K-Drama Scandal / U.S. Student Missing / Donnie Yen on AI
Kim Soo-hyun faces shocking allegations, a U.S. student vanishes in the Dominican Republic, and Donnie Yen shares his take on AI’s impact on film.
The Rebel Yellow Issue #43
Trump just went all-in on Tesla, backing Elon Musk as sales crash worldwide. Ethics experts are raising alarms, but will his endorsement help or hurt the brand? Meanwhile, Rodrigo Duterte faces justice for his deadly drug war, Boston’s mayor fights back against immigration crackdowns, and a missing U.S. student in the Dominican Republic sparks an urgent search.
Plus: A 29,000-year-old child skeleton reshapes Southeast Asian history, South Korean star Kim Soo-hyun faces shocking allegations, and Donnie Yen weighs in on AI in film.
Trump rallies behind Tesla as global sales plunge
President Donald Trump staged an unprecedented show of support for Elon Musk’s embattled Tesla at the White House on Tuesday, declaring he would purchase an $80,000 Model S while claiming “radical left lunatics” were “illegally and collusively” boycotting the company.
Ethics concerns raised
Five Tesla vehicles lined the White House driveway as Trump praised Musk as a “patriot” and condemned the boycotts of “one of the world’s great automakers.” At one point, the president eased into the driver’s seat of a red Model S, exclaiming “That’s beautiful!”
The presidential backing prompted immediate ethics questions. “It could be reasonably assumed by some that the White House and the president’s endorsement is up for sale,” William F. Hall, a Webster University professor of political science, told ABC News.
Global sales collapse
The photo op followed Tesla’s worst stock plunge in years, with shares down 45% in 2025 after tumbling more than 15% on Monday alone. Sales have cratered in the following markets:
European sales fell 50% in January compared to last year
German registrations dropped 70% year-over-year
Australian sales plummeted over 70% from 2024 figures
Tesla shipments from China dropped 49% in February
The big picture
Tesla’s transformation from environmental icon to conservative rallying point accelerated after Musk pumped $270 million into Trump’s 2024 campaign and was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with slashing government spending.
“Tesla is becoming a political symbol of Trump and DOGE, and that is a bad thing for the brand,” Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives told AP News. “You think it’s helping, but it’s actually hurting.”
Trump’s defense of Musk in relation to Tesla represents a dramatic reversal. After Musk tweeted in July 2022 that it was time for the then-former president to “hang up his hat and sail into the sunset,” Trump fired back on Truth Social, writing, “When Elon Musk came to the White House asking me for help on all of his many subsidized projects, whether it’s electric cars that don't drive long enough, driverless cars that crash, or rocketships to nowhere, without which subsidies he’d be worthless, and telling me how he was a big Trump fan and Republican, I could have said, ‘drop to your knees and beg,’ and he would have done it.’”
A new CNN poll shows only 35% of Americans hold a positive view of the tech mogul, while 53% disapprove. The same poll revealed 56% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s economic stewardship.
What’s next
Some Tesla owners have placed bumper stickers on their cars with messages such as “I bought it before Elon went nuts.” On Monday, Musk admitted to Fox Business that he was running his businesses “with great difficulty” due to his government role.
Tesla’s dwindling sales will also be a test of patronage among Asian Americans. As of 2022, the company’s loyalty among Asian American buyers remained remarkably strong at 72.1% — 33 percentage points higher than the industry average, according to S&P Global Mobility data published in May 2023.
Despite the sales slump, Musk, who wore a black “Make America Great Again” cap at White House event, announced plans to “double vehicle output in the United States within the next two years.” Meanwhile, Trump threatened that violence against Tesla dealerships would be labeled domestic terrorism, saying perpetrators would “go through hell” after demonstrations at showrooms in Portland and New York City.
Boston Mayor Wu to Congress: Pass gun reforms, not immigration crackdowns, to improve safety
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu staunchly defended the city’s immigrant policies before a Republican-led House Oversight Committee last week, rejecting claims that limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities compromises public safety.
