In the picture: Ok Taec-yeon, Eric Nam, Johnny Suh, Rhea Raj, Ke Huy Quan, and Sandra Oh.

Earlier this month (May 6, 2023), we got the luxury of witnessing (online sadly) Johnny Suh at the Gold Gala! There were so many golden stars shining the sky that such as Leading Man: Ke Huy Quan and The SeeHer award winner Sandra Oh. This is actually the second Gold Gala and it’s really a great reminder that there is so much to be done in our entertainment industry. We have so much talent that we are blessed with around us and it’s worth recognizing. We got to see so many artists last night. I was so happy to see so many of the actors I have been watching on tv all in one place.

Some upcoming/released projects are: Ke Huy Quan in the Disney+ show ‘American Born Chinese’ , Sandra Oh in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice'(2024), and Rhea Raj is on tour! Sending them tons of energy on their projects! 🙂

The worlds really started colliding when Eric Nam, Taecyeon Ok, and Johnny Suh were all in one picture. I was really shocked (and excited) to see that. We actually got to see Johnny and Eric film a podcast episode earlier that day (talk about hard working). We will talk about that in here a bit. I believe Johnny was also filming a JCC so I’m really looking forward to that! I wanted to talk about some of the projects they are all doing since I am a fan of them all.

Taecyeon is working on so many projects right now. Right now, we can see him as Ocean Park on ‘XO, Kitty’. He also has a drama coming out called “Heartbeat”. We even got a teaser with the song of the same name by his group 2pm! So exciting. I’m not sure if the filming day counts on his story is for the same show or a different project, but the filming locations look amazing. Also 2pm is coming with a reunion very soon so look forward to that! Wishing Taecyeon the best in all of his upcoming projects.

Johnny is currently hinting at lots of music. We are hopeful that the djing projects will be here sooner than later. DJ Johnny sounds very fun. He hinted at music in a quick interview during the Gold Gala for both NCT and NCT 127. He didn’t know when until recently. He learned about this through SNS with the rest of the members, but it looks like they are fully booked for this year (sending over tons of energy). However, he really wants to put out his own music and I feel his pain completely. You can see the passion in his eyes and hear it in his voice when talking about it. I just hope by next year they can slow down more, and he can focus more on himself and his colors as an artist. We know how hard working he is already and I’m just sending my energy with him. Best of luck to all he’s doing in the future! 

And Eric Nam…well he’s doing a lot. He’s talented and very busy so what do you expect from a combination like that? He is going on tour very soon and has an album coming out. I haven’t had a chance to see him on tour, but from what I have seen online he is hilarious! And did we mention how talented he is? Please show him lots of love and support! 

It is still AAPI month and Mental Health Awareness month. And like every month it is important to note, this is the time people give to recognize a group of individuals, it’s not a fad or something that you throw away the next month. Keep educating yourself and keep teaching others. Keep loving one another. Love is year-round. I think that Eric Nam and all of the Nam brothers are doing a great job representing both the AAPI community and representing Mental Awareness (and many more communities) through so many projects he has done. I would like to suggest the app ‘Mindset’ which is by Dive studios. This is not sponsored in any form, but I think it’s important for people to know they are not alone. And the fact that this app also has “Celebrity Mindsets” is very important. The reason why is because you can always know they are human too. And most importantly, to know that you aren’t alone. With a platform it is great to let others know these positive messages. We are never alone on our journeys and it’s really something that sounds cliche until you are in the moment. It’s just important to know and I just wanted to say that really quickly. Take care of yourselves and know you are loved! See you in the next post!

Illustration and Thoughts by A.P.