Radio producer and writer. Bylines: @cbcnews, @repasianproject, @teenvogue, @RecordingAcad, @ElleCanada @ComplexCanada, @FashionCanada
Articles by Samantha Lui
Singer-songwriter eaJ on the importance of not staying silent
Singer eaJ isn’t one to hide what’s on his mind. From sharing his journey with mental health, to voicing his support for people in Gaza, the 33-year-old Korean American understands the risks of speaking out as a musician with a social media following of more than two million. But to him, staying silent was never an option. “The fact that people know about (Gaza) and choose to stay silent tells me, subconsciously, they think that these people are lesser than them,” eaJ tells JoySauce.
Fans of K-pop group P1Harmony show up for surprise meeting at Trinity Bellwoods Park
Toronto fans of the K-pop group P1Harmony were greeted to a surprise fan meeting at Trinity Bellwoods Park on Wednesday evening. The park has been a recent hotspot for celebrities to do impromptu meet-ups. Over the weekend, singer Daniel Caesar also hosted a surprise concert. The six-piece band — fronted by Markham, Ont.'s KEEHO — were set to play a headlining show at Coca Cola Coliseum before the show was postponed due to a system outage at the Canada-U.S. border.
How Toronto Director Maggie Kang Created a Hit With ‘KPop Demon Hunters’
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. As a teenager growing up in Toronto, Maggie Kang hid her love of K-pop from her friends.
Austin's Francene Rouelle comes of age with EP ‘off the carousel’
Her lead single “all the things I’d do” chronicles the thrill of chasing love while leaving parts of yourself behind. While “mr. too perfect” channels the fallout of a relationship—one in which Rouelle sings about walking away from someone who loves you, but not feeling enough for them. Rouelle considers the latter the song on the album she’s proudest of, due to how vulnerable she felt while writing it. “(Writing) ‘mr. too perfect’ was very much like word vomit, like there was not too much thinking.
Comedian Julie Kim gets real: She is unapologetically here to take up space
When Julie Kim took her first stand-up comedy class 15 years ago in Toronto, she never expected it would become a full-time career. At the time, the Vancouver, British Columbia-based comic was pursuing a doctorate degree in industrial engineering, on the path to working in a corporate environment. But inspired by the genius of comic legend Robin Williams, Kim gave comedy a try as a way to enhance her public speaking skills and check off a bucket list item.
Vancouver Singer yung kai is Channeling His Love of Asian Dramas Into Viral Success
Share this Article Vancouver’s yung kai is still wrapping his head around being a full time musician. The Chinese Canadian singer-songwriter was focusing on his studies at the University of British Columbia, when his single “blue” started blowing up online. The dreamy ballad feels right out of a romantic drama series.
From Coming Out on Stage to Taking Music Risks, JUST B is Leading a New Era for K-Pop
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts.
12 Artists Helping Mandopop Become The Next Global Genre: Jay Chou, G.E.M., Xiao Zhan & More
Clockwise from top left: JJ Lin, Jay Chou, Xiao Zhan, Jolin Tsai, and Xin Liu. Photos (clockwise, from top left): Kym Illman/Getty Images, Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images, VCG/VCG via Getty Images, VCG/VCG via Getty Images, and GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty Images. With international interest in Asian culture continuing to grow, Mandopop is on its way to new heights. Meet some of the veteran and rising acts pushing the genre to worldwide acclaim.
For Fans of NCT, Mark Lee is a Symbol of Asian Canadian Pride
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. — For K-pop fans, concerts are often seen as a place to find belonging and community with people who enjoy the same artist.
Inside aespa’s Universe
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. The K-pop industry may be known for producing electrifying stage performances and catchy songs.
How ‘XO, Kitty’s’ Joshua Hyunho Lee is Making His Acting Dreams Come True
*Minor spoilers for XO, Kitty season 2 below* A lot can change in just a few years. Just ask Joshua Hyunho Lee, who in 2021 left a corporate job in finance to fulfill his dreams of becoming an actor. In the past three years, he made his Broadway debut on the musical KPOP and played a K-pop trainee on the CBC Gem series Gangnam Project. But millions of viewers will now get to see him on his biggest project yet, landing a role in the hit Netflix series XO, Kitty.
Escaping Into the Ethereal World of Singer-Songwriter Sarah Kinsley
Share this Article Three years ago, singer-songwriter Sarah Kinsley posted a TikTok video titled “women don’t produce music”. In it, she is seen tapping everyday objects like tables and wine glasses, pounding her fist into a bed, opening a door handle and recording vocals inside a makeshift home studio. What results from all of that is an ethereal pop anthem. That TikTok video soon went viral, and has since been viewed more than 4.5 million times.