“We are the safest major city in the country,” Wu testified on March 5, emphasizing that Boston’s violent crime rates have decreased during her tenure. Wu, who arrived with her newborn daughter after attending an Ash Wednesday service, faced intense questioning from Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and other Republicans who threatened to withhold federal funding from “sanctuary cities.” Wu was noticeably calm in her first congressional appearance, providing the most straightforward answers among four Democratic mayors testifying. When Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) asked if breaking into the country was illegal, Wu simply responded “Yes,” while her counterparts avoided direct answers.
In a particularly heated exchange with Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), who accused Wu of defining immigration policy based on “false premises” — the mayor challenged Congress to address other national priorities. “If you wanted to make us safe, pass gun reforms. Stop cutting Medicaid. Stop cutting cancer research. Stop cutting funds for veterans. That is what will make our city safe,” Wu declared, rejecting what she called the “false narrative” that immigrants generally cause danger and harm.
The hearing comes amid an unprecedented scrutiny from the federal government in Boston. Following the testimony, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) recommended criminal investigations of Wu and other mayors, though some legal experts described these as “empty threats.” Meanwhile, Boston faces additional federal scrutiny as the DOJ’s Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism plans to evaluate the city’s response to campus incidents. When asked about the city’s position at the hearing, Wu urged Congress to “pass comprehensive immigration law that is consistent and compassionate,” adding that Boston’s policies do not prevent cooperation with federal authorities on criminal matters.
Rodrigo Duterte takes “full responsibility” after arrest for crimes against humanity
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 79, claimed to take “full responsibility” for his administration’s controversial “war on drugs” after being surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday.
Arrest
Duterte, who had admitted to killing several individuals himself, was apprehended by Philippine authorities upon his return from Hong Kong on charges of murder as a crime against humanity. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issued the arrest warrant after finding “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Duterte is individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder,” committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.
In a video message posted on Facebook shortly after his arrest, Duterte stated, “Whatever happened in the past, I will be the front of our law enforcement and the military. I said this already, that I will protect you, and I will be responsible for everything.”
Catch up
Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs” resulted in at least 6,200 deaths according to police data, though rights groups estimate the toll could be as high as 30,000. The ICC launched its investigation in 2021, temporarily suspending it after Manila’s deferral request before resuming in 2023.
The Chamber determined there was an attack directed against civilians while Duterte headed the “Davao Death Squad” and later as President of the Philippines. Though the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed while the country was a member state.
State of play
The arrest comes amid a collapsed alliance between the Duterte and Marcos political families in the Philippines. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated he was obliged to follow Interpol’s request.
“Interpol asked for help, and we obliged because we have commitments to the Interpol which we have to fulfill,” Marcos explained. “If we don’t do that, they will not — they will no longer help us with other cases involving Filipino fugitives abroad.”
What’s next
Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya confirmed Thursday that Duterte is being held at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague. “It will be proceedings before the ICC all the way,” he told the Philippine News Agency, noting that the former president will not be brought to a Dutch court.
A hearing will be scheduled “in due course” for Duterte’s initial appearance, where the Chamber will confirm his identity and ensure he understands the charges against him, the ICC stated.
U.S. student missing for over a week in the Dominican Republic
Interpol issued a yellow notice Thursday for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who vanished a week ago during spring break in the Dominican Republic.
The alert, requested by Virginia’s Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), bolsters a search now covering multiple Punta Cana beaches. Around 300 officers, search dogs, boats, helicopters, divers, drones and aircraft have reportedly been deployed, with FBI and Homeland Security Investigations joining Dominican authorities. Dominican Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso said Wednesday investigators are examining “all variables” and whether Konanki’s disappearance extends “beyond a possible accidental event.”
Surveillance footage shows Konanki, a native of India living in Virginia, heading to the beach at 4:15 a.m. on March 6 with seven others after drinking at the Riu Republica resort. Unidentified people were also reportedly present that morning. Konanki was last seen with Joshua Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, who left alone hours later. Riibe, called a “person of interest” by the LCSO but not a suspect by Dominican authorities, claimed that he felt ill, left the water and fell asleep while Konanki stood ankle-deep in the sea.
Konanki, who was last seen wearing a brown bikini, is described as standing 5-foot-3 with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LCSO at 703-777-1021 or anonymously at 703-777-1919.
