Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
Podcaster: Jan Lee
Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
PopVultures host Jan Lee explains her transition from the previous year-long Can I Tell You Something Crazy series about pop culture zeitgeist moments to a new scripted series in 2024 along the lines of Where Are They Now.
For once-famous Asian or global celebrities you might like to know more of but just don’t know where to start, DM Jan Lee your suggestions on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc or reach her at janlee@sph.com.sg
Meantime, you can catch up on back episodes of the Can I Tell You Something Crazy series at our show links below.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Amirul Karim
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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One of our guests also shows us the brilliance of her lyrics by reading them out to us. What are your faves?
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
American superstar Taylor Swift has dominated pop culture with her mega-successful Eras Tour, her historic fourth Grammy win for Album of the Year in 2024 and her fairytale-like romance with American football star Travis Kelce.
And she will soon be bringing her tour for a sold-out six-night show at National Stadium in Singapore from March 2-9. Ahead of her concert, #PopVultures host Jan Lee sits down for a throwback to her English-literature-student days.
Joining her in this episode to explore Swift's multi-generational appeal, are Life correspondent and "Swiftie" Yamini Chinnuswamy, 15-year-old Gen-Z "Swiftie" Yvonne Inglin as well as Ravi Agarwal, a 51-year-old connoisseur of Swift's lyrics.
Together, they discuss the literary value of her songs while Ravi also reads out the best of her lyrics. They analyse the appeal of her songs and how different songs reflect different periods in Swift's life.
They spotlight three of Swift's most famous songs from different eras of her career - Blank Space, Anti-Hero and All Too Well (10 Minute Version) - and talk about Swift's use of metaphors, rhymes and sentence structure. They also talk about their own impressions of these songs and why it fascinates and appeals to them.
They also ponder the very important question: Is a Nobel Literature Prize in Swift's future?
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:30 Introduction and everyone's favourite Swift kitty - is it Olivia Benson, Meredith Grey or Benjamin Button?
7:00 Favourite songs
9:30 Dissecting Blank Space
16:40 Examining/Exploring Anti-Hero
26:20 Debating All Too Well (10 Minute Version)
35:30 Rapid-fire Swiftie questions for Yvonne & Ravi
Watch the special video podcast version of this episode on the new Straits Times’ Podcast YouTube channel, where Yamini has set up a mini-Taylor Swift shrine: https://str.sg/itdC
Download ST's Taylor Swift 9-era infographic series in high-res PDF: https://str.sg/qQQU
More of ST's Taylor Swift coverage here: https://str.sg/CJDx
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yamini Chinnuswamy (yaminic@sph.com.sg), Amirul Karim and Eden Soh
Video Producers: Joel Chng, T Kumar, Zeke Tan and Marc de Souza
Edited by: Amirul Karim and Eden Soh
Follow #PopVultures here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
Read Yamini Chinnuswamy's articles: https://str.sg/h4rH
Follow Yamini Chinnuswamy on Instagram: https://str.sg/sVdB
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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The actor was found dead in an apparent suicide after a two-months long high-profile investigation into his alleged misuse of drugs.
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
The year of 2023 ended on a shocking and tragic note for the South Korean entertainment industry when actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for playing a wealthy patriarch in the Oscar-winning film Parasite (2019), died of an apparent suicide at the age of 48 on Dec 27, 2023.
Lee was a well-respected and prolific star, both known for his versatile acting and clean, upstanding image. He was married to actress Jeon Hye-jin and shared two sons with her.
But in the two months leading up to his death, Lee suffered a dramatic fall from grace. News broke in October that he was being investigated for allegations of illegal drug use - something heavily stigmatised in South Korea. The scandal, which arose after a bar hostess reportedly claimed that Lee took drugs at her residence, heavily affected Lee's career. Even though investigations were ongoing, Lee was dropped from projects and several of his works which were slated for release were halted.
After several rounds of investigation, including a 19-hour long questioning the weekend before his death, Lee was found dead in his car next to charcoal briquettes.
In this episode of #PopVultures, host Jan Lee recaps Lee's case and discusses the reported blackmail and extortion involved. She also examines why the scandal hit Lee so particularly hard and shares why some believe the police mishandled the case.
She also talks about other cases of drug investigation in South Korea involving celebrities like K-pop star G-Dragon and actor Yoo Ah-in and shares her own thoughts on the South Korean government's push for a "war on drugs".
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Amirul Karim
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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Helplines
Mental well-being
Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151 1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
Aware’s Sexual Assault Care Centre: 6779-0282 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline: 1800-777-0000
Counselling
TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
Online resources
mindline.sg
eC2.sg
www.tinklefriend.sg
www.chat.mentalhealth.sg
carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
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Revisiting the legacy of a 1990s Singaporean icon
Synopsis: Can I Tell You Something Crazy is a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, which examines with fresh eyes, events that shook Asian media and entertainment.
In 1990, Singaporean model Bonny Hicks, just 22 at the time, published her first book Excuse Me, Are You A Model?
The book was meant to be a tell-all about the modelling industry. How does one become a model, what are the perks of the job and are there any secrets to success? But instead of writing about modelling, Hicks ended up writing about her own life. She shared about her childhood, her various love affairs with different men, alluded to a romantic relationship with a woman and even opened up about her one-time desire to have an illegitimate child.
The book, an unprecedented local bestseller, scandalised and divided Singaporeans. While there were schoolgirls who rushed out to purchase the book, which sold 12,000 copies in just three days, there were also angry members of the public who scolded Bonny for being irresponsible, promiscuous and scoffed at her lack of a university education. One even called Hicks the demise of the Singaporean novelist.
She was judged, not just for her writing, but for her life and her moral values. Two years after the book's publication, Hicks took off to Indonesia, going into a self-exile to shield herself from the social shunning she received in her home country.
But just as her work was slowly being reconsidered as an important piece in Singapore's publishing and literary history, Hicks boarded the ill-fated Silkair MI185 flight.The plane tragically crashed on Dec 19, 1997, killing all 104 people onboard - leaving Singapore with only the memories of a life cut short.
In this episode of Can I Tell You Something Crazy, #PopVultures host Jan Lee travels back in time to 1990s Singapore to revisit the legacy of Bonny Hicks, a model who became more known for her prose than her photos. Through Hicks' story, this episode examines what has changed about Singapore, its social mores and celebrity culture at large.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Amirul Karim
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
#PV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Host Jan Lee recaps everything from Barbieheimer to K-pop boyband BTS entering the military
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
As 2023 comes to an end, #PopVultures host recap and give updates on some of the biggest happenings in entertainment across the world, from the revenge concert-going and ticket-buying mania that gripped Singapore to the writers and actors strike in Hollywood and the fall of idol management agency Johnny & Associates in Japan.
She also runs down her list of favourite television shows and films of the year.
Here is what she covers:
2:07 Concert mania - Taylor Swift, Coldplay and J-pop acts like Yoasobi
6:23 Summer of Barbieheimer - blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer - bringing audiences back to the movie theatres
11:13 The Hollywood writers and actors strike, which gained both unions historic gains and protections
15:29 Updates on the sex abuse scandal that brought down Japanese idol agency Johnny & Associates
26:15 Taiwan's #MeToo wave and why it was disappointing to observe
31:13 The case of K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty takes a turn
33:22 Drug allegations against BigBang leader G-Dragon and South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun
34:51 BTS enlists into the military
36:50 Jan's favourite television shows and movies of the year
TV: The Last Of Us, Succession, The Glory and Oh No! Here Comes Trouble
Films: Past Lives and Marry My Dead Body
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Amirul Karim
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
#PV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Part Two: The horror of how Britney Spears came to be placed under a 13-year-long involuntary conservatorship.
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
Pop diva Britney Spears' memoir has been a smash hit, selling over 2.4 million copies worldwide in the first week of its release. In our previous episode (Pt 1), host Jan Lee discussed the bombshells the now 41-year-old singer dropped in the first part of her book, including the revelation that former beau, pop star Justin Timberlake, talked her into having an abortion.
Continuing the discussion of the book, part two of the podcast delves into the horrifying story of Britney’s mental breakdown and her eventual entry into an involuntary conservatorship.
It looks at the misogyny and media scrutiny she had to endure and details how her family conspired against her and lured her into a conservatorship that stripped her of the right to make personal and financial decisions for herself.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Amirul Karim
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
#PV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Part One of the bombshells the pop star dropped in her best-selling book.
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
After being freed from a 13-year long conservatorship, pop diva Britney Spears released her highly anticipated memoir The Woman In Me on Oct 24. The book is a smash hit and a New York Times best-seller, with 2.4 million copies sold worldwide in just a week. Previously unknown bombshells - like how Spears aborted her child with former flame and pop star Justin Timberlake - dominated headlines.
The book charts the now 41-year-old Spears' journey to superstardom during her childhood and adolescent years and later details of how fame, failed relationships with stars like Justin Timberlake and Kevin Federline and abuse derailed her life and cornered her into an exploitative conservatorship.
She was involuntarily placed under the conservatorship in 2008, during which she lost the ability to make basic decisions about her finances, career, life and medical care. Spears was freed from the conservatorship only in 2021.
In the first of two parts, #PopVultures host Jan Lee, who read the book from cover to cover, shares her most memorable takeaways from the book. Here is what she talks about in Part One.
3:52 Is The Woman In Me well-written or trustworthy? Does Spears show self-reflection and introspection in the book?
9:28 The Justin Timberlake-era of Britney's life
23:33 Why Britney's love story with Kevin Federline is tragic from the get-go
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Amirul Karim
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
#PV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Three Swifties discuss the pop star’s romance, music and how she has changed and matured
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
#PopVultures host and recent Swiftie convert Jan Lee invites The Straits Times lifestyle journalists Yamini Chinnuswamy and Charmaine Lim, both fellow Swifties, to talk about superstar Taylor Swift’s new relationship with American football player Travis Kelce.
They discuss the masterful rollout of the Taylor-Travis romance and how well Swift uses the media and pop culture zeitgeist to her advantage. From being seen with British actress Sophie Turner amid her acrimonious divorce with Swift’s ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas to posing with Beyonce at the premiere of her Eras concert film - the singer knows how to generate headlines.
Here is what they talked about.
Highlights (tap/click above):
1:51 Our relationship with Swift - how did we become Swifties?
6:36 The Taylor-Travis romance - how it began, the reveal of their relationship and whether it is a PR stunt
12:59 Sophie Turner, Joe Jonas and how Swift took Turner’s side
18:43 How Swift handled her previous relationships and her image to the public
32:26 The turning point in Swift’s career - The Snake Incident
39:12 How petty Swift can be and why we love it
44:13 Swift’s business and management acumen
51:39: Our Taylor Swift awards - favourite boyfriend, worst boyfriend, favourite songs and more
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) Amirul Karim and Eden Soh
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
#PV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How they "mass-reported" to Chinese authorities, a fan fiction about him and fellow actor Wang Yibo.
Synopsis: Can I Tell You Something Crazy is a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, which examines with fresh eyes, events that shook Asian media and entertainment.
In 2019, Chinese actor Xiao Zhan was easily one of the hottest stars in China. The previously little-known star had broken out that year in China and across the world with the mega-hit Chinese fantasy period series The Untamed, where he acted opposite fellow Chinese star Wang Yibo.
