https://www.scmp.com/rss/503570/feed The four-member Blackpink - Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa - are the most successful K-pop girl group internationally. Blackpink were the first all-female K-pop band top perform at US festival Coachella and continue to break records as their star rises. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Aidan Jones Aidan Jones A cornucopia of bargains is lighting up booking sites for Thailand, where five-star luxury hotel rooms are going for huge discounts during the peak holiday season – the unplanned spin-off from the Iran war which threatens to hit international tourist arrivals at a crucial time of the year. At the same time, the surge in diesel costs caused by the choking of the Strait of Hormuz has forced many Thais to pause or scrap domestic travel plans, fearing such expenses will continue to rise during the... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3348162/thai-luxury-hotels-offer-huge-discounts-save-tourist-season-battered-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3348162/thai-luxury-hotels-offer-huge-discounts-save-tourist-season-battered-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:42:29 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit? 2. China’s exports are booming – so why are plants in this factory hub closing? 3. Trump’s biggest cheerleader? Why Japan’s Takaichi is making waves in China 4. Labubu, Blackpink’s Jennie draw thousands to ComplexCon in... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3347525/trumps-change-plans-takaichi-mocked-china-5-weekend-reads-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3347525/trumps-change-plans-takaichi-mocked-china-5-weekend-reads-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:23:09 +0000 Josiah Ng Josiah Ng It is a sign of our modern, interconnected times that the Macao Government Tourism Office has named British YouTubers Joshua Carrott and Oliver Kendal – usually known simply as Josh and Ollie – as keynote speakers for this year’s International Cities of Gastronomy Fest. The duo, better known for their YouTube channel Korean Englishman, rose to prominence by offering a fresh lens on the Korean Wave. While most online audiences rode the Hallyu wave via K-pop and dramas, Carrott and Kendal were... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347299/why-korean-englishmans-josh-and-ollie-are-perfect-gastronomy-fest-ambassadors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347299/why-korean-englishmans-josh-and-ollie-are-perfect-gastronomy-fest-ambassadors?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:00:26 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Popular doll Labubu and Blackpink’s Jennie were among the headline names and brands from the city and abroad that drew thousands of fans to Hong Kong’s third edition of pop culture festival ComplexCon on Saturday. Organisers said this year’s edition had broken records and would draw tens of thousands across the two-day event at AsiaWorld-Expo. On Saturday morning, attendees took selfies with sculptures of Labubu and queued for exclusive merchandise, while others explored local vinyl record... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347422/labubu-blackpinks-jennie-draw-thousands-complexcon-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347422/labubu-blackpinks-jennie-draw-thousands-complexcon-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:37:10 +0000 Pierce Conran Pierce Conran Singer-turned-actor Seo In-guk is currently starring in Netflix’s high-concept workplace romantic comedy Boyfriend on Demand. The 38-year-old shares the screen with another performer who has recently traded the concert stage for sound stages: Blackpink’s Jisoo. Born in Ulsan in southeast South Korea, Seo grew up in a working-class household; his mother worked at a recycling centre and his father was a welder. Seo was athletic as a child, taking part in ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling),... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3346353/who-seo-guk-jisoos-co-star-netflix-k-drama-boyfriend-demand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3346353/who-seo-guk-jisoos-co-star-netflix-k-drama-boyfriend-demand?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 08:15:08 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Former Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee will hold a fan meet-and-greet at this year’s ComplexCon in the city, underscoring the senior government adviser’s enduring online popularity since ending her 17-year tenure in the Legislative Council. Seventy-five-year-old Ip, convenor of the government’s key decision-making Executive Council, will join guests including Jennie from K-pop group Blackpink, American rapper Yeat and Korean R&B singer Crush at the two-day event later this month. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346389/former-hong-kong-lawmaker-regina-ip-swaps-policy-photo-cards-complexcon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346389/former-hong-kong-lawmaker-regina-ip-swaps-policy-photo-cards-complexcon?