Samantha Lui 呂詠琛
@samanthalui.bsky.social
Radio producer. Words Teen Vogue, GRAMMY, ELLE Canada. Follow my K-pop newsletter. http://bunnipop.substack.com
In the spirit of KATSEYE's upcoming tour stop in Toronto, I revisit my conversation with the girl group shortly after their debut last summer. In August 2024, KATSEYE sat down with me to chat about the importance of sisterhood and why representation matters.
From the archives: KATSEYE on the importance of sisterhood and representation
In August 2024, I interviewed the girl group about their debut, and how they support each other through thick and thin
www.bunnipop.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:09 AM
In the spirit of KATSEYE's upcoming tour stop in Toronto, I revisit my conversation with the girl group shortly after their debut last summer. In August 2024, KATSEYE sat down with me to chat about the importance of sisterhood and why representation matters.
At STAYC's recent show in Toronto, the K-pop girl group delivered high energy pop hits that gave the air of confidence, positivity and empowerment.
Read my review:
Read my review:
STAYC delivers bubblegum pop perfection in Toronto
The band stopped by Toronto for their first-ever Canadian tour stop on October 23
www.bunnipop.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:30 PM
At STAYC's recent show in Toronto, the K-pop girl group delivered high energy pop hits that gave the air of confidence, positivity and empowerment.
Read my review:
Read my review:
Spoke with singer-songwriter eaJ about music, mental health and why he’s using his platform to speak out on Gaza.
Read more: joysauce.com/singer-songw...
Read more: joysauce.com/singer-songw...
Singer-songwriter eaJ on the importance of not staying silent
The Korean American opens up about speaking out on Gaza, mental health and being a source of support for fans.
joysauce.com
October 18, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Spoke with singer-songwriter eaJ about music, mental health and why he’s using his platform to speak out on Gaza.
Read more: joysauce.com/singer-songw...
Read more: joysauce.com/singer-songw...
K-Pop group P1Harmony held an impromptu fan meet last night at Toronto's Trinity Bellwoods Park after the band's concert got postponed due to a system outage at the Canada-U.S. border. I was there to see Markham's KEEHO give thanks to his hometown fans! My piece for CBC News:
Read:
Read:
Fans of K-pop group P1Harmony scramble for surprise meet at Toronto park after concert postponed | CBC News
Toronto fans of the K-pop group P1Harmony were greeted with a surprise fan meeting at Trinity Bellwoods Park Wednesday evening.
www.cbc.ca
October 2, 2025 at 3:01 PM
K-Pop group P1Harmony held an impromptu fan meet last night at Toronto's Trinity Bellwoods Park after the band's concert got postponed due to a system outage at the Canada-U.S. border. I was there to see Markham's KEEHO give thanks to his hometown fans! My piece for CBC News:
Read:
Read:
Who knew the mastermind behind 'KPop Demon Hunters' is a fellow Torontonian? I chatted with co-director Maggie Kang about making the biggest film of the summer and how she tapped into her Korean culture to create a story that is now being embraced across the globe.
How Toronto Director Maggie Kang Created a Hit With ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ - RepresentASIAN Project
“It’s been really cool to go from where I had to hide my K-pop love to see Korean culture so globally embraced.”
representasianproject.com
September 16, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Who knew the mastermind behind 'KPop Demon Hunters' is a fellow Torontonian? I chatted with co-director Maggie Kang about making the biggest film of the summer and how she tapped into her Korean culture to create a story that is now being embraced across the globe.
Is Jackson Wang everywhere? Or is he just an expert at marketing? I take a look at his promotional run for his new album MAGICMAN 2, and write about why more artists should take notes.
bunnipop.substack.com/p/is-jackson...
bunnipop.substack.com/p/is-jackson...
Is Jackson Wang really everywhere?
Or is it good marketing?
bunnipop.substack.com
August 18, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Is Jackson Wang everywhere? Or is he just an expert at marketing? I take a look at his promotional run for his new album MAGICMAN 2, and write about why more artists should take notes.
bunnipop.substack.com/p/is-jackson...
bunnipop.substack.com/p/is-jackson...
I took a train from Berlin to Amsterdam to catch Jin close off his first solo tour. On my newsletter, I write about how the BTS member created the vibe of a giant hangout with friends.