Adapted from a hugely popular boys' love novel named Grandmaster Of Demonic Cultivation, The Untamed attracted a large, ardent fan base that shot both its leads to A-list status. But less than a year after Xiao found fame, his loyal fan base became his undoing.
In a controversy termed the 227 (Feb 27, 2020) incident, Xiao’s fans following reported a piece of fan fiction that they felt portrayed their idol in an unflattering light and it caused one of the world's largest fan fiction sites - Archive Of Our Own - to be banned in China.
In response, fan fiction readers, writers and more, targeted Xiao Zhan, calling for the boycott of brands he works with and review-bombing projects he had previously been in. The boycott was so widespread and overwhelming that Xiao eventually apologised for his fans' actions.
In this episode of Can I Tell You Something Crazy, #PopVultures host Jan Lee takes another look at the 227 incident - a fight between two factions of fandom that blew up beyond anyone's imagination.
It is a story of para-social relationships, toxic fandoms, the murky politics of boys’ love in China, censorship, reporting culture and also, a story about stories - the value, power and refuge that fan fiction often provides.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
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Each follow on the audio apps below and a rating really helps us! Happy listening!
Synopsis: A brand new feature is within The Straits Times app, which you can download from the Apple app store or the Google Play store. For those of you who already have it, the latest version update now has a dedicated Podcast Section, where you can listen to our latest incoming show episodes and check out back episodes too.
You can also choose to follow our podcast RSS feeds, or the shows on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
If you have a smart home speaker like the Google Home or Nest device, or your Android phone, just say: “Hey Google, play me (name of any of the shows below) or The Straits Times Podcasts.”
Get The Straits Times app from
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
Produced & edited by: Ernest Luis & Teo Tong Kai
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#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
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Find out why netizens back their agency instead in an ongoing dispute.
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
If you are on TikTok, you might have a heard a viral song that goes like this: "I'm feelin' lonely/Oh, I wish I'd find a lover that could hold me." Those are the lyrics to Cupid, one of 2023's biggest songs, sung by rookie K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty.
Cupid is a record-breaking hit. Not only did it make the group the fastest K-pop act to debut on the Billboard Hot 100, it is also the longest-charting K-pop girl group song in history, on the Hot 100. They are even on the soundtrack of 2023's biggest movie Barbie, with their number Barbie Dreams.
Unfortunately, all promotions and new activities of the group have been suspended.
In June, Fifty Fifty's agency Attrakt accused Warner Music Korea of attempting to poach the group. Shortly after, Fifty Fifty announced that they had filed a lawsuit to suspend their exclusive contract with Attrakt, alleging a lack of transparency in finances and failure to fulfil contractual obligations.
The shocking departure of Fifty Fifty from their agency just as their careers were set to take off, has made headlines in South Korea.
While idols mired in legal disputes with their agencies would usually enjoy the support of their fans, public opinion for Fifty Fifty in this case has firmly soured. #PopVultures host Jan Lee examines why, in this episode.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Paxton Pang
Edited by: Paxton Pang
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
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Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
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COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
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It can be traced back to his daughter's lifelong fixation with the Hong Kong movie star.
Synopsis: Can I Tell You Something Crazy is a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, which examines with fresh eyes, events that shook Asian media and entertainment.
In March 2007, Hong Kong movie star Andy Lau attended a joyous event organised by Andy World Club, his official fan club. There, he played games, chatted with fans and took photos - including one with Yang Lijuan, a Chinese fan who had travelled from her hometown of Gansu province in China to meet her lifelong idol.
Everything seemed fine. But just a day later, Yang Lijuan's father - a retired schoolteacher named Yang Qinji - threw himself into the sea and left behind a 3,000-word suicide note addressed to Lau. In it he wrote: “Andy Lau, your heart is black, you have no conscience. You are worse than a dog.”
What had world-famous film star Lau done to incur such wrath from a humble schoolteacher in China?
In this episode of Can I Tell You Something Crazy, #PopVultures host Jan Lee revisits the most infamous "fan" in China - Yang Lijuan. Her father burnt through his savings, sold their family's house and eventually took his own life, all to support his daughter's lifelong, unhealthy fixation with Lau.
This is not just a story of one of the most extreme and tragic examples of what celebrity obsession can lead to, it is also a cautionary tale - about the incredible power the media wields and the incredible damage it can inflict.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Paxton Pang and Eden Soh
Edited by: Paxton Pang
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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This marks the first time since 1960, that both labour unions representing writers and actors, are on strike together.
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
Despite the double summer blockbuster of Barbieheimer - which brought in the fourth largest weekend box office of all time - Hollywood is currently at a standstill. Amid deteriorating working conditions and salaries that have failed to keep pace with rising inflation, the writers and actors of America are on strike.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA), who write for television, went on strike in May against the major studios, networks and streamers that form the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) followed in July, going on strike having failed to reach a fair deal with the AMPTP.
This marks the first time since 1960 that both labour unions have been on strike together. In this episode of #PopVultures, host Jan Lee runs down the reasons why both unions are on strike, why it is unlikely to end anytime soon and how this double strike will affect audiences around the world.
Highlights (tap/click above):
1:19 What is the WGA, SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP?
3:34 How is Hollywood affected when the unions go on strike?
7:19 Why are the unions on strike? Their demands and how long might the strike last
23:10 How are viewers affected?
28:20 Some exceptions to the strike and the meaning of “scab”
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Paxton Pang and Eden Soh
Edited by: Paxton Pang
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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Explore the emergence of an unprecedented #MeToo movement in the Taiwanese entertainment industry.
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
The Taiwanese entertainment industry has been rocked by an unprecedented #MeToo wave, where sexual assault and harassment allegations have been levelled at several prominent celebrities, including hosts Mickey Huang and Blackie Chen as well as boy band Fahrenheit member Aaron Yan.
In this episode, #PopVultures host Jan Lee discusses how and why this reckoning on sexual assault unfolded in Taiwan, recapping some of the major names who have been accused with particular focus on Huang, Yan and Chen.
Highlights (tap/click above):
2:35 The Taiwanese drama Wave Makers that kickstarted its #MeToo wave
8:00 The downfall of Taiwanese host and comedian Jeffrey Hsu Chieh-hui
10:30 Mickey Huang admits to sexual harassment and the 23-minute video tirade he went on
20:00 Aaron Yan accused of filming sex videos of his 16-year-old ex-boyfriend without consent
30:27 Blackie Chen being accused of workplace sexual harassment in two instances
46:02 Final thoughts
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Paxton Pang and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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Revisit the watershed 40-month legal dispute between SM Entertainment and former TVXQ members, that has seen a repeat attempt by three EXO members recently.
Synopsis: Can I Tell You Something Crazy is a new scripted series every month under the #PopVultures banner, which examines with fresh eyes, events that shook Asian media and entertainment.
In 2009, the five-man K-pop boy band TVXQ were on top of the world. Their fourth album Mirotic was the best-selling album of 2008 in South Korea, with over half a million copies sold, while the hit title track Mirotic swept wins at awards shows and gained fans around the world.
With 800,000 fans in their Korean fan club - the most of any K-pop group at the time - and 200,000 fans in their Japanese fan club, TVXQ were superstars. As one of the earliest breakout K-pop groups of the Hallyu wave in the early 2000s, they were the first Korean act to headline a concert in Malaysia and the first Korean group invited to perform at the Japanese New Year's Eve music programme Kohaku Uta Gassen.
But everything came to a halt in July 2009.
At the peak of their popularity, three members of the group - Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun and Xiah Junsu, who would later come to be known as JYJ - sued their management agency SM Entertainment and asked to be let go from their contracts. But fellow members U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin, insisted on staying with the company, splitting the group's considerable fandom in two.
Hot on the heels of the recent attempt by three members of another SM Entertainment group - Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin of EXO - to terminate their contracts with the company, #PopVultures host Jan Lee revisits the watershed 40-month legal dispute between SM Entertainment and former TVXQ members.
With the help of K-pop scholar and senior lecturer at Macquarie University Dr Thomas Baudinette, she examines the aftershocks the case left on the industry, which can still be felt even today.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Paxton Pang, Eden Soh and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Paxton Pang
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's articles: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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Allegations about the prominent Japanese talent agency first date back to the 1980s.
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
#PopVultures host Jan Lee examines the major sexual abuse scandal surrounding J-pop boy band agency Johnny & Associates, known for producing groups such as Arashi and Smap as well as the younger, million-seller groups like Snow Man and SixTones. Former idol trainees at the 60-year-old company have come out to accuse the agency's late founder Johnny Kitagawa, who died in 2019, of a consistent pattern of sexual assault.
Kitagawa's niece - Julie Keiko Fuijishima, the current president of the agency - has apologised in light of the snowballing allegations, which first date back to the 1980s, though she did not acknowledge the veracity of these claims.
In this episode, Jan - a long-time Arashi fan, gives a background on Johnny & Associates, who Kitagawa is, and recaps the events that have happened in the current news cycle about the allegations.
She shares why these allegations, which first surfaced some 40 years ago, went ignored by mainstream Japanese media for as long as it did. She also discusses her own feelings as a long-time fan of the talents produced by Johnny & Associates.
Highlights (tap/click above):
4:05 What Johnny & Associates is, how the agency works and who Johnny Kitagawa is
9:56 A recap of key events that have happened in the current news cycle about Kitagawa's sexual abuse, from a BBC documentary to a public statement from the company's most veteran talent Noriyuki Higashiyama
31:53 Thoughts from a long-time fan
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Eden Soh and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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The series of events unfolded after the late Hong Kong superstar retired from the music scene in 1992.
Synopsis: Can I Tell You Something Crazy is a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, which examines with fresh eyes, events that shook Asian media and entertainment.
In 1992, Anita Mui was only 29, but she had made up her mind to retire from music. The late Hong Kong superstar, known for songs like Bad Girl (1985) and The Song Of Sunset (1989), bid farewell to her singing career with a series of 30 concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum that wrapped in January 1992.
Mui, who was also known for her acting performances in movies like Rouge (1987), wanted to shed her pop diva persona to focus on acting and charity. She was ready for a career pivot and a new beginning. Unfortunately, things went sideways quickly.
On May 4, 1992, Mui was at a celebration with friends at Take One karaoke, having fun and drinks. But at the same venue was a film producer named Wong Long-wai, who reportedly asked her to do the thing she had retired from - to sing for him. She refused. Wong slapped her across the face. Three days later, he was shot dead.
In this episode of Can I Tell You Something Crazy, #PopVultures host Jan Lee looks at the infamous Anita Mui slapping incident that forced the pop diva to flee her beloved city, and looks back at how Hong Kong's golden era of cinema came to be overrun by guns, triads and thugs.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Paxton Pang
Edited by: Paxton Pang & Eden Soh
Follow #PopVultures 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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Why is an awards show reimagined to be a 'concert' this year?
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
The annual Star Awards event in Singapore has come and gone yet again. Mediacorp's annual glitzy awards show for its Chinese language content and performers wrapped up on April 9.
#PopVultures host Jan Lee covered the show and gives her opinions on what went down.
From the show's K-pop inspired opening to a baffling 'hand dance' that Felica Chin and Rebecca Lim performed; from Xiang Yun's repeat wins to the lack of trophies for veterans like Richard Low - Jan breaks down what went right, what went wrong and what she hopes to see in the coming years.
