#PopVultures

#PopVultures Ep 18: 2019's best, worst and craziest moments in Asian & Hollywood entertainment

16:21 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

In their last podcast for 2019, the #PopVultures do a quick wrap of the year. Asian entertainment was inundated with unfortunate news, from tragic deaths to sex scandals and broken marriages. Jan and Sam Jo pay tribute to the stars who left us too soon and recall infamous celebrity gaffes that made the news for the wrong reasons. They also take a look at Hollywood, where there is an encouraging growth of minority representation and "wokeness". Finally, Jan and Sam Jo discuss their favourite pop culture moments of the year and share what they are most looking forward to in the new year of 2020 and beyond.

P.S. Listen to find out how Chris Hemsworth ruined Jan's dating life! 

Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

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#PopVultures Ep 17: Sukki Singapora talks Singapore Social

37:33 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

The Netflix reality series Singapore Social - about the lives of young Singaporeans navigating romance, family, friendship and career - has been the talk of the town. 

The show's most colourful member, Sukki Singapora - known for her hairstyles in technicolour and burlesque performances - drops by to chat with #PopVultures Jan and Sam Jo about her experience on the show and what she thinks of the criticism the show has garnered. 
Sukki also spills the tea on how emotions ran high behind the scenes, whether the cast members are actually friends and, of course, her kaleidoscopic hair.

Join the #PopVultures as they trace Sukki's journey from IT geek to burlesque dancer: Why and how she hustled her way into the scene, what sets burlesque apart from striptease, and how the art form represents female empowerment and sexuality.

Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo

Edited by: Penelope Hannah Lee

Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

Channel: https://str.sg/JWad

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP 

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: [email protected]

Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc

Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp

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Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

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#PopVultures Ep 16: Why is Hello Kitty so famous?

24:46 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

Do you know that Hello Kitty rakes in billions annually and has more Google hits than Mickey Mouse and Britney Spears?

The beloved character created by Japanese company Sanrio has taken the world by storm since she first appeared on a coin purse in 1974. But she has also earned her fair share of detractors who are confused by a "cat without a mouth".

The #PopVultures examine this pop culture icon's enduring legacy. What makes Hello Kitty so popular with adults and children alike? They look back on the infamous McDonald's toy frenzy of 2000, where people queued overnight, fought, got arrested and even smashed a glass door - all in the name of "limited edition" Hello Kitty dolls.

Hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo also discuss the false concept of scarcity when it comes to Japanese goods, Hello Kitty's symbolism beyond kawaii-ness, as well as share some trivia about the ubiquitous cartoon character that might surprise you.

Produced by: Jan Lee, Yeo Sam Jo & Penelope Hannah Lee

Edited by: Yeo Sam Jo

Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

Channel: https://str.sg/JWad

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP 

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: [email protected]

Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc

Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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#PopVultures Ep 15: K-pop's dark side - suicides, sex scandals and corruption

25:22 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

The tragic death of Sulli has once again shone a light on the ugly underbelly of K-pop. Beneath the glamorous billion-dollar industry, issues like cyberbullying, abuse and corruption run rampant, enveloping K-pop stars and South Korean entertainers.

PopVultures run through why the industry can be so toxic and discuss the case of Sulli and the incessant hate she faced from netizens, the suspicious circumstances surrounding Jang Ja-yeon's death and the abuse of power and cover-ups in the Burning Sun scandal involving Seungri and former YG Entertainment head honcho Yang Hyun-suk.
  
Finally, the #PopVultures give their take on what fans of K-pop can do moving forward and how to reconcile the ugliness of K-pop with the talent and joy it provides.

Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo

Edited by: Adam Azlee

HELPLINES

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Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

Channel: https://str.sg/JWad

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP 

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: [email protected]

Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc

Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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#PopVultures Ep 14: Nicholas Tse, Faye Wong and everyone in between!

22:32 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

The romance of Hong Kong resident bad boy singer Nicholas Tse and Chinese pop diva Faye Wong has dominated headlines for nearly 20 years. The high-profile and dramatic May-December relationship (Wong is 11 years older than Tse), with all its twists, turns, trials and tribulations, is confusing even for their most die-hard fans.

The #PopVultures are here with an all-you-need-to-know about Tse and Wong's love affairs: from the couple's historic hand-holding photo of 2000, to their marriages/divorces with Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung, Chinese actor Li Yapeng, and even the Edison Chen sex photo scandal of 2008.
Finally, the #PopVultures break down why, of all the celebrity romances, Tse and Wong have so captured the public's imagination. Join Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo as they discuss the narratives around this 20-year saga of soap opera proportions.

Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

Channel: https://str.sg/JWad

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP 

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: [email protected]

Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc

Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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#PopVultures Ep 13: Is TV becoming more "atas"? - Television, movies and the entertainment hierarchy

23:10 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

Today, the #PopVultures ask the question: Is television getting more atas or upmarket?

The Primetime Emmy Awards, set to happen on Monday (Sept 23, Singapore time), has several Oscar-nominated, bona fide movie stars in its nominee list. Historically, television has always been regarded as the "ugly sister" compared with film - with jokes cracked at its expense at the Golden Globes and television stars lower on the Hollywood hierarchy. 

But this is slowly changing - more and more movie stars (think Amy Adams, Michael Douglas, Nicole Kidman) are moving into the realm of television in the age of streaming.

#PopVultures boil it down to three reasons: The increasing quality and big budgets of television; more progressive, original and unique content in television; and of course, fat pay cheques!  

They also touch on how this trend is not taking off as much in Asia, and run down some names that they hope can pick up awards at this year's Emmys.

Tune in to find out what they think.

Produced by: Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

Channel: https://str.sg/JWad

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP 

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: [email protected]

Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc

Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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#PopVultures Ep 12: Bad sex on screen!

23:22 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

Today, the #PopVultures get into the steamy topic of sex. Sex on screen can be hot, hilarious and horrifying but what goes into the work behind the scenes? How are they handled in Hollywood, Asia and Singapore? 

Why are more sets are now hiring intimacy coordinators to guide actors filming sex scenes? Why is it necessary?

The #PopVultures also share examples about the harsh realities of sexual misconduct on sets and how filming sex scenes can be dangerous to actors. 

In the Singapore entertainment scene, are rape scenes more frequent and how often it is used as a plot device? What does that say about entertainment culture here?

Dive in with #PopVultures on the sexy and the unsexy on screen! 

Produced by: Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

Channel: https://str.sg/JWad

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP 

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: [email protected]

Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc

Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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#PopVultures Ep 11: On brownface and race depiction in SG

14:10 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

In this episode, the Pop Vultures get deep into a serious topic - the act of brown-facing in Singapore entertainment. 

The issue came to the forefront of the local entertainment scene this week after Mediacorp artist Dennis Chew participated in an Epay advertisement where he darkened his skin. This is not the first time local celebrities have landed themselves in hot water over such an act. 

The Pop Vultures' co-hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo invite colleague S.Sakthivel to discuss briefly, past examples of brown-facing and get into why that is often hurtful to minority races.

Is it ever okay to portray someone of another race? 

And finally, what’s the lesson here for local entertainment? Can dialogue and engagement between different races in Singapore be further improved?

It’s a heavy topic but one of importance - let the millennial #PopVultures walk you through it.

Produced by: Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo

Edited by: Ernest Luis & Adam Azlee

Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

Channel: https://str.sg/JWad

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SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: [email protected]

Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc

Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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Pop Vultures Ep 10: Black mermaids & spies - Race and representation in film

20:52 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

Several casting choices, which some have deemed controversial, are in the headlines this week and the #PopVultures are here to talk these choices out.

First, they dive into the backlash following the casting of black singer Halle Bailey as Little Mermaid/Ariel in the live adaptation of the beloved Disney animated film Little Mermaid (1989) and why people against the casting ultimately seem to be basing their dislike on the colour of Bailey's skin.

Then, they dish about the choice to cast Agent 007, often associated with James Bond of the British spy series, as a black woman in the form of actress Lashana Lynch (Remember Captain Marvel's best friend from when she was still a normal woman? That's her.) Once again, people are raging.

#PopVultures share their opinions and ask actress Scarlett Johansson to check her privilege after she responded to casting criticism with this now-viral line: "You know, as an actor, I should be able to play any person, or any tree, or any animal, because that's my job and the requirements of my job.”

Join the #PopVultures as they talk race, diversity and representation in film and why it's important!

Produced by: Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

Channel: https://str.sg/JWad

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP 

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: [email protected]

Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc

Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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Pop Vultures Ep 9: Chinese celebrities caught in the middle of protests and politics

21:32 mins

Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.

Chinese celebrities from Hong Kong are ducking from the ire of netizens following historic protests in Hong Kong over an extradition bill. Action star Jackie Chan was slammed for saying that he's not aware of what's going on back home. Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou and Japanese rocker Yoshiki were criticised for posting pictures as they hung out with Chan.

How do celebrities navigate such sensitivities?

Join the Pop Vultures as they run down what Chan did, and whether outrage culture on such topics goes too far, They discuss past examples of celebrities caught in political arguments (A-mei, Twice's Tzuyu).

Produced by: Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month: 

Channel: https://str.sg/JWad

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP 

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: [email protected]

Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc

Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

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