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:13:14 +0000 Pierce Conran Pierce Conran 2.5/5 stars Lead cast: Jisoo, Seo In-guk Coming just two weeks after Love Phobia, Boyfriend on Demand is the second K-drama of the year to focus on AI dating. With Netflix behind it and the star wattage of Blackpink’s Jisoo (Newtopia) and Seo In-guk (Death’s Game) leading the cast, this new show is undoubtedly the bigger production, but it approaches its timely subject matter in a similarly muddled fashion. Though not based on a webtoon, the series takes place in the world of digital comics,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3345647/netflix-k-drama-boyfriend-demand-review-ai-dating-romcom-jisoo-too-conventional?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3345647/netflix-k-drama-boyfriend-demand-review-ai-dating-romcom-jisoo-too-conventional?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:00:15 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times By Park Jin-hai Undeterred by criticism of her previous acting roles, Blackpink’s Jisoo now has her eyes set on romcom queen status in the coming Netflix series Boyfriend on Demand. The singer-actress will portray Seo Mi-rae, an exhausted webtoon producer who finds escape in a mysterious app that delivers a custom-fit heartthrob boyfriend each month to tend to her emotional needs. “Virtual reality didn’t feel like a distant future, and my character, Mi-rae, is about my age,” Jisoo says. “I chose... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3344839/mi-rae-so-lucky-why-blackpinks-jisoo-jealous-boyfriend-demand-character?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3344839/mi-rae-so-lucky-why-blackpinks-jisoo-jealous-boyfriend-demand-character?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 04:15:07 +0000 Pierce Conran Pierce Conran With temperatures on the rise, the K-drama calendar is also heating up next month, as a mix of high-concept romance, thrills and even some supernatural lawyers get ready to meet audiences. Here are the highlights to watch over the coming weeks. 1. Siren’s Kiss Lead cast: Park Min-young, Wi Ha-joon Following last year’s Confidence Queen, Park Min-young is once again teaming up with Prime Video, which will stream the tvN thriller Siren’s Kiss globally. Based on the 1999 Japanese television... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3344804/8-best-new-k-dramas-watch-march-2026-including-netflixs-boyfriend-demand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3344804/8-best-new-k-dramas-watch-march-2026-including-netflixs-boyfriend-demand?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:15:08 +0000 Cao Li Cao Li At Pop Mart’s shop in Hong Kong’s bustling Causeway Bay shopping district, a display of the toymaker’s newly launched character, Merodi, drew little attention on Friday morning. “A few people are buying it,” a salesperson said. “It’s not very well known yet.” The new series, Merodi After School, features a mischievous little girl with the magical ability to talk to animals. It was created by Taiwanese artist Will Chen Wei-hua. The launch came two months after Pop Mart’s previous debut,... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3344856/merodi-debut-hong-kong-shows-pop-marts-struggle-beyond-ip-darling-labubu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3344856/merodi-debut-hong-kong-shows-pop-marts-struggle-beyond-ip-darling-labubu?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:45:18 +0000 Aidan Jones Aidan Jones Thailand is eyeing a billion-dollar tourist bounce over the next five years from hosting Tomorrowland, which makes its Asia debut in December 2026. Some 150,000 young ravers are expected to flood the resort city of Pattaya for the world’s largest electronic music festival. Long a touchstone of global tourism, the country has seen its popularity wane in recent years as a strong baht deters some travellers while regional rivals Vietnam and Malaysia eat into its market share. To reverse the trend,... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3344827/thailand-eyes-us1-billion-bounce-tomorrowland-music-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3344827/thailand-eyes-us1-billion-bounce-tomorrowland-music-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:22:14 +0000 Ashlyn Chak Ashlyn Chak This year’s Pokemon Day, which falls on February 27, also marks the 30th anniversary of the internationally known and loved multimedia franchise. Helmed by the determined and compassionate Pokemon trainer Ash Ketchum and his loyal but stubborn “pocket monster” partner Pikachu, this Japanese IP has spawned a huge range of anime series, films, video games and merchandise. The now multibillion-dollar franchise began life as a role-playing video game series created by Satoshi Tajiri for the Game Boy... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3344721/how-pokemon-took-over-world-beloved-franchise-turns-30?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3344721/how-pokemon-took-over-world-beloved-franchise-turns-30?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:15:07 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen While K-pop has conquered almost every corner of the globe, South Korea’s entertainment industry remains largely locked out of the Chinese market due to a geopolitical chill that has lingered for a decade. China unofficially banned South Korean entertainment products in 2016 after Seoul deployed the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD) despite Beijing’s objections. K-pop concerts were cancelled, South Korean dramas disappeared from Chinese streaming platforms, and South Korean... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3344205/k-pops-big-freeze-are-cracks-chinas-cultural-blockade-thaw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3344205/k-pops-big-freeze-are-cracks-chinas-cultural-blockade-thaw?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:00:14 +0000 Reuters,dpa,Gloria Tso Reuters,dpa,Gloria Tso This season, the women’s ready-to-wear Big Four circuit kicked off on February 11 in New York, ‍and there’s an exciting array of debuts, returns and reinvention in store. The week opened with a high-profile show: Rachel Scott’s official debut at Proenza Schouler, following her midseason arrival last year, when she stepped in to refine work already under way. In her show notes, Scott wrote of keeping a “proximity to art” and “an edge sharpened by the city”. This manifested in lightly rumpled... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/fashion-news/article/3343690/whats-hot-new-york-fashion-week-calvin-klein-coach-and-michael-kors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/fashion-news/article/3343690/whats-hot-new-york-fashion-week-calvin-klein-coach-and-michael-kors?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:21:34 +0000 Themis Qi Themis Qi Around a decade ago, aboard a train winding through China’s landscape, Wang Ning, the founder and chairman of Beijing-founded international art toy brand Pop Mart, shared with designer Kenny Wong Shun-ming the story of his early attempts at entrepreneurship. As a fresh graduate, Wang struggled to sell affordable men’s suits sourced from Yiwu in Zhejiang province, eastern China, experimenting with small-scale arbitrage and learning first-hand how difficult it was to connect products with... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3343503/can-pop-mart-turn-viral-hits-lasting-icons-molly-and-labubu-offer-answer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3343503/can-pop-mart-turn-viral-hits-lasting-icons-molly-and-labubu-offer-answer?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 02:00:13 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters Nostalgia for 2016 has been circulating on the internet over the last few weeks. People welcomed the new year by reminiscing 10 years into the past, sharing decade-old photos of themselves online. There is even a Wikipedia page for “2026 is the new 2016”. Of course, 2016 was before the Covid-19 pandemic rocked the world and the widespread use of generative AI (artificial intelligence) made us question what on our feeds was real and fake. Back then, people used social media mostly to stay... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3341778/2016-trends-pokemon-go-poke-bowls-looking-back-10-years-goes-viral-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3341778/2016-trends-pokemon-go-poke-bowls-looking-back-10-years-goes-viral-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Jan 2026 07:15:07 +0000 Jess Ma,Leopold Chen Jess Ma,Leopold Chen A guessing game went viral online and at Kai Tak Stadium during Blackpink’s three concerts in Hong Kong, with two-dish rice and other street food such as egg tarts and pineapple buns among the top items that fans speculated the lead singer of the K-pop girl group would eat on stage. In the end, it was signature street food items such as egg waffles, Hong Kong-style milk tea and curry fish balls that made surprise appearances at the concerts, with fans and residents delighted by the group’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341361/blackpinks-rose-delights-hong-kong-fans-local-snack-choices-during-shows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341361/blackpinks-rose-delights-hong-kong-fans-local-snack-choices-during-shows?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:09:44 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Anta Sports, China’s largest sportswear firm, is acquiring 29 per cent of German brand Puma from Groupe Artemis of the Pinault family, one of France’s wealthiest, for €1.5 billion (US$1.8 billion). The Fujian-headquartered group said on Tuesday the deal would “accelerate” its multi-brand globalisation strategy, adding it had no plans to pursue a full takeover or make an offer for Puma Hong Kong. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year. “This acquisition makes Anta Sports the... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3341333/chinas-anta-snags-puma-frances-pinault-family-us18-billion-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3341333/chinas-anta-snags-puma-frances-pinault-family-us18-billion-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:47:36 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Mainland Chinese tourists coming to Hong Kong on Saturday and Sunday made it a record-breaking weekend for this month, driven by K-pop girl group Blackpink’s shows, while the figure was just 2 per cent below New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day footfall. Hotel and retail industry leaders said on Monday the three-day concert series had attracted crowds of local and mainland “Blinks” – the nickname for Blackpink fans – to Kai Tak. They urged authorities to explore more celebrity tie-ups to promote... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341293/blackpink-lifts-mainland-chinese-arrivals-hong-kong-january-weekend-record?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341293/blackpink-lifts-mainland-chinese-arrivals-hong-kong-january-weekend-record?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Theodora Yu,Edith Lin Theodora Yu,Edith Lin Hong Kong authorities have arrested two women for hawking and received four complaints about unauthorised vendors selling merchandise for K-pop group Blackpink near a concert venue over the past few days. Hours ahead of the final night of the three-concert series of the popular Korean girl band on Monday, a Post reporter spotted about a dozen hawkers near Kai Tak Stadium, selling merchandise without official approval. Since the concerts began on Saturday, photos shared on Threads have shown... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341304/2-women-arrested-hawkers-cash-blackpink-merchandise-craze-concerts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341304/2-women-arrested-hawkers-cash-blackpink-merchandise-craze-concerts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:05:16 +0000 Denise Tsang,Edith Lin Denise Tsang,Edith Lin The operator of Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium has said it will implement measures to ensure the safety of concertgoers after thousands of fans of K-pop girl group Blackpink queued overnight and pushed to reach the standing area of the 50,000-seat venue. Clips posted on social media on Saturday night show the crowd jostling to get into the stadium on the first night of the band’s three shows in the city, with people heard shouting “don’t push” and even screaming. Another clip shows “Blinks” – the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341128/overeager-fans-cause-chaos-first-night-blackpink-tours-hong-kong-stop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341128/overeager-fans-cause-chaos-first-night-blackpink-tours-hong-kong-stop?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:18 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Fans flocked to catch the final leg of Blackpink’s world tour in Hong Kong, with shops reporting a boost of around 30 per cent in business from concertgoers. Kai Tak Sports Park turned into a pink-dotted sea of fans on Saturday, as attendees in matching outfits or waving the band’s signature light sticks filled the venue and nearby shopping centres. “It feels more familiar watching [Blackpink] at home. The atmosphere here is great,” 29-year-old Matt Chan said. Saturday’s show marked the first of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341112/blackpink-fever-hits-hong-kong-fans-pack-kai-tak-final-leg-world-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341112/blackpink-fever-hits-hong-kong-fans-pack-kai-tak-final-leg-world-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:53:46 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk Thailand’s tourism authority has denied using artificial intelligence (AI) to produce a viral campaign image of Thai pop star Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, after the highly polished visual became a lightning rod for online debate over the growing role of AI in creative work. The image, released under the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) “Amazing Thailand” banner, shows Lisa – a member of global K-pop sensation Blackpink – framed against the pink blooms of Udon Thani’s Red Lotus Sea, also known as... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3340987/thai-tourism-officials-say-no-ai-viral-lisa-image-amid-online-backlash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3340987/thai-tourism-officials-say-no-ai-viral-lisa-image-amid-online-backlash?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:27:02 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong could gain about HK$200 million (US$25.6 million) in economic value from K-pop powerhouse Blackpink’s coming concerts at Kai Tak Stadium, with fans of the girl group pouring into the city ahead of the three much-awaited shows. Excited fans splurged on band merchandise on Thursday ahead of the first concert at the weekend, while parts of Kai Tak Sports Park, where the stadium is located, were awash with pink. Hong Kong is the final stop of the four-member band’s “Deadline” global tour... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340892/hong-kong-hitting-high-notes-fans-roll-blackpink-concerts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340892/hong-kong-hitting-high-notes-fans-roll-blackpink-concerts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:23:43 +0000 Cao Li Cao Li Shares of Chinese toymaker Pop Mart rallied nearly 10 per cent on Tuesday morning before closing more than 9 per cent higher after the company announced its first share buy-back in nearly two years, following a decline from last year’s peak. Pop Mart’s Hong Kong-listed shares rose to HK$198.70 at the open as investors welcomed the move. Shares closed 9.1 per cent higher at HK$197.20. The stock remains below last year’s closing level of HK$200.20, and more than 40 per cent off its August peak,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3340498/labubu-maker-pop-mart-surges-10-hong-kong-us32-million-buy-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3340498/labubu-maker-pop-mart-surges-10-hong-kong-us32-million-buy-back?