Philippine Concerts

Month: September 2023

  • EXO’s Chanyeol to Take Over Asia with The Eternity Fancon Tour

    EXO’s Chanyeol to Take Over Asia with The Eternity Fancon Tour

    The Eternity with EXO’s Chanyeol this November!

    With love for his craft as eternal as his gratitude for his beloved EXO-Ls, K-pop star Park Chanyeol of supergroup EXO is set to hold his first solo fancon tour, “The Eternity”, in various Asian countries on his birth month.

    Presented by SM Entertainment, APlanet, and MakeitLive, the tour will kick off in Taipei, Taiwan on November 4, followed by a stop in Bangkok, Thailand on November 18, and another in Hong Kong on November 25.

    MakeitLive, a Philippine-based entertainment, event, and digital production company, holds the reins as the official partner for the Taiwan and Hong Kong stops, along with official promoters GMusic and PEACE, and promotion partner FangirlAsia.

    Chanyeol
    Chanyeol

    “The Eternity” is a present for his fans across the continent who have dedicated their love and support to him since his group’s debut in 2012, and with an ultimate goal of making dreams into a reality, MakeitLive promises a memorable fancon that both the artist and fans will cherish for an eternity.

    Known for being a singer and the main rapper of EXO, Chanyeol, who goes by the pen name “LOEY” as a music producer, has not only graced the big stages or the recording studios, but also television and movie screens, magazines, brand advertisements, and even runways for the past 11 respectful years in the industry.

    The fancon tour is an opportunity for the multitalented idol and his fans to have a much closer encounter with each other following his post-military enlistment activities and recent events with his group and as a solo artist.

  • Between U and Me: A Beautiful Memory with Kim Bum

    Between U and Me: A Beautiful Memory with Kim Bum

    More than a decade later, Kim Bum came back to the Philippine shore for a heartwarming reunion with his Filipino fans!

    Kim Bum returned to the Philippines for his first-ever fan meeting titled Between U and Me at the New Frontier Theater on September 22. Presented by VIU Philippines, the two-hour show was a fun reunion between the actor and his fans.

    Kim Bum
    Kim Bum

    Well known for his role as the chaebol playboy in the Korean iteration of Boys Over Flowers in 2009, Kim Bum became a beloved figure in the Philippines at the peak of the drama’s popularity. In the same year, he visited Manila to shoot an advertisement for a popular beverage brand. However, back then, his fans barely got to see him partly due to the apparent aftershock of Typhoon Ondoy. Now, thankfully in better circumstances, fans got to see and experience different sides of his personality – the perfectionist, the entertainer, and the all-around charmer.

    Now a seasoned actor at 34 years old, he is also known for his acclaimed roles in the dramas Tale of the Nine-Tailed, Ghost Doctor, and Law School. The title Between U and Me is an alternative acronym taken from his first name BUM. As he told the crowd, he scrupulously worked out the details of the fan meet for 3 months, modifying the program as well as rehearsing his special performances.

    We saw the fruits of his labor in his segments such as the Kim Bum Awards and Bum’s TMI wherein we learned that he falls under the INTJ/The Architect category for his MBTI; his favorite season is spring (like the meaning of his name Bum/Beom); and he prefers to be identified as cool instead of cute. More to that, his most memorable role was when he played Lee Rang in the drama Tale of the Nine-Tailed, but he will always be very grateful for his role in Boys Over Flowers as it was through it that many of his fans got to know him.

    Kim Bum

    Kim Bum also flaunted his refined skills as an idol. He performed covers from the soundtracks of the dramas he appeared in, including “Because I’m Stupid”, “Kiss the Rain” and “Wind Song”. As a bonus, he sang “My Universe” originally by Coldplay and BTS, much to the crowd’s surprise. The audience also got to see his quirky dance moves when he danced certain portions of trendy K-pop hits like Jisoo’s “Flower” and LE SSERAFIM’s “Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s Wife”.

