Author: Samar Khouri

LISA has released a new single, “SaWaDiKa,” along with an accompanying music video filmed in Bangkok, Thailand. The song is the lead single from her upcoming PRESS PLAY EP, which is scheduled for release in October. New single Produced by Thom Bridges and Ojivolta, “SaWaDiKa” draws on LISA’s Thai background and incorporates a hip-hop-focused sound. The title refers to a Thai greeting meaning “hello.” The music video was filmed in LISA’s native Bangkok and directed by Bang Jae Yeob. It features the singer and rapper performing choreography at several locations around the city, with the video also incorporating a series…

Girls’ Generation-HRS, the newest unit of Girls’ Generation, has officially made its debut with the digital single ‘Skibidi,’ introducing a playful yet genre-blending sound highlighted by distinctive Arabian-inspired string samples. Debut single project The single features two tracks, the title track “Skibidi” and B-side “Lowkey In Love.” “Skibidi” moves between house and hip-hop, combining dynamic production with Arabian-inspired strings as its members embrace lyrics about forging their own path with confidence and individuality. Meanwhile, “Lowkey In Love” offers a brighter retro-inspired sound, driven by upbeat brass, a groovy rhythm and a catchy melody that gives the track an easygoing, feel-good…

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtrack was dominated by global pop, African music and established football anthems—but K-pop also carved out a notable place in the listening habits of MENA audiences during the tournament. Spotify and Anghami data from the June 11–July 19 tournament period show that K-pop’s presence was strongest through Jung Kook, BTS and LISA, with Korean artists appearing across both general streaming charts and FIFA/World Cup-focused playlists. Jung Kook Leads K-Pop’s Presence in MENA One of the clearest signs of K-pop’s reach came from Jung Kook and Latto’s “Seven.” The track ranked No. 4 among the most-streamed…

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ star Arden Cho is heading to Abu Dhabi this September for the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2026. Abu Dhabi debut Cho, who voices Rumi in Netflix’s global animated hit, is among three newly announced guests for this year’s convention, alongside ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Mission: Impossible’ star Pom Klementieff and ‘One Piece’ actor Jacob Romero. Her appearance at MEFCC, taking place from September 11 to 13, comes after a breakout year that has introduced her to an even wider international audience. The actor and singer lends her voice to Rumi, one of the…

K-POP FEVER will take place at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on September 26, bringing a live program of K-pop, entertainment, and dance to Abu Dhabi. The show features a cast of 12 singers and dancers performing songs associated with artists and productions including Netflix’s hit series ‘K-pop Demon Hunters,’ as well as artists such as BTS, BLACKPINK and KATSEYE. “Produced by People Entertainment Group, the show combines live vocals, dance performances, and visual effects to recreate the excitement of a K-pop concert,” according to the press release. “From fan-favourite songs to recent viral hits, K-POP FEVER is designed to bring…

The Esports Foundation has named League of Legends icon Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, as the official Game Ambassador for both the Esports World Cup (EWC) and the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), a role he will hold through 2028. Ambassador role Nicknamed the god of the computer game League of Legends, Faker joins football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and chess world champion Magnus Carlsen in the ambassador program. The South Korean professional player will bring the voice of esports players to the foundation’s global events, player initiatives, media platforms and leadership discussions, with a focus on strengthening relationships among players,…

PLEDIS Entertainment has announced that all 13 members of SEVENTEEN have agreed to renew their contracts with the agency for a second time, reaffirming the group’s commitment to continue their journey together. Contract renewal “We are delighted to once again announce our continued journey with all thirteen members,” the group’s management agency said in a Weverse post. The announcement marks another major milestone for the self-producing group, whose first early contract renewal in 2021 was widely viewed as a testament to the members’ unity and confidence in their long-term vision. Nearly five years later, that trust appears stronger than ever.…

NCT’s JAEHYUN has returned with his first solo release since completing his mandatory military service, unveiling the new single ’99 Degrees’ alongside its official music video. Love at 99 The emotional ballad, which JAEHYUN co-wrote and co-composed, opens with delicate piano melodies before building into a sweeping arrangement. Built around the metaphor of love at 99 degrees—just below the boiling point—the lyrics explore the idea that love is made complete not through perfection, but through another person, reflecting on finding wholeness in imperfection. Visual storytelling The accompanying music video follows JAEHYUN as he revisits places tied to memories, reflecting on…

Action-thriller K-drama ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’ climbed to No. 1 on the streamer’s weekly non-English TV list in its second week, recording 10.5 million views and continuing its strong performance across MENA, according to Netflix’s weekly top 10 tally. Second week momentum During the June 22–28, 2026, viewing period, the series debuted at No. 3 on Netflix’s weekly non-English TV rankings with 6.6 million views, entering the Top 10 TV list in 67 countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and the UAEQatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and the UAE. In its second week on the…