Important Announcement: NextShark's New Chapter
Rewriting the Narrative: Amplifying Asian Voices with The Rebel Yellow
A Letter from Benny Luo, Founder & CEO of NextShark
First, thank you. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or recently joined our community, your support has made it possible for us to tell the stories that matter. It’s because of you that we’ve been able to navigate the challenges of running independent media, especially during times like Stop Asian Hate, when your generosity and donations kept us afloat.
Today, I’m excited to announce the next chapter of our journey: The Rebel Yellow.
For over a century, “Yellow Peril” was a rallying cry of fear and xenophobia aimed at Asian people, depicting them as threats to Western society. Early political cartoons portrayed Asians as sinister, invasive forces, such as an octopus engulfing the world.
Rebel Yellow aims to rewrite that narrative. As a trailblazing platform guided by pride in our shared Asian heritage, we recognize that we can reclaim what was used to diminish us and turn it into a voice of empowerment.
The octopus in our logo isn’t just a nod to those early depictions—it’s a symbol of adaptability, intelligence, and strength. Its tentacles represent the diverse stories, perspectives, and experiences we aim to connect through this platform. Together, they create something bigger: a shared mission to elevate Asian narratives and make them mainstream.
The Rebel Yellow isn’t just a newsletter—it’s a new way of amplifying Asian American stories. While NextShark will continue its work of celebrating the global Asian community with uplifting and celebratory content, The Rebel Yellow is where we’ll focus on stories that matter most to Asian Americans. It’s where we’ll tackle politics, culture, and the challenges facing our communities—head-on, unapologetically, and with heart.
In times of uncertainty for media—especially independent outlets like ours—we know the road ahead won’t be easy. But that’s why we’re asking for your support. To keep producing quality journalism, we’re transitioning The Rebel Yellow to a hybrid model:
Every Monday, you’ll receive a free newsletter to stay informed.
For deeper dives, exclusive stories, and meaningful conversations, we invite you to subscribe as a paid member.
Your membership doesn’t just give you access to more content. It enables us to hire more journalists, tell more stories, and improve the quality of our reporting. As we grow, we’ll also roll out exciting perks for paid members, like events and exclusive benefits.
And if you’re a student, we’d love to make this accessible for you—just email us at student@therebelyellow.com, and we’ll work with you on special pricing.
This will be the last email you receive from us as part of the NextShark newsletter. Moving forward, all communications will come via The Rebel Yellow. If these changes aren’t for you, you can press the unsubscribe button at any time. But if you’re excited about what’s to come and want to support Asian American storytelling, we’d love to have you join us as a paid member to help keep this mission alive and thriving.
To kick off this new chapter, Alan Van, our Editor-in-Chief, shares his vision and dives into some of the important stories shaping our community today in this premiere issue of The Rebel Yellow.
Thank you for believing in us. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, telling stories, and making Asian narratives mainstream.
Benny Luo
Founder & CEO, NextShark
A letter from Alan Van, Editor-in-Chief of The Rebel Yellow
Hello, and welcome to the premiere issue of the Rebel Yellow newsletter!
Thank you for joining us for the very first of our triweekly deep dives into politics, science, culture, entertainment, and more — all delivered to your inbox. We hope you will be informed, entertained, and surprised as you join the Rebel Yellow team on our mission to tell the stories, both big and small, that matter to our Asian and Asian diaspora communities.
This isn’t an echo chamber, however; expect to be challenged and expect to think. Look to hear through our work a diverse array of Asian voices and perspectives too seldom heard in mainstream media. Along with the Rebel Yellow contributions of newsmakers, experts, and trendsetters, there will be crucial analyses and context for the news and stories that impact us.
In today’s issue:
Learn more about what makes one of the most prominent Indian Americans in President-elect Donald Trump’s orbit tick.
Part 1 of our series on the global culinary powerhouse that is Vietnamese coffee — there’s not much else better to start the day or the Rebel Yellow newsletter.