Highlights (tap/click above):
0:48 Richie Koh awarded Best Actor
4:20 Weird opening of the Star Awards
7:40 Evergreen artistes performance
9:29 Baffling "hand dance" by All-Time Favourite Artistes
17:54 Repetitiveness of Star Awards
20:36 More recognition for young stars
22:05 Things that can be improved on
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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April 1, 2023 is the 20th anniversary of the Asian pop icon's death.
Synopsis: Can I Tell You Something Crazy is a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, which examines with fresh eyes, events that shook Asian media and entertainment.
On April 1, 2003, the world was shocked by the loss of one of the most beloved, enduring and seductive stars to ever grace screens. Singer and actor Leslie Cheung died by suicide at the age of 46, leaping to his death from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong, after succumbing to a battle with severe depression.
2003 was a dark year for Hong Kong. The Sars epidemic ravaged the city. Yet, Cheung's death ignited a wave of public grieving, with people lining the streets outside his memorial to mourn him.
The singer-actor was beloved and known for his androgynous style onstage and his acclaimed performances in films like Days Of Being Wild (1990), Farewell My Concubine (1993) and Happy Together (1997) onscreen. Off screen, his personal life, especially his sexuality, was highly scrutinised.
Host Jan Lee celebrates Cheung’s life on the 20th anniversary of his death. She looks at the star’s legacy as a queer icon - both in his pop music and his film roles - and how his tragic end highlighted the stigma around mental health and his own sexual orientation.
Helplines:• Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
• Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
• Community Health Assessment Team 6493-6500/1
Find Part 1 of the Edison sex photogate saga here: https://str.sg/wv4r
Find Part 2 here: https://str.sg/wv4H
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee & Paxton Pang
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Eden Soh
Follow #PopVultures 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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How celebrities in this genre are marketed and their relationship with LGBTQ audiences.
Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
PopVultures host Jan Lee examines the unique pop culture genre of Thai boys' love dramas in this region and how they are marketed. She also looks at the term 'queer baiting' - what it actually means and how the term has been mistranslated and misused.
Thai actor Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat got fans into a bit of a frenzy after he posted several tweets explaining his relationship with his onscreen partner Gulf Kanawut Traipipattanapong.
The two were stars of a popular Thai boys' love drama TharnType: The Series (2019- 2020) and attracted many fans with their "couple pairing" both on and off screen. After Mew explained that he shares a purely platonic relationship with Gulf, he was accused of 'queer baiting'. Jan examines why Mew's words triggered so much unhappiness among fans.
Highlights (tap/click above):
1:28 Who is Mew?
3:15 Thailand's specialty in producing 'BL' dramas; and the difference in treatment with other Asian countries
7:25 How does 'fan service' play into its marketing? How celebs in this genre are marketed?
8:59 What did Mew say and why are fans upset?
14:11 What queer baiting actually means and why real people cannot 'queer bait'
22:40 How British pop star Harry Styles is also accused of 'queer baiting', final thoughts about 'fan service' and engaging with Thai BL culture
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Teo Tong Kai
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
---
Special edition series:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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The shocking sex scandal that forced him actor and pop star Edison Chen of Hong Kong's film industry.
Synopsis: Host Jan Lee takes a look at how the saga unfolded in a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, titled Can I Tell You Something Crazy.
Actor and pop star Edison Chen was at one time one of the hottest, most promising young celebrities in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. But a shocking sex scandal forced him out of the city's film industry.
Now, 15 years after the scandal, and in this second episode, host Jan Lee covers how the police responded to the case, including their bungled first arrest of the entire saga - Chung Yik-tin - which led to netizens marching on the streets in protest to demand for his release.
She looks at the trial of Sze Ho-chun, a computer technician eventually sentenced to jail for stealing the photos off Chen's laptop, Chen's CNN interview following the trial and his comeback in Hong Kong entertainment.
After sharing her thoughts about how the scandal was covered, Jan wraps up by giving updates on the lives of Chen, Chung and Cheung now.
Find Part 1 here: https://str.sg/wv4r
Find the series' episode on Leslie Cheung here: https://str.sg/iZ9z
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Teo Tong Kai
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
---
Special edition series:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
---
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It has been exactly 15 years since the scandal first broke on Jan 27, 2008. Get a cuppa, sit back and let us transport you back in pop culture history.
Synopsis: Host Jan Lee takes a look at how the saga unfolded in a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, titled Can I Tell You Something Crazy.
Actor and pop star Edison Chen was at one time one of the hottest, most promising young celebrities in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. But a shocking sex scandal forced him out of the city's film industry.
In 2008, hundreds of sexually explicit photos of Chen with female celebrities such as idol singer Gillian Chung and actress Cecilia Cheung leaked on the Internet, sparking a scandal that made headline news and dominated the pages of tabloids for weeks and months. It was later discovered that these private photos were stolen from Chen's laptop when he dropped it off for repair. Chen, as well as the various women seen in the photos, were viciously shamed by the public and hounded by the media.
Now, exactly 15 years after the first photos leaked on Jan 27, 2008, host Jan Lee takes a look at how the saga unfolded in the first of a two-parter about the Edison Chen sex-photogate.
Over the two episodes, Jan looks at how the media covered the story, how the case was handled by the police and the brutal victim-shaming and trauma the celebrities suffered. She also examines why the story is such an encapsulation of a unique, yet bygone time in history - after the advent of the Internet but before the proliferation of smartphones, social media and online news.
In this first episode, she covers Chen's debut in show business, what happened when the scandal first broke and the reactions of the public, the media as well as the celebrity response in the immediate aftermath of the scandal.
Find Part 2 here: https://str.sg/wv4H
Find the series' episode on Leslie Cheung here: https://str.sg/iZ9z
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee, Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
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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Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
After a three-month hiatus, #PopVultures host Jan Lee teases what she has been working on and gives her first reactions to some of the more thrilling revelations coming out of Prince Harry's autobiography - the brilliantly titled Spare.
Highlights (tap/click above):
0:48 An update on #PopVultures.
06:20 A brief recap on what Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have been up to since stepping down as working royals.
10:40 What are the most headline-grabbing stories from Spare?
14:42 Thoughts on stories coming out from the book and why it could be a bad PR move on Prince Harry's part.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee & Eden Soh
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Eden Soh
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
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
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Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In this very special crossover episode of #PopVultures and Green Pulse, hosts Jan Lee and Audrey Tan discuss celebrities and the climate.
Hollywood personalities like Kylie Jenner recently found herself the subject of much criticism after she posted a picture of herself with her partner Travis Scott standing between two private jets with the caption: "You wanna take mine or yours?"
Amid an ongoing climate crisis that is already impacting vulnerable communities, her picture did not go down well, with many criticising Jenner and celebrities like her who use private jets - an extremely environmentally harmful mode of travel.
Jan and Audrey discuss the impact celebs have - both good and bad - on the environment through their lifestyles, endorsements and public stances.
Highlights (tap/click above):
01:43 Kylie Jenner and celebrities' use of private jets; why is air travel so harmful to the environment?
08:33 Is it fair to single celebrities out as 'climate criminals' when climate change is a far-reaching global problem?
12:15 Kourtney Kardashian's collaboration with Boohoo
13:50 What is greenwashing? Why is it difficult to detect?
26:15 Can celebrities ever be helpful in the fight against climate change?
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee & Eden Soh
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
Is Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne dead? Are One Direction members Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson in a secret relationship? Has Chinese actor Zhang Zhehan been replaced by a body double?
In this #PopVultures episode, tumble down host Jan Lee's favourite pop culture rabbit hole - bizarre fandom conspiracy theories.
Highlights (tap/click above):
3:25 Examining pop culture conspiracy theories such as the Avril-is-dead conspiracy theory
7:52 What is shipping and why has it contributed to fandom conspiracy theories?
10:48 The Larry Stylinson ship and how it led to the Larry's-baby-is-fake conspiracy theory
19:19 The fake-Zhang Zhehan conspiracy theory
35:34 Thoughts on why fandom conspiracy theories gain traction - how it ties into social media and para-social relationships
42:44 Deepfake technology and how it breeds distrust
47:28 Final thoughts
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee & Eden Soh
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
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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Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
#PopVultures host Jan Lee goes all in on the Adam Levine cheating scandal. The frontman of pop band Maroon 5 found himself raked over the coals on the Internet, after an Instagram model named Sumner Stroh went on TikTok and claimed she had an affair with Levine.
The bombshell allegation came just four days after Levine’s wife, former Victoria’s Secret model Behati Prinsloo, announced on Instagram that the couple is expecting their third child.
Stroh’s expose came with receipts as her TikTok video came attached with screenshots of direct messages (DMs) Levine sent her on Instagram - including one where he asks if he can name his unborn child after Sumner.
Jan Lee runs down the ins and outs of the scandal, including claims that Levine and Stroh have made regarding their relationship, and discusses the reaction to the scandal and what else makes this case interesting.
Highlights (tap/click above):
1:09 The Adam Levine scandal explained - What happened? Who said what?
11:45 Are Sumner Stroh’s claims believable or plausible?
20:05 The culture’s reaction to Sumner Stroh and whether it is justified
29:01 The consequences of famous older men sliding into the DMs of much younger, social media-savvy women.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In this episode of #PopVultures, Jan Lee talks about the most popular K-drama of late -Extraordinary Attorney Woo - and the well-received local Channel 8 series Your World In Mine. Both shows feature protagonists who are neurodivergent.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo, fronted by actress Park Eun-bin, tells the tale of a rookie lawyer on the autism spectrum while Your World In Mine depicts an adult with an intellectual disability.
While these portrayals have been hailed for its heartwarming stories and centering the experiences of those usually sidelined in mainstream narratives, there are some who have doubts about whether these series are truly helpful to those in the neurodivergent community.
Jan discusses why both shows have become such hits and the limitations of media in portraying autism and intellectual disabilities.
Highlights (tap/click above):
0:15 Introducing topic: Extraordinary Attorney Woo and minority groups
5:12 Your World In Mine and Richie Koh's performance
7:18 Do such portrayals represent people on the autism spectrum well?
12:30 Reactions from people on the autism spectrum
18:42 Jan's thoughts
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In this episode of #PopVultures, host Jan Lee looks at the shocking news coming out of Warner Bros. Discovery - that the close-to-completed films Batgirl starring Leslie Grace and the animated Scooby-Doo movie Scoob!: Holiday Haunt will be cancelled entirely and will not be released in theatres or via streaming.
In the background of these cancellations is the disturbing news surrounding The Flash's actor Ezra Miller. While Batgirl may be cancelled, The Flash is still slated for a 2023 release despite its lead - Miller - having multiple legal problems. The 29-year-old has been arrested for disorderly conduct, harassment, burglary, assault and has even been accused of sexually grooming a teenager.
Jan Lee talks about the behind-the-scenes shake-ups at Warner Bros. Discovery and what the news means for the extended cinematic universe of the DC Comics superheroes.