In Amsterdam, Jin of BTS created a giant hangout with fans
From telepathy games to sing-alongs, #RunSeokjin_Ep.Tour was part concert, part variety show
bunnipop.substack.com
August 14, 2025 at 8:59 AM
I took a train from Berlin to Amsterdam to catch Jin close off his first solo tour. On my newsletter, I write about how the BTS member created the vibe of a giant hangout with friends.
I was a guest on CBC’s Commotion last week, reviewing the new documentary “BTS ARMY: Forever We Are Young.” I love talking about K-pop and how it intersects with fandom. Grateful for the opportunity. www.youtube.com/live/iz4eAax...
The new BTS Army doc, and the case for why Sean Feucht should play in Canada
YouTube video by Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud
www.youtube.com
August 5, 2025 at 11:17 AM
I was a guest on CBC’s Commotion last week, reviewing the new documentary “BTS ARMY: Forever We Are Young.” I love talking about K-pop and how it intersects with fandom. Grateful for the opportunity. www.youtube.com/live/iz4eAax...
Reposted by Samantha Lui 呂詠琛
Have never felt more looked out for by a paywall
July 29, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Have never felt more looked out for by a paywall
'MAGICMAN 2' is the most personal Jackson Wang has ever been in his music. I spoke to the Chinese singer about his new era, making music on his own terms and a life changing year-off.
Read more for The Recording Academy.
Read more for The Recording Academy.
Jackson Wang Talks 'MAGICMAN 2,' Reunion With GOT7 & His Life-Changing Year Off | GRAMMY.com
With his new album, the Chinese multi-hyphenate unleashes his most personal chapter to date. Wang details how he found strength and purpose through 'MAGICMAN 2': "I don't want to compromise anymore."
www.grammy.com
July 17, 2025 at 10:56 PM
'MAGICMAN 2' is the most personal Jackson Wang has ever been in his music. I spoke to the Chinese singer about his new era, making music on his own terms and a life changing year-off.
Read more for The Recording Academy.
Read more for The Recording Academy.
Delayed, but hopefully still interesting! I wrote about the new Rogers Stadium. I discuss the lack of attention paid to K-Pop fans’ very legit concerns about the venue, and how mainstream outlets only started caring when it was time for Coldplay to play a show.
When K-pop fans were the guinea pigs for Toronto's new temporary stadium
"We're legit in the middle of nowhere," said Stray Kids leader Bang Chan
bunnipop.substack.com
July 15, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Delayed, but hopefully still interesting! I wrote about the new Rogers Stadium. I discuss the lack of attention paid to K-Pop fans’ very legit concerns about the venue, and how mainstream outlets only started caring when it was time for Coldplay to play a show.
J-pop group f5ve is having a moment, from their meme-worthy social media content to releasing hyperpop bangers. I spoke to the quintet about their latest album 'SEQUENCE 01', speaking up against beauty standards and their playful sense of humour.
Read more: bunnipop.substack.com/p/meet-f5ve-...
Read more: bunnipop.substack.com/p/meet-f5ve-...
Meet f5ve, the hyperpop queens turning up the J-pop world
The quintet chat about working with BloodPop on their latest album 'SEQUENCE 01', speaking up against beauty standards and their brilliant social media game
bunnipop.substack.com
June 10, 2025 at 8:42 PM
J-pop group f5ve is having a moment, from their meme-worthy social media content to releasing hyperpop bangers. I spoke to the quintet about their latest album 'SEQUENCE 01', speaking up against beauty standards and their playful sense of humour.
Read more: bunnipop.substack.com/p/meet-f5ve-...
Read more: bunnipop.substack.com/p/meet-f5ve-...
A couple months ago, I had a one-on-one interview with JUST B's Geonu about the band. He also talked frankly about burnout and survival reality shows. But one month later, the story evolved further after member Bain broke ground and came out on stage. My latest profile on JUST B
From Coming Out on Stage to Taking Music Risks, JUST B is Leading a New Era for K-Pop - RepresentASIAN Project
In an interview, JUST B’s Geonu and Bain open up about hardships, building resilience and Bain’s groundbreaking coming out announcement.
representasianproject.com
May 30, 2025 at 3:52 PM
A couple months ago, I had a one-on-one interview with JUST B's Geonu about the band. He also talked frankly about burnout and survival reality shows. But one month later, the story evolved further after member Bain broke ground and came out on stage. My latest profile on JUST B
From veterans like Jay Chou, G.E.M. and JJ Lin to rising stars like Xiao Zhan, Cai Xukun, I dive into mandopop artists who are pushing the genre to new heights.
