Millions tuned in to watch American streamer iShowSpeed being wowed by China, provoking speculation about being used as an propaganda pawn.

IShowSpeed is one of the internet’s biggest streamers and he recently took his platform to China, but not for your average vacation. 

Over a span of two weeks Speed provided viewers with a total of 48 hours of live content as he traveled across major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, allowing millions of people to get a real look into what China’s daily life is like. 

When Speed arrived in China, he was treated like a celebrity and Chinese media outlets had their attention completely drawn to his whereabouts. 

The live moments were nonstop and this trip was a content goldmine for Speed. He scored a viral moment when he backflipped on the Great Wall of China, wore traditional Chinese attire, and had dance contests with locals. Speed also visited China’s ‘Silicon Valley’, Shenzhen, and test drove multiple futuristic vehicles including a flying car. 

Everything he did highlighted the wonders of the country’s technology, the clean streets and friendliness of the people. For Speed’s Chinese viewers, his live streams were pure amusement, but for fans in the U.S. it was a legendary first-hand look into modern Chinese culture. 

Besides the entertaining content, eyebrows were raised at the speculation that Speed was either invited or paid by the Chinese government as a part of a PR stunt to improve their global image. His fans believed he was truly being himself throughout his time in China, but others felt his timing and the constant coverage seemed orchestrated. 

Speed’s team denied the accusations and clarified that he paid for all the expenses himself and that he intended the trip to be for growth and cultural learning. 

This trip blended live streaming, politics, and cultural perception in a way that not many creators have before and helped influence the way we see the world and unintentionally, IShowSpeed became a part of a global narrative.

These Chinese beauties have lit up Victoria's Secret Fashion runways.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has become a global beauty stage and in recent years, these Chinese models have been making history on its runway and in the high fashion world. 

Estelle Chen

She is a Chinese-French model who started turning heads during the 2015 Fall/Winter fashion weeks after walking for multiple luxury brands including Louis Vuitton and LOEWE. Chen made her debut at the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai and since then, has been known for her bright smile and being open about both her French and Chinese heritage. 

Sui He

After renowned supermodel Liu Wen, Sui He is the second Chinese model to ever walk in a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her very first campaign was with Brunello Cucinelli in 2011 and along with 8 VS runways on her resume, she was also the first East Asian model to open a Ralph Lauren show.

Ming Xi

Being one of the most recognizable Chinese models in the world, Ming Xi has become a fan favorite on the runway. Her very first modeling contract was with Givenchy in 2011, which launched her career and led her to endless appearances including the 2018 Met Gala. 

He Cong

Known for her elegance and confident strut, He Cong has worked with nearly every luxury brand you can think of. She is a regular face at fashion weeks in every city and made her VS debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024, which was another huge milestone for her career. 

Xu Wei

She’s one of Victoria’s Secret’s newest Chinese models and her striking features and fresh energy have quickly caught the attention of fans. Her first VS appearance was in the 2024 Fashion Show and in the same year extended her resume walking for Chanel and Dior. 

These schools have the highest percentages of Asian students in the United States.

These universities have the highest Asian student populations. At these schools, Asians make up a large percentage of the undergraduate body. 

Number 5: Baruch College 

The City University of New York school attracts Asian students from around the globe, with approximately 5,700 of the 15,900 undergrads being Asian, or around 36%. Its prime location in Manhattan gives their students the opportunity to experience the diversity of the city itself and a strong academic foundation. 

Number 4: UC Riverside

Asian students make up 37% of UC Riverside’s undergrad student body which totals to around 8,500. UCR is one of the school systems most diverse colleges making their campus a desired choice for Asian American students. 

Number 3: UC San Diego

They have over 33,000 enrolled undergraduates and around 13,000 of them are Asian, making up for 39% of the student body. UCSD is known for its science and engineering programs and being located right on California's coast has made it an exciting selection for Asian American students. 

Number 2: San Jose State 

San Jose State University has over 26,600 students enrolled and nearly 10,500 of them are Asian, which is 39% of the student population. The campus is in Silicon Valley, allowing for career paths at major companies like Apple and Google. 