Highlights (tap/click above):
0:26 What is going on at Warner Bros. Discovery
0:39 The cancellation of Batgirl and Scoob!: Holiday Haunt
1:37 The quiet removal of select titles from Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service HBO Max
2:52 The possible rationale behind these decisions
13:42 The troubling implication of films and television shows disappearing from streaming platforms
19:40 The DC extended cinematic universe's new ten-year strategy and why it might not work as well
23:40 All the Ezra Miller drama and how it makes Warner Bros. Discovery look hypocritical
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee and Eden Soh
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
The K-pop supergroup BTS announced on June 14 that they were taking an indefinite break from one of the world’s most popular acts to focus on solo pursuits. The seven members, who are credited with generating billions of dollars for the South Korean economy, dropped the bombshell during their streamed annual “Festa” dinner, part of a celebration that marks their anniversary as a group. Fans are worried this could be the end of the Bangtan Era.
#PopVultures host Jan Lee shares her views on the announcement, the details of the hiatus and how this is a good thing for BTS to grow as artists and people.
Highlights (tap/click above):
2:07 Announcement of the hiatus and the chain reaction that followed
10:09 Impacts of BTS on the music industry
15:30 Thoughts about BTS' hiatus announcement
31:40 Will BTS be back in the future?
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Pax Pang and Eden Soh
Edited by: Pax Pang
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
The verdict of the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard was announced recently. The former couple have been in an ugly legal battle since Heard called herself a "public figure representing domestic abuse" in a 2018 op-ed. Depp sued her for defamation and Heard countersued him. A seven-man jury found both Depp and Heard liable for defamation but awarded significantly more in damages to Depp in what is considered a win for the 59-year-old actor.
#PopVultures host Jan Lee shares her shock at how the trial's jury was not sequestered during such high-profile proceedings. She shares her experience of watching the trial and people's reactions to it unfolding, as well as the rampant misinformation online she has seen about the case, with fake quotes, false claims and headlines being floated around as fact. She also spotlights why Hollywood had been reluctant to work with Depp even prior to Heard's op-ed.
Highlights (tap/click above):
03:31 First reactions to the trial - why was the jury not sequestered?
09:10 Why the rhetoric used to attack Heard's testimony was harmful to victims of abuse and violence regardless of whether Heard was lying or not
23:13 How easily people online have been swayed by blatant misinformation surrounding the trial
34:00 Our ability to accommodate nuance and grey areas
37:37 How Heard might fare in her career after the trial and whether she might still appear in the Aquaman sequel
39:53 Why Depp's career is in decline and why Hollywood might remain reluctant to work with him even after the defamation trial awarded him a win
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Pax Pang and Eden Soh
Edited by: Pax Pang
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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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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Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
The defamation suit between former Hollywood couple Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have put the ugly details of their marriage out for public scrutiny. The two stars were married briefly from 2015 to 2016, after dating for several years.
In 2018, Heard wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post saying that she "became a public figure representing domestic abuse" in 2016. Depp sued for defamation over this and alleged instead that Heard was abusive towards him.
The ensuing trial has become a media circus. Social media is flooded with memes, spliced and edited videos of the trial, pseudoscience analyses of Depp and Heard's body language and hashtags such as #JusticeForJohnnyDepp and #AmberHeardIsAPsychopath trending on Twitter.
PopVultures host Jan Lee gives her thoughts on why the public reaction to the trial has been deeply troubling and how the whole saga has been mired with backlash over the #MeToo movement.
Highlights (tap/click above):
03:04 Introduction of the Depp-Heard relationship and defamation suits Depp has embarked on
12:04 The disturbing memeification of the trial and why it needs to stop
21:03 How #MeToo ties into the trial
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Paxton Pang and Eden Soh
Edited by: Paxton Pang
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, took place over last weekend in Los Angeles, Hollywood and despite historic wins and a Beyonce performance, all anyone can talk about since is The Slap. The night's Best Actor winner Will Smith marched on stage to slap comedian Chris Rock after he made a joke at the expense of Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
#PopVultures host Jan Lee unpacks everything related to the shocking moment - sharing how it was watching the event unfold in real time and addressing baseless claims about how The Slap was staged (it's not). Jan also sheds some light on the online discourse surrounding Will Smith and his marriage prior to the Oscars, and discusses issues that The Slap has brought up.
Highlights (tap/click above):
00:53 An introduction and recap of The Slap, including the immediate online reaction and the subsequent fallout
12:28 Why there is no way The Slap was a staged publicity stunt
19:40 Context on Will Smith, his marriage and the Smiths' history with Chris Rock
26:12 How The Slap has surfaced complicated and nuanced issues relating to comedy, toxic masculinity, race and the Academy's own troubled history
35:01 Final thoughts - how this incident marred the entire Oscars night
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Teo Tong Kai, Paxton Pang and Eden Soh
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
Music's biggest night - the Grammys - are just around the corner as the ceremony prepares to take place on Monday morning (April 4) Singapore time. But one notable nominee - with five nominations going into the ceremony - has been banned from performing and that is rapper Kanye West, now officially known as Ye.
The Grammys confirmed they made the decision in light of the 44-year-old's "concerning online behavior". Kanye, who divorced reality show star Kim Kardashian in February 2021, has embarked on a disturbing campaign of harassment and violent threats in an attempt to win back his former wife ever since Kardashian began publicly dating comedian Pete Davidson.
#PopVultures host Jan Lee gives a run-down of what has happened and her own observations. Why has the media, fans and the public at large, found it so difficult and uncomfortable to talk about Kanye and his harassment of Kim? How does public branding of Kanye and Kim as individuals, but also as a couple, tie into this situation of abuse and intimidation?
Highlights (tap/click above):
02:35 An introduction to Kanye and Kim
05:01 Kanye's mental health issues and his attempt at running for President of the United States
09:27 A recount of what has happened since Kim began dating Pete Davidson
19:24 Why has it been so difficult to talk about Kanye and his harassment of Kim?
31:27 Final thoughts from Jan Lee
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Teo Tong Kai and Paxton Pang
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Paxton Pang
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
The news of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu getting hitched with her former flame, the South Korean musician DJ Koo or Koo Jun-yup of the dance music duo Clon, sent shockwaves through the Asian entertainment industry.
Hsu, 45, only divorced her Chinese businessman husband Wang Xiaofei in November 2021. But upon hearing news of her divorce, Koo, 52, whom Hsu dated over two decades ago, called her and rekindled their romance. They married after around three months of video calls, without ever meeting once in person since reconnecting.
While some netizens are sceptical about the newlyweds' story of only reconnecting after Hsu's divorce, #PopVultures host Jan Lee believes that lightning romances and falling head over heels in love is completely on brand for Hsu. She takes a deep dive into her romantic history, which is full of famous men and tearful breakdowns on screen.
Highlights (tap/click above):
02:40 Introduction on Barbie Hsu's recent divorce and new marriage
07:55 Barbie Hsu and Koo Jun-yup's relationship in the late 1990s
09:07 Who is Koo Jun-yup? The first-wave Hallyu group Clon
13:25 Barbie Hsu's romantic history - Blackie Chen, Koo Jun-yup, Blue Lan, Vic Chou and Wang Xiao Fei
31:55 Final thoughts
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Teo Tong Kai and Paxton Pang
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Paxton Pang
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
This week, #PopVultures host Jan Lee gives you some of the latest celebrity news updates before diving into the news of Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming and his divorce from model-actress Angelababy.
The high profile A-list couple announced their divorce in January this year, after being mired in divorce rumours for years. Using that as a jumping off point, Jan discusses the beginnings of their extremely public romance, their image as a couple and why they are both individually two of the celebrities Chinese netizens love to hate the most.
Highlights (tap/click above):
01:34 Celebrating Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin's impending nuptials
03:10 Rihanna pap-walk pregnancy announcement
4:05 Kanye West's latest feud with ex-wife Kim Kardashian's boyfriend Pete Davidson
12:51 Why do Chinese netizens hate Angelababy?
22:56 Why is Huang Xiaoming so disliked by the public?
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Teo Tong Kai
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
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Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
This week, #PopVultures host Jan Lee welcomes podcast producer Penelope Lee to talk and air their feelings about idols dating!
Did you know that South Korean tabloid Dispatch usually releases a report on the first day of the new year that exposes a celebrity romance? Celebrity couples who confirmed they were dating after the Dispatch New Year report includes Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, Exo's Kai and Blackpink's Jennie and Lee Seung-gi and Girls Generation's Yoona.
Using that as a jumping-off point, Penelope and Jan - who are both long-time fangirls of different groups like BTS, Arashi and One Direction - discuss the taboo around dating for idols, how idols are marketed, the consequences that can arise from a dating or marriage scandal and their own thoughts on the issues.
Highlights (tap/click above):
02:06 Are there dating bans for idols? Why aren't idols allowed to date? And how do the Hollywood and Asian entertainment industries differ on this front?
10:45 How pop idols are different from actors or singers
13:36 Consequences and case studies on idols who have been caught dating with examples from Super Junior's Heechul and Twice's Momo, AKB48's Minami Minegishi and pop singers Hyuna and Dawn
30:57 Final thoughts
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In this episode, host Jan Lee runs down some of the 10 biggest stories covered by #PopVultures this year - from Harry and Meghan's explosive interview with Oprah about their exit from the royal family to the ongoing Chinese entertainment crackdown. She also names the best and worst stories of the year and includes an honourable mention - listen to find out who it is!
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
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Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In this latest episode of #PopVultures, host Jan Lee discusses the gossip story of the week, month and possibly entire year - the expose of Taiwanese-American singer Wang Leehom and his various misdeeds during his marriage to ex-wife Lee Jinglei.
She runs down how the saga unfolded with a timeline detailing the war of words between Wang and Lee after Wang confirmed the two were divorcing last Wednesday (Dec 15). Lee dropped a bombshell, nine-page long expose about Wang, accusing him of infidelity, soliciting prostitutes and verbal bullying last Friday.
In response, Wang claims that Lee coerced him into marriage and that he lived under fear, threats and extortion while they were together. He also claims that Lee demanded a lot of money in the wake of their divorce. The back-and-forth ended with Wang apologising to his wife and taking a break from show business for the time being.
Jan discusses why this saga so captivated the public, what Wang represented as a public figure and the many public relations mistakes he made in his handling of this crisis.
Here is what she covers:
00:48 Who is Wang Leehom?
03:09 What went down? A timeline of the war of words that went down between Wang and Lee
21:32 Why did this ugly divorce capture the public's attention? And why is this even worse than the Show Lo takedown of 2020? Who were the other players involved in this story?
39:36 Discussing the mistakes Wang made in handling this image crisis - from his dad's open letter to the typos in his statement
49:19 What can the public, and celebrities as well, learn from this saga?
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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#PopVultures Ep 56: Chinese entertainment updates, divorces, marriages and BTS gets on Instagram
29:06 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
This week, #PopVultures host Jan Lee runs down some of the news and happenings over the past month. This includes Chinese producer Li Xuezheng questioning the legality and transparency of the organisation China Association of Performing Arts, which recently released a list of blacklisted celebrities. The list includes previously cancelled Word Of Honor (2021) star Zhang Zhehan.
She also runs down the flip-flop divorce of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and her businessman Chinese husband Wang Xiaofei, the marriages of local Mediacorp star Desmond Tan and Taiwanese movie Man In Love (2021) co-stars Tiffany Ann Hsu and Roy Chiu.
Finally, she talks about the drama surrounding BTS members starting their personal Instagram accounts.