Read more on Grammy:
Read more on Grammy:
12 Artists Helping Mandopop Become The Next Global Genre: Jay Chou, G.E.M., Xiao Zhan & More | GRAMMY.com
With international interest in Asian culture continuing to grow, Mandopop is on its way to new heights. As the Recording Academy celebrates AAPI Heritage Month on a global scale, meet some of the vete...
www.grammy.com
May 19, 2025 at 6:10 PM
From veterans like Jay Chou, G.E.M. and JJ Lin to rising stars like Xiao Zhan, Cai Xukun, I dive into mandopop artists who are pushing the genre to new heights.
Read more on Grammy:
Read more on Grammy:
A plushie keychain known as Labubu has gone viral, becoming the it charm to hang on your handbags or belt loops.
I wrote about the hit plushie toy, who has famous fans including Blackpink's Lisa and Rihanna.
Read more on FASHION:
I wrote about the hit plushie toy, who has famous fans including Blackpink's Lisa and Rihanna.
Read more on FASHION:
How Labubu Became the Hottest Bag Charm on the Market - FASHION Magazine
The snaggletoothed Labubu is the keychain hanging off everyone’s favourite bags. Here, we unpack the appeal behind the most in-demand bag charm on the market.
fashionmagazine.com
May 9, 2025 at 10:15 AM
A plushie keychain known as Labubu has gone viral, becoming the it charm to hang on your handbags or belt loops.
I wrote about the hit plushie toy, who has famous fans including Blackpink's Lisa and Rihanna.
Read more on FASHION:
I wrote about the hit plushie toy, who has famous fans including Blackpink's Lisa and Rihanna.
Read more on FASHION:
Hwasa has become a beloved figure in South Korea and beyond for sharing messages of empowerment and body positivity in songs like “Maria” and “I Love My Body.” She recently made her first concert appearance in Canada, playing a sold out show in Toronto.
Read the latest post on my newsletter:
Read the latest post on my newsletter:
Hwasa spreads her message of self love and empowerment in Toronto
The MAMAMOO singer recently made her Canadian debut during a show at Toronto's HISTORY
bunnipop.substack.com
April 4, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Hwasa has become a beloved figure in South Korea and beyond for sharing messages of empowerment and body positivity in songs like “Maria” and “I Love My Body.” She recently made her first concert appearance in Canada, playing a sold out show in Toronto.
Read the latest post on my newsletter:
Read the latest post on my newsletter:
Bucket list item checked ✅ I saw j-hope open the U.S leg of his ‘Hope on the Stage’ tour, which paid tribute to his past and present.
With 'Hope on the Stage', j-hope pays homage to his roots
In his debut solo tour, the BTS member showcases his passion and energy for the stage
open.substack.com
March 24, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Bucket list item checked ✅ I saw j-hope open the U.S leg of his ‘Hope on the Stage’ tour, which paid tribute to his past and present.
Today at ComplexCon, NewJeans—or NJZ—announced they would be going on a hiatus following the court's recent decision to ask the band to stop pursuing separate activities outside of ADOR.
March 23, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Today at ComplexCon, NewJeans—or NJZ—announced they would be going on a hiatus following the court's recent decision to ask the band to stop pursuing separate activities outside of ADOR.
NCT 127's recent concert in Toronto was one of Canadian pride. Fans showed up for the hometown boy Mark Lee, signing Canadian flags and creating banners to welcome him back home for the first time in six years. I chatted with some NCTzens about why this moment was so special.
For Fans of NCT, Mark Lee is a Symbol of Asian Canadian Pride - RepresentASIAN Project
The Toronto-born, Vancouver-raised singer recently performed a show in his home country for the first time in six years
representasianproject.com
March 12, 2025 at 8:57 PM
NCT 127's recent concert in Toronto was one of Canadian pride. Fans showed up for the hometown boy Mark Lee, signing Canadian flags and creating banners to welcome him back home for the first time in six years. I chatted with some NCTzens about why this moment was so special.