Alan Van
Editor-in-Chief
How South Korea rejected its president’s shocking attempt at autocracy
South Korean democracy, often hailed as one of Asia’s most vibrant, was thrown into unprecedented turmoil in the past week, with President Yoon Suk Yeol declaring martial law. While the measure lasted for just about six hours before it was overturned, it has ignited political chaos, calls for Yoon’s resignation and efforts to impeach him. This marks the first time since South Korea’s transition to democracy in 1987 that a president has attempted to invoke such an extraordinary move, raising alarm both domestically and internationally.
Six hours of chaos
Tuesday (Dec. 3), 10:23 p.m.: Yoon declared martial law in an unannounced televised address, accusing opposition parties of anti-state activities and citing threats from North Korea. The measure took effect at 11 p.m.
Wednesday (Dec. 4), 1:04 a.m.: Lawmakers — including those from Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) — who forced their way into the National Assembly past military blockades unanimously (190-0) overturned the decree in an emergency session.
Wednesday (Dec. 4), 4:26 a.m.: Yoon rescinded martial law, complying with the legislature’s decision but doubling down on accusations against his opponents.
Saturday (Dec. 7): Parliament held its first impeachment vote, but Yoon narrowly survived as his party boycotted the proceedings. However, the opposition has scheduled another impeachment vote for Dec. 11.
The shadow of martial law
Martial law is the temporary imposition of direct military control over civilian functions, typically enacted during emergencies such as war or rebellion. Civilian rights like freedom of assembly, press and due process may be suspended. In South Korea, the constitutional authority to declare martial law lies in the president, but this declaration must meet a strict criteria. The constitution also gives the National Assembly the power to overturn it.
The measure has a dark history in the country, often associated with authoritarian leaders like Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan, who used it to suppress dissent and consolidate power. The Gwangju Uprising of 1980, where hundreds were killed under Chun’s martial law, remains a painful national memory.
For many South Koreans, Yoon’s declaration evoked this traumatic past. The swift parliamentary response reflects a determination to reject such authoritarian measures.
Why this matters to the U.S.
South Korea’s stability is critical to U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific. With 28,500 American troops stationed in the country, any political upheaval threatens to weaken deterrence against North Korea and undermine efforts to counterbalance China’s growing influence.
Yoon’s actions also highlight global trends of democratic backsliding. In a statement, Rep.-elect Dave Min (Calif.-District 47) emphasized that “a hallmark of any democracy is that it allows and encourages dissenting viewpoints,” warning against the dangers posed by anti-democratic actions like martial law.
Sen.-elect Andy Kim (N.J.) connected the crisis to broader geopolitical concerns, saying, “I never would have imagined that some 70 years later we would see thousands of North Korean soldiers fighting for a Russian dictator against Ukraine while South Korean democracy descends into martial law.”
Evidently, the crisis resonates deeply with older generations of South Koreans who remember life under authoritarian leaders. For those outside the country, including Korean Americans — especially the youth — it serves as a moment of reflection on the fragility of democracy and the need for transnational solidarity.
“Deeply sorry”
Observers suggest Yoon’s move may have been driven by a combination of political desperation and an attempt to preemptively neutralize growing opposition to his increasingly unpopular policies, potentially seeing martial law as a last-resort strategy to consolidate power amid plummeting approval ratings. The numbers only got worse after the dramatic turn of events.
Yoon apologized on Saturday, saying he is “deeply sorry” for his shocking declaration. He acknowledged his role in causing “anxiety and inconvenience” and vowed to accept legal and political consequences. However, reports about an alleged arrest list targeting opposition politicians have further damaged his credibility, leading to mounting calls for his resignation.
As the Dec. 11 impeachment vote looms, all eyes remain on South Korea, where the outcome will shape not just its domestic politics but the broader narrative of democracy in Asia and beyond.