    Lucky fans also got their chance to get up close and personal with him onstage. A lottery was held before the start of the show and the winners had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play relay games with Kim Bum himself during the event. Some even got a rare selfie with him (plus a short hug).

    With an unwaveringly bright smile from start to end, Kim Bum expressed his gratitude to his fans. “Sobrang nafeel ko ang pagmamahal niyo today. Iingatan ko ito sa puso ko hanggang sa susunod nating pagkikita”, he said. (Translation: I greatly felt your love today. I will carefully take this with me until our next meeting.)

    Special thanks to VIU Philippines!

    by Sandra Mae Laureano

  • NSYNC releases first song together in 20 years with “Better Place”

    NSYNC releases first song together in 20 years with “Better Place”

    It serves as the lead single of the Trolls Band Together: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

    *NSYNC has finally released their first song together in two decades, “Better Place,” from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls Band Together—out on October 20, 2023.

    *NSYNC

    Multi-award-winning artist Justin Timberlake returns as the soundtrack’s executive music producer alongside GRAMMY award-winning producer/songwriter Mike Elizondo. Timberlake wrote and performed new original music for the film, which also includes music from the cast and some of today’s top artists including Kid Cudi, Camila Cabello, Troye Sivan, Anna Kendrick, and more. Through a collection of 14 tracks, the soundtrack stays true to Trolls’ signature psychedelic joybomb of new and classic pop hits.

    Trolls Band Together (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) follows the 2020 Trolls World Tour Original Motion Picture Soundtrack which featured the track “The Other Side” with Justin Timberlake and SZA. It also received an American Music Award nomination for Favorite Soundtrack. The first installment and highly successful #1 children’s soundtrack for DreamWorks Animation’s 2016 musical hit Trolls featured the 4X platinum-selling song, “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!,” which became the best-selling song of 2016, debuted #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, won the GRAMMY Award for Best Song for Visual Media and secured multiple nominations including an Academy Award®, a Golden Globe and many more.

    Trolls Band Together (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Track List:

    1. Better Place (from Trolls Band Together) – *NSYNC
    2. Perfect – Justin Timberlake, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs, Kid Cudi & Troye Sivan
    3. Let’s Get Married – Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Zooey Deschanel, Anderson .Paak, Kenan Thompson, Kunal Nayyar, Icona Pop & Ron Funches
    4. Watch Me Work – Andrew Rannells & Brianna Mazzola
    5. Vacay Island – Daveed Diggs, India Carney & Ty Taylor
    6. BroZone’s Back – Justin Timberlake, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs & Anna Kendrick
    7. Lonely People – Troye Sivan
    8. Hustle Dimension – Joseph Shirley
    9. It Takes Two – Camila Cabello, Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs & Kid Cudi
    10. Mount Rageous – Andrew Rannells & Brianna Mazzola
    11. Better Place (Family Harmony) – Justin Timberlake, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs, Kid Cudi, Troye Sivan, Anna Kendrick & Camila Cabello
    12. Better Place (Reunion) – *NSYNC, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs, Troye Sivan & Kid Cudi
    13. Family – Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Camila Cabello, Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs, Kid Cudi & Troye Sivan
    14. 9 to 5 – Zosia Mamet
  • Wish You Were Here: Neck Deep Gives Manila An Evening to Remember in Sold-Out Concert

    Wish You Were Here: Neck Deep Gives Manila An Evening to Remember in Sold-Out Concert

    The energy was off the chart as the Philippine concert crowd welcomed Neck Deep to the local concert scene for the third time last September 22!

    Welsh pop-punk band Neck Deep, composed of Ben Barlow, Matt West, Sam Bowden, Seb Barlow, and Matt Powles, opened their sold-out concert at the SM Skydome with “Sonderland” and “Lowlife” from their 2020 studio album, All Distortions Are Intentional. With high-up energy from the opening, the band continued to put out hit after hit as they brought out their 2015 songs “Ka Lima”, “Citizens of Earth”, and “Can’t Kick Up the Roots.”

