‘Climate of fear’ grips live music as MPs demand market dominance investigation

• Rock frontman Shomo has publicly come out as a "proudly gay man" via an Instagram post. • The announcement follows the end of his marriage, which lasted nearly 14 years.

• The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 maintained its status as a global television phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers across Europe and international markets. • Viewing patterns were highly polarized, with some nations achieving record-breaking ratings while others saw significant declines and historic lows.

• Digital entertainment is experiencing rapid growth across European markets, with services becoming deeply integrated into the daily lives of average consumers. • The trend is driven by a significant shift in consumption habits, as more European citizens now prefer accessing music, video, and games online rather than through offline channels.

• Creator and showrunner Lee Sung Jin has leaned further into his Korean roots for the second season of the hit Netflix series "Beef." • The move reflects a broader trend of "Koreanization" in global entertainment, alongside the massive success of projects like "Squid Game," "Minari," and "Pachinko."

• BTS will return to award shows for the first time in three years, performing at the AMAs on May 25 in Las Vegas. • The K-pop group is currently nominated for three awards following the completion of all seven members' mandatory military service.

• The New York Festivals (NYF) Storytellers Gala announced the winners of the 2026 Radio Awards, highlighting excellence in audio innovation and storytelling. • Taiwan emerged as a top winner, with Radio Taiwan International securing a Bronze Tower in Audio Book – Fiction and several Finalist Diplomas, while Taipei Broadcasting Station earned a Finalist Diploma in Programming Format.

• Romanian director Cristian Mungiu won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 79th Cannes Film Festival for his drama "Fjord," which explores clashing cultures in Norway. • This victory marks the second time Mungiu has received the festival's top prize, highlighting his continued influence in international cinema.

• The South Korean monster movie "Hope," produced by Plus M Entertainment, has emerged as the most divisive and wild entry at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. • The film is generating significant buzz and debate among critics and audiences due to its unconventional and shocking nature.

• The Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating its 70th anniversary by highlighting historical milestones and trivia from the competition's legacy. • Key achievements include Duncan Laurence's "Arcade" (the 2019 winner for the Netherlands) becoming the first Eurovision song to exceed one billion Spotify streams in August 2023.

• Cristian Mungiu won the prestigious Palme d'Or for his film *Fjord* at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. • The Grand Prix was awarded to *Minotaur*, while Pawel Pawlikowski (*Fatherland*) and the duo Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo (*The Black Ball*) shared the Best Director prize.

• Romanian director Cristian Mungiu won the prestigious Palme d'Or for his film "Fjord" at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2026. • The winning film is described as a thought-provoking drama centered on a Christian family living in Norway.