14-year-old boy missing for seven years found in Colorado
A boy allegedly abducted by his own mother in 2017 was located in Colorado during a trespassing investigation at an unoccupied property, authorities announced on Wednesday.
Abdul Aziz Khan, who went missing on Nov. 17, 2017, was located on Feb. 23 as Douglas County officers checked reports of suspicious individuals at a vacant Highlands Ranch residence listed for sale. Investigators discovered the 14-year-old sitting in a car with another child while Rabia Khalid and her spouse, Elliot Blake Bourgeois, were exploring the house. The couple claimed connections to real estate services but provided conflicting explanations, Sheriff Darren Weekly said. Through mobile fingerprinting technology, officers confirmed Khalid’s identity as the non-custodial parent who had disappeared with her child following court decisions granting custody to his father. The investigation, which was featured in Netflix’s docuseries “Unsolved Mysteries,” had prompted searches throughout 11 different states.
“We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found,” his relatives said in a statement. Khalid faces nine criminal counts including conspiracy charges related to kidnapping, while Bourgeois faces 14 counts including second-degree kidnapping. Both remain jailed under a $1 million bail each, with hearings scheduled for March 27. Anyone with information regarding the boy’s locations since his disappearance is encouraged to reach Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
South Korean star under fire for alleged underage relationship with late actress
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing claims of engaging in a romantic relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.
The allegations: YouTube channel @Hoverlab2018 first alleged on March 10 that the two actors dated for six years beginning in 2015 when Sae-ron was 15 and Soo-hyun was 27. The channel, which purportedly cited remarks from Sae-ron’s family, later released a photo allegedly showing Soo-hyun kissing Sae-ron’s cheek, as well as messages and letters. Later, Dispatch reported an alleged close acquaintance of Soo-hyun as saying, “Kim Sae-ron’s age is the issue, which is why they will never officially admit to dating.”
Agency response: Gold Medalist, Soo-hyun’s agency, called the claims “completely false” and promised “the strongest possible legal action.” Scrutiny intensified after reports that the company had sent Sae-ron a 686 million won ($471,000) debt notice before her death. The management is expected to present evidence-backed clarification next week.
The aftermath: Brands such as Tous les Jours, K2 Korea and Dinto have pulled advertisements featuring Soo-hyun. Meanwhile, network giant MBC is reviewing demands to remove him from the variety show “Good Day.” Public sentiment worsened after Sae-ron died at age 24 on Feb. 16, which is also Soo-hyun’s birthday. Police ruled her death as a suicide.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) 24/7.
Donnie Yen on artificial intelligence in film: "We must learn from AI and not fear it"
International movie star and filmmaker Donnie Yen believes that artificial intelligence (AI) should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to the film industry. Speaking to local media before the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing on March 4, Yen stated, "While AI brings challenges to the film industry, it also serves as an encouragement, as challenges drive progress." He suggested we "must learn from AI and not fear it," seeing it as a tool that can enhance filmmaking. Yen remains committed to promoting Chinese cinema and martial arts, citing the success of “Ne Zha 2” as proof of global appeal. "In films, you can bring in so many great elements, letting audiences see our beautiful country and our beautiful culture," he said.
Jeremy Lin heaps praise on “killer” NBA rookie Yuki Kawamura
Former NBA champ Jeremy Lin expressed admiration for Japanese newcomer Yuki Kawamura after the two point guards connected during the All-Star Weekend in San Francisco last month.
“All-Star at its core is a celebration of the NBA’s fans and the crazyyy talent and hard work of the players. Easily one of my highlights of being back this year was getting to meet @kawamurayuki_8,” Lin wrote on Instagram. “From winning MVP in the BLeague, dominating in the Olympics and now tearing up the GLeague, your skill and greatness has been undeniable and amazing to witness.”
During the weekend, Lin, who participated as an honorary coach for the G League squad, highlighted the Japanese athlete’s professional approach and competitive spirit. “Deep inside, he’s a killer, and that’s why he’s going to make it,” Lin told reporters.
The first-year Memphis player has captured audience attention despite seeing minimal NBA court time. Standing just 5-foot-8, Kawamura delivered an impressive 15-assist outing during Tuesday’s G League contest, reflecting his season averages of 12.7 points and 9.3 assists per game at that level.
In response to Lin’s compliments, Kawamura wrote in an Instagram Story, “I was so happy to meet NBA and Asian legend. Thank you so much!”
Study finds prostate cancer affects East Asian and non-Asian men equally
A Sinai Health study is challenging the long-held belief that East Asian men are less susceptible to aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The research, led by Dr. Alexandre Zlotta, a surgical oncologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, has revealed that men from East Asian countries like China, Japan and Korea are equally likely to develop serious prostate cancer as their non-Asian counterparts in Western nations.
A paradigm shift
Historically, East Asian countries have reported lower rates of prostate cancer incidence and mortality compared to Western countries. However, this disparity is narrowing, prompting researchers to delve deeper into the disease's impact on Asian populations.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, involved a comprehensive analysis of over 8,000 men from Toronto, Shanghai, Paris and Singapore. The findings showed that East Asian men were just as likely to present with aggressive prostate cancer as their non-Asian peers. Moreover, the progression of the disease post-surgery showed no significant differences between the two groups.
Implications for public health
The study underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to prostate cancer screening and public health strategies tailored to the specific needs of East Asian populations. By raising awareness of the disease's prevalence and severity, healthcare providers can encourage early detection and timely intervention.
"Prostate cancer in East Asian men should not be dismissed or neglected," emphasizes Dr. Zlotta. "These findings are particularly relevant given the growing diversity of our patient population in Toronto and the significant Asian community we serve."
29,000-year-old child remains found in Thai cave gives insight on early Southeast Asians
Archaeologists in Thailand have uncovered the oldest human remains ever found in the country — a 29,000-year-old child skeleton found inside Din Cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Nicknamed "Pangpond" after a beloved Thai cartoon character, the skeleton provides groundbreaking insights into early human habitation in Southeast Asia.
Unearthing the past
Initial research at the cave began in 2020 when archaeologists identified prehistoric red ochre paintings on the walls and ceilings of three chambers. These paintings depicted humans hunting animals such as deer and monkeys using bows and arrows.
Excavations in 2022 uncovered animal bones, shells, seeds and pottery, further supporting the theory that prehistoric humans inhabited the cave. A major breakthrough occurred when archaeologists dug about two meters below the cave floor and found the remains of a young child. Radiocarbon dating confirmed the bones to be approximately 29,000 years old, making Pangpond the oldest known human burial in Thailand.
Insights into burial rituals
The skeleton was found lying on its back with arms and legs positioned close to the body, suggesting the child may have been wrapped or tied before burial. Surrounding stones indicated a deliberate and respectful burial process. Ash and charcoal were also found at the burial site, suggesting that a fire had been lit, possibly to smoke the body and deter wild animals or as part of a ritual purification process.
"The careful burial and the associated artifacts provide invaluable insights into the rituals and daily lives of these ancient inhabitants," said Phnombootra Chandrajoti, director general of Thailand's Fine Arts Department in a statement.
Glimpse into Stone Age Thailand
Pangpond’s remains offer a rare glimpse into the lives of hunter-gatherers who once roamed the region. The discovery also pushes back the timeline of human occupation in Thailand, reshaping archaeological understanding of early human dispersal in Southeast Asia.
At the time of Pangpond’s life, Southeast Asia was part of a larger landmass known as Sundaland, exposed due to lower sea levels during the last Ice Age. This connection allowed populations to migrate and settle in various regions, including what is now Thailand. The Tham Din site contains evidence of human occupation spanning from 29,000 to 11,000 years ago, marking it as a crucial site for studying prehistoric human activity in the region.
Future research and preservation efforts
The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced plans to protect the Tham Din archaeological site. Future research will focus on further excavations and analyses of the artifacts, including the relationship between the burial and the red ochre paintings.
Officials also plan to develop the site for tourism and educational purposes. “This is a groundbreaking discovery that will reshape our understanding of early human presence in Southeast Asia,” Chandrajoti said.