Author: Samar Khouri

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.…

TEN, a member of NCT and WayV, has announced that he will not renew his contract with SM Entertainment. Departure news While his contract will end on April 8, the Thai singer-dancer plans to continue participating in group activities under future agreements with a new agency. “Moving forward, we will continue to stay in close communication to explore opportunities for TEN to participate in WayV and NCT activities, where possible,” SM Entertainment said in a statement on Weverse. TEN debuted in April 2016, alongside Jaehyun, Mark, Taeyong, and Doyoung as NCT U, the first sub-unit of SM Entertainment’s 24-member super…

MARK Lee, a member of the K-pop group NCT, will leave the group and his agency SM Entertainment after 10 years. Contract termination His departure will take effect on April 8, marking the end of his exclusive contract and his activities across all NCT units, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, SM Entertainment said in a Weverse statement. The decision was reached after “careful and thoughtful discussion” about the artist’s future, describing the split as mutual. “Since his debut with NCT in 2016, MARK has demonstrated exceptional talent and versatility through both group and solo activities and has delivered remarkable…

KANGMIN of VERIVERY is stepping into a new artistic chapter with the release of his first solo single album, ‘Free Falling,’ becoming the first member of the group to debut independently. New chapter The project offers a candid reflection of the artist’s present self, caught in the uncertain, often disorienting space between boyhood and adulthood. It centers on themes of vulnerability, growth, and self-exploration. At its core, ‘Free Falling’ draws on the act and imagery of its title: the feeling of being suspended mid-air, unable to fully steady oneself, searching for something to hold onto while continuing to move forward.…

BTS’ live concert special, ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,’ debuted atop Netflix’s non-English TV list with 13.1 million views, according to weekly data from the streamer. Regional, global reach Held at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 to mark the release of the group’s fifth studio album, ‘ARIRANG,’ the performance ranked in the top 10 across 80 countries, including MENA markets such as Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, during the March 16–22, 2026 viewing period. RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook’s highly anticipated return to the stage, which…