Author: Samar Khouri

‘Genie, Make a Wish’ climbed to the top of Netflix’s weekly non-English TV chart, the streaming platform revealed in its latest weekly top 10 rankings. Global chart placement The Korean romantic fantasy series jumped from its debut at No. 5 to the top spot, amassing 8 million views for the week ending October 12. It recorded 102.6 million hours of viewing time. Additionally, the 12-episode Netflix original was the top-picked show in 10 countries. In MENA, it was within the top 10 in Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait during the September 29 -…

When admiration meets reality, unexpected stories unfold. My Bias Is Showing!, the new drama adaptation of the hit Korean webtoon by Eol and Nabit, follows Na Ae-joon, played by OMEGA X’s Kevin, a high school teacher and longtime fan of idol Choi Si-yeol, played by Kim Kang Min, a member of the fictional boy group A-one. Blending emotion, humor, and the realities of idol life, the series delves into the nuances of admiration, identity, and human connection. It also captures the surprising ways two very different worlds collide, giving both Kim and Kevin space to explore new emotional depths on…

NCT member Chenle and WayV’s Winwin were spotted courtside at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, held at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on October 2 and 4. The preseason event featured a first-ever matchup between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers in the region. Courtside appearance The two stars were photographed enjoying the game together, joining a star-studded lineup that included actors Patrick Schwarzenegger and Barry Keoghan; TV host and director Steve Harvey; British rapper Central Cee; England football legend John Terry; and Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Badshah. Regional celebrities, including Emirati actor Ahmed Sharif and Lebanese…

TOMORROW X TOGETHER and their label BIGHIT MUSIC have pledged $1.4 million to UNICEF over the next two years, launching a new partnership to champion youth mental well-being worldwide. The collaboration, unveiled this week at UNICEF Headquarters in New York, brings together the voices of Gen Z icons and the global child advocacy organization under the theme Together for Tomorrow. The initiative will fund mental health programs and advocacy, while also encouraging young people to speak openly about their challenges and seek support without fear of stigma. At the launch event—hosted by UNICEF USA Ambassador Justin Min—TOMORROW X TOGETHER met…

LISA, member of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, has signed with WME to represent her acting career as she expands into film and TV. Acting deal The Thai rapper and singer made her screen debut this year as Mook in the third season of HBO’s ‘The White Lotus,’ which premiered in February and went on to earn 23 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series. The talent agency represents Hollywood heavyweights such as The Rock, Angelina Jolie, Joaquin Phoenix, Hailey Bieber, and Hugh Jackman. WME’s representation will focus on her acting, while LLOUD Co. and The Lede Company remain her teams for…

It will be the rookie group’s first-ever performance in the Middle East.

Milan Fashion Week has long been a playground for fashion’s elite, but this September, K-pop’s global wave made its mark at the Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear shows, with artists not just attending but owning both the runway and front rows. From BOSS to Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Onitsuka Tiger, Versace, and Prada, the city witnessed a new level of star power, blending music, culture, and high fashion in a way only K-pop can. Hyunjin: Versace statement Stray Kids’ Hyunjin was spotted at Versace, turning heads with bold, high-fashion pieces that combined edgy tailoring with playful accents. His appearance further showcased the ability…

S.COUPS, leader of K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN, made his runway debut as he closed the brand’s Spring/Summer 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week 2025. The look S.Coups, who was announced as a the brand’s global ambassador in April 2025, commanded the catwalk in a chocolate-brown leather trench coat, layered over a sheer blouse and tailored black trousers. A sleek belt cinched the look, while polished black shoes grounded the ensemble. The outfit perfectly captured BOSS’s collection aesthetic: structured, confident, and undeniably modern. The BOSS Paradox For SS2026, BOSS unveiled The BOSS Paradox, a collection blending order and disorder through minimalist,…

The time-slip fantasy ‘Bon Appetit, Your Majesty’ has held the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s non-English TV show ranking for a second week, according to the streaming platform. Global, regional standings The Korean period drama racked up 6.5 million views and 84.7 million hours of viewing time during the September 15–21 period — its fifth week on the streamer. It ranked No. 1 in 23 countries, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Morocco. It also placed within the top 10 in 62 countries, such as Egypt, Bahrain, South Korea, India, the UAE, Argentina, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and Australia. Released on…

HYBE, the powerhouse behind BTS, SEVENTEEN, and KATSEYE, has established its new subsidiary, HYBE INDIA ENTERTAINMENT PRIVATE LIMITED, marking its fifth global headquarters after Japan, China, America, and Latin America. New subsidiary The new entity will act as a strategic hub connecting India’s fast-growing music and entertainment market with the global industry. Positioned in Mumbai, the country’s cultural capital and home of Bollywood, HYBE INDIA aims to discover and nurture local talent under the mission, “Where voices of India become global stories.” The move aligns with HYBE’s “multi-home, multi-genre” strategy, which emphasizes building businesses tailored to regional cultures while linking…