Entertainment

Popular boy band Stray Kids has helped Korea take a big step toward turning global K-pop fans into actual visitors, with the group's promotional videos for the country's tourism authority now surpassing 10 million views. A poster for Stray Kids’ RUN IT world tour, promoting regional destinations during the group’s Seoul concert The videos were launched by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) for its BIAS Stray Kids Busan Trip campaign in July in partnership with JYP Entertain

Thailand's tourism authority said its Amazing Thailand Ambassador campaign featuring South Korean band Blackpink's Lisa had generated more than THB567 million (US$17 million) in estimated publicity value. Blackpink’s Lisa features in Thailand’s "Feel All the Feelings" tourism campaign, showcasing the country’s destinations and experiences to international audiences The campaign, launched in January 2026 under the "Feel All the Feelings" concept, used her international profile

Pop star Ed Sheeran's opening acts and his own band have quit his U.S. tour in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was cut from the musical lineup over his "free Palestine" ​remarks on stage criticizing Israeli government actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Ed Sheeran performs during the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball concert at Madison Square Garden, in New York City, U.S. on Dec. 12, 2025 The backlash from Sheeran's touring companions came after the English-born singer-songwrite

NFL star Travis Kelce, the newlywed husband of Taylor Swift, has purchased a US$5.35 million mansion in Ohio. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Kelce likely bought the mansion in March, ahead of his wedding, according to The Wall Street Journal. Situated on more than 21,000 square feet along Lake Erie in the affluent village of Bratenahl, Ohio, the estate seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern design. The 1895 residence boasts 8 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, according to TM

Newly crowned Miss Korea 2026 Woo Seo Yoon has become the subject of online speculation over whether she underwent cosmetic procedures, reviving debate over beauty standards and judging criteria in modern pageants. Woo Seo Yoon at the pageant finale Woo beat 25 other finalists at the national final in Seoul to win the title, according to Sports Chosun. She appeared surprised when her name was announced and said she had not expected to win. "I didn't expect it at all, so I cou

Taiwanese superstar Jay Chou has bought two houses for US$15.1 million, and registered them in his wife Kun Ling’s name. He paid entirely in cash without obtaining a bank mortgage, according to Money UDN. Jay Chou at his wife’s birthday The two properties, spanning a total of 990 square meters, are in a residential area in Taipei and have scenic views and premium amenities. Sources said the singer had been planning the purchase since last year, finalizing the transaction just

Chinese actor Ding Yuxi has gifted a fan a gold necklace reportedly worth more than US$4,850 as a “dowry” after her boyfriend proposed to her during his concert. Chinese actor Ding Yuxi at a Lao Feng Xiang jewelry event on Aug. 17, 2026 The fan, known online as King Jiujinjin, shared a video on Douyin showing her boyfriend proposing with a gold ring during Ding’s performance of "Dissipating Dialogue" at a concert in Chengdu, according to AsiaOne. Ding later attended an event

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is set to make his first official public appearance in his home country in roughly a year and a half when he attends The Fact Music Awards 2026 as a presenter on Sept. 19. South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun Organized by South Korean media outlet The Fact, this year’s ceremony will take place at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, following editions held in Osaka, Japan, in 2024 and Macau, China, in 2025. The awards ceremony follows several recent overseas a