Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week. Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers Almost every weekday, check out our discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career. Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section. Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg); edited by: Elsa Goh --- Discover more ST podcast channels: 'All-in-one' ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Headstart On Record: https://str.sg/wB2m Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt Wheel Insights: https://str.sg/iTtE ST Podcasts website: https://www.straitstimes.com/st-podcasts (*New) The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Special edition series: Green Trails (4 eps): https://str.sg/bMyx This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra). True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra. The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra. Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #stpodcasttr

How a variety talk show with one of the oddest hosting pairings became one of the most successful in the Chinese language entertainment scene. Synopsis: How Did We Get Here is a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, which will take a look in each episode about a celebrity, a band or the cast of a movie or film that made an impact on Asian entertainment and how they got to where they are now. If you follow Chinese-language entertainment, there is a good chance you have heard of the variety series Kang Xi Lai Le, also known as Mr Con & Ms Csi or Kangxi Coming.  The light-hearted Taiwanese talk show, which ran from 2004 till 2016, is easily one of the most successful talk shows of all time in Chinese-language entertainment - a staple of Taiwanese television that continues to make people laugh even eight years after the end of its run. The show began as a wacky experiment, by pairing the intellectual and cultured Kevin Tsai and the wild, funny Dee Hsu as hosts in one programme. Their chemistry was magic and the show consistently maintained high ratings throughout its run.  Not only was it a hot spot for celebrities to come on and promote themselves and their projects, the show even attracted personalities like politicians - former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou and social commentator, critic and historian Li Ao.  Even with its varied line-up of guests, the hosts never switched up their style - a mix of inane and sometimes raunchy questions about underwear and farts, lots of banter and good-natured mocking.  Now, 20 years after its debut and eight years after its last of close to 3,000 episodes aired, its legacy and impact remain - with some clips of the show going viral even today. Many fans are still clamouring for the show to make a comeback. #PopVultures host Jan Lee discusses exactly how we got here. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Introduction and an update about a possible Kangxi Coming relaunch 4:19 The show’s inception and how complete opposites Kevin Tsai and Dee Hsu came to be paired together 12:50 The first episode of Kangxi Coming and why it became so popular 17:33 The show’s evolution over the years and the introduction of assistant host Hank Chen 23:31 How Kangxi Coming managed to capture Chinese audiences despite a tight budget 29:49 The show coming to an end 34:53 Kangxi Coming’s resounding legacy till today 37:15 What are Dee Hsu, Kevin Tsai and Hank Chen up to today? 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 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: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE 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 Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #PV #HDWGH

It is one of the most famous Chinese period dramas ever, but where are the members of its main cast now? Synopsis: How Did We Get Here is a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, where host Jan Lee will deep dive into a celebrity, a band or the cast of a movie or film that made an impact on Asian entertainment and how they got to where they are now. There is a good argument to be made that the most famous Chinese drama ever aired is the Qing dynasty period royal romance My Fair Princess, best known for its first two seasons aired in 1998 and 1999. The story is about a case of mistaken identity. An orphaned street urchin named Xiaoyanzi accidentally becomes a princess in place of her friend, the Qing emperor Qianlong’s illegitimate daughter Ziwei.  The series broke viewership records, became extremely popular across Asia and was an unprecedented hit that turned its main cast members into household names - Vicki Zhao, Ruby Lin, Alec Su, Zhou Jie, Fan Bingbing and Julian Chen. Now, 26 years since the drama first aired - a lot has happened to the main cast. Two have been effectively cancelled by the Chinese government, one has apparently become a successful farmer, one is widely disliked by Chinese netizens and one quite literally got "burnt".  #PopVultures host Jan Lee discusses How Did We Get Here. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:20 Introduction about My Fair Princess 4:11 How the series got cast and its impact on Asian entertainment 11:57 What happened to Julian Chen? 14:16 What happened to Alec Su? 17:16 Is there a feud between Ruby Lin and Zhou Jie? 28:03 The cancellation of Fan Bingbing 35:12 The many troubles of Vicki Zhao and her eventual downfall Produced by: Jan Lee (janlee@sph.com.sg) Amirul Karim Edited by: Amirul Karim Follow #PopVultures Podcast here every month:  Channel: https://str.sg/JWad Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaA Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaP 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: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE 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 Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #PV #HDWGH

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: The Usual Place: https://str.sg/5nfm 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

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

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! --- 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) #PV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 (ernest@sph.com.sg) & Teo Tong Kai Follow ST Podcasts: Channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukK Spotify: https://str.sg/wukH SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE 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 Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #stpodcasttr

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

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

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

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

Revisit the watershed 40-month legal dispute between SM Entertainment and former TVXQ members, thathas 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 --- Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! #PV

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

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

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! #PV

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

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

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

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 Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! #PV

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

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! #PV

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! #PV

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! #PV

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! #PV

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! #PV

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 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

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 --- 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! #PV

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

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!

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

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!

#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!

#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: Rebecca Lim's engagement and how Ian Fang's response has shifted the focus away from her happy news (0:49) Britney is finally free and how the conservatorship system is ripe for abuse (12:15) Taylor Swift's re-recording and releasing her album Red (19:05) 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 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!

#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: 'Condensed' recap of the complicated saga - everything from @sgcickenrice to that Xiaxue interview (3:12) Jan's views of the counter-productive first statements from NOC and Chan (16:40) Brief recap and review of Xiaxue's interview with Chan (24:54) Ryan Tan's response to the saga and the initial overwhelming public support for him (33:00) The real winners of the NOC fallout (36:53) 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 Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

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

#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: A brief introduction on China's recent entertainment earthquake (0:42) A rundown of the cancellation of Zhang Zhehan and Vicki Zhao (4:08) Jan and Cheng Wei reflect on these two cases and the differing ways Chinese celebrities can be cancelled (10:21) A brief introduction of Chinese authorities' recent moves in cleaning up its entertainment industry (25:12) Jan and Cheng Wei share their thoughts on what is behind the heightened restrictions, curbs and censorship in Chinese entertainment (27:25) 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 Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#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: Brief introduction of Kris Wu and an explainer on what has happened (1:20) The fallout from the saga (11:29) Reflections on what this might mean for China's #MeToo movement (14:08) Jan's thoughts on how this has highlighted toxic fan culture; why the clampdown on certain fan circles (19:00) The idea of a "perfect victim" in sexual assault cases (24:42) 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 Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#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: Britney Spears' conservatorship (2:18) How #PopVultures came to be (11:10) Their favourite episodes and moments (15:47) Detour into Angelina Jolie's rekindled romance (19:20) Takeaways from their 50 episodes of podcasting (22:36) Sam Jo and Jan discuss celebrities on their dislike list Taylor Swift and JJ Lin (26:41) Final thoughts and thank-yous (34:39) Sam Jo's surprise farewell gift! (38:20) 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!

#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 The Naomi Osaka controversy, the resulting fallout and reactions (2:36) Other examples of celebrities, like Novak Djokovic, Britney Spears and Naomi Campbell, warring with the media (7.45) The Asian celebrity ecosystem and how celebrities have clashed with the media there (11:04) Do celebrities have an obligation to the media? (15:11)  Monique refusing to do promote the film Precious at Cannes Film Festival (18:24) Celebrities being hostile to the media during interviews (20:16) Overall thoughts (26:31) 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!

#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: How did Jay Chou become Jay Chou? (3:02) The many phases of Jay Chou's music career (8:25) Our favourite Jay Chou songs (11:01) Jay Chou's professional and personal relationships (15:38) Jay Chou's legacy (25:04) Trivia time! (25:49) 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!