Here is what she covers:
00:48 Chinese entertainment/Zhang Zhehan update
10:00 Barbie Hsu's divorce
16:15 Marriage announcements from Desmond Tan as well as Tiffany Ann Hsu and Roy Chiu
23:26 BTS gets on the gram
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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#PopVultures Ep 55: Rebecca Lim gets engaged, Britney Spears is free and Taylor Swift revisits Red (and Jake Gyllenhaal)
28:37 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
This week, #PopVultures host Jan Lee runs down note-worthy entertainment news for listeners. In local news, Mediacorp actress Rebecca Lim gets engaged to her mystery fiance. She announced the happy news on her Instagram and while she received congratulations and blessings from celebrities and fans alike, fellow actor Ian Fang did not seem as thrilled. Fang and Lim were linked for years but Fang and fellow Mediacorp actress Carrie Wong were caught exchanging sexually suggestive messages to each other in 2019.
Meanwhile in Hollywood, pop star Britney Spears is finally freed from her conservatorship after 13 years. She was previously placed under the conservatorship, which stripped her of her ability to make financial, medical and other personal decisions for herself, in 2008 after she suffered a highly publicised mental breakdown. Jan discusses how there's still more to the case, including Spears' allegations that her father, who was in charge of her conservatorship for years, exploited and surveilled her.
Finally, Jan goes into Taylor Swift's re-recording and releasing Red - an album first released in 2012. Swift added previously unpublished songs into the re-recorded album, including an extended ten-minute version of one of the album's most popular songs All Too Well. This album has reignited interest in Swift's brief relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal. Many of the album's breakup songs are said to be about Gyllenhaal. Jan also provides a primer on why Swift is re-recording her own music.
Here's what she talked about:
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
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#PopVultures Ep 54: Dissecting Singapore's Night Owl Cinematics influencer scandal
38:52 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
This week, #PopVulture Jan Lee talks about the biggest influencer scandal in Singapore now - the expose related to media outfit Night Owl Cinematics (NOC) and its co-founder Sylvia Chan. All, complete with leaked audio and video recordings.
Be aware that this podcast episode contains discussions of mental health troubles and suicide.
The saga initially began as anonymous allegations of Chan, 33, being verbally abusive to her employees. It later evolved into more serious accusations of Chan misappropriating company funds and delaying payment to talents, among other allegations.
After influencer Xiaxue sat down with Chan for a nearly two-hour long interview, the issue has since grown to encompass private details of Chan's personal life, including the breakdown of her marriage with Ryan Tan - her ex-husband and fellow co-founder of NOC.
Jan Lee briefly recaps the unfolding saga and examines what missteps were made in Chan's crisis management, why Xiaxue's interview with Chan left much to be desired and who truly emerged a winner from the scandal.
Here's what she covers:
See new developments since the recording of this podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVhSYwCJGZG/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVmeGV8vYIm/
Produced by Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
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#PopVultures Ep 53: Let's talk Shane Pow, Chantalle Ng, Britney Spears and Squid Game!
18:48 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
This week #PopVultures host Jan Lee runs down note-worthy entertainment news for listeners.
In local news, she talks about former Mediacorp Shane Pow's comeback after his second drink driving conviction landed him in jail and goes through local actress Chantalle Ng's allegations that her father, retired actor Huang Yiliang, physically abused her when she was 11.
Ng is the daughter of Huang and veteran actress Lin Meijiao - the pair divorced before Ng turned one. Huang has responded to the allegations, claiming that he hit Ng because Lin had told him to play the bad cop parent.
Next, she goes into overseas news - she celebrates Britney Spears' father being officially suspended from her conservatorship and Netflix's original K-drama Squid Game becoming a viral hit and taking over the world.
Here's what she talked about:
1. Shane Pow's comeback and how it was like covering his interview (0:38)
2. The sad story of Chantalle Ng and Lin Meijiao versus Huang Yiliang (2:16)
3. We're on track to #FreeBritney! (8:46)
4. Squid Game on track to becoming Netflix's biggest drama ever (14:22)
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Fa'izah Sani & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
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#PopVultures Ep 52: China cancels Little Swallow Vicki Zhao, Word Of Honor star Zhang Zhehan and cracks down on entertainment industry
48:21 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In this episode, host Jan Lee is joined by The Straits Times' China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei as they discuss the recent spate of state-sanctioned cancellations of A-list celebrities in China. They delve into two case studies.
The first is popular boys' love drama Word Of Honor star Zhang Zhehan, who was erased off the face of Chinese entertainment after photos of him visiting Japan's controversial Yasukuni Shrine surfaced. Yasukuni Shrine houses Class A war criminals from World War II.
The second is the abrupt and mysterious cancellation of Vicki Zhao, best known for her role in seminal period drama My Fair Princess, which has fuelled vigorous speculation. They share their thoughts on the Chinese authorities' efforts to clamp down on celebrities who are seen as stepping out of line.
Next, they discuss China's increasing efforts to clean up its entertainment scene, after it shut down idol production competitions, curtailed fan clubs and voting activities on social media, condemned toxic fandom culture, criticised the popularity of boys love dramas and "effeminate" male stars. They share their thoughts and insights on what considerations have fuelled this industry-wide clampdown.
Here's a quick look at what they cover:
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
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#PopVultures Ep 51: Kris Wu implodes and the #MeToo movement in Chinese entertainment
29:41 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In this episode, host Jan Lee covers the scandal and legal controversy surrounding Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu, 30, who has been detained by the Beijing police on allegations of rape, after Chinese teen influencer Du Meizhu accused of Wu raping her. She said that she has been contacted by other women who are also Wu's victims.
This scandal has rocked Chinese entertainment and brands previously endorsed by Wu, including major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, have rushed to drop their partnerships. Chinese authorities have also shut down Wu's Weibo account and some 4,000 fan accounts along with him.
Jan runs down the saga, reflects on what this might mean for China's burgeoning #MeToo movement and gives her own thoughts on how this scandal has highlighted toxic fan culture and the danger of believing only in perfect victims.
Here's a quick look at what she covers:
Link to ST's China correspondent's article on Kris Wu fans: https://str.sg/3wBR
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
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#PopVultures Ep 50: Britney Spears' conservatorship and Sam Jo leaves - 50th episode bonanza!
46:11 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In this landmark 50th episode of #PopVultures, co-host Yeo Sam Jo bids goodbye to the podcast as he moves onto greener pastures.
But before that, Jan Lee and Sam Jo talk about Britney Spears' explosive statement about her conservatorship and the humiliation and exploitation she endured under it.
They then move onto doing some navel-gazing, talking about how they started the podcast, their favourite episodes, discuss about their complicated feelings on Taylor Swift and JJ Lin and their thoughts at completing 50 episodes.
Plus, Sam Jo prepares a surprise farewell gift on the air!
Here's what they talk about:
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#PopVultures Ep 49: Naomi Osaka and celebrities' media dilemma
37:42 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
This week, the #PopVultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo talk about A-list tennis player Naomi Osaka and her declining to speak to the media and attend press conferences during the French Open, citing mental health concerns, which set off a firestorm of reactions. She was fined for refusing her press obligations and eventually pulled out of the competition.
She is hardly the only star to have had media woes - celebrities in both Hollywood and Asia have had contentious relationships with the press. From fellow tennis player Novak Djokovic to supermodel Naomi Campbell to Hong Kong's one-time bad boy Nicholas Tse, celebrities have clashed with the media over the years. Certain A-listers like Beyonce also famously do not give interviews, while others have been rude, hostile or uninterested during arranged interviews.
This gives rise to the question - do celebrities have an obligation to the media and do they need the media? As fans but also journalists, Jan and Sam Jo give their in-depth thoughts.
Here's what they cover
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#PopVultures Ep 48: The Jay Chou podcast pop quiz and deep dive
36:18 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In their long-awaited deep dive on Jay Chou, the #PopVultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo invite Vanessa Liu to come on and talk about the reigning Mandopop king.
Aside from being their friend and colleague, Vanessa is a superfan of the Taiwanese A-lister who once threw a Jay Chou-themed party complete with Love Confession balloons. Together, the trio live out their Fantasy and explore their Simple Love for Jay Chou, his musical legacy and some of his best songs.
They also trace Jay Chou's colourful backstory - from his childhood to how he got discovered - and look back on his fulfilling creative partnerships with Taiwanese host Jacky Wu and lyricist Vincent Fang, as well as his romantic history with pop princess Jolin Tsai and now-wife Hannah Quinlivan.
Finally, Sam Jo pits Jan against Vanessa in a trivia game of all things Jay Chou. Feel free to play along if you're a fan, and stay tuned till the end to find out who loses and has to take on the notoriously difficult rap from Jay's song Nunchucks.
Here's a quick look at what they cover:
Listen - Vanessa Liu covers his songs in medley: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157918212533251&id=578148250
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Vanessa Liu (liuxyv@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#PopVultures Ep 47: The return of Bennifer (OG edition)
27:27 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are back together and the #PopVultures have all the juice on the Hollywood power couple. Hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo relive the real-life soap opera that is Bennifer - from how they met while filming the box office flop Gigli, to when they postponed their wedding and eventually broke up.
They also trace the chain of events leading to the couple's reunion, including Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez's cringeworthy Instagram story and Affleck's unsuccessful fling with Ana de Armas and dating app Raya.
Finally, Jan and Sam Jo wonder why people seem to be so besotted with Bennifer. Could it be nostalgia, parasocial interaction or Jenny From The Block's undeniable star power?
Here's a quick look at what they cover:
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Fa'izah Sani
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#PopVultures Ep 46: Shane Pow & Channel 8’s Succession Crisis
25:56 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
This week, #PopVultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo give an update to the previous episode: Elvin Ng has responded to Dasmond Koh and Angel Lim, who claimed that he flared up at Lim on set.
Then, they move on to another local actor - Shane Pow - who recently had his contract with Mediacorp terminated after he was charged with drink driving. Pow will also be replaced midway through the upcoming series The Heartland Hero, with James Seah taking over the second male lead role.
Jan and Sam Jo talk about his chances of mounting a comeback and how Mediacorp's Channel 8 seems to be in a succession crisis with its roster of young actors.
They also discuss other notable cases of actor replacements due to scandals, including Ji Soo in River Where The Moon Rises and Kevin Spacey in All The Money In The World. Finally, they share their thoughts on whether replacing Pow mid-series will work out for the best.
Here's a quick peek at what they cover:
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Aleemah Basirah
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#PopVultures Ep 45: Elvin Ng, Patrick Lee & Bullying in Showbiz
32:00 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
This week the #PopVultures trace the highs and lows of the ongoing feud between Elvin Ng and Patrick Lee.
Both actors fell out after Elvin alleged on a talk show that he was once antagonised by a co-star, which netizens deduced to be Patrick.
Jan and Sam Jo recap the two's most pointed social media posts and uncover Patrick's infamous reputation in Taiwan.
They also weigh in on hosts Dasmond Koh and Danny Yeo's decision to get involved, and discuss the wider, worrying phenomenon of bullying in showbiz.
Here's a quick peek at what they cover:
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to #PopVultures Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow Jan Lee on Instagram: https://str.sg/Jbxc
Read Jan Lee's stories: https://str.sg/Jbxp
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#PopVultures Ep 44: Blowing Raspberries with the Razzies
31:04 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
As awards season goes into full swing, the #PopVultures take a close look at the film industry's most notorious ceremony: The Razzies, or Golden Raspberry Awards, which recognises the worst in cinema.