Number 1: The University of Texas at Dallas

41% of UT Dallas’ undergraduates are Asian. They have nearly 22,000 students and about 9,000 of them identify as Asian. With notable STEM programs and a campus right in the heart of the city’s growing tech hub, it is no surprise UT Dallas is attracting a high number of Asian American students. 

A new generation of Asian soccer stars are poised to make a World Cup splash.

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will be the largest in history as the tournament expands from 32 to 48 teams.  The expansion offers Asian nations a huge opportunity with eight direct spots for the Asian Football Confederation.  

Japan and South Korea have already secured places, extending their impressive streaks of consecutive World Cup appearances.

Japan will look to build on their last two round-of-16 finishes.   The Samurai Blue’s wealth of talent is highlighted by right winger Takefusa Kubo of La Liga’s Real Sociedad, forward Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace, and left winger Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion, both in the Premier League.  The trio, all under 30, have a combined 26 international goals.

South Korea, with eleven consecutive qualifications, will once again be led by veteran captain Son Heung-min.  The newly signed LAFC star, recently became one of MLS’s highest paid players after spending over a decade playing for the Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspur.  He is the nation’s all-time leading FIFA scorer with 51 goals.  

The Reds also boast Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae and PSG’s midfielder Lee Kang-in who have 16 combined international goals.  South Korea famously finished fourth in the 2002 World Cup, which they co-hosted with Japan – the highest finish of any Asian team. Indonesia along with five Middle Eastern teams are in contention for the final two direct qualification AFC spots.  China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines have all been eliminated.  Indonesia is considered a massive underdog.  Qualifying would mean their first World Cup appearance since 1938.  The first matches of the group stages will be played on October 8th.

Kyler Murray, Tetairoa McMillan, and Puka Nacua loom large in some surefire bets.

For savvy bettors the excitement of the NFL season isn’t in the Super Bowl’s final score, but through wagers made in player prop markets. 

The first to consider is 20.5 passing touchdowns for Kyler Murray.  Last year the Cardinals QB of Korean descent reached 21 TDs in 17 games.  Entering his 7th season Murray has eclipsed 20.5 passing touchdowns in three of the four seasons when he has played 12 or more games. 

As young receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson gain more experience their connection and offensive efficiency should improve.  Considering Murray’s history of hitting this total when healthy, an emerging offense and an improved defense through free agency and the draft adds luster to this bet.

For a bet with a high ceiling, look at Tetairoa McMillan to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at +1500 odds, meaning a $100 wager would yield a $1,500 profit.  The Panthers’ Top-10 pick should have an immediate impact at wide receiver as he offers a huge 6’5” target for quarterback Bryce Young who ended the season hot with 10 total TDs and no picks in his last 3 games. 

The Native Hawaiian created tons of problems for defenses in college, racking up over 3,400 yards with 26 touchdowns in three seasons for Arizona.  T-Mac is listed as the most likely receiver to win the award excluding two-way player Travis Hunter.  The Panthers will likely lean on a pass-heavy offense as their inept defense came in dead last in the NFL the past season.  This makes T-Mac’s rookie campaign a huge value pick for bettors.

Lastly, consider Rams’ star wide receiver Puka Nacua to go over 1,200.5 receiving yards.  The Polynesian descendent set a rookie record with 1,486 receiving yards in 2023.  Last season was hindered by injuries causing him to miss 6 games, but he still racked up 90 yards per game – third best in the league.  The offseason addition of 6x Pro-Bowl receiver Davante Adams should remove defensive pressure from Nacua, freeing him up for even more big plays.  Only seven players cleared 1,200 receiving yards last season, but recent trends and team developments make this a strong wager.

2025's best statement accessories can elevate any look — classic or playful.

Statement accessories have the power to completely upgrade any outfit and Asian American women are rocking these trends right now. 

Suede Handbags 

Suede is making a huge comeback and with the upcoming Fall/Winter season, it’s easy to see why. The texture adds a lavish feel to any look, whether it is a mini handbag, everyday crossbody, or an oversized tote. 

Headbands

They’ve become one of the most popular accessories this year bringing a playful, but still polished aura. The textured fabrics and pearl embellishments mix nostalgic school-girl charm with high-fashion style. 

