Author

Ashley J Chong

Ashley Chong is based in Chicago and claims home at Peoria, Montreal, and Iowa City. She writes words and music to digest life. She spends a lot of time thinking about cultural identity, Korean pop culture, and languages. Most likely to be found scribbling in her bullet journal, listening to music, or wandering a city.

Ashley J's Latest Articles

People protesting the murder of Vincent Chin, holding a sign that says Justice for Vincent Chin

Why we must learn Asian American history

By Ashley J Chong ● Opinion ● March 31, 2021 April 22, 2022

From the Foreign Miner Tax, Japanese incarceration camp to the recent anti-Asian shootings in Atlanta, a writer recalls the anti-Asian history in America and explains the importance of having such historical knowledge and context to address the current anti-Asian hate crisis.

Minari film

Minari: A quintessential American film for the Asian American experience

By Ashley J Chong ● Arts & Culture ● February 10, 2021 February 11, 2022

Minari is more than a film about immigrants trying to achieve the American dream — it also speaks to the Korean American experience. A writer explores how it should be seen as a uniquely American, rather than foreign, film.

ReactotheK cast

YouTuber Emma Chang on her musical journey and running a K-pop reaction channel

By Ashley J Chong ● Arts & Culture ● February 8, 2021 April 22, 2022

YouTuber Emma Chang a.k.a ReacttotheK’s Umu speaks to Cold Tea Collective about how her relationship with music led to her running a K-pop reaction channel.

wooseok ki kpop the odyssey

K-Pop The Odyssey: A journey through law, music, and identity

By Ashley J Chong ● Arts & Culture ● December 22, 2020 February 11, 2022

Law student and author Wooseok Ki explores how K-pop became the global phenomenon it is today with his newly published book, K-POP: The Odyssey.

Pride in writing: Sexuality and Asian representation in Lyla Lee’s Works

By Ashley J Chong ● Cold Tea Reads ● June 29, 2020 April 22, 2022

A Korean-American author of works on diversity and equity, Lyla Lee shares how and why she represents Asian Americans and LGBTQ Asians through her works.

To read is to begin to understand: Ten great books by Black authors to read right now

By Ashley J Chong ● Cold Tea Reads ● June 18, 2020 April 22, 2022

Here are 10 books by Black authors from a range of genres that may grant you a new perspective from a community outside of your own.

To start again: singer Sunmin Baek’s story

By Ashley J Chong ● Features ● April 22, 2020 April 22, 2022

From piano to voice and setback to delays, Sunmin Baek shares how she pushes forwards for her career.

Nine books by Asian authors to keep you entertained while you stay inside

By Ashley J Chong ● Cold Tea Reads ● April 15, 2020 April 22, 2022

Need suggestions for entertainment during quarantine? We’ve got books by Asian authors to transport you out of the walls of your home.

Gathe Raho: South Asian a cappella in the Midwest

By Ashley J Chong ● Features ● March 10, 2020 April 22, 2022

Welcome to the world of Gathe Raho, where your favourite pop songs are blended alongside popular South Asian music and set to choreography.

Korean singer Jimin Park, Jamie Park

Jimin x Jamie is staying true to herself

By Ashley J Chong ● Entertainment ● January 31, 2020 April 22, 2022

K-Pop singer Park Jimin reflects on her eight years in music and her evolving career.