    The sold-out Manila show also concluded Neck Deep’s Southeast Asia Tour which brought them to Kuala Lumpur, Surabaya, Jakarta, Medan, Singapore, Bangkok, and finally landing in the Philippines. Additionally, the concert marked the band’s first performance in the country after five years following their 2018 show. Neck Deep debuted on the Philippine concert stage in 2016.

    Third time’s the charm, indeed, as the pop-punk band and their devoted fans did not hold back in making the evening euphoric. After putting out the 2014 song “What Did You Expect?”, “STFU”, “Heartbreak”, and “Take Me With You” resonated in the SM Skydome. “Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors”, but a great band like Neck Deep makes music that will last a lifetime. Eleven years after their formation, the band remains a powerful institution in the music scene, and the concert last September 22 was enough proof that the Philippines will want them back on the concert stage.

    Wish you were there to witness lights illuminating SM Skydome in “Wish You Were Here”, which succeeded “When You Know” and “She’s A God”. But Neck Deep allowed the emotions to wave through the venue more in “A Part of Me” and “December”.

    An unprecedented night and a dream that lived in reality for every fan of Neck Deep. The concert concluded with requests granted, emotions high, voices loud and proud, and moments lived in the best possible way as “Motion Sickness”, “Gold Steps”, and “In Bloom” marked the end. Ben gave a shout-out to PULP Live World and its CEO Vernon Go for bringing them back for the third time to the Philippine concert stage—three sold-out shows at the SM Skydome. “I also want to say a huge thank you to Vernon, and to the whole PULP team for having us—for putting this show on… To every single one of you who is here with us right now, you allowed us to live such a beautiful and blessed life, so thank you so much. We love you so much, Manila. Thank you for all the love in return.”

    Neck Deep
    Photo from Neck Deep’s Facebook page

    “The SE Asia tour is over and we’re real sad about it. Thank you so much to Kuala Lumpur, Surabaya, Jakarta, Medan, Singapore, Bangkok and Manila. Some of the biggest, best, and most fun we’ve had on stage and on tour. We’ll be back soon,” wrote the band.

  • joan and Manila Got Something Special

    joan and Manila Got Something Special

    joan held their first headlining show in Manila with a pop at the New Frontier Theater on September 19. Presented by Live Nation, their Superglue Tour was met with hundreds of avid fans who jammed with them.

    joan

    The American indie pop duo, composed of Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford, are no strangers to the Filipino stage. They had been part of a widely successful music festival and had a run of co-headlining mall shows with Honne in 2019.

    “We’ve been here 3 or 4 times. Every time we come here, it feels like a big, warm hug,” Alan told the crowd.

    joan opened the show with the sentimental “life death & everything between”. This was immediately followed by their lighter bops “simple”, “feeling like dancing” and “something special”.

    joan

    It was easy to get into the groove of joan’s music. Their blend of light rock, interspersed with 90s electro-pop, saccharine tunes, and relatable lyrics, easily makes them familiar and likable. The duo’s stage presence was also electric and captivating.

    The mood turned mellow for their stripped-down set for “magnetic”, “monsters” and “i loved you first”.

    “We released our debut album called superglue. We put a lot of work into that like every band ever, but it means a lot to us since it’s our most personal album yet. We wrote songs about our new babies, we talked about our wives, heartache, loss, the meaning of life,” Alan said before playing the song. He also thanked the crowd for the unforgettable evening.

    The good vibes kept rolling as the band played their signature tracks like “tokyo”, “love somebody like you” and “so good”.

    Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines!

    by Sandra Mae Laureano

  • Taecyeon’s SpecialTY: Remarkable Aptitude Showcased During His Fan Meet in Manila

    Taecyeon’s SpecialTY: Remarkable Aptitude Showcased During His Fan Meet in Manila

    Special days with OK TAECYEON! The singer-actor reunited with his Filipino OKtizens, who enveloped the New Frontier Theater with loud cheers!

    South Korean singer-actor Ok Taecyeon came back to the Philippines to meet his Filipino fans. The Vicenzo star held his 2023 OK TAECYEON IN MANILA: SpecialTY at the New Frontier Theater last Saturday, September 23. After being away for ten years, he expressed his happiness to be back in the nation, noting that he had last visited Manila in 2013 with 2PM.