Jade Bracelets

They’re a timeless accessory and now, they’re having their moment in fashion. Jade is a traditional symbol of good luck and protection and Asian American women are making sure to style them in their jewelry stacks. 

Silk Scarves

You can wear them in your hair, around your neck, or even tied around a handbag. Adding a silk scarf to your look will instantly give you that touch of vintage elegance. 

Last but not least, handbag charms

They’re turning our everyday purses into a personal style statement. Plushies and jewelry charms are taking the simplest bags to the next level and giving our outfits even more character and individuality. 

Nigo created a hit shark hoodie, brought Japanese streetwear to America, and helped produce “Tokyo Drift”, earning him a pop culture star.

Nigo is the godfather of Japanese streetwear and in this industry, he’s been behind the scenes running things.

He was born Tomoaki Nagao in Maebashi, a central city in Japan, and Nigo always had an eye for fashion and American pop culture. He took his interest to Tokyo to study at Bunka Fashion College which is a prestigious school known to produce Japanese fashion legends. While in school, Nigo was enrolled in a fashion editing class and started his career working for Popeye Magazine, one of Japan’s most influential publications.

In 1993 Nigo borrowed 4 million yen from a friend to open ‘Nowhere’, his very first clothing store in the Harajuku District. Here he began selling t-shirts and camouflage hoodies which would later be recognized as the highly desired brand A Bathing Ape also known as BAPE.

At first he was designing thirty to fifty pieces at a time, sending half of them off to his buddies in the industry including big names like Pharell Williams and Kanye West. With pink shark zip ups and limited edition drops, BAPE quickly became one of the most popular brands amongst teenagers and rappers in both the U.S and Japan.

By the late ‘90s, BAPE had six stores in Japan that were bringing in 2 million yen a year. For decades Nigo’s iconic designs were the most recognizable Asian streetwear symbols expanding to shoes and children’s clothes.

But BAPE wasn’t Nigo’s only endeavor. In 2003 alongside Pharell Williams, he launched Billionaire Boys Club and sister brand Ice Cream. Together the duo combined Japanese streetwear and U.S. hip hop with their bright graphics and flashy details.

That same year Nigo expanded his talent into the music industry, becoming the DJ and producer for Japanese hip hop group Teriyaki Boyz who are responsible for the hit “Tokyo Drift” from The Fast and the Furious series.

In 2011 Nigo sold 80% of BAPE to Hong Kong fashion conglomerate I.T for $2.8 million before officially leaving in 2013 to work on expanding another one of his labels called Human Made. Even after departing from BAPE, Nigo’s influence continued to be recognized.

He worked with Louis Vuitton and style visionary Virgil Abloh on two exclusive collections in 2020 and in 2021 he was named the new artistic director at KENZO.

Aside from KENZO, Nigo is still collaborating with major brands and paving his way as a cultural icon. He’s climbed the industry ladder, shaping Japan’s street style to running global fashion houses proving his legacy to be a global movement.

A Korean American from Washington earned a lasting place in the hip-hop and K-pop scenes in both the US and South Korea.

Jay Park is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, and entrepreneur whose Usher-esque performances have captivated global audiences from his current base in S. Korea.

At 38 he continues touring across the Pacific while releasing his single “Remedy.”

Park’s US music career went into high gear in 2017 when he was signed by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation as the first Asian American artist on the record label.  He released 2 EPs with the label in collaboration with his own label AOMG, including the hit “Soju” featuring rapper 2 Chains.

That same year Park founded the label H1ghr Music focused on Seattle and South Korean hip hop talent.

Park’s career as an entertainer began in 2010 with a cover of B.o.B’s “Nothin’ on You” that went viral on YouTube.  It led to an official collaboration and enabled his debut EP Count On Me which sold more than 5 million copies while driving the original song’s popularity in South Korea.

Park released a 2011 mini-album Take a Deeper Look featured “Abandoned” which peaked at number 2 on the US World Charts with songs in Korean and English.

The EP’s success led to 2012’s New Breed, the first of his six studio albums, which topped the charts in South Korea.  The lead single “Girlfriend” was produced by fellow AOMG member Cha Cha Malone.  

Park’s debut album won him the “Netizen’s Choice Male Artist of the Year” at the Korean Music Awards.