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jan 2026 04:05:16 +0000 Sumnima Kandangwa Sumnima Kandangwa Jennie Kim, member of the powerhouse K-pop quartet Blackpink, turns 30 today, on January 16. Known for chart-topping hits like “How You Like That” and “Pink Venom” as well as her solo endeavours like Ruby, the album she dropped in March 2025, Jennie has cemented her status as one of pop culture’s most watched figures. Beyond the stage, she’s also a fashion front row fixture. Dubbed “Human Chanel”, or more affectionately, the “Chanel princess”, Jennie’s bond with the house of Coco has only... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3339982/jennie-30-blackpink-stars-8-top-brand-collaborations-chanel-calvin-klein?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3339982/jennie-30-blackpink-stars-8-top-brand-collaborations-chanel-calvin-klein?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:00:10 +0000 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Hollywood’s party of the year is here – and with it, some of the most noteworthy fashion of the year (never mind that we’re less than two weeks into 2026). The glitzy Golden Globes red carpet has been graced over the years by the biggest stars in Hollywood. From Angelina Jolie in shimmering Randolph Duke in 1999 to Charlize Theron’s 2004 Dior gown to Cate Blanchett in (later recycled) black Armani Privé in 2014, the sartorial hits are too many to count. The ceremony, hosted by Nikki Glaser for... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3339526/what-stars-wore-2026-golden-globes-red-carpet-timothee-chalamet-ariana-grande?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3339526/what-stars-wore-2026-golden-globes-red-carpet-timothee-chalamet-ariana-grande?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2026 01:50:27 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A Chinese influencer’s imitation of Rosé from the South Korean K-pop girl group Blackpink at a pop-up shop has ignited an online debate over fan culture and celebrity identity. Rosé, who is known for her unique voice and versatile singing style, has more than 80 million followers on social media. The Korean-New Zealand singer’s career skyrocketed with the success of her solo track APT, after which she signed with top agency WME. A Chinese influencer called Daisy who identifies as a “blink”, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3336878/china-influencer-imitating-blackpinks-rose-provokes-debate-about-fandom-celebrity-grey-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3336878/china-influencer-imitating-blackpinks-rose-provokes-debate-about-fandom-celebrity-grey-area?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:00:17 +0000 Sumnima Kandangwa Sumnima Kandangwa From head-turning red carpet moments to street style, 2025 delivered some unforgettable fashion statements. Here’s our round-up of the year’s most talked-about looks. Kicking off with the wedding of the year, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s lavish three-day extravaganza in Venice in June cost upwards of US$20 million, per Forbes. For her big day, the bride wore a Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress. While attending the European premiere of Marvel’s Thunderbolts in London this April, actor Pedro... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3336848/2025s-most-viral-fashion-moments-jean-paul-gaultiers-naked-suit-brad-pitt-and-ines-de-ramons-couple?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3336848/2025s-most-viral-fashion-moments-jean-paul-gaultiers-naked-suit-brad-pitt-and-ines-de-ramons-couple?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:00:12 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal The 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium is transforming Hong Kong into a major sports and events destination, as it drives repeat tourism, supports retailers and helps prop up the city’s retail property landlords, according to experts. It served as the venue for British rock band Coldplay’s four-night concert in April and K-pop girl group Twice’s first-ever shows in the city earlier this month. A three-night gig by K-pop sensation Blackpink will also be held there next month. The stadium had been ranked... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3336788/hong-kongs-kai-tak-stadium-lifts-citys-status-major-sports-and-entertainment-venue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3336788/hong-kongs-kai-tak-stadium-lifts-citys-status-major-sports-and-entertainment-venue?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:30:08 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso What makes a truly powerful statement piece in fashion? For a growing number of designers today, the answer is avant-garde upcycling, a method as much about the subliminal messaging behind an item of clothing as the unusual materials being reused to produce it. Younger labels like Ellen Hodakova Larