Jonny Kim is WHAT!?
Jonny Kim is headed to space, making history as the first Korean American astronaut to launch.
The Rebel Yellow Issue #47
Jonny Kim is headed to space, making history as the first Korean American astronaut to launch. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s rumored war briefing with the Pentagon sparks chaos, and Kentucky’s governor shuts down an anti-DEI bill with a powerful veto message: “This bill is about hate.”
Also in this issue:
🏳️ Toronto says no to U.S. flags
⚖️ Google pays $28M over bias toward white and Asian staff
🎿 Chloe Kim rediscovers her edge
🎾 Naomi Osaka reps Haiti at the Miami Open
🌕 Students at Brown push to bring Tagalog into the classroom
Plus, South Korea’s consulate races to find a missing family in Arizona, and a transnational repression case in New York ends in prison time.
Jonny Kim to become 1st Korean American astronaut to go to space
Next month, Jonny Kim will make history as the first Korean American astronaut to fly to space, marking a new milestone in his extraordinary career spanning military service, medicine and aerospace. Kim will launch aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft on April 8, alongside cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, heading to the International Space Station (ISS) for an eight-month mission.
Kim’s path to space
Born in 1984 to a Korean immigrant family in Los Angeles, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately after high school, where he became a decorated Navy SEAL. His military career included over 100 combat operations in Iraq, earning him multiple commendations. Kim pursued further education through the Navy’s support program, eventually graduating from Harvard Medical School.
His wide-ranging expertise led to his selection as a NASA astronaut in 2017. Since completing astronaut training, Kim has played key roles in supporting mission operations, including serving as the lead operations officer for Expedition 65 and as a space station capcom chief engineer. In an online interview last week, the 41-year-old astronaut remarked, "I have been at NASA for nearly eight years ... and just being able to contribute to this work is very meaningful to me."
Man on a mission
During his time aboard the ISS, Kim will participate in critical scientific investigations and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human space exploration. The mission may involve spacewalks to maintain the station’s solar panels — a task Kim considers "the most anticipated part of this mission." Kim also sees his participation as an opportunity to inspire future generations, stating, "I firmly believe and support that I can help inspire the next generation by sharing the scientific research we will conduct on the space station."
Reflecting on the collaborative nature of the ISS, he highlighted the meaning behind the name of the Soyuz spacecraft, which translates to "union" in Russian. "It is a great honor to not only represent the United States but also to serve as a diplomat between the two countries," he said.
Dream come true
Kim revealed in a 2023 interview with “Good Morning America” that he had wanted to go to space since I was a little child. “I did clearly have the Apollo 11 poster of those astronauts above my bed,” he shared.
As he completes his final training at Russia’s Star City, Kim remains focused on the work ahead while acknowledging the greater purpose behind his mission. "For every space mission you see, whether manned or unmanned, a lot of work is done out of sight," he said, "and just being able to contribute to that work is very meaningful to me."
Trump administration denies Elon Musk was briefed on China war plans
The White House and Pentagon officials are denying a New York Times report published Thursday claiming that Elon Musk was scheduled to receive a classified briefing on U.S. military plans for a potential conflict with China.
Driving the news
Unidentified officials reportedly told the Times that the Pentagon had arranged for Musk to receive a briefing on Friday containing 20 to 30 slides outlining U.S. military strategy for a potential conflict with China. The meeting was purportedly set to take place in the Pentagon’s secure “Tank” conference room with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior military officials, including Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, head of the Indo-Pacific Command.
Critics have since questioned the propriety of sharing highly classified information with Musk, who has extensive business interests in China through Tesla’s Shanghai factory and maintains significant Pentagon contracts through SpaceX.
What the administration is saying
President Donald Trump categorically rejected the report late Thursday, writing on Truth Social that “China will not even be mentioned or discussed” during Musk’s Pentagon visit. On X, Hegseth described the meeting as “an informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies and smarter production,” while Musk called for “prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information.”
When Musk did visit the Pentagon on Friday, he met only with Hegseth in his office rather than attending the originally planned Joint Chiefs meeting. Trump later told reporters he would not show such war plans “to anybody,” noting Musk “has businesses in China, and he would be susceptible perhaps to that.”
The big picture
The controversy unfolds amid Musk’s expanding influence in the Trump administration through his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to slash federal spending.
It also follows a cooling in Musk’s public feud with former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who once called him “a parasitic illegal immigrant” and a “truly evil guy.” Bannon, however, recently praised DOGE’s effectiveness, telling NewsNation that while the process is “never terribly pleasant,” it’s “making some progress.” The New York Times previously reported that President Trump himself intervened to temper the public clash between his allies, urging Bannon to meet privately with Musk.
What’s next
In response to the alleged leak, the Pentagon has launched an investigation into “unauthorized disclosures of national security information,” with plans to use polygraphs as part of the probe. A memo from DOD Chief of Staff Joe Kasper said the investigation “will commence immediately,” with findings to be reported directly to the Secretary of Defense and any party responsible for leaks to be referred for criminal prosecution.
Meanwhile, DOGE continues to face legal challenges to its authority, with a recent court order finding Musk and his team overstepped in their attempts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), one of several judicial setbacks to the administration’s government reduction efforts.
Kentucky Gov. Beshear vetoes GOP bill targeting university DEI programs
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed House Bill 4, a Republican-backed measure aimed at dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the state's public universities. In a social media video announcing his decision on Thursday, Beshear denounced the legislation, stating, "This bill isn’t about love. House Bill 4 is about hate. So I’m gonna try a little act of love myself, and I’m gonna veto it right now."
Dismantling DEI
The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Jennifer Decker, sought to eliminate DEI offices and prohibit mandatory DEI training at Kentucky's public universities and community colleges. Decker argued that DEI efforts have made college "more divided, more expensive and less tolerant," and that taxpayer funds should not support such practices. "Historically, America has striven for equal opportunity, not subjective equity, which DEI now pursues through discriminatory missions, hirings and scholarships," she stated during a committee hearing.
The legislation defined DEI offices as those that promote "discriminatory concepts," and would ban any course or training where "the primary purpose is to indoctrinate participants with a discriminatory concept." The bill also grants the Auditor of Public Accounts the power to conduct compliance audits on higher education institutions, with potential loss of federal funding for non-compliance.
Stand for diversity
Beshear, who has been floated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, framed his veto as a defense of inclusivity. "I’ll always believe that diversity is a strength and never a weakness," he said in his video, emphasizing, "We are better with more voices and more seats at our table." He also highlighted the Golden Rule, stating, "We love and we accept everyone."
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Gerald Neal echoed Beshear’s sentiment, arguing that the bill would "do nothing to improve education in this state, but would instead send a harmful message that diversity is something to be feared rather than embraced."
Implications beyond Kentucky
The battle over DEI programs in Kentucky mirrors a national trend as President Donald Trump spearheads efforts to dismantle diversity initiatives. Over 50 universities, including the University of Kentucky, are under federal investigation for alleged racial discrimination tied to DEI programs. Institutions have since begun scaling back DEI efforts in response. The GOP’s supermajority will have the opportunity to override Beshear’s veto when the legislature reconvenes later this month.
“Proudly Canadian”: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow backs removal of U.S. flags
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has voiced her support for removing American flags from city-owned properties “wherever possible,” aligning with a broader wave of municipal actions across Canada against U.S. trade policies. The statement from her office follows Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish’s announcement that her city will lower U.S. flags from sports arenas and key waterfront locations.
Not a U.S. state: In a statement to Global News on March 19, Chow declared, “We are proudly Canadian and will never be the 51st state,” emphasizing national identity in the face of escalating economic and political tensions between the two neighbors. Chow’s remarks come amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated demands for Canada to become America's "51st state."
Fighting a “senseless” trade war: In addition to the removal of U.S. flags, Toronto has also unveiled a 10-point economic action plan that includes blocking American companies from bidding on municipal contracts and prioritizing Canadian suppliers. Chow also spoke on CNN, warning that Trump’s tariffs would “make gas more expensive” and increase costs for American households. She called such policies a “senseless, hurtful trade war.”
Distancing from U.S. influence: Toronto officials acknowledge that shifting away from U.S. suppliers will take time. Toronto’s new procurement policies, while prioritizing Canadian businesses, stop short of an outright ban on American firms, allowing exemptions when deemed necessary.
A stronger, united Toronto: With the city accounting for a quarter of Ontario’s GDP and generating $123 billion in annual trade with the U.S., Chow remains firm in her commitment to strengthening Toronto’s economy and civic identity. “We prefer to build each other up rather than divide,” she stated. Chow’s administration sees this as an opportunity to reinforce local industries and reassert Toronto’s place as a leader in Canadian economic and political sovereignty.
Musk’s X sues India over censorship powers
Elon Musk’s X filed a lawsuit against the Indian government on March 5, alleging unlawful expansion of online censorship powers that circumvent established legal safeguards.
Driving the news: X accused India’s IT Ministry of establishing “an impermissible parallel mechanism” that causes “unrestrained censorship of information,” violating the country’s constitution and Information Technology Act. This mechanism comes in the form of the “Sahyog” portal, which reportedly enables government officials to order content removal without judicial oversight. The suit also mentions hundreds of removal demands from the Railways Ministry in February concerning a stampede incident that subjected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration to criticism and embarrassment.