    Taecyeon
    Taecyeon
    Taecyeon
    Taecyeon
    “Kahit umuulan, salamat sa pagpunta.” Ok Taecyeon greeted the members of the media and chosen fans during a press conference held ahead of his first solo fan meeting in the country.

    Taecyeon said during the interview part how the name “SpecialTY” was chosen. He said, “It’s like the word specialty, and I just wanted my name, Taecyeon, to be in it. I really wanted to have this fan meeting to be very special for me.”

    PH OKtizens and Hottests were undoubtedly the happiest when he played the renowned OPM band Side A’s “Forevermore.” He was on point, and we could tell by the way he inhaled and sang each lyric. Additionally, he sang “Champagne” from 2PM’s MUST album, “Magic,” “Promise (I’ll Be”) from their Gentlemen’s Game album, “Hands Up” from their second studio album of the same name, and “Toc Toc Toc” from his 2017 release Taecyeon Special: Winter Hitori.

    Taecyeon
    Taecyeon
    Taecyeon
    “Time flies,” Taecyeon said on the past 15 years. He also spoke of his relationship with his 2PM members during the press conference, saying “We can depend on each other and trust each other to help each other out and support each other.

    In addition to his performances, he also read fan letters, performed games, distributed special presents, one of which was the coffee he prepared live, and explained the meanings behind the images displayed on stage.

    The half-human, half-vampire character from the Korean drama Heartbeat, Sun Woo-Hyeol, walked down the platform to his fans and obliged their requests for warm embraces and selfies, making the night really memorable. Additionally, he accepts the moniker “Borta” Bortaecyeon.

    The show lasted for two hours, and fans were able to do their service for him with a fan project. Taecyeon vowed to return soon and, if at all possible, alongside the other 2PM members, and he urged us to always be content and prosperous. And like any superstar, Taecyeon’s most recent fan meet in Manila demonstrated his unwavering dedication to his devoted fan base in a stunning way, more than making up for the long wait they endured. The renowned artist’s outstanding fan service at the occasion made a lasting impression, exceeding all expectations and establishing his reputation as a role model of devotion and appreciation for his fans.

    The 2023 OK TAECYEON IN MANILA: SpecialTY was made possible and presented by 51K, Twenty Two Plus, PULP Live World, and Happee Hour. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation to the press conference and the event.

  • Club Mild confronts past mistakes and regrets on new single “Sun Gazer”

    Club Mild confronts past mistakes and regrets on new single “Sun Gazer”

    Previously known as M1LDL1FE, the Singaporean alt-pop trio, Club Mild, embraces the next chapter of their music career with a balance of rhythm and introspection.

    Singapore-based indie pop trio Club Mild confronts impermanence with regret and meaninglessness on their latest single, “Sun Gazer.” Weaving a tapestry of introspection that resonates on multiple levels, the indie pop anthem combines vivid lyrical metaphors with funk guitars and pulsating electronic beats—a musical ode to facing mortality, embracing meaninglessness, and the overwhelming power of being the author of your own life.

    Club Mild
    Photo credit: not a tastemaker | IG: @wearenatm

    According to David Siow, the band bassist, “Sun Gazer” was inspired by the feeling of being wracked with regrets that you end up “going around in circles” and “contemplating about bad life choices.”

    Siow adds, “At the same time, you worry about making the same mistakes in the future. This back-and-forth between past regrets and fear of the future overwhelms you. It’s like staring at the sun, thinking you’ll find safety if you can find the edges. You end up in this hollow state of “not living”. Yeah, it’s about that, but with dancing.”

    Club Mild
    Photo credit: not a tastemaker | IG: @wearenatm

    With a chorus that beckons, “I wanna go back and undo the things I’ve done,” the song captures the sentiment of being paralyzed by the weight of past mistakes. But amidst this introspection lies a spark of hope, a yearning to transcend the confines of regret and find forgiveness within.