‘Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson’ pokes fun at cross-racial casting
Ever since Scarlett Johansson was announced as the lead of the 2017 film Ghost in the Shell, she has been the subject of a longstanding meme within the Asian community. Ghost in the Shell is based on the Japanese manga series of the same name. Johansson’s casting of Major Motoko Kusanagi was criticized as an example of whitewashing in Hollywood. However, the actress has maintained that her role in the film was an opportunity to play a strong female character.
K-pop Rookies 82MAJOR Make an Impression with Hip-Hop Style and Flair
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts.
Korean rock band XDINARY HEROES is bringing style and versatility to the music scene
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. Since XDINARY HEROES’ arrival to the music scene in December 2021, the South Korean rock band has been known for their versatility.
How dance crew Neuron shaped BTS's j-hope's passion for dance
From his historic headlining performance at Lollapalooza as a solo artist, to adding his flair to BTS’s complex choreography, rapper j-hope is known as one of the most versatile dancers in the K-pop industry. But before he became a member of one of the biggest boy bands in the world, j-hope first honed his skills as a street performer in his hometown of Gwangju, South Korea. And it’s all thanks to his former dance crew Neuron, which still holds strong ties to the rapper years later.
Meet sunkis, the Pop Star Making Viral Hits on TikTok
Share this Article sunkis may not yet be a familiar name to many, but you’ve likely heard his songs on curated playlists or even danced along to his music on TikTok. His remix of “Like I Do” by Melbourne-based J.Tajor, has reached more than 19 million streams on Spotify. But most notably, the track has made the rounds on social media, after Filipino TikTokker Rizelle Disono created a dance challenge from the song.
Meet KATSEYE, the New Global Girl Group Where Representation is its ‘Superpower’
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. Despite their different backgrounds and nationalities, the members of KATSEYE consider themselves sisters.
How Singer-Songwriter JUNNY is Carving a Unique Path in the Korean Music Industry
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. These days, Korean Canadian singer-songwriter JUNNY has lots to feel good about.
As K-pop’s First Hard-of-Hearing Group, Big Ocean Hopes to Make the Industry a More Inclusive Place
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. Whenever a K-pop group debuts, it is the result of years of practice and dedication paid to perfecting the art of performance.
Meet tripleS, the World’s First ‘Decentralized’ K-pop Girl Group
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts.
Yes, plants can communicate with each other. Here's why some scientists say they're smarter than you think
The Sunday Magazine·Q&A In her new book, The Atlantic’s Zoë Schlanger explores the latest research into plant behaviour and why the notion of their intelligence is so hotly debated.
CRAVITY reaches for new heights in 'EVERSHINE'
CRAVITY’s arrival into the K-pop scene was anything but conventional. They debuted in April 2020 during the height of the pandemic, when promotional activities like in-person performances and meet and greets had to be shut down. Though despite those obstacles, CRAVITY overcame them all. In their first year as a band, the group was quickly dubbed as “Monster Rookies”—a term coined by Korean outlets to describe new K-pop groups who have gained popularity and success extremely quickly.
‘It’s Cool to Be the First’: Singer thuy on Making History at Coachella
Share this Article When thuy first received a text from her agents telling her they had surprise news, she initially thought she was in trouble. At the time, she was driving to the San Francisco Bay Area —where she was raised— and couldn’t take the anticipation any longer. She stopped her car and immediately hopped on a call with her agents. Moments later, they announced that she had gotten an offer to play at Coachella. “I remember them all screaming and my face was just frozen.
Singer AleXa is Breaking Barriers in the World of K-pop and Beyond
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. Behind the intricate choreography, glamorous outfits and jaw-dropping visuals, K-pop can be a gruelling and competitive industry.
K-pop Artists Who Have Challenged Gender Norms
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. Like much of the entertainment world, appearances are often scrutinized when it comes to K-pop.
A Beginner’s Guide to Tomorrow x Together (TXT)
Share this Article Welcome to The K-pop Chat, a monthly column dedicated to all things K-pop. In collaboration with the bunni pop newsletter, join writer Samantha Lui as she rolls out lists, content and interviews to keep you updated on the latest from the K-pop industry. For more K-pop content in your inboxes, subscribe to bunni pop for weekly posts. A lot can happen in a single year, and the argument could be made that TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT for short) is having their biggest one yet.
From festival, music hall to arena: The Rose's big year in three acts
(The Rose/Facebook) I did not set out to see The Rose three times this year. While many would ask why you would see the same band over and over again in such a short period of time, I’d argue that each live experience gives you something new — even if setlists remain largely the same. My first introduction to The Rose was actually through leader/guitarist Woosung, who opened for the rap group Epik High in March 2022.
What K-pop acts lose when they don't promote in Canada
(Sorry, Felix. I am sure you know what Canada is…) Any time a K-pop act announces a world tour, my body jolts with excitement, but is then quickly met with disappointment. “Going to the same U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles does not make a world tour!” I text my friends. But alas, that is another rant for another day. Toronto —and other Canadian cities — are left out once again.
