Pop

• Thailand has become a significant source of talent for the South Korean music industry, producing several globally influential K-pop stars. • High-profile idols such as Lisa from BLACKPINK and BamBam from GOT7 are highlighted as leading examples of Thai artists achieving international success. • This trend underscores the growing globalization of K-pop, as young dreamers from diverse backgrounds, including India and America, train to debut in South Korea.

• South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has referred 15 individuals to the police for allegedly engaging in illegal ticket scalping. • The suspects are accused of reselling large quantities of tickets for K-pop concerts and professional sports events at significantly inflated prices. • This crackdown addresses the growing issue of predatory pricing and unfair access to high-demand entertainment and sporting events.

• Author Liz Else has curated a list of the 17 best popular science books published during the first half of 2026, covering diverse topics from cosmology to consciousness. • Featured works include research by University of Southern California psychologist Darby Saxbe, who conducted one of the world's largest longitudinal studies on the neurological changes in fathers. • The collection also highlights a memoir by a New Scientist physics reporter that analyzes personal life experiences through the framework of quantum physics.

• The Korea Tourism Organization has launched the "BIAS" campaign, featuring K-pop artists in travel commercials to attract international fans. • The initiative specifically aims to redirect global tourism traffic toward regional destinations across South Korea, moving beyond the typical hotspots in Seoul. • By leveraging the massive global influence of K-pop idols, the campaign seeks to boost local economies and diversify the country's tourism appeal.

• 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. • This trend signifies a shift in the music industry where traditional cultural and geographic boundaries dividing East Asian markets are increasingly dissolving.

• 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. • This trend highlights a shifting cultural landscape in South Korea, where Japanese music is gaining significant traction among local listeners.

Kemi Badenoch, who joined US anti-abortion activists and European far-right parties at ARC, described energy secretary as a ‘villain’Britain’s net zero policies and energy secretary Ed Miliband have come under fire at a conference of conservatives, rightwing populists and wealthy US backers linked to Donald Trump.The energy policies pursued by the British government were described as a “tragic mistake” by Trump’s energy secretary, one of a number of officials from the US administration who are attending the event. Continue reading...

Who put Theresa May’s back up on Instagram, what did Boris Johnson say about bananas and much moreIt is 10 years since the British public decided to pack up its troubles in its old kit bag, give Jacques Delors the final up yours and march off into an EU-free paradise. Opinions may differ on how that has worked out. Certainly several of the architects of the whole thing are enjoying lovely well-paid retirements on the speaking circuit or have seats in the House of Lords. Anyway, here are 18 questions about Brexit and the referendum campaign. How much do you remember about some of the weirder aspects of those few weeks, months and then years as the UK negotiated its exit?The Guardian 10th anniversary Brexit referendum quiz Continue reading...

How five months in 2016 that encompassed Boris Johnson siding with Vote Leave, Jo Cox’s murder and David Cameron’s resignation shaped the UK’s futureDavid Cameron, having promised in 2013 that a future Conservative government would offer a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU, announces the date of the vote: 23 June 2016. The next day, Boris Johnson, then the mayor of London, says he will campaign for leave. Continue reading...

• A movie theater chain has introduced a new Spider-Man-themed popcorn bucket to promote the upcoming fourth installment of the Tom Holland-led film series. • The controversial container features a Spider-Man arm topped with a white cone-shaped bowl and a central straw, combining snacks and drinks in one unit. • The design has sparked social media backlash, with fans questioning the aesthetic choices and how the product was approved.

• The Guardian has praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, describing her as the "world's most popular leftist leader" due to her leadership style and public support. • The report highlights the significance of her presidency as she governs Mexico, a nation characterized by a "very macho" cultural landscape. • This recognition underscores Sheinbaum's political influence and her ability to maintain high popularity while navigating complex gender dynamics in leadership.

• Pop star Rogers used a guest appearance during Rosalía’s Lux Tour stop at Madison Square Garden in New York City to publicly expose a cheating scandal. • During a "confession booth" segment of the concert, Rogers revealed that a friend had previously set them up on a date with a reporter from The New York Times. • The public call-out highlights a high-profile personal conflict played out on a global stage, blending celebrity performance with personal grievances.

• K-pop entertainment companies are increasingly targeting India as a strategic growth hub for their music and artists. • Songwriter Alex Karlsson predicts that India is positioned to become one of the world's five largest music markets within the next ten years. • This shift matters as the industry seeks new global audiences beyond traditional strongholds to sustain the genre's international expansion.

• Major K-pop agencies, including Hybe and JYP Entertainment, are expanding into India by establishing local operations to find new growth engines. • These companies aim to implement the K-pop artist-development model within India, leveraging its status as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing consumer markets. • Veteran songwriter Alex Karlsson suggests that India has the potential to become a significant global hub for the genre.

Governor Michele Bullock delivers a strong message after the Reserve Bank holds the cash rate at 4.35%, ending a run of three risesRBA interest rates: Reserve Bank holds official cash rate at 4.35%Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIt will take more than a ceasefire in the Middle East to prevent the Reserve Bank from hiking interest rates again.That was the strong message from the RBA governor, Michele Bullock, after the central bank held its cash rate at 4.35%, putting an end to a run of three increases. Continue reading...

• K-pop artists achieved significant success at the Music Awards Japan 2026, with major acts securing top honors. • High-profile winners included BTS, Blackpink, G-Dragon, Jin, and Lee Youngji, highlighting the diverse range of recognized talent. • These wins underscore the enduring popularity and cultural influence of K-pop within Japan, one of Asia's largest music markets.