The big picture: The suit comes at a sensitive moment for both sides. Musk’s February meeting with Modi in Washington was described by the latter as “warm and friendly.” Musk, on the other hand, is advancing major commercial ventures in India, including Tesla’s new showrooms and Starlink’s partnerships with local telecommunications companies. Musk’s AI chatbot Grok 3 has also gained popularity in the country for its unfiltered commentary on political matters, often critical of Modi’s leadership. Interestingly, the case represents a continuing pattern of conflict: in 2021, the platform — then Twitter — contested orders to remove tweets about farmers’ protests and subsequently lost a related legal challenge in Karnataka High Court in 2023.
What’s next: The Karnataka High Court will examine the case on Thursday. Analysts suggest the litigation is unlikely to impede Musk’s business ambitions in India, considering his substantial economic leverage and close ties to Trump. The suit unfolds amid broader U.S.-India trade discussions, which seek to prevent new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump to take effect on April 2. It also comes as Musk’s Tesla has demonstrated remarkable success in legal challenges against customers in China.
South Korean family vanishes during road trip between Grand Canyon and Las Vegas
Three members of a South Korean family have been missing for over a week after driving through a winter storm on a road trip between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, Arizona authorities confirmed.
Jiyeon Lee, 33, her mother Taehee Kim, 59, and her aunt Junghee Kim, 54, were last known to be traveling westbound on Interstate 40 on March 13 in a rented 2024 white BMW with California license plate number 9KHN768, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
Connection to deadly interstate pileup
The vehicle’s GPS data indicated their last known location at 3:27 p.m. near Williams, Arizona, coinciding with a deadly multi-vehicle pileup caused by a winter storm, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (ADPS) said. The crash involved 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger vehicles and several tractor-trailers, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to 16 people who required medical attention. Some vehicles burned for more than 20 hours due to extreme temperatures on the snow- and ice-covered highway.
“It is not known if this [rental] vehicle was involved in the accident,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Authorities are currently examining the wreckage and working to identify human remains found at the scene.
Missed flight raised concerns
The family had been on vacation in the U.S. and was scheduled to depart from San Francisco International Airport on March 17. Their relatives grew concerned when they missed their flight and could not be reached, prompting the South Korean Consulate in Los Angeles to report the family missing on March 18.
“We have dispatched a consul to the area and are working closely with the police to locate the missing people as quickly as possible,” the consulate said in a statement.
Ongoing search and investigation
Investigators believe the winter storm and pileup may have caused the family's GPS to reroute them. "If you've ever traveled up in northern Arizona, when you get rerouted, sometimes GPS will reroute you out into a forest service road without knowing that weather conditions are harsh," sheriff's office spokesperson Jon Paxton told FOX 10.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the South Korean Consulate and the ADPS, continues to investigate the disappearance.
How to help
Authorities urge anyone who has had contact with the family since March 13 or has information about their whereabouts to call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523 or 1-800-338-7888. Information can also be reported anonymously via Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
New York businessman sentenced to 20 months for acting as illegal Chinese agent
A New York real estate businessman was sentenced to 20 months in prison on Wednesday for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government in a transnational repression scheme.
What he did: Quanzhong An, a 58-year-old Chinese citizen and legal U.S. resident from Roslyn Heights, was a significant participant in China’s “Operation Fox Hunt,” targeting a U.S. resident accused of embezzlement by Chinese authorities. From 2017 to 2022, An repeatedly harassed and intimidated the victim and his family, pressuring them to return to China. An also perpetrated bank fraud, moving millions from China into the U.S. while deceiving financial institutions about the source and purpose of the funds.
What authorities are saying: “Quanzhong An acted at the direction of the PRC government to harass and intimidate individuals living on U.S. soil as part of a pernicious scheme to force their repatriation,” U.S. Attorney John Durham said in a press release. At the sentencing, Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto noted that “Mr. An’s conduct presents a serious threat to national security.”
The big picture: The case represents part of a broader crackdown on China’s transnational repression efforts in the U.S. In addition to prison time — of which he has already served seven months — An must pay approximately $5 million in penalties, including $1.3 million in restitution to the U.S. resident and his family. His daughter, Guangyang An, who pleaded guilty to related charges last May, is awaiting sentencing.
How self-discovery reignited Chloe Kim’s Olympic dream
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and snowboarding phenomenon Chloe Kim revealed that she nearly walked away from the sport that made her a global star. After securing her second Olympic title in Beijing 2022, Kim told Olympics.com that she found herself drained and unmotivated.
Old tricks, new motto
"I was in a lull for the last couple of years," the 24-year-old athlete admitted. But ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics at Milano Cortina, Kim has rediscovered her passion — thanks to a new mindset and some old tricks. "'Name it to tame it' is my motto. When I'm nervous now, I just accept it and then go kill it on the snow," she said. In an effort to reignite her love for snowboarding, Kim returned to the basics, revisiting tricks she hadn’t attempted in 15 years. "I really wanted to start having fun again as that's something I hadn't felt in a long time," she explained.
The thrill of learning again led her to an impressive season — winning two World Cup events and yet another X Games superpipe title. "I realized that I love learning tricks … a whole new world just opened up for me. It feels so rewarding," she reflected.
Embracing her true identity
Kim also worked with a therapist to redefine her identity beyond snowboarding. Through therapy, Kim crafted a list of personal qualities that make her valuable beyond the halfpipe. "I'm funny, I'm smart, I'm empathetic … I'm a good friend. This list of things makes me valuable, and as long as they remain, I should be really proud of the person I am today," she reflected.
As she prepares for Milano Cortina 2026, Kim has found freedom in being herself: "Now I'm going on social media, running my mouth, and saying whatever I want."
Naomi Osaka honors Haitian roots after Miami Open victory
Naomi Osaka marked her return to the Miami Open with a victory and a tribute to her heritage. On Thursday night, the unseeded Osaka defeated 24th-seed Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, advancing to the third round of the WTA 1000 Masters event.
After her victory, Osaka walked over to a fan holding the Haitian flag, wrapped it around herself and autographed it before returning it to the supporter. Born in Japan to a Haitian American father and a Japanese mother, Osaka has consistently embraced her multicultural identity. Days before her match, she posted on social media referencing France's demand for reparations from Haiti, writing, "Since we're trying to repossess things, can Haiti get their money back?"
After Osaka's win against Samsonova she then went on to defeat Hailey Baptiste in the third round on Sunday, securing her spot in the fourth round.
Brands sever ties with Kim Soo-hyun amid alleged underage relationship scandal
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has lost numerous brand partnerships following allegations about his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who was found dead at her home last month.
State of play
Luxury fashion house Prada confirmed on March 17 that it “mutually decided to end its collaboration” with the 37-year-old actor, just months after announcing him as brand ambassador last December. South Korean cosmetics company Dinto also terminated its contract with Kim on March 15, citing “substantial grounds rendering the fulfilment of the advertising contract unfeasible.” Kim reportedly represented more than 10 brands before the controversy broke. Multiple companies have begun removing his images from their promotional materials.
The controversy has also significantly impacted Kim’s media presence. On Friday, Disney+ announced that it has “paused” its release of “Knock-Off,” an upcoming crime drama starring Kim as Sung-jun, a character who rises to dominance in the counterfeiting underworld. MBC’s “Good Day,” which features celebrities including G-Dragon, also canceled its scheduled sixth episode featuring Kim that was set to air on Sunday.
Catch up
The allegations against Kim began when YouTube channel Hoverlab claimed that he and Kim Sae-ron had been in a relationship for six years, dating back to when she was 15 years old. Kim’s agency, Goldmedalist, has denied these claims, stating their relationship occurred between 2019 and 2020, when both were adults.
Kim on Thursday filed a complaint against Hoverlab and members of Kim Sae-ron’s family for distributing private photos, including what his representatives described as potentially sexually insulting images. The late actress’ family, through their lawyers, has accused Kim of making “false statements” and causing “further distress,” saying they are reviewing possible legal action.
“Wicked” a timely political allegory? Bowen Yang surprised it was a hit
Bowen Yang, who plays Pfannee in the hit film adaptation of “Wicked,” sparked conversation at the London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival when he described the musical as “politically tragic” despite its commercial success. Speaking at the British Film Institute on Thursday, Yang expressed surprise at the film’s widespread appeal given its core themes. “It’s crazy that ‘Wicked’ is out in the world and doing so well when it’s a story about racism and fascism, all these things. I’m like, ‘Oh shit, yeah,’” he said. As the first openly queer Asian cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” Yang’s comments indirectly connect the film’s portrayal of Elphaba’s othering to current social and political concerns, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Fans can next see Yang in Andrew Ahn’s “The Wedding Banquet” alongside Lily Gladstone and Youn Yuh-jung, set to release in U.S. theaters on April 18.
Students push for Tagalog program at Brown
Students at Brown University are intensifying their push for a Tagalog language program, with the Filipino Alliance’s petition garnering over 800 signatures since its relaunch early last month. Despite being the fourth most-spoken language in the U.S., Tagalog is notably absent from the university’s offerings of more than 25 languages. The campaign represents “the culmination of decades of advocacy,” Filipino Alliance Co-President Anna Zulueta tells the Brown Daily Herald. Other Ivy League universities have already made similar moves, with Yale introducing Tagalog courses this fall following student advocacy and Harvard having offered the language since the 2023-24 academic year.