    The song is written and performed by Club Mild, and produced by Malcolm Besley, a record producer, songwriter, and mix engineer who is also the drummer of Northeast Party House, a Melbourne-based electronic indie band.

    “We’ve always been fans of this band called Northeast Party House; we even covered one of their songs once,” shares Siow. “So when Paddy found out that their drummer, Malcolm Besley, was their main producer, we reached out, did the Zoom calls, and got to work. Malcolm is brilliant; he managed to make all of the elements of Sun Gazer really slap!”

    Formerly known as M1LDL1FE, the eclectic Singaporean band has performed in the Philippines twice, sharing co-headliner billing with Deafheaven and Delta Sleep on 2018’s All Of The Noise and performing as one of the guest international acts at last year’s GNN Year End Show in 123 Block.

    ‘Sun Gazer’ Pre-Save/Streaming Link

    Photo credit: not a tastemaker | IG: @wearenatm
  • The Itchyworms to embark on a three-city tour in Japan in October

    The Itchyworms to embark on a three-city tour in Japan in October

    The Itchyworms have recently announced their three-city tour in Japan this October 2023!

    The mini tour will kick off at the LIVE HOUSE GATTACA in Kyoto on October 6, followed by two more stops in Osaka (The Blarney Stone and Sengokudaitouryou) on October 7 and 8, respectively.

    Prior to the announcement, The Itchyworms performed at the Tokyo Beyond Festival on November 22, 2022. They have also participated at the Kansai Music Conference in a virtual setting while delivering an exclusive live performance at the Big Baby Studios in Manila.

    “There will be a lot of Filipino fans who will travel two or three hours just to see us live, so we will still be playing some hits,” the Di Na Muli hitmakers share in a collective statement. ‘We will also be playing some other songs that we think will be appreciated by the Japanese musicians and audiences. We feel that music is universal, and whether we sing in Filipino or in English, the audience will love it.”

    The acclaimed band, consisting of core members Jazz Nicolas (lead vocals, drums, piano, keyboards, keyboards), Jugs Jugueta (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), and Kelvin Yu (bass guitar, backing vocals), will be joined by their new recruits Ciudad’s Mikey Amistoso (acoustic guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, tambourine) and Weckl Mercado (lead guitar, backing vocals) for this particular tour.

    This year, The Itchyworms have released two new singles: “Panic In My Mind,” which was specifically written for their bandmate Chino Singson, who moved to Canada with his family to start a new life, and the Beatles-inspired “The Morning After,” which features some of their most intricate productions to date.

    The Filipino alt-rock outfit has also released 2013’s award-winning album, After All This Time on vinyl last November 2022, and a repress of their 2021 album, Waiting For The End To Start on the same format. Both records are available via Backspacer Records.

    For more information about the tour, visit the band’s official social media pages and revamped website: www.itchyworms.com; Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

    The Itchyworms’ “Panic In My Mind” and “The Morning After” are available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

  • Home Buddies Bazaar debuts in October

    Home Buddies Bazaar debuts in October

    The influential online group, Home Buddies, marks its third anniversary with a bazaar extravaganza featuring more than 30 merchants in the home improvement, décor, and design category!

    Home Buddies, an esteemed group of Filipino home enthusiasts, celebrates its third anniversary with a bazaar event featuring established and budding local brands in home improvement, décor, and design.

    Aptly titled Home Buddies Bazaar, the event makes room for a carefully curated selection of furniture must-haves, household finds, and decoration pieces that bear the online community’s mantra of budget-friendly shopping with style.

    “It’s the first independent event that we’re doing, so we have no limits,” shares founder Frances Lim Cabatuando, prominently known as ‘Mayora’ to HB’s cult-like following on social media. “We’re bringing in amazing home brands, starting with our co-presenters Tough Mama, PLDT Home, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay. We’re also bringing the biggest home professional organizations like United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) for free home consultations for our kapitbahays!”