What started as a makeshift parody of the Academy Awards in someone's living room is now celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Jan and Sam Jo look back on Razzie favourites like Sylvester Stallone and Madonna, and recount iconic moments, like Halle Berry accepting her Worst Actress award for Catwoman in 2005.
The hosts also discuss this year's nominees, from Sia to Anne Hathaway, and wonder if the Razzies are still relevant in a world where misogyny has no place and art has become increasingly subjective.
Finally, they bite the bullet and give out their very own Golden Wolfberries to some of Asia's most underwhelming performers. Here's a quick look at this episode:
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) and Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Aleemah Basirah
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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!
#PV
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#PopVultures Ep 43: On Patty Hou, her mother and mistresses
18:41 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood scene.
In this episode, the #PopVultures look to Taiwan, where television host Patty Hou and her mother, veteran actress Lin Yue Yun, have come under fire after crying on the reality show My Dearest Ladies.
Jan and Sam Jo give a too long; didn't read rundown of Lin's checkered past as a mistress (not once, but twice) and unpack why netizens are upset with the mother and daughter - from the duo being paid to be on the show, to them seemingly glorifying extramarital affairs.
They also discuss sexist double-standards when it comes to adultery, and wonder if some of the vitriol ought to be directed at the cheating husbands instead. Here's a peek at what they cover:
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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!
#PV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#PopVultures Ep 42: Dissecting Oprah's bombshell interview with Meghan & Harry
17:16 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
This week, Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo discuss the interview that has rocked the world - Oprah Winfrey's exclusive sit-down with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spilled the English Breakfast tea on stepping back as senior royals and on alleged racist comments about their son Archie.
The #PopVultures recap what went down before, during and after the bombshell interview, including bullying accusations against Meghan, her claims of suicidal ideation, anti-Meghan personality Piers Morgan and the problematic Prince Andrew.
Finally, they chat about their favourite memes, moments and Oprah gestures to emerge from this television special.
Here's a look at what they cover:
1. Biggest bombshells from Oprah's interview, the responses that followed (1:38)
2. Biased coverage of Meghan and similarities to Princess Diana (5:13)
3. Why Prince Andrew continues to undermine Buckingham's position (7:53)
4. Meghan's revelations that she had contemplated suicide and counter-claims that she is lying (10:02)
5. Best memes and moments: From Humphrey Yogart to Oprah's "silent" lasagne (13:59)
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 41: Discussing snubs and shocks at Star Awards and Golden Globes
27:07 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
This week, the #PopVultures cannot wait to talk about the awards season. After skipping a year due to Covid-19, local broadcaster Mediacorp's Star Awards is back and bigger than ever, with an expanded nominee slate to cover two years of drama series. Hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo discuss who was snubbed and who they hope will win.
Once again, Sam Jo professes his love for Zoe Tay, while Jan shamelessly thirsts for Pierre Png.
Next, they hop over to Hollywood with the Golden Globes. They celebrate the historic nomination of three women in the Best Director category, wonder how the much-trashed Emily In Paris received two nods, and chew over the controversial categorisation of Lee Isaac Chung's Minari (starring Steven Yeun) as a foreign language film.
Tune in for all the awards chatter and a delightful dose of pop culture!
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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
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#PopVultures Ep 40: Abandoned surrogate babies and ageism in entertainment!
28:23 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
For the #PopVultures' 40th episode, Jan Lee and Sam Jo deliver a double whammy of topics - first covering the unfolding saga of Chinese actress Zheng Shuang who has been cancelled after it was revealed that she had abandoned two surrogate babies she and her ex-partner Zhang Heng had in the United States.
They run down the dramatic tale - which includes leaked audio tapes, a clandestine marriage, money troubles and abandoned surrogate babies.
The #PopVultures then touch on ageism in entertainment as Zhang Ziyi has been criticised for playing a 15-year-old girl in the series Monarch Industry, even though the character grows up and matures into an adult. Across the pond, Jennifer Lopez has had to defend herself again after a netizen boldly proclaimed that she has had "a ton" of Botox done.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg), Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg) & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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#PopVultures Ep 39: GOT7 and longevity of pop idol groups
34:01 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
In their first episode of 2021, #PopVultures Jan Lee and Sam Jo discuss some K-pop news - the exodus of GOT7 members from their management agency JYP Entertainment. They recap the details of the GOT7 exit, discuss the social media shadiness that went down, and ponder the future of GOT7.
Covering the examples of J-pop boy band Arashi, the changing cast of UK girl group Sugababes, the not-so-harmonious Fifth Harmony, the tragic tale of TLC, and the reunion of Taiwanese boy band 5566, the #PopVultures examine the longevity of pop idol groups, the factors crucial for groups with staying power and reasons for an early demise.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Muhammad Firmann
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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
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#PopVultures Ep 38: 2020's Pop Culture milestones & mishaps
34:49 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
It's been an unprecedented year of viruses, face masks and Zoom calls, but nevertheless, pop culture soldiers on. The #PopVultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo pay tribute to some of this year's dearly departed stars before recapping the biggest and wildest celebrity stories of 2020.
Remember the epic takedown of Taiwanese singer Show Lo or the cringeworthy Imagine video led by Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot? What about Ellen DeGeneres' fall from grace after her talk show was exposed as a toxic workplace? And what will become of local YouTuber Dee Kosh? On the bright side, it's been a strong year for South Korea, with Bong Joon-ho's Parasite sweeping the Oscars, as well as BTS and Blackpink dominating our playlists.
The #PopVultures also run through some of their favourite pop culture products that got them through a difficult year - from Stefanie Sun's surprise online concert to Arashi's last hurrah before their indefinite hiatus - and discuss what they're most looking forward to in 2021.
Listen to the episodes Sam Jo and Jan reference here:
https://str.sg/JRxh (Show Lo and Grace Chow's ugly break-up - will the Show be able to go on? : #PopVultures Ep 26)
https://str.sg/JRx7 (Cancel culture and celebrities: #PopVultures Ep 30)
https://str.sg/JRx8 (The Tea on Dee Kosh: #PopVultures Ep 31)
https://str.sg/JRxB (Parasite and plagiarism controversies in film, TV and music: #Pop Vultures Ep 21)
https://str.sg/JRx2 (Stefanie Sun and the 2000 Mandopop scene!: Pop Vultures Ep 29)
https://str.sg/JRx6 (Cardi B's coronavirus rant, Gal Gadot's cringy Imagine, JJ Lin's free concert and more: #PopVultures Ep 24)
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Muhammad Firmann
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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#PopVultures Ep 37: The Crown and all that Diana Drama!
31:15 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
This week the #PopVultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo wade into the world of prestige drama - Netflix's hit series The Crown, about the British royal family and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
In Season Four, its latest season, The Crown covered what everyone was waiting for - the toxic, dramatic and eventually tragic marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Palace insiders and friends of Prince Charles have lambasted Season Four - calling it an inaccurate and unfair version of events. British culture secretary Oliver Dowden even wrote to Netflix, hoping the service would add a disclaimer declaring The Crown as a work of fiction.
The #PopVultures recap some of the royal drama and talk about what events in the show made the British royal family so unhappy, and share their own thoughts on the show.
They also discuss whether the royal family's reaction to the series triggered a Streisand effect - unintentionally contributing to the popularity or publicising something one intended to hide.
Also, Sam Jo imitates Margaret Thatcher! Tune in!
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Muhammad Firmann
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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!
#PV
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#PopVultures Ep 36: Harry Styles in a dress and what it means for men
29:30 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
Pop culture pundits Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo discuss British singer-songwriter Harry Styles and his historic Vogue magazine cover, where he treads the Fine Line between menswear and female fashion. The former One Direction boy band member, who became the first man to grace the cover of Vogue solo, wore a lace-trimmed ball gown and a tuxedo jacket for the shoot.
Many praised the move for being a Sign Of The Times, but conservative political commentators criticised the cover with the rallying cry: "Bring back manly men."
The #PopVultures share their take on the sartorial saga, explore Styles' long History with androgynous fashion (from the Met Gala to Saturday Night Live) and his musical influences (from Queen's Freddie Mercury to the Queen of Country Pop Shania Twain), as well as dissect the social constructs of masculinity and manliness.
Meanwhile, Jan can't help Falling for Styles, Sam Jo Lights Up at the thought of sheer shirts, and podcast assistant and former Directioner Penelope Lee weighs in on whether Styles is still her Golden boy.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Muhammad Firmann
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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#PopVultures Ep 35: US election memes, Worst Chris (Pratt?) and Red Velvet's Irene
26:08 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
This week the #PopVultures have a potluck episode of East and West topics! Yeo Sam Jo discusses his favourite pop-culture related memes of the US presidential election and Jan Lee talks about the Worst Chris debate that saw the Internet dunking on Chris Pratt amid a politically fraught climate.
Then Jan tells Sam Jo all about the biggest K-pop news of the past two weeks - Red Velvet's Irene admitting to verbally attacking a staff member on set and the reverberating impact of the incident.
They also go off on a slight tangent talking about the very seasonally-appropriate 2003 rom-com Love Actually. Tune in to hear this East-meets-West mish-mash!
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Muhammad Firmann
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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!
#PV
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#PopVultures Ep 34: Emily In Paris and the Art of Hate-watching
24:10 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
This week the #PopVultures get into everybody's favourite show to hate right now - Netflix's Emily In Paris!
Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo get into what they hated and what they inadvertently loved about the hotly-debated/criticised/memed comedy-drama about a young American woman (played by Lily Collins, the woman with fabulous eyebrows) who moves to Paris for a social media marketing job.
The show has been called out for its weak writing, bad character development, unrealistic plotlines and stereotypical portrayal of the French. Still, it has been one of the top shows of the streaming platform since its launch - perhaps due to the large number of people hate-watching the show?
What even is hate-watching and what do the shows we love to hate - like Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Singapore Social etc. - say about us? Jan and Sam Jo wax a little philosophical about the deeper meaning behind being glued to the television screen for shows we claim to detest!
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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!
#PV
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#PopVultures Ep 33: What's wrong with Mulan 2020?
34:37 mins
Synopsis: The Straits Times examines the ins and outs of pop culture in the Asian entertainment and Hollywood industries.
This week the #PopVultures review Mulan, spoilers and all! Jan and Sam Jo give their unfiltered thoughts on the recent Disney live-action adaptation of Mulan, focusing on what they liked and hated about the film.
Where is the music? What is 'qi'? Do the Chinese characters of Loyal, Brave and True look like a bad tattoo someone might get? What did Gong Li, Donnie Yen and Jet Li even do in this movie? What about the history of Mulan? What are the origins of this legendary Chinese warrior woman?
Then they dive deeper into the reasons behind Mulan's dismal showing at the Chinese box office. They discuss why female lead's Liu Yifei's support for the Hong Kong police and the film's on-location shoots in Xinjiang led to a strong #BoycottMulan movement and why Hollywood's attempts at Asian representation have fallen short.
Finally, they end off with some recommendations for alternative Mulan content.
Tune in to hear Jan (trash) talk Mulan and Sam Jo doing his best to channel Christina Aguilera/Lea Salonga through his soulful singing!
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Muhammad Firmann
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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!
#PV
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#PopVultures Ep 32: All You Need To Know About #FreeBritney
34:54 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
Oops!...The #PopVultures did it again this week with yet another action-packed episode, this time on the #FreeBritney movement that has taken social media by storm.