South Korean Rockers The Rose Are Ready To Show The World Their Duality
The Rose Photo courtesy of the artist Known for creating vulnerable, emotional songs in both English and Korean, the Rose continue to expand their sound on 'DUAL.' In an interview, the band details their history as buskers, big year of touring and what's next. |GRAMMYs/Sep 25, 2023 - 01:50 pm South Korean indie rock band the Rose have reached new heights over the past year.
It's been a strange year for TIFF. But at least Asian stars get to shine
This probably ages me a lot, but I’ve been going to the Toronto International Film Festival for over a decade now. Over the years, I’ve attended the event as a spectator, a volunteer and as a member of the media. But aside from two pandemic years, the ongoing Hollywood actors and writers strikes have certainly put a damper on TIFF this year. Fewer Hollywood stars are showing up as a result, with red carpets attended mostly by directors and producers.
Tomorrow X Together's energetic and magnificent return to Lollapalooza
(Photo credit: Roger Ho for Lollapalooza) The rain was pouring on and off the Saturday Tomorrow X Together were set to headline Lollapalooza. I was clearly underdressed for the weather. But as a festival rookie, I suppose this is simply a rite of passage. I was among the estimated 115,000 concertgoers attending Lollapalooza that day, and many in the crowd were TXT fans — also known as MOAs (which stands for Moment of Alwaysness).
NewJeans dominated Lollapalooza. They might soon take over the world
(Photo credit: Roger Ho for Lollapalooza) While I was running low on sleep, my adrenaline was high. On August 3rd, I hitched a ride with my cousins in the wee hours of the morning as they drove nearly nine hours to Chicago from Toronto for Lollapalooza. Time was ticking, and NewJeans’ s ‘ETA’ kept ringing in my head. While we left at 4:30 am, NewJeans was set to perform at 5 pm. Thankfully, Chicago is one hour behind, so we ended up gaining an hour back.
Why some K-pop fans are calling for more environmentally friendly practices in the industry
Day 6 For K-Pop fans, physical albums and merch made by the bands they love are often collector’s items. They're also used by K-pop agencies to boost an artist's success. But there is an environmental cost. Bulk buying albums is common among fans as way to get rare merchandise and chance to meet their idols · CBC Radio · Day 611:11K-Pop's plastic problem Inside a Toronto bubble tea café, Ash Ledoux flips through a photo album with a group of friends.
A Guide To Cantopop: From Beyond And Sam Hui To Anita Mui
(Clockwise from left) Leslie Cheung, MIRROR, Anita Mui, Joey Yung, Andy Lau, Faye Wong Photos: LIU JINAFP via Getty Images; Li Zhihua/China News Service VCG via Getty Images; VCGVCG via Getty Images; Yim-Fong/South China Morning Post via Getty Images; VCGVCG via Getty Images; Visual China Group via Getty Images Since the 1970s, Cantopop has melded Western genres with local sounds to create a musical melting pot — much like Hong Kong itself.
Suga's ambitious solo debut tour is a cinematic ode to his past and present
It’s been exactly one week since I took an early morning flight to Chicago to catch one of my ultimate K-pop biases perform on his first solo headlining tour. I can’t quite say that I have fully recovered from that whirlwind weekend. But would I do it again for Suga? Absolutely. In a heartbeat! Those who follow my posts will barely need an introduction to Suga.
Get To Know The Many Sounds Of Asian Pop: From The Philippines' BGYO To Hong Kong's Tyson Yoshi & Thai Singer Phum Viphurit
While many are likely familiar with big names in K-pop such as BTS, BLACKPINK and NCT 127, the Asian content has a plethora of equally exciting pop acts. Read on for 10 artists from China, Japan, Vietnam and beyond who are worthy of checking out. |GRAMMYs/May 11, 2023 - 08:48 pm In recent years, the music industry has made strides when it comes to giving artists of Asian descent a platform.
Lexie Liu Is a Star on the Rise
Though South Korea has been a musical force to be reckoned with since K-pop started dominating the charts about a decade ago, the Chinese music scene is starting to garner attention too, with pop stars like Jackson Wang, Lay Zhang and G.E.M. finding international success. Now, 24-year-old Lexie Liu, from Changsha, China, is joining those ranks as a singer, songwriter and rapper—and fast becoming one of the top Asian acts to watch.
Liberation, life lessons and mental health with Agust D's 'D-Day'
(Photo credit: Big Hit Music) The topic of mental health and pressure has come up a lot over the last week in the K-pop world. And as a fan, it’s hard not to get affected by it as well. Idol-fan relationships have often been described as one-sided, with one person extending more emotional energy, interest and time towards celebrities despite the latter being unaware of the other’s existence. But the truth is, we often feel close to our idols because of how their music make us feel seen and heard.