    Bringing Pinterest-inspired ideas to life with specialized booths and shops, Home Buddies Bazaar houses more than 30 home and living merchants that will surely unleash everyone’s inner budol. It also doubles as the first official “grand eyeball” of the growing online community, with more than 3.2 million followers on Facebook to date.

    Mayora explains, “We just want to celebrate the community and allow its members to meet in person since it’s now safer. I’m sure one way or another, we’ve all affected each other’s lives. And we want to make them realize that the online group isn’t just a Facebook group; it’s a real, thriving community that helps Filipinos improve their homes.”

    The one-day event will take place at the activity center of the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Pasay City on October 1, 2023. Aside from its extensive roster of home improvement merchants and booths, the maiden edition of Home Buddies Bazaar will have on-stage segments, games, activities, and performances, with alt-rock icons Barbie Almalbis and Sandwich as headliners, as well as newcomers I See Bees, New York Heights, Raven and the Papis and Sofia Carpizo.

    Home Buddies Bazaar is co-presented by PLDT Home, Tough Mama, and Ayala Malls, and supported by its partners GNN Entertainment Productions, the 210.ph, MStudio, NYMA, UAP, and PICE. Special thanks to its sponsors: FWD, Davies Paints, Tinybuds, Samgyupsalamat, Omni Electrical and Lighting, CW Home Depot, 3D Appliances, Bostik, and the rest of their generous brand buddies.

    This event is hosted by Eryka Lucas, Kevin Montillano, Coco Cordero and Frances Cabatuando.

    Admission is free! For more details, follow the Home Buddies page or join their group on Facebook.

  • Lukas Graham Live in Manila 2023

    Lukas Graham Live in Manila 2023

    Lukas Graham Live in Manila on October 22, 2023 at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City presented by Midas Promotions and KDR Music House.

    Lukas Graham Live in Manila Ticket Details:
    VIP – P4,925
    Orchestra – P4,175
    Loge – P4,070
    Balcony 1 – P3,655
    Balcony 2 – P3,105

    Lukas Graham Live in Manila Tickets available soon at Ticketnet Outlets or online at ticketnet.com.ph

  • OPM STARS SHINE BRIGHTER IN YULESTARS

    OPM STARS SHINE BRIGHTER IN YULESTARS

    Well-loved OPM singers make the season of hope happier and brighter through “YuleStars: A Christmas Concert Series” to be held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City on November 30 (Thursday), December 1 (Friday) and December 2, 2023 (Saturday). All shows start at 8:30 pm.

    Dubbed as a “Christmas musical spectacle,” the series will feature Joey Generoso and Angeline Quinto on November 30, with Ice Seguerra as special guest; Jose Mari Chan, Christian Bautista and Roselle Nava on December 1; and Ogie Alcasid and Nina and special guest Ice Seguerra on December 2. The singers have lined up a repertoire of their best-loved songs and all-time favorite Christmas carols.

    The concert series is truly meaningful as it will also serve as a fundraising activity to generate resources for the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI), to fulfill its mission to help the less fortunate members of the organization, including the members’ dependents in the areas of death benefits, hospitalization and educational assistance.

    Tickets are now available at Ticketworld.com.ph and outlets.

  • Netflix drops teaser trailer for Castaway Diva

    Netflix drops teaser trailer for Castaway Diva

    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    “Castaway Diva” is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a girl who became stranded on a deserted island when she was traveling to Seoul to take part in an audition to become a singer. The audition was in Seoul, and the girl was on her way there when she became cast away. This new drama will mark the third time that “While You Were Sleeping” and “Start-Up” director Oh Choong Hwan and “Start-Up” writer Park Hye Ryun have collaborated on a production.

    Watch the teaser trailer here:

    In addition to Park Eun Bin playing the major character of Seo Mok Ha, a girl who is rescued from an uninhabited island after 15 years, the drama also stars Chae Jong Hyeop, Cha Hak Yeon, Kim Hyo Jin, and Kim Joo Heon. Park Eun Bin plays the part of Seo Mok Ha in the drama.

