There is no doubt that music is a universal language that connects people across the globe. While some artists achieve massive mainstream success, countless talented musicians remain under the radar, many of whom hail from Asia. Beyond the global phenomenon of K-pop, South Korea, in particular, boasts a rich and diverse music scene that spans…
Tag: news
ATEEZ Lights Up Copenhagen on Valentine’s Day – Concert Review
To say ATEEZ has had a successful 12 months would be an understatement. As the first K-pop boy group to headline Coachella, the only way has been up. After dominating the US on their Towards The Light: Will To Power Tour, it was finally time for Europe to get a taste of their anarchism lore…
Cinema and Myth: Riar Rizaldi Discusses “Monisme” and the Enigma of Mount Merapi – Exclusive Interview
Indonesian multimedia artist and filmmaker Riar Rizaldi, known for his blend of documentary fiction and essay films, has recently completed his latest work, Monisme (2024). The film delves into themes of duality—human and non-human, nature and technology—while questioning their interconnectedness. Born from years of extensive research on Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most significant volcanoes,…
Takeuchi Hideki Returns to the Far East Film Festival
Historically, cinema has predominantly engaged with the human body through the lens of science fiction, often depicting miniature characters – reduced to the size of ants – who embark on fantastical journeys within our physical form, confronting its mysteries and the limited special effects technology of bygone eras. Iconic films like Richard Fleischer’s Fantastic Voyage,…
EVNNE on Exploring Their Cheeky Side in “HOT MESS”
There’s been a renaissance emerging. The bad boys of K-Pop have had their time and then some; now the leather garb and chanted choruses are being whittled out in favour of happier vibes. EVNNE are one of the few who have recently shed their “cool” image for a sunnier one. We find the anthemic fervour…
The Black Skirts to Debut in Europe with “Songs to Bring You Home” Tour
The Black Skirts (Jo Hyu-il), is finally bringing his first-ever European tour to London, Paris, and Berlin this March. Titled Songs to Bring You Home EU Tour 2025, this long-awaited performance will bring something special that we haven’t seen before. Tour Dates & Venues: 📍 16 March – London, UK @ Clapham Grand📍 18 March…
SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in London: First Wave of Performers Announced!
SM Entertainment has been shaping K-pop industry since its establishment in 1995 by Lee Soo-man. Its strategic vision and strict idol training system have been instrumental in exporting Korean pop culture worldwide, driving the “Hallyu Wave” through the success of first-generation icons like H.O.T., S.E.S., and BoA. Over the decades, SM has expanded its global…
International Premiere of “The Wedding Banquet” to Open The 39th BFI FLARE: LONDON LGBTQIA+ Film Festival
LGBTQIA+ cinema is more essential than ever, offering visibility, promoting empathy, and challenging societies. It provides a space for storytelling that reflects diverse identities and experiences, creating a sense of belonging for marginalised communities. Festivals like BFI Flare play a crucial role in strengthening these voices, ensuring that queer narratives – whether exploring love, family,…
Lee Youngji Mesmerises Fans at Her First Solo London Show – Concert Review
From the early days of hip-hop, women have been integral to shaping the culture, yet they have often had to fight twice as hard for recognition. Legends like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Bahamadia, Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliott laid the foundation for future generations, proving that women could hold their own…
Nosun’s Honest Story: Music, Struggle, and Personal Growth – Exclusive Interview
For as long as I can remember, I have been a huge fan of hip-hop, particularly the golden age, where the music was raw, unfiltered, and revolutionary. Bars were razor-sharp, beats were built on soul, funk, and jazz samples, and the culture was shifting the world. Of course, every region had its own flavour; New…
j-Hope Returns to the Stage and Takes Paris by Storm at the Le Gala Des Pièces Jaunes
It’s a bold statement to say someone is a natural-born star who was simply destined to be a performer, knowing from an early age that dancing and rapping were their true calling. Many can only dream of achieving what j-Hope has created for himself if they do. Starting as a dancer and eventually joining the…
Catch The Young Bring Fresh Energy to the 90s hit “You, Always” by Mono
Catch The Young have started the year with a bang, releasing their cover of the 90s hit You, Always by Mono. With their youthful energy and sound, the band breathes new life into the classic, blending past and present in a way that appeals to music fans of all generations. First performed at their solo…
The World of Shaina Magdayao: Acting, Advocacy, and International Acclaim – Exclusive Interview
Before cinema’s advent in the Philippines, theatrical traditions thrived through indigenous rituals and Spanish-imported zarzuelas and vaudeville. These laid the cultural groundwork for the cinematic evolution to follow. The country’s first public film screening occurred in 1897 under Spanish auspices, marking a watershed moment for Philippine entertainment. By the turn of the century, cinema rapidly…
For CIX, Groove Comes Naturally: “THUNDER FEVER” Review
Quite like wrapped chocolate, with CIX, you know what you’re going to get. The well-rounded four piece make good use of what they have. Their voices sit nicely next to each other like siblings on a bench in a family photo; there is no standout timbre, but rather always a comfortableness to their sound. Cinema…