Examining potential FBI head Kash Patel’s vow to come after “liars” in the media
Donald Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel to lead the FBI has sparked a critical debate about the future of one of the country’s most powerful law enforcement agencies. To some, it represents more than just a staffing decision; it marks a notable departure from the FBI’s traditional apolitical role. His pledge about “coming after” those who allegedly lie in the media, coupled with a deep loyalty to Trump, raises alarms about potential constitutional violations, particularly regarding press freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment.
The stakes are high
The FBI has historically been insulated from political interference, with its directors serving 10-year terms to preserve its independence. Patel’s nomination breaks with this tradition for a few reasons. First, he has no direct experience in leading a law enforcement agency and is known for his loyalty to Trump. Critics argue that his appointment would fundamentally alter the FBI’s role, aligning it more closely with the executive branch’s political objectives.
His career has also been marked by involvement in controversial partisan efforts, including attempts to discredit investigations into Trump. His remarks about shutting down FBI headquarters and transforming it into a “museum of the deep state” further fuel concerns that he would prioritize political retribution over impartial law enforcement.
What he said about the media
Patel seeks to hold journalists accountable “criminally or civilly” for alleged lies about Trump. He first voiced such rhetoric in a 2023 podcast with Steve Bannon, saying, “We’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections.” Although he later attempted to clarify these remarks — emphasizing accountability for those who break the law — critics remain apprehensive about his commitment to press freedom.
Why? Because it cuts to the heart of First Amendment protections, which guarantee a free and independent press. For journalists, particularly those investigating government wrongdoing, the specter of FBI-backed legal or criminal retaliation could stifle critical reporting and undermine public accountability.
What this could mean for Asian Americans
Patel’s nomination carries symbolic significance as he would be the first Indian American to lead the FBI. But his appointment also poses risks, particularly for Asian American journalists and media outlets. Minority communities often bear the brunt of state overreach, and his aggressive stance toward the press could exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
Asian American journalists, who have historically faced marginalization and threats — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic — may be disproportionately targeted in a climate where press freedoms are curtailed. Patel’s rhetoric amplifies fears that dissenting voices from immigrant communities — which are already bound to see mass deportations under Trump’s immigration policy — could be silenced under his watch.
The Senate confirmation process will be a critical battleground. Senators like Democrat Peter Welch (Vt.) and Republican John Cornyn (Texas) have already voiced reservations about Patel’s remarks. The Senate’s constitutional duty of “advice and consent” will test whether lawmakers prioritize democratic norms over partisan allegiances.
Ultimately, Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI is more than a personnel decision — it is a test of the U.S.’ democratic resilience. At stake is the preservation of press freedoms, the impartiality of federal agencies and the broader principle of constitutional governance. As Patel’s confirmation process unfolds, the nation must grapple with a critical question: Will the FBI remain a guardian of democracy, or will it become a tool of political retribution?
Ca phe craze: Charting Vietnamese coffee’s brewing global success
No coffee in the world goes as hard as Vietnamese coffee. It’s got a kick so intense that it’s become a global favorite and is now conquering coffee shops across the U.S. In this first part of our three-part series on the buzzy Vietnamese drink, we’ll delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this caffeinated marvel.
Uniquely Vietnamese: Vietnamese coffee (“ca phe”) is distinguished by the strong flavor of robusta beans, which contain nearly twice the caffeine content of arabica. The traditional brewing method, using a small metal filter called a “phin,” creates a slow drip that extracts the rich, full-bodied flavor. Instead of fresh milk, which was rare in Southeast Asia in the late 19th century, sweetened condensed milk was used to craft the iconic Vietnamese milk coffee (“ca phe sua”), which is often served hot (“ca phe sua nong”) or iced (“ca phe sua da”).
