Global Media Highlights in May - Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

• Google's Sean Downey and YouTuber Adam W discussed the surge in creator ad spending during Business Insider's CMO Insider breakfast. • The experts advised marketers to stop attempting to control every word of a campaign, suggesting that relinquishing creative control to creators leads to better results.

• Actor David Corenswet gained widespread internet praise on June 24, 2026, after he was seen protecting co-star Milly Alcock on a red carpet. • Social media users have lauded the actor's chivalry, with many fans calling him a "real life Superman" in reference to his role.

• Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce and technology giant, filed a lawsuit against the US government on Tuesday. • The legal action challenges the Department of Defense's decision to place the company on a list of businesses linked to the Chinese military.

• The KOSPI index plummeted nearly 10% on June 23, 2026, causing severe financial losses for investors in South Korea. • Shares of semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix fell approximately 12%, triggering a sharper decline of 24% to 25% in single-stock leveraged products.

• J-pop streaming on the Korean music platform Genie Music increased by 30% during the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2023. • A KT Genie Music official attributed this surge to the growing number of ways Korean audiences are engaging with Japanese pop culture.

• Viu CEO Janice Lee revealed at APOS 2026 that nearly 20% of the platform's long-form viewers have transitioned to watching microdramas. • The streamer is expanding its branded content and co-production efforts, highlighted by the Indonesia-set series “Abracadabra” produced with Samsung and starring Ji Chang-wook.

• J-pop streaming in South Korea has surged by 30%, fueled by a rising demand for Japanese artists, anime soundtracks, and live concert experiences. • Yusuke Nakagawa of Aobisystem notes that direct exposure on Korean music shows, such as appearances by Cutie Street, triggers immediate global interest, including growth in markets like India.

• The European Copyright Society published a paper affirming that performer equitable remuneration (ER) for streaming is a "lawful mechanism" under EU copyright law. • This position follows Belgium's recent introduction of an ER right and a corresponding legal challenge attempting to block its implementation.

• Amazon has scrapped a forthcoming film featuring Andrew Garfield that focused on the co-founder of OpenAI. • On the podcast *The Rest is Entertainment*, Richard Osman and Marina Hyde linked the decision to Amazon's partnership with OpenAI announced in February.

• Google has entered a strategic partnership with the independent film studio A24, investing a reported $75 million into the company. • The deal has sparked significant backlash from filmmakers and fans, who have labeled the move as "disappointing" due to concerns over corporate influence on indie cinema.

• Former BBC Three presenter Ashley Cain has issued a public apology after his show was pulled following the discovery of historical sexist tweets. • Cain stated he is "not proud" of the language used in the past, asserting that he has grown and changed since the posts were originally published.

• Olivia Rodrigo has announced the lineup for "Daisy Chain Fields," an all-women charity music festival featuring a collection of her "heroes and friends." • The event will showcase high-profile performers, including Stevie Nicks and Chappell Roan, as part of the curated roster.