Author: Samar Khouri

GMM Music and Warner Music have launched GLIIDE, an artist development platform under their GMM Global joint venture aimed at developing artists for international audiences from the start of their careers. The platform moves away from the traditional model of developing artists in a home market before exporting them, instead combining label infrastructure such as global distribution and data analysis with a more integrated creative development process. The first artist on the platform is SVRN, whose music blends pop production with choreography-led performance and a strong visual presentation. His debut single under the platform, “WHY,” was released with a music…

The historical rom-com series ‘My Royal Nemesis,’ starring Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun as the star-crossed enemies-to-lovers, debuted at the top of Netflix’s non-English TV list with 3.9 million views, the streamer revealed, and also drew attention in MENA. MENA viewership Released on May 8, the 14-episode show landed in the top 10 in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the UAE, as well as in 36 other countries, during the May 4-10, 2026, viewing period. It was the No. 1 show in Bolivia, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. It also logged 9.3 million hours viewed. Blending…

‘If Wishes Could Kill’ climbed to the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s non-English TV list in its second week of release, adding 4.7 million views from the previous week to reach 7.5 million views globally. Regional success Netflix’s first Korean young-adult horror series was also the top show in 24 countries during the April 27 – May 3, 2026, viewing period. Regionally, it ranked first in Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The series also reached the top 10 in 64 countries and regions, Netflix further revealed in its weekly tally. Blending school-life…

Netflix’s ‘Sold Out on You’ debuted at the top of the non-English TV list with 4.7 million views globally, the streamer revealed in its latest weekly top 10 tally for the April 20-26, 2026, viewing period — and it was a popular watch in the region. Top 10 run The romantic K-drama, starring Ahn Hyo-seop and Chae Won-been, ranked in the top 10 in 42 countries, including Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kuwait, following its April 22 premiere. The 12-part series was also the No.1 show in 8 countries, and recorded 10.3 million hours viewed.…

XngHan steps into a new creative phase with the launch of XngHan&Xoul, a collaborative artist project under SM Entertainment, unveiling its first mini album ‘Glow.’ The release positions itself as both a musical statement and a performance-driven concept, built around themes of connection, renewal, and inner illumination. At the center of the project is the title track “Glow,” a summer-ready house-pop record defined by urgent synth hooks and a powerful bassline. More than a conventional pop track, the song frames its emotional core around rediscovery—capturing the feeling of finding purpose and warmth through shared moments with friends and loved ones.…

LUCAS, a former member of the K-pop boy group NCT,, has parted ways with SM Entertainment following the conclusion of his exclusive contract, which officially ended on April 24, the agency announced via Weverse. Contract conclusion In a statement, SM Entertainment expressed gratitude to fans and noted that they continue to support him as he embarks on a new chapter. “We will cherish every moment shared, from the early trainee days to the various activities LUCAS took part in after his debut, and continue to support him as he begins this new chapter,” it said. “We kindly ask you to…

GALAXY Corporation, the AI entertainment-technology company that’s the music label and management home to K-pop veteran G-DRAGON, has become the first Korean entertainment company to establish a Middle East presence in the UAE. Middle East entity Backed by engagement with the National Media Authority, the expansion aligns with the nation’s vision to lead in AI-powered media and next-generation content development. Operating across content, intellectual property, and technology, GALAXY’s entry reinforces the UAE’s position as a hub for advanced technologies and creative industries. “As a global enter‑tech company operating at the intersection of K‑content, K‑pop, and advanced technologies such as AI…

Humint’ surged to the top of Netflix’s non-English movie chart during the March 30 – April 5, 2026, viewing period, the streaming platform revealed, and was a hit in the region. Regional hit The action spy film recorded 11 million views in the week following its premiere on March 31, and was the top watched in 14 countries, including Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. It also amassed 21.8 million hours of viewing time. Set in Vladivostok, ‘Humint’ follows Manager Cho (Zo In-sung), a South Korean intelligence officer who is forced into an uneasy alliance with North Korean operative Park…

HEESEUNG, former member of K-pop boy group ENHYPEN, has officially taken the first step into his solo career, introducing a new artistic identity under the name EVAN. Raw, unfiltered self The singer-songwriter and producer marked the launch of his solo activities by opening official social media channels and releasing a first set of profile images introducing his new identity. The portraits introduce EVAN through a more understated and intimate lens, pairing minimal makeup with simple styling. According to BELIFT LAB, the images were created to capture “the purest form of EVAN—an artist at the very beginning of his identity, before…

The second season of the Korean crime drama ‘Bloodhounds’ debuted in the top 10 in 67 countries, including MENA, the streamer revealed in its weekly top 10 rankings, following its premiere on April 3. MENA debut ‘Bloodhounds’ proved to be a popular watch in Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE during the March 30- April 5, 2026 viewing period. Overall, the Korean boxing revenge saga ranked at No. 2 on Netflix’s non-English TV list with 5 million views and 35 million hours viewed. The first season also re-entered the rankings, rising to No.…