Hosts Jan and Sam Jo Break The Ice by discussing pop princess Britney Spears' controversial conservatorship, her father Jamie Spears and the media Circus surrounding their latest legal tussle.
They recap the most Outrageous moments of the Femme Fatale's 22-year career, including her whirlwind marriage in 2004, her head-shaving, umbrella-wielding meltdown of 2007 and that tragic Gimme More performance at the MTV Video Music Awards.
The #PopVultures also trace Britney's troubles back to her Chaotic years with Kevin Federline and Toxic relationship with Justin Timberlake. They talk about how public opinion on her mental health woes has shifted over time, and wonder if her shrunken net worth is a sign of something Criminal.
Is Britney truly Overprotected, or is her conservatorship better off as a Private Show? Can she ever emerge Stronger than yesterday and relive her Glory days?
If U Seek #FreeBritney, don't miss this episode of #PopVultures.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 31: The Tea on Dee Kosh
21:48 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
This week, the #PopVultures give their thoughts on the recent scandal surrounding local YouTuber and deejay Dee Kosh (real name Darryl Ian Koshy), who has been accused of sexual harassment and is currently under police investigation.
Show hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo give a quick recap of what happened, and share their thoughts on the grey area of what constitutes inappropriate sexual behaviour and how differences in power and fame can often lead to exploitative behaviour.
They also cover the reactions from the local influencer scene - ranging from supportive to silent - and give their opinions on the viability of Dee Kosh's career, post-scandal.
Finally, they talk about the lessons for all to take away from this incident.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Adam Azlee & Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 30: Cancel culture and celebrities
31:21 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
After a short hiatus, the #PopVultures are back and this time with piping hot tea on the phrase on everyone's minds recently - cancel culture.
Hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo dive deep into two recent incidents of what may be perceived as "cancel culture" - the shift in public opinion towards daytime talkshow host Ellen DeGeneres following allegations about how her show is a toxic workplace with instances of racism and sexual harassment as well as JK Rowling's repeated clashes with the transgender community and its allies on Twitter.
They also discuss other cases of cancel culture with The Chicks (formerly known as The Dixie Chicks), Janet Jackson and Xiaxue.
Jan and Sam Jo also discuss what cancel culture means for the entertainment scene at large, which parts of it make them uncomfortable and whether it is ever helpful or justifiable.
Stay till the end to hear who Jan hopes might be cancelled next.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
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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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Pop Vultures Ep 29: Stefanie Sun and the 2000 Mandopop scene!
28:54 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
Can you believe it's been 20 years since homegrown songstress Stefanie Sun debuted, singing Cloudy Day (Tee Aw Aw..) - her first big hit of a song? As one of Singapore's most famous music exports celebrates her 20th anniversary in showbiz, the #PopVultures dive into her music and the factors that went into making her famous.
What made Yanzi special and why did her music, especially her first album, and her image stand out among a sea of new singers? The #PopVultures tuck into these questions all with a side of early 2000s Mandopop nostalgia that includes cameo mentions of Jay Chou, A-mei, Jimmy Liao and more. Listen to the end to find out which Stefanie Sun songs make Jan and Sam Jo's favourites list and which one is possibly a little problematic in retrospect!
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 28: George Floyd, Black Lives Matter & celeb backlash
29:11 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
This week the #PopVultures Jan and Sam Jo examine how celebrities have responded to the widespread protests in America following the death of an unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of the police.
While many celebrities have spoken out in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, some like Madonna were criticised for their tone-deaf responses and others like Lea Michele were exposed by fellow co-workers for her mistreatment of black colleagues on set.
The #PopVultures also talk about whether celebrities have a duty to speak up and take action on civil issues, why some celebrities are lauded for speaking up while some are dragged for doing so. They also discuss how this resonates with Asia and Singapore.
Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) & Yeo Sam Jo (yeosamjo@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 27: Elon Musk & kooky celebrity baby names
26:20 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
What do businessman Elon Musk, superstar Beyonce, socialite Kim Kardashian and chef Jamie Oliver have in common?
Other than being celebrities, these parents have also cooked up some of the kookiest children names over the years.
In this episode, the #PopVultures stroll down the name hall of fame and peek at some of the world's most (in)famous baby monikers, from X Æ A-12 and North West to Blue Ivy and Petal Blossom Rainbow.
Hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo discuss the inspiration behind some of these esoteric names and wonder: What makes a creative moniker go from catchy to cringeworthy? And what happens when these kids with saccharine names go to school and enter the workforce?
Is naming your child after a DC superhero, a titular Shakespeare character or a luxury hotel always a good thing? Or will Nicolas Cage, Jay Chou and Jack Neo's children find themselves with extremely big shoes that they may not wish to fill?
Join the #PopVultures for this light-hearted commentary that involves quirky names, questionable wordplay and a quintessential Missy Elliot quote (stay tuned till the end).
Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 26: Show Lo and Grace Chow's ugly break-up - will the Show be able to go on?
31:48 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
This week the #PopVultures dive into the hottest topic in Mandarin entertainment right now - the ugly break-up of Taiwanese pop star Show Lo and his Chinese influencer ex-girlfriend Grace Chow.
The #savage Chow exposed Lo's many infidelities over the course of their nine-year relationship, accusing him of improper relations with several women and even implied Lo regularly held sex parties with his friends. In the fallout, Lo and one of Lo's rumoured sex partners Linda Chien Kai-le have formally apologised to Chow - but is it enough?
The #PopVultures give a recap of how the saga went down and talk a little bit about Lo's reputation in the industry before this news and dissect how the scandal was handled on both Chow and Lo's part.
Finally, they give their thoughts on whether Lo can rebound from what looks to be the biggest crisis in his career and reflect on how the public has reacted to Lo's fall from grace (pun intended).
Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 25: Celebrity couples with large age gaps - creepy or true love?
32:42 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
This week, following the news of South Korean star So Ji-Sub, 42, and his marriage to a 26-year-old former TV presenter, the #PopVultures dive into celebrity relationships with large age gaps.
They talk stars like Jay Chou, Mariah Carey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Elva Hsiao and even director Woody Allen and disgraced singer R. Kelly. While some of these stars found love with partners very much younger than them - others have been accused of predatory behaviour.
The #PopVultures talk about how our views on celebrity relationships reflect societal ideals and share their own feelings. When does a large age gap become disturbing?
Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 24: Cardi B's coronavirus rant, Gal Gadot's cringy Imagine, JJ Lin's free concert and more
24:59 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
With people spending more time at home because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the #PopVultures round up some of the best and worst celebrity moments on social media.
Was Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot's rendition of John Lennon's Imagine tone deaf in more ways than one? How did American rapper Cardi B's famous "corona-VIRUS" rant enter the Billboard charts? Are British diver Tom Daley's shirtless home workouts the thirst trap that everyone needs?
Host Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo also review some of the online concerts that have sprung up lately - from JJ Lin's live birthday fan meet to the iHeart Living Room Concert For America starring the likes of Mariah Carey, the Backstreet Boys and Billie Eilish.
Finally, the #PopVultures recommend some entertainment to combat cabin fever and boredom: From TikTok dance challenges and true crime documentaries like Tiger King to digital drag shows and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.
Produced by: Jan Lee & 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 23: Celebrity missteps, reactions as coronavirus paralyses Hollywood and Asia
23:26 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
This week, the #PopVultures delve once again into the global Covid-19 pandemic that has paralysed entertainment in Hollywood and Asia.
With the coronavirus now ravaging North America and Europe, celebrities in the West are reacting but unfortunately, some of them have become mired in controversy for their thoughtless comments and ignorant behaviour such as High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens and NBA player Rudy Gobert. Some celebrities like Tom Hanks and Idris Elba have also tested positive for Covid-19, though that is causing controversy. Many of them managed to get tested without showing symptoms, even as frontline healthcare workers have been denied testing.
Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo dissect why the public are so riled up with celebrity missteps in the time of coronavirus, why celebrities like Chris Martin and Hilary Duff deserve praise, and contemplate how the entertainment industry at large will be affected by the virus.
Finally, they offer some entertainment recommendations for those staying home and practising social distancing.
Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 22: Remakes, reboots and reunions in Hollywood and Asia - yay or nay?
23:13 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
With news that all six main cast members of the hit American sitcom Friends will be reuniting for an unscripted special in May, the #PopVultures dive deep into the trend of remaking, rebooting and reuniting beloved shows and music acts .Is this always a good move, or does it risk turning fan excitement into disappointment? Are networks and show creators running out of ideas, or does good ol' nostalgia simply sell? And why are some remakes and reunions well-received, while others either flop or, worse yet, incur the wrath of diehard fans?
From Friends and Lizzie McGuire to Meteor Garden and My Fair Princess (Huan Zhu Ge Ge), from Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys to 5566 and Little Tigers (Xiao Hu Dui) - are audiences always keen on an update of TV and music from their teenage years? Tune in for the #PopVultures' take!
Produced by: Jan Lee & 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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#PopVultures Ep 21: Parasite and plagiarism controversies in film, TV and music
27:31 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
This week the #PopVultures go deep on plagiarism - which this year's Oscars Best Picture winner Parasite has been accused of.
The producer of a Tamil movie - 1999's Minsara Kanna - alleged that the crux of Parasite was stolen from Minsara Kanna. The #PopVultures share their thoughts on the controversy.
They then move on to a conversation about the legal and illegal ways of borrowing and copying in film, television and music, and finally the philosophical question: Is all art ultimately derivative?
P.S. This episode contains actual music clips! Tune in and decide if Radiohead, Lizzo, Tanya Chua, and BTS have copied or have had their work copied!
Produced by: Jan Lee & 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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
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#PopVultures Ep 20: Celebrities in hot soup over coronavirus outbreak
20:48 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
This week, the #PopVultures sound off on the celebrities mired in controversy due to the novel coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan.
Taiwanese singer Christine Fan was criticised after she lashed out at Taiwan's policy of halting surgical masks exports for a month, calling it inhumane. Taiwanese netizens criticised her for her eagerness to help China, despite keeping quiet about how Taiwan is still shut out of the World Health Organization due to Beijing's objections.
Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo explain how the controversy blew up, share their differing opinions on the saga, dive a little into Fan's history (of saying the wrong things at the wrong time) and Singapore's own history with severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars).
They also talk about how the novel coronavirus outbreak has been received around the world and the somewhat muted and often racist response to it overseas, especially when contrasted with how the Australian bushfires inspired an outpouring of support from Hollywood celebrities.
Tune in to the #PopVultures and to all our listeners: Stay safe, wash your hands, seek medical attention and wear a mask when you are ill.
Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo
Edited by: Adam Azlee & Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 19: Harry, Meghan and the mayhem at Buckingham
30:32 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
This week, the #PopVultures go all in on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - aka the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - and their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family who will be spending their time between UK and Canada. Why is this such a big news story and what was brewing before?
What are some of the incidents in the history of the royal family that have influenced their relationship with the press? What is the Royal Rota and why do Harry and Meghan want out from this media system?
Finally, who is truly the black sheep of the Windsor family?
Is it really Harry and Meghan or is it Prince Andrew, who hung out with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein?
Listen to the #PopVultures spill that atas royal tea! (ASMR included!)
