Cover Photo: Everything Everywhere All at Once/ Instagram

Asia has once again been on top of the game, with exciting new film releases, K-pop announcements, and more

The global Asian community experienced plenty of noteworthy moments in 2022. With social media used as the most convenient information tool, it’s easy to look back on the events that have happened throughout an eventful year. As the world slowly but successfully trumped Covid-19, events and festivals are finally back in action. 

But the spotlight has been on Asian stars, some of whom stunned the world with their impeccable sense of style and taste, be it at the Oscars or the Met Gala.

Here, we take a look at a multitude of events that were both memorable and exciting for the Asian community. From historic and exciting film releases to heartwarming moments at this season’s ongoing sporting diamond, Fifa World Cup 2022. 

1. Squid Game making history at the Emmys

If there’s anything that the Korean wave has brought us, it is the hit South Korean survival drama series, Squid Game. Making headlines as soon as it was released in September, the drama has since soared in ratings and has won many accolades, making history as the first foreign-language drama to win top honours at the television industry's Emmy Awards. Lead actor and main star Lee Jung-jae also became the first Asian to win Best Drama Actor.

Fans of the drama were also thrilled to know that Squid Game was confirmed for a second season. Netflix announced that fans can anticipate its release by the end of 2023 or 2024. 

Read more: It’s Confirmed: Squid Game Is Returning for Season 2

2. ‘Crash Landing On You’ stars tying the knot and having a baby

Crash Landing on You stars Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin certainly brought joy and celebration this year with their marriage and baby. The Korean celebrity couple announced their wedding after starring alongside each other in the popular romantic comedy K-drama. Dubbed the wedding of the century, the couple tied the knot in a dreamy, floral ceremony. 

The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in November. The family is reportedly spending as much time as they can together before Hyun Bin jets off in January 2023 to begin filming for his new movie. 

Read more: It’s a Boy! K-Drama Superstars Hyun Bin and Son Ye-Jin Welcome First Child

3. Michelle Yeoh having her best year yet

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh is already a household name in Southeast Asia; before starring in Crazy Rich Asians (2018) as domineering matriarch Eleanor Sung-Young, she was already in notable Hollywood films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and Memoirs of a Geisha (2005). 

More recently, she took on the role of Ying Nan in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) and Evelyn Wang in the 2022 American absurdist comedy-drama film, Everything Everywhere All at Once. And these achievements culminated in Yeoh being named Icon of the Year 2022 by Time magazine. Now, that’s a real feat.

Read more: Michelle Yeoh: 10 of Her Most Iconic Roles

4. BTS confirming their enlistment

The biggest boy band in the world BTS announced their enlistment into the military earlier this year, much to the disappointment of their fans all over the world. The members will each be enlisting separately with some taking this time to enjoy their well-deserved break and others to explore creating individual music.

The first member confirmed to enlist is Jin. This means that the K-pop septet will not be performing as a whole anytime soon, but fret not, the remaining members are still active on social media and are said to be releasing new material before they are due for the military.

Read more: BTS to Begin Mandatory Military Service, Starting With Oldest Member Jin

5. Pixar releasing its first Asian-led movie ‘Turning Red’

Computer animated fantasy family film Turning Red was all the rage this year. Pixar’s very first Asian-led movie made a huge splash on Disney+ when it was released on March 7, 2022. The movie follows Chinese-Canadian Meilin "Mei" Lee as she navigates hitting puberty, developing a crush, maintaining friendships and more. 

Turning Red is also the first Pixar film solely directed by a female, Domee Shi. The film has since been hailed as an avenue that brings the Asian American immigrant experience into focus. Turning Red is far from the stereotypical Asian film, this time, featuring a huge and furry red panda.

Read more: Meet the Cast of ‘Turning Red’, Pixar’s First Asian-Led Movie

6. Bling Empire getting a spin-off in New York

If there’s anything Netflix gave us this year that truly screamed ostentatiousness and non-stop drama, Bling Empire wins hands down. The American reality television series shot to popularity in 2021, featuring the flashy, maximalist lives of wealthy Asian American socialites in Los Angeles. It is the first reality show with an all-Asian cast. 

Already in its third season, the series remained as saucy and outrageous (perhaps even more) as its very first episode. After a successful run, it was confirmed that Bling Empire will be having a spin-off in the Big Apple. Bling Empire: New York will also feature affluent and sophisticated Asian Americans from New York City. 

Dubai Bling, which was just released on Netflix on October 27, is the latest reality show that shines the spotlight on—you guessed it—the uber-wealthy in Dubai. 

Read more: Bling Empire Season 2: What are the Cast Members Up to Since Filming Wrapped? 

7. Asian celebrities appearing on People’s Sexiest Man Alive list

Yes, it’s that time of the year again where a list of the sexiest men alive makes it way onto the internet. This year, a total of 40 heartthrobs went head to head for the title of Sexiest Man Alive, a title that started in 1985.

The nominees this year included some of our favourite Asian celebrities, including actors Simu Liu and Ke Huy Quan, and Filipino American comedian Jo Koy. Well deserved, if you ask us. 

8. Hallyu getting back in action

Covid-19 put a hold on all things Hallyu for over two years. This means no concerts, live award performances or fan meetings for an extended period of time. With border restrictions almost completely eased, K-pop groups are jetting all over the globe for their long-awaited concerts. K-drama actors have also been spotted promoting their dramas overseas, with the latest being Song Joong-ki who made a stop in Singapore for Reborn Rich promotions. 

K-pop groups such as Ateez, Stray Kids, Itzy, and most notably, Blackpink, have all started their world tours. Blackpink’s world tour Born Pink will hit Singapore on May 13, 2023. 

Read more: Blackpink Is Coming to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for Its Born Pink World Tour

9. Asian footballers giving their all at the World Cup 2022

The World Cup 2022 saw an amazing feat of Asian football in action. Japan stunned football fans worldwide as it defeated Spain and Germany (two football powerhouses) in the preliminary stages, showing off their prowess on the field. 

Similarly, South Korea advanced to the knockout stage after an exciting match with Portugal. The achievements of both countries strengthened the might of Asian football, revealing themselves as true underdogs.  

Read more: World Cup Qatar 2022: 5 Asian Players to Watch

10. Asian stars and directors winning big at the Cannes Film Festival 2022

The prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2022 recognised many Asian films including Hindi language documentary film All That Breathes (2022) and Pakistani film in the Urdu and Punjabi languages, Joyland (2022).

The festival awarded many talented Asian stars and directors. Among the winners include Park Chan-wook, who won Best Director for the film Decision to Leave (2022), Song Kang-ho, who bagged the Best Actor Award for his role in Broker (2022), and Iran’s Zar Amir Ebrahimi, who won the Best Actress award for her role in the film Holy Spider (2022).

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