    Park Eun-bin began her acting career in 1998 when she was just a youngster, and she has since gone on to star in a number of popular television series, including the upcoming installments of Hot Stove League (2019-2020), Do You Like Brahms? (2020), and The Kings Affection (2021). Extraordinary Attorney Woo brought Park Eun-bin widespread acclaim for her outstanding performance as a young lawyer struggling with Asperger’s diagnosis. This role garnered her international recognition.

    Extraordinary Attorney Woo spent 21 weeks on the list of the top 10 television programs in non-English speaking nations around the world, reaching the top spot in 57 of those countries. In 2023, the 59th Baeksang Art Awards were held, and Park Eun-bin was the recipient of the Grand Prize for that event.

  • Netflix announces the return of Alice in Borderland for season 3

    Netflix announces the return of Alice in Borderland for season 3

    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    The survival thriller “Alice in Borderland,” which is a global mega-hit, will return for a third season of the Netflix series “Alice in Borderland.” Additionally, it was announced by Netflix that co-stars Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya will be returning to their roles, and that Shinsuke Sato will continue to direct the series. Artwork incorporating the Joker playing card was also revealed to celebrate the triumphant return of “Alice in Borderland.”

    Kento Yamazaki plays Ryuhei Arisu in the live-action version of Alice in Borderland, and Tao Tsuchiya plays Yuzuha Usagi. Tomohisa Yamashita played “King of Clubs” Kyuma in the second season. Yuri Tsunematsu played Heiya, Hayato Isomura played Banda, Kai Inowaki played Matsushita, Katsuya Maiguma played Yaba, and Honami Sato played Kotoko. Netflix streams the show, and they describe the story:

    Arisu and Usagi have to figure out the secrets of the Borderland if they want to get back to their world. In the first season, Shibuya was shockingly empty, but in this season, it is destroyed and covered with plants. This survival game is full of intense action and an exciting story, so don’t miss a second of it!

    From November 2010 to March 2016, there were 64 chapters of the original Alice in Borderland comics, which were collected into 18 books. The first season of the live-action version had 8 episodes that covered about 31 chapters, while the second season told almost all of the major story. There were some changes, but if there was a third season, Joker would probably be a new part of it. Keep an eye out for future news!

  • Why K-Romance Leaves Us Wanting More: Hear From the Actors Themselves

    Why K-Romance Leaves Us Wanting More: Hear From the Actors Themselves

    Watch it here.

    K-dramas have an almost mystical allure that captivate audiences worldwide. The intoxicating blend of romance, drama, and fantasy has earned K-dramas a dedicated fanbase that keeps growing with each passing season. But why are audiences falling head over heels for K-Romance? Well, who better to ask than the actors themselves?

    Where dreams come true

    Ever fantasized about bumping into your celebrity crush and experiencing love at first sight? Whether it’s a chance encounter on the street or moving next door to your favorite idol, K-Romance brings your wildest dreams to life—just like in Doona! where college freshman Won-jun and former K-pop idol Doona end up sharing a house together.

    Watch the teaser here.

    Yang Se-jong plays the very ordinary Won-jun, who falls in love with Doona, portrayed by Suzy (a former K-pop star herself). Doona is definitely out of Won-jun’s league but as Yang puts it, K-Romance series are special because that’s when “a dream-like love can come to life.” Don’t miss Doona! premiering on October 20, only on Netflix.

    When opposites attract

    K-Romance has a knack for pairing up characters who are polar opposites. Social status, personalities, you name it—they bring together the unlikeliest couples and make their love stories utterly irresistible. Destined with You puts a hotshot lawyer with a lowly civil servant who might hold the key to breaking his family curse. Will fate be able to bridge the gulf in their social status?

    Revealing the kind of romance shows she enjoys, Cho Bo-ah, who plays civil servant Lee Hong-jo, says: “I love the traditional kind of romance with an unbreakable bond between two completely different people.”

    Watch the trailer here.

