Race in America 🌎

Suchin Pak, the first Asian American news correspondent on MTV, reflected on her career, and offered advice to others looking into the industry. 

As a veteran of TV journalism, Pak made history in 2001 at 25 years old, cementing her legacy at MTV. Now, at 45, Pak has held positions at ABC, NBC, Discovery Networks, Oxygen and E!. Her most recent ventures include co-hosting the podcast, “Add to Cart,” and her contribution to the MTV Books’ “My Life: Growing Up Asian in America.”

She says that in order to push barriers, one must be willing to take risks: “You have to say yes to things that aren’t familiar to you, or that you’ve never done before, to succeed.” 

Pak goes on to say that new decisions for different career paths are difficult to navigate, but she emphasizes the importance of focusing on “the quality of the time that you spend somewhere.”

In Other Asian News 🗞

During President Biden’s visit this past weekend with Prime Minister Kishida, both agreed on several vital agenda points.

President Bidens’ recent visit to the Asia-Pacific aims to strengthen the political and economic power of the U.S.’ regional allies. One of these strategies and goals includes protecting Taiwanese democracy, which both Biden and Kishida agree on.

While Washington recognizes the One China policy, Biden reiterates that taking the island by force is “inappropriate” and that the U.S. will provide arms to Taipei if the situation arises. 

For Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this June, the Indian dancer-choreographer, Arunima Kumar, will perform with her students at Westminster Abbey.
 

The New Delhi native was “absolutely elated” to be invited and set to perform this summer. Kumar is renowned for the dance form of Kuchipudi, and her career of performing at more than 2,500 events at famous worldwide venues and audiences is a testament to her artistry and skill. 

Entertainment 📺

In the Disney show, “The Owl House,” four K-pop idols were featured in an animated scene.

The creators of the show featured BTS’s Jungkook, BIGBANG‘s G-Dragon, SHINee‘s Taemin, and Jessi, which showed the global reach of K-pop into other mediums of pop culture. Bo Coburn, the artist, was so surprised their higher-ups allowed them to include the four Korean artists in the show. 

What else is on our minds? 🧠

Shooting in NYC?
This Sunday, there was another shooting in the subways of NYC. This time, a man was fatally shot in Manhattan. According to police, the gunman fired once, unprovoked, “striking Daniel Enriquez, 48, in the chest and killing him.

Himeji castle is getting new “castle lords?”
For the first time in 153 years, the Himeji castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, welcomed three new “castle lords” after a generous donation of “​​30 million yen (about $234,000), under Japan's hometown tax scheme.” The three castle lords received a special event at the castle, including a special tour of the property. 

The first Filipino draft in the NBA? 
Kai Sotto, with a “standout performance in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines,” hopes to become the first Filipino drafted into the NBA. Historically, only two Filipino Americans appeared in the NBA draft ledger: Marcus Douthit, who was selected in 2004 by the Los Angeles Lakers, and Andray Blatche.