• Harry Styles performed a residency at Wembley Stadium, delivering a high-energy show described as euphoric and vital. • The performance highlighted Styles' natural charisma and stage presence, opening with the track “Are You Listening Yet?” to set a dance-focused tone. • The show is noted for its intense connection between the artist and his dedicated fanbase, who maintain a laser-like focus on his every move.

Majority say Muslims are as British as white non-Muslims, but hostile attitudes at risk of being normalised, says thinktankOne in six Britons believe the growth of the Muslim population “poses a foundational threat to UK culture”, with hostile attitudes towards Muslims at risk of being normalised, a study has found.The study by the social integration thinktank British Future and the British Muslim Trust – the government’s official partner in monitoring Islamophobia – found that most Muslims (73%) think the UK is a good place to be Muslim, and that a majority of Britons believe Muslims are as British as white non-Muslims. Continue reading...

Far-right plan defeated in referendum, according to projection by national broadcaster SRFVoters in Switzerland appeared on Sunday to have rejected an unprecedented far-right proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million in a divisive referendum dubbed “the Swiss Brexit”.A projection by ⁠the national broadcaster SRF, which traditionally calls ​referendum votes, showed that about 55% of voters were against the proposal by the Swiss People’s party (SVP) and about 45% were in favour. Continue reading...

The far-right proposal would require the government to put restrictions in place to limit the population by 2050 A national ballot on an unprecedented far-right proposal to limit Switzerland’s population to 10 million concludes this weekend, amid warnings of devastating consequences for the country’s economy if voters back the initiative.A “yes” vote would require the Swiss government to take steps to cap the population at 10 million by 2050, enacting tough restrictions on family reunification, residency permits and asylum if the number reaches 9.5 million before that date. Continue reading...

As completion of 144-year construction nears, questions swirl over resemblance of church to architect’s original plansTen hours before he was due to pass by, the faithful were already picking their spots along the route Pope Leo XIV will take on his brief journey to bless Antoni Gaudí’s iconic church the Sagrada Família.It’s been a long wait but this evening, 144 years after work began, the pope will bless the basilica’s recently completed central tower in the presence of members of the Spanish royal family, the prime minister and hundreds of bishops. Continue reading...

• The FDA has officially approved the use of bemotrizinol, a highly effective sunscreen ingredient that has been widely utilized in European and Asian markets for years. • The decision follows long-term pressure from skincare advocates and sunscreen enthusiasts who pushed for the U.S. to adopt the ingredient to improve sun protection standards. • This move matters because bemotrizinol is known for its superior photostability and broad-spectrum coverage, offering better protection against UV rays than many current FDA-approved filters.

Pontiff appeals in Catalan for harmony on Barcelona leg of Spain tour after making football foes in cityTo the delight of many, Pope Leo XIV kicked off the Barcelona leg of his week-long visit to Spain with a few words in Catalan, calling on the faithful who had gathered in the city’s cathedral on Tuesday “to build harmony and communion beyond all polarisation”.The pontiff’s familiar and commendable plea for people to set aside their differences may, however, have come a little late. Three days earlier, while chatting to journalists on the flight to Spain, Leo had made an awkward confession. Continue reading...

• Music listeners in Southeast Asia are shifting away from K-pop's long-standing dominance in favor of "Indo-pop," a rising domestic music scene in Indonesia. • Local artists such as Tenxi, Naykilla, and Jemsii are popularizing "hip-dut," a hybrid genre that blends hip-hop with traditional dangdut music. • Groups like No Na are further evolving the trend by packaging these domestic sounds into idol-group structures and orchestral compositions.

Addressing lawmakers, Leo XIV also highlights migration at a time when Madrid is bucking European trendsPope Leo XIV has used a landmark address to the Spanish parliament to warn the world is undergoing “a deep spiritual and cultural crisis” and to urge the international community to tackle the causes and consequences of what he termed “the tragic drama of migration”.In a wide-ranging speech delivered to lawmakers in Madrid, the pontiff also touched on conflict, artificial intelligence, the climate emergency, and the issues of abortion and euthanasia. Continue reading...

In his first visit to an EU country outside Italy, pope urges world leaders to stop dividing electorates and to respect ‘every human being’More than a million people have filled the streets near one of Madrid’s main squares to join Pope Leo for an outdoor Mass, likely to be the largest event of his week-long visit to Spain.Throngs of people pressed along barriers near the landmark Cibeles Square, waving flags and shouting “Long live the pope”, as Leo arrived in his white popemobile for the event. Some tossed flower petals as he arrived in the square. Continue reading...

• K-pop group RESCENE, debuting under a small agency in 2024, is gaining significant social media traction through self-produced content. • This shift occurs as the group captures public attention despite lacking the massive budgets of industry giants like Aespa, NMIXX, and Le Sserafim. • The trend highlights a strategic pivot toward authentic, low-budget, and creative digital content to achieve "star-making moments" and viral growth.

Pontiff to make marginalised a focus of first papal visit since 2011 including meeting with migrants in Canary IslandsPope Leo has urged political leaders to seek unity, rather than divide their populations for political gain, and said they must fight for peace, in the opening speech of his tour in Spain.The pope has made the marginalised a focus of his visit – his first tour of an EU country, apart from Italy – including meeting homeless people in Madrid and migrants in the Canary Islands. The pope, who has clashed with the US president, Donald Trump, over his immigration policies and war with Iran, said his visit was aimed at setting an example of respecting “every human being”. Continue reading...