    Another K-Romance classic is when enemies turn into lovers, just like in King the Land when an unlikely romance brews between a wealthy hotel heir who hates smiles and his hardworking employee who’s known for her irresistible smile. Former global K-pop idols Jun-ho and Yoona light up the screen with their sizzling chemistry. “Isn’t a risky workplace romance always the best?” says Jun-ho cheekily. “The emotions are so relatable and real because of the office setting. It can happen to you!”

    Watch the trailer here.

    Love that transcends life and time

    Ever wonder if love transcends life and death? K-Romance titles explore this with the “time leap” or “rebirth” theme, posing the question: “Would you still love me if we could do it all over again?”

    For Shin Hye-sun, who stars in See You in My 19th Life, the answer is a resounding yes. She describes true love as a “powerful affection that’s strong enough to bulldoze through your afterlife and still have your heart set on the same person.” Sure enough, Shin portrays a young girl who can endlessly reincarnate but when her 18th life gets cut short, she dedicates the next one to finding her now grown-up childhood crush who does not remember anything.

    Watch the trailer here.

    Similarly, in A Time Called You, Jeon Yeo-been plays a grieving woman who magically travels through time to 1998, where she meets a man remarkably similar to her late love. To Jeon, K-Romance can offer much hope, as it shows that “no matter how far back in time, no matter how different the person seems to appear, if it’s destiny, then you will end up together.”

    Watch the trailer here.

    More than just a Rom-Com

    K-dramas have evolved into a hybrid of comedy, romance, and even thriller elements. Behind Your Touch follows a psychic vet and a detective as they join forces to crack small-town cases and end up uncovering a chilling serial killer mystery. Playing the vet with the comic superpower that involves touching butts, rom-com queen Han Ji-min quips that it is a “refreshing new take on love.”

    Watch the trailer here.

    With K-Romance gaining global popularity, Netflix has a trove of love stories waiting for you. From heartwarming classics to thrilling time-travel adventures, there’s a K-drama palette for every romantic soul. So, why not dive into this delightful world and find your own reason to get hooked?

  • Global superstar Jung Kook to release “3D” featuring Jack Harlow on September 29th

    Global superstar Jung Kook to release “3D” featuring Jack Harlow on September 29th

    The global popstar Jung Kook of BTS announced the release of his second solo digital single “3D (feat. Jack Harlow)” today via global fandom life platform Weverse. Jung Kook makes his highly-anticipated return two months after the start of his solo journey with “Seven (feat. Latto),” which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the U.K. Official Chart.

    “3D” is a R&B pop track that employs a witty use of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dimensions to express one’s desire to be connected with someone. BIGHIT MUSIC stated, “Following ‘Seven,’ the new track will showcase Jung Kook’s growth as a solo artist.” Additionally, multiple GRAMMY-nominated rapper, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jack Harlow is featured on the track for a world-class collaboration.

    On the day of the announcement, Jung Kook set another milestone as the first South Korean solo artist to headline Global Citizen Festival. The playful, versatile performer took the stage with his solo tracks, “Euphoria” and “Still With You,” as well as “Seven (feat. Latto),” which featured a surprise guest appearance from Latto herself. Jung Kook proceeded with a medley of BTS hits in the order of “Permission to Dance,” “Dynamite,” and “‘Butter,” and closed the set with a video that provides the first look into his upcoming single “3D.”

    During an interview with Global Citizen, Jung Kook remarked on his participation and said, “Thank you for taking action to be here tonight. Let’s keep making an impact together to make sure everyone, everywhere has access to their basic rights.” “3D (feat. Jack Harlow)” will be available on all streaming platforms worldwide on September 29.

    GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL

    Prior to the single announcement, Jung Kook co-headlined Global Citizen in New York City alongside legendary artists Ms. Lauryn Hill, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anitta, Conan Gray, and more. At the end of his set, Jung Kook surprised fans by displaying a 30-second video featuring a snippet of the “3D” instrumental along with the “3D” logo. The performance was livestreamed on Global Citizen’s official YouTube channel.

    정국 (Jung Kook) ‘3D’ Hero Film 01