Keith has surely met tons of people throughout his career. But I won't ever forget being part of his cohort at Poynter Institute's Diversity of Voices course. He was a kind and encouraging voice that always told us to never give up and speak our minds.
Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods announced he'll retire after a 46-year career in journalism and 15 years at NPR, as the issue he has championed takes center stage in political discourse. By @davidfolkenflik.bsky.social
NPR's chief diversity officer to retire, with DEI in the political spotlight
Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods announced he'll retire after a 46-year career in journalism and 15 years at NPR, as the issue he has championed takes center stage in political discourse.
www.npr.org
February 26, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Keith has surely met tons of people throughout his career. But I won't ever forget being part of his cohort at Poynter Institute's Diversity of Voices course. He was a kind and encouraging voice that always told us to never give up and speak our minds.
In response to the rise of deepfake crimes affecting K-pop artists, HYBE released a statement saying it is working with police to combat content.
"HYBE is steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the rights of our artists in today’s digital age.”
"HYBE is steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the rights of our artists in today’s digital age.”
February 26, 2025 at 6:49 PM
In response to the rise of deepfake crimes affecting K-pop artists, HYBE released a statement saying it is working with police to combat content.
"HYBE is steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the rights of our artists in today’s digital age.”
"HYBE is steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the rights of our artists in today’s digital age.”
K-pop group aespa made their long-awaited debut in Canada with a sold-out show at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena. But despite an electrifying performance, many fans turned to social media to ask -- "Why was the crowd so dead?"
Despite snow-'Armageddon', aespa lit up Toronto. But did the crowd deliver?
From awkward dance challenges to a low energy audience, the vibes were uncharacteristically off
bunnipop.substack.com
February 18, 2025 at 5:31 PM
K-pop group aespa made their long-awaited debut in Canada with a sold-out show at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena. But despite an electrifying performance, many fans turned to social media to ask -- "Why was the crowd so dead?"
Who is heading to aespa's concert in Toronto this week?
You may know the songs, but are you aware of the band's lore? I dove into the aespa universe, and explain the complex world behind the group.
Read:
You may know the songs, but are you aware of the band's lore? I dove into the aespa universe, and explain the complex world behind the group.
Read:
Who Are Aespa? | RepresentASIAN Project
Introducing aespa, a hit-making group is bring the metaverse into the K-pop world.
representasianproject.com
February 11, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Who is heading to aespa's concert in Toronto this week?
You may know the songs, but are you aware of the band's lore? I dove into the aespa universe, and explain the complex world behind the group.
Read:
You may know the songs, but are you aware of the band's lore? I dove into the aespa universe, and explain the complex world behind the group.
Read:
1Verse (pronounced "universe") is made up of five members: Hyuk, Seok who is also from North Korea, Aito from Japan, and Asian Americans Kenny and Nathan - all prefer to go by their first names. They are set to make history as the first K-pop boy band to debut with North Korean defectors.
1Verse: How a North Korean went from begging to K-pop
The first K-pop boy band with North Korean members aims to debut in the US later this year.
www.bbc.com
February 11, 2025 at 12:36 AM
1Verse (pronounced "universe") is made up of five members: Hyuk, Seok who is also from North Korea, Aito from Japan, and Asian Americans Kenny and Nathan - all prefer to go by their first names. They are set to make history as the first K-pop boy band to debut with North Korean defectors.
Phantom Siita is a J-pop girl group whose concept is retro horror. Dark, edgy and reminds me a lot of the film Battle Royale!
I chatted with the band ahead of its Toronto tour stop.
I chatted with the band ahead of its Toronto tour stop.
Inside the retro horror world of J-pop group Phantom Siita
In an interview, the group talks about working with Ado, their album ‘Girlhood Memories’ and going on a world tour
bunnipop.substack.com
February 7, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Phantom Siita is a J-pop girl group whose concept is retro horror. Dark, edgy and reminds me a lot of the film Battle Royale!
I chatted with the band ahead of its Toronto tour stop.
I chatted with the band ahead of its Toronto tour stop.