A sip of history: Vietnam’s coffee story began in 1857 when a French Catholic priest brought a Coffea arabica tree to northern Vietnam, setting the country on the path to coffee cultivation for the first time in its history. By the 1900s, robusta beans found their place in the fertile highlands of Dak Lak Province. While the early years saw struggles with labor shortages and diseases like coffee rust, the industry began to grow after the French officially left in 1954. Economic reforms introduced in 1987, known as “Doi Moi,” opened the country to global trade, furthering the drink’s global expansion. According to Dinh Thị Thanh Dieu, founder of Dak Lak-based premium coffee company Miss Coffee, this led to Vietnamese coffee eventually becoming integral to the nation’s identity, particularly in the Central Highlands. “Coffee has become a lifeline for rural communities,” Dinh told Rebel Yellow, noting how the industry has supported families and fostered economic development in these regions.
Becoming a global favorite: By the 1990s, Vietnam had overtaken Colombia to become the world’s second-largest coffee exporter. The country has also successfully cracked the U.S. market, becoming its third-largest coffee supplier behind Brazil and Colombia in 2022, exporting over 96,530 tons and securing a 6.45% market share. Dinh explains that the Vietnamese diaspora has fueled the rise of Vietnamese coffee shops and brands in the U.S. “When people taste Vietnamese coffee, they’re experiencing a piece of our history and identity,” she says. “It’s a way for us to share our story with the world.”
In Part 2, we’ll explore how Vietnamese coffee has taken over the U.S. and the world, with insights from coffee experts and pioneering entrepreneurs in the space. In Part 3, we’ll dive into the latest trends and what’s next for this caffeinated powerhouse.
Woman who racially harassed Indian American family at LAX claims she’s “very kind”
A woman was filmed racially harassing an Indian American family while aboard a United Airlines shuttle bus on LAX on Nov. 24. In the video, shared by the father, Pervez Taufiq, the woman can be heard spewing racial insults at the family, calling them “tandoori” and “stinky,” and asserting they are not originally American. Speaking to Fox 11 after the incident went viral, the woman claimed that the family had allegedly called her “white trash.” She said, “Most people know me as a very kind, calm person, but since the brain injury, I can get agitated very easily.”
In a statement to Rebel Yellow, Taufiq admitted to telling the woman to "shut up," but only in response to her telling his son the same. Taufiq noted that her story, which he described as “complete and utterly [fabricated],” has changed several times. “I’m appalled that, after all the overwhelming criticism she’s received, she shows no ability for self-reflection, nor is her tone contrite.” He also shared that the woman’s family and friends have reached out to them following the incident, noting, “They told us that she has a pills and alcohol issue and this is her pattern in her local town.”
Chinese national in SoCal accused of sending weapons to North Korea for $2 million
A 41-year-old Chinese national, Shenghua Wen, who is residing illegally in the U.S. on an expired student visa, has been charged with conspiring to export weapons to North Korea. Wen, who was living in Ontario, California, was arrested and appeared in court on Tuesday, where he is facing charges under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence. He is accused of allegedly obtaining restricted military technology, eavesdropping devices, a chemical threat identification device and around 50,000 9-millimeter rounds. Wen told investigators he was paid $2 million by the North Korean government for the equipment. He also believed that North Korea intended to use the weapons in a surprise attack on South Korea. His arrest came weeks after South Korea accused North Korea of orchestrating GPS jamming attacks on Nov. 8-9, which caused “operational disruptions” on several vessels and dozens of civilian aircraft traveling through the Yellow Sea.
Surprise! Azealia Banks says racist things about Thailand
U.S. rapper and singer Azealia Banks went on a racist rant against Thailand amid her heated social media feud with The 1975’s Matt Healy, writing in a now-deleted X post on Dec. 4, “Most people in Thailand have HIV and cholera in the water. Child sex trafficking capital of the world. Who gives a fuck about that septic tank of a country.” She also previously attacked BTS’ Jungkook and the K-pop industry, calling them “fruity K-pop weirdos.”
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