The resulting fame allowed him to found his own label, AOMG which has released four albums: Evolution in 2014, Worldwide in 2015, Everything You Wanted in 2016, and The Road Less Traveled in 2019.  The first three charted top five in South Korea.

In 2022 Park founded More Vision to focus on K-Pop.

Park has over 3 million followers each on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify.

His most viewed YouTube videos are the sexually charged “Mommae” with 181 million views and the flashy choreography of “All I Wanna Do” with 79 million views.  Both are also his most streamed songs.

As a high schooler in greater Seattle Park joined the b-boy crew Art of Movement in 2003 as he began exploring music.  A local talent audition hosted by South Korean conglomerate JYP Entertainment earned him a spot on the K-pop boy band 2PM.  In the course of a docuseries Park ultimately became group leader under the name Jaebeom.

2PM debuted its lead single “10 Out of 10” in 2008, but Park left the group after only a year after he made disparaging comments about Koreans.  He was “young and dumb,” he later reflected. Park has served as a judge or producer on various music and talent competition shows, including “Show Me the Money” and “Asia’s Got Talent.”  He was also a cast member on “Saturday Night Live Korea.”

These AAPI-owned beauty brands deserve a place in your makeup bag.

These AAPI beauty brands are not just a part of a trend, they are taking over the future of cosmetics. 

Patrick Ta Beauty

Celebrity makeup artist, Patrick Ta, founded his own brand in 2019 that brings full glam formulas right to your vanity. His line is known for its blendable blushes and radiant bronzers and was created to give everyone that signature Patrick Ta glow. 

Glamnetic

Thailand native Ann McFerran developed Glamnetic in 2019 to offer lash lovers an easy-to-apply magnetic lash. These viral lashes have completely changed the game for anyone who struggles to get their lashes to stick or doesn’t want to spend hundreds on lash extensions. 

Live Tinted 

Beauty influencer Deepica Mutyala launched Live Tinted in 2018 with one viral product called the Huestick which acted as a color corrector, lip, and cheek tint. Today Live Tinted offers a full range of inclusive products that prioritize skin health.

Kulfi Beauty

Priyanka Ganjoo founded Kulfi Beauty in 2021 with a strong focus on South Asian beauty bringing underrepresented skin tones to the forefront. Their creamy concealers and fun lip shades were designed to celebrate individuality. 

Peach & Lily

South Korean born Alicia Yoon was a major player in bringing the K-beauty wave to the United States. She founded Peach & Lily in 2012 with a love for clean and gentle formulas that would eventually help popularize “glass skin” around the world. 

Her blend of deep football knowledge and sharp wit has made Mina Kimes a highly paid and respected analyst in the male-dominated world of sports media.

The depth of her NFL analyses has made Mina Kimes one of the most respected female voices in sports media.

Since joining ESPN in 2014 Kimes has made regular appearances on First Take, Highly Questionable, Pardon the Interruption, and Around the Horn.  She was named an analyst for NFL Live in 2020 alongside former players Dan Orlovsky, Marcus Spears, Ryan Clark, and Keyshawn Johnson. 

Her acumen with X’s and O’s is the heart of The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny, a football-focused podcast produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions since 2022.  The podcast can be found on her YouTube channel which has nearly 90,000 subscribers.  The pigskin prof has won 900,000 followers on X and 376,000 on Instagram.

In September 2023 Kimes signed a multiyear deal with ESPN at $1.7 million per year.  Her podcast deal with Omaha Productions is separate and reportedly pushes her combined income past $2 million annually.

Kimes has also worked as a color commentator for Los Angeles Rams preseason games.

Outside of sports she has hosted after-shows for the Netflix series Love is Blind and HBO’s Big Little Lies.  She was a Celebrity Jeopardy! contestant who won her first show.

Before her sports media career Kimes was a business journalist working for Fortune Magazine from 2007 to 2013 and as a Bloomberg News investigative reporter in 2013.

Kimes was born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Gilbert, Arizona where she was her high school’s valedictorian. She graduated summa cum laude from Yale with a bachelor of arts in English in 2007.  Kimes is Korean on her mother’s side.  She has been married since 2015 and welcomed a son in 2023.  She has joked that she decided to have a kid in part because they had the “cap space.”