Produced by: Jan Lee & Yeo Sam Jo
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 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:
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 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
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju47
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 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
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours)
Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Tinkle Friend (for primary school-aged children): 1800-274-4788
Care Corner Counselling Hotline (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 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
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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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
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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
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---
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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Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
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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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Pop Vultures Ep 8: Stars & social media stupidity - the Ian Fang-CarrieWong and Tosh Zhang sagas
26:09 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 past few weeks have been tumultuous in local entertainment - with the leaks of private and explicit chats between Mediacorp stars Ian Fang and Carrie Wong and the brief tenure of Tosh Zhang as Pink Dot ambassador, who stepped down after his previous homophobic tweets surfaced.
Both of these scandals played out on social media - but who played the game the best? Who played it the worst? And at the end of the day - who was the biggest winner? (You'll never guess!)
Join the Pop Vultures as they discuss how celebrities navigate social media, using the Ian Fang-Carrie Wong and the Tosh Zhang sagas, as case studies.
Here's what they cover:
1. A brief recap of the Ian Fang-Carrie Wong drama and the Tosh Zhang debacle.
2. Celebrities and their right to privacy
3. The nature of social media and its immediacy getting the best of stars - how Boris Lin's replies made everyone look worse.
4. The permanence of social media and what Tosh Zhang did wrong and how it reverberated throughout the LGBTQ community.
5. How Rebecca Lim and Lawrence Wong played the social media game.
6. Final thoughts on the public perception of these stars and their future going forward.
7. The Pop Vultures Awards: Who was the MVP? Who won big? Who lost big?
Produced by: Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo
Edited by: Yeo Sam Jo
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
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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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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 7: Celebrities caught cheating! How do they recover from extramarital affairs?
22:06 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
Hong Kong singer Andy Hui's recent affair with TVB actress Jacqueline Wong - while being married to his superstar wife Sammi Cheng - has dominated headlines in Chinese entertainment for over a week.
This recalls some infamous cases of celebrity infidelity: Jackie Chan, Jack Neo, Brad Pitt, Prince Charles and so on.
Join the Pop Vultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo as they spill the tea on famous extramarital affairs and even the occasional love child. They also analyse the tactics celebrities use to ride through scandals of their own making and muse on who the real victims are.
Here's what they cover:
1. Why is Andy Hui's extramarital affair such big news? (0.50)
2. Notorious cases of celebrities caught cheating in the East: Jackie Chan's affair with Elaine Ng and his love child Etta Ng, Jack Neo's 2010 affair. And in the West - Jay-Z cheating on Beyonce and how Solange Knowles attacked him (4.25)
3. Women cheating on their partners: Annie Yi cheating on Harlem Yu (8.00)
4. Roadmap for damage control after being caught cheating (8.35)
5. Jack Neo's 2010 affair and how he handled it (10.30)
6. How Asian celebrities vs Hollywood celebrities handle cheating scandals (12.20)
7. Who the real victims of cheating scandals are:
- The enduring public shaming of Monica Lewinsky, the White House intern who had an affair with then-US President Bill Clinton (14.27)
- Sexism in cheating scandals (15.37)
- Kids who get entangled in such scandals such as Etta Ng (16.15)
8. On cheating, marriage and monogamy (17.23)
Produced by: Jan Lee, Yeo Sam Jo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Yeo Sam Jo
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Pop Vultures (Season 1: Ep 6) April 12: Star Awards special! Favourite Channel 8 dramas and their legacy for Singapore TV viewers
30:53 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
Singapore television's biggest event - the Star Awards - is having its 25th anniversary this year. Take a trip down memory lane as Pop Vultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo share their favourite local drama moments, iconic theme songs and ridiculous tropes and plot lines.
What is the legacy and value of local dramas for Singaporeans? How much did it teach Singaporeans about change as a nation?
In an age of Netflix, Youtube and HBO - are local dramas still relevant? Join the Pop Vultures as they cover moments like catching poker cards in the sky, to running down Orchard Road in a bikini!
Here's what they cover:
Most memorable shows and favourite shows they have watched: The Unbeatables (双天至尊), Golden Pillow (金枕头), Love Me, Love Me Not (真爱无敌), Wok Of Life (福满人间), Stand By Me (家人有约), A Place To Call Home (薯条汉堡青春痘), Darling In-Law (我的岳母是巫婆)
Massive productions that once featured almost all local actors: Return Of The Condor Heroes (神雕侠侣), long form drama Holland Village (荷兰村), The Hotel (大酒店)
Most memorable television moments: The Champion's (任我遨游) bikini on Orchard Road scene, The Price Of Peace (和平的代价) traumatic rape scene, Ivy Lee (李锦梅) in Angel's Dream (真相)
Ridiculous tropes, plot lines and ways to die in local dramas: The Unbeatables, The Reunion (顶天立地)
Iconic local drama theme songs such as Mavis Hee's 城里的月光, Power Station's 我吃得起苦.
Legacy of local dramas and how it recorded Singapore's rapid change as a nation: Pagers, payphones, old buses and taxis
Period dramas set in Singapore and how it made history accessible: The Price of Peace introducing war hero Lim Bo Seng, Singapore as a regional entertainment hub and promoting Chinese culture and language (17:00)
The old and new crop of local actors, classic Star Award fashion and moments and the relevance and quality of local dramas going forward
Produced by: Jan Lee, Yeo Sam Jo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Yeo Sam Jo
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
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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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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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Pop Vultures (Season 1: Ep 5) March 15: How China's crackdown on period dramas has hit TV show Yanxi Palace
22:31 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 Story of Yanxi Palace may have been a huge global hit, but China has now banned such shows from being aired, claiming they distort history and promote decadence and backstabbing, among other things.
How much do dramas like Yanxi and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace stick to fact, and how much is fantasy? Should the crackdown on such shows end, or will they, like the Step Empress Hoifa-Nara, be banished to the cold palace forever?
Pop Vultures spill the (Chinese) tea!
Here's what they cover:
- How big The Story of Yanxi Palace was, and how the state is cracking down on it (0.57)
- Reasons why palace period dramas have been banned by the Chinese government (2:25)
- Ramifications of the crackdown - reduced production of period pieces (4:20)
- How true to history are these dramas? E.g Qianlong's (乾隆皇帝) Step-Empress Hoifa-Nara (继皇后) and her downfall (4:55)
- Ridiculous portrayal of medical treatments (fertility soups?) and science (blood-mixing as paternity tests 滴血认亲) in palace intrigue dramas (6:49)
- Real-life events that seem too dramatic to be true (Empress Dowager Cixi 慈禧太后 VS Concubine Zhen 珍妃) (9:52)
- Palace intrigue dramas' attention to detail in fashion and accessories such as a pearl-encrusted cape (云肩) that Noble Consort Gao wears, and why such details are close to history (12:20)
- Why are there so many dramas about the Qing Dynasty (清朝)? (15:03)
- Our thoughts on the censorship and increasingly tight ban on period dramas and why it's a bad move (17:03)
Produced by: Jan Lee, Yeo Sam Jo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Yeo Sam Jo
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Pop Vultures (Season 1: Ep 4) March 15: Is it over for the career of scandal-hit Seungri and the legacy of Michael Jackson?
18:28 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
K-pop idol Seungri of boyband Big Bang has quit showbiz amid snowballing allegations that of bribery and illegal sex videos.
Meanwhile, in Hollywood, many are re-examining their understanding of the late superstar Michael Jackson and his legacy following the documentary Leaving Neverland which resurfaces the rumours of Jackson's alleged paedophilia and sexual assault on children.
This week, Pop Vultures' hosts Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo tackle both celebrity scandals - giving a brief rundown of what has transpired, whether stars or their enduring legacies can bounce back and be restored to fame following such scandals and whether it is possible for fans to separate the work of an artist from their personal lives.
Is it possible to still love and listen to Jackson's Smooth Criminal? In the event that Big Bang comes back as a five-person group, should they be supported?
Find out what Jan and Sam Jo think.
Produced by: Jan Lee, Yeo Sam Jo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Yeo Sam Jo
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Pop Vultures (Season 1: Ep 3) March 7: Arashi, J-pop and its influence on Asian entertainment
30:08 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
Find out how J-pop first influenced Asian music.
J-pop boyband Arashi announced in January that they will be going on an indefinite hiatus at the end of 2020. The 20-year-old boyband's announcement became worldwide trending news even in an era where J-pop has faded in popularity globally.
In this podcast, Pop Vultures Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo invite a special guest - fellow ST journalist and J-pop fan Cheryl Teh - to talk about Arashi, their impending hiatus and the enduring influence of Japanese boybands and J-pop (Ayumi Hamasaki! Namie Amuro! Utada Hikaru! Shonentai!) on the entire Asian music industry.
Here's what they cover:
- Introduction on Arashi and Hana Yori Dango (2.50)
- Arashi's announcement on their 2020 hiatus (4:00)
- Arashi's Hawaii debut and their rise to become national idols (5:13)
- The Johnny and Associates boyband model, its history and its rules (9:18)
- Japan's strong physical album sales and how that has influenced the J-pop industry (11:55)
- The invention of the Asian boyband, Shonentai and Little Tigers （小虎队） (14:00)
- The idea of the bishonen or the pretty boy (14:45)
- Why the Japanese music industry matured early and how different J-pop artists influenced Asian music (18:15)
- Pop Vultures' favourite Japanese songs (24:40)
Jan's picks: Arashi's Love (2013) album, Utada Hikaru's Hanataba Wo Kimi Ni, Yonezu Kenshi's Lemon
Cheryl's picks: BTS' Jungkook's cover of Lemon, Saruganseki's Shiroi Kumo No You Ni, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's Ponponpon, Koji Wada's Butterfly which was Digimon's theme song
Join us as we surf the J-wave!
Produced by: Jan Lee, Yeo Sam Jo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
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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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Pop Vultures Season 1: Ep 2 (Feb 20) - The sport of winning an Oscar
27.41 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 film awards season is coming to an end! After a string of film awards like the Golden Globes, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTAs), the 91st Academy Awards - better known as the Oscars - is finally happening on Feb 24 (Sunday).
In this podcast, Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo dive deep into what actually goes behind winning an Oscar. Sadly, it's not just about how good you are.
Here's what they cover:
- History of the Oscars (0:32)
- The make-up of Oscar voters and how they can completely skip watching nominated films or have existing biases (3:00)
- The sport of modern day Oscar campaigning, the clean and dirty tactics involved and how it ties in with Hollywood's most hated man, Harvey Weinstein (6:32)
- Famous upsets at the Oscars (18:25)
- How this year's campaigns are shaping up (22:07)
Join us as we explore the politics behind the scenes of Hollywood's biggest night.
Produced by: Jan Lee, Yeo Sam Jo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP
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SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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Pop Vultures Ep 1: Diving into the history and evolution of K-pop
34.53 mins
Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood.
South Korean boyband BTS recently became the first K-pop group to present at the Grammys. How did they, K-pop and the bigger Hallyu wave become a multi-billion dollar industry and a global phenomenon?
The Straits Times' Jan Lee and Yeo Sam Jo tumble down the rabbit hole to tell you all about how K-pop began with one poorly rated song in a 1992 talent show, its evolution since and the dark side to the glamour and glitz of K-pop.
Produced by: Jan Lee, Yeo Sam Jo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow #PopVultures Podcast episodes here every month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWad
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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: podcast@sph.com.sg
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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