and the broader platforms story around it.
Culture surface · Platforms
Kling AI
Kling AI connects to Kuaishou and the broader platforms story around it.
Culture surface · Platforms
Kuaishou
Kuaishou connects to Kuaishou and the broader platforms story around it.
Culture surface · Platforms
Kwai
Kwai connects to Kuaishou and the broader platforms story around it.
Culture surface · Retail
Lifestyle retail
Lifestyle retail connects to Miniso and the broader retail story around it.
Results
Culture · brand
Uniqlo
Uniqlo connects to Fast Retailing, the company behind the stores, basics, and repeat buying habit.
Culture · routine / beauty brands
K-beauty
K-beauty connects to companies built around skincare routines, hero products, and travel retail.
Culture · platform
Weverse
Weverse connects to HYBE, the platform where memberships, merch, content, and fandom access keep moving after the song.
Company · Japan · TYO:7832
Bandai Namco Holdings
Bandai Namco sits behind toys, anime IP, games, and licensing that turn fandom into everyday consumer products.
Company · China · HKEX:1024
Kuaishou
Kuaishou is China's number-two short-video platform, where livestream selling turned everyday creators into a shopping channel and rewired how goods get sold.
Company · India · NSE:ZEEL
Zee Entertainment
Zee is one of India's largest media networks — the TV channels and ZEE5 streaming that carry Bollywood and regional-language entertainment to a billion viewers and the diaspora.
Company · Japan · TYO:9983
Fast Retailing
Fast Retailing matters because Uniqlo is an everyday consumer habit, not just a stock story.
Company · Korea · KOSDAQ:035900
JYP Entertainment
JYP is tied to groups that drive albums, tours, subscriptions, merch, and international fan activity.
Company · Korea · KOSDAQ:041510
SM Entertainment
SM is tied to idol groups, tours, fan clubs, and the long-running system behind some of K-pop's most recognizable acts.
Company · Korea · KOSDAQ:122870
YG Entertainment
YG connects global K-pop attention to touring, brand deals, fan demand, and artist-centered entertainment revenue.
Company · China · NYSE:BABA
Alibaba
Alibaba is China's commerce-and-entertainment backbone — Taobao and Tmall shopping habits fund Youku streaming and Alibaba Pictures, tying online spending to what China watches.
Alibaba · Platforms · NYSE:BABA
The Grammys created an award for Asian pop. BTS said no.
Alibaba is China's commerce-and-entertainment backbone — Taobao and Tmall shopping habits fund Youku streaming and Alibaba Pictures, tying online spending to what China watches.
Fast Retailing · Fashion · TYO:9983
Your Uniqlo basics keep you coming back.
This shows up when you go back to Uniqlo for another pack of basics instead of treating the brand like a one-time fashion buy.
NetEase · Streaming · HKEX:9999
Your playlist depends on deals you never see.
NetEase helps explain gaming, music streaming, and online entertainment habits in Chinese consumer culture.
CJ ENM · Entertainment · KOSDAQ:035760
Before the first song drops, H//PE Princess already has a global Warner deal.
A debut deal matters less than whether the group turns into repeat listening, touring, merch, and fandom across markets.
Explainer · Sanrio
Hello Kitty is not just something you buy anymore. Sanrio wants you to play inside the world.
Sanrio shows how character fandom becomes retail, licensing, collabs, parks, and global consumer demand.
Explainer · Amorepacific
K-beauty won the Amazon cart. The real prize is your second bottle.
The first sale matters less than the repeat routine. If a product sticks, the brand can keep winning on replenishment, retail placement, and cross-market demand.