Wanna dance like your favourite idols? A chat with R.P.M Dance Crew on perfecting K-pop choreography
Last April, I instantly became hooked the moment I heard “That That” by PSY and BTS’s Suga. Maybe it was because Suga looked so good as a cowboy pretending to ride a horse. Or perhaps it was the enthusiasm PSY displayed throughout the music video. Nevertheless, I thought the choreography for the song looked so silly and fun that I became determined to learn it. That led me to enroll in my very first K-pop dance class.
How K-Pop artists are expanding with their sound
Recent releases from K-Pop groups are beginning to explore more hard-hitting and aggressive tones when it comes to their songs. ATEEZ’s “Guerilla” is no exception. The song fuses choppy synths, coupled with a guitar heavy instrumental. The track truly comes to life in its final minute, as the ATEEZ boys go into full screamo mode.
Writers are finding ways to revive the endangered art of handwriting
The Current17:13Reviving the endangered art of handwriting The words "commerce" and "communications" are completely different words when it comes to spelling and definition. But during a recent gathering by the Toronto Letter Writers Society, members of the group found themselves teaming up to decipher which word was which when it came to a written letter sent by a pen pal.
One year since Borahaegas: That time I finally got to see BTS
Call me dramatic, but one year ago I had the best weekend of my life. I first became a fan of BTS in January 2020, when I was going through a tough and lonely time in my life. People often say BTS finds you when you need them most! And for me, that is what happened. The band’s music, lyrics and videos became my connection to the rest of the world.
Highlights (that were missed) from my interview with Epik High's Tablo
I recently had a chance to speak with Epik High’s Tablo for a second time, which is truly an amazing opportunity. Those who have been following the Korean music industry regard Epik High as one of the pioneers of Korean hip-hop. In fact, members of BTS, Seventeen and many others have listed them as influences in their music. Perhaps I will write about this some more in the future, but I can share that Canadian media has not fully embraced K-pop when it comes to coverage.
K-Pop being inspired by Black culture isn’t new
Anderson says the trend of using elements of ’90s mainstream hip-hop styles continued into the early 2000s with the rising popularity of idol groups including TVXQ, SHINee and 2PM, with each band featuring at least one rapper in it. However, there was greater emphasis put on vocalists who could take on a more R&B sound, as singers like Sam Cooke, Babyface and Keith Sweat were popular at the time.
Bunni Pop's March favourites: Featuring Jimin, Kai, Seventeen's Caratland and 'The Glory: Part 2'
March is quickly coming to a close, so it’s time for Bunni Pop’s monthly favourites! Here, I’ll break down some of the songs, shows and movies I’ve been consuming in the month of March. It’s a full circle moment for BTS member J-Hope, as he gets to collaborate with his longtime hero J.Cole for his single “on the street.” J-Hope has long idolized the American rapper since the beginning of his career, even covering Cole's track "Born Sinner" in 2013.
Electronic pop singer BÉBE YANA talks new track '64, and drawing inspiration from the '90s and early 2000s
Welcome to Bunni Pop extras! From time to time, I will post updates here with new music and profiles of up-and-coming artists. This week, I’m very excited to introduce readers to electronic pop queen BÉBE YANA! (Photo credit: A MASS CULTURE) Electronic pop has been making its way into K-pop in recent years, and rising artist BÉBE YANA is part of that movement.
From music halls to sold out arenas, keshi's rapid rise within a year
(Photo credit: Kenji Chong) When I look at keshi’s rise over the last year, it really is nothing short of amazing. Last May, I had a chance to catch his sold-out show at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall, with tickets reselling for over $250.00 each. That venue only holds about 1,500 people at capacity, and he had a line-up out the door of people trying to get tickets for his show. Now a year later, his audience has grown FIVE times the size.
Kang Daniel brings his stunning 'First Parade' to Toronto
K-pop shows are always a treat to attend no matter the venue, but it’s clear that solo artists have limitations in what they’re able to do. While many of the most popular K-pop groups tend to perform in arenas and stadiums, the same cannot be said to members who end up pursuing solo activities. The truth of the matter is, many artists who go solo have to contend with smaller venues when it comes to international audiences.
What Blackpink Jennie's role in 'The Idol' possibly reveals to us about Hollywood's treatment of Asian women
(Jennie of Blackpink, in The Idol. Photo credit: HBO) As Everything Everywhere All At Once heads to the Oscars this weekend with the most nominations — and possibly wins — it will mark a huge victory for Asian representation in Hollywood. After all, it’s a remarkable achievement for an ambitious indie film to premiere at South by Southwest Festival last March, then make its way to film’s biggest night a year later.
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