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…
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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…
Victory on Stage: Rolling Quartz Shine on Their European Tour – Concert Review
The Korean indie rock and punk scene has always fascinated me. From SE SO NEON to Jannabi, and from Crying Nut to No Brain, I realised just how much this music market has to offer. One band that recently caught my attention is Rolling Quartz, thanks entirely to recommendations from my fellow journalist friends. After…
Thomas Ng on Finding His Voice and Inspiring a New Era of R&B – Exclusive Interview
Thomas Ng is a star in the making; he brings a fresh approach to R&B, combining personal stories with diverse musical influences. His sound draws from a mix of jazz, Motown, and rock, creating something timeless and new. Thomas’ introduction to music was far from conventional. Growing up, his mother enrolled him in dance classes,…
XLOV: Breaking Norms, Building Dreams – Exclusive Interview
The four new pillars of avant-garde in K-Pop strutted out in pearls and elegance. Above them, the jumbotron in the figurative stadium of current K-Pop social media buzz illuminated their names in shimmering lights: Wumuti, Rui, Hyun, and Haru. One or two of those might sound familiar to you, and if Boys Planet sounds even…
KRIS MAIN – Behind the Music: The Vulnerable Truths of “Dead Inside” – Exclusive Interview
Kris, an artist whose sound has continuously evolved since his debut, has always stayed true to his artistic vision. Whether through his powerful rock-infused hip-hop or more experimental takes on traditional sounds, he never shies away from vulnerability or confronting the darker aspects of his journey. His latest release, Dead Inside, reflects the emotional depths…
P1Harmony Rock London with Unstoppable Talent – Concert Review
Looking back at K-pop and boy groups a few years ago, BTS was the undisputed global phenomenon, and they remain so. While we’re not delving into the first or second generation of K-pop, which continues to wield power whether those groups are performing or not, it’s clear that the 4th generation is rapidly rising again….
Colde Set to Bring His 2025 BLUE PRINT Tour to Europe This February and March
Colde, a South Korean singer-songwriter, is bringing his BLUE PRINT tour, presenting both his latest work and classic hits. If you’re a music enthusiast who enjoys a blend of various genres, Colde’s performances are not to be missed. The tour launches in Milan on February 19, 2025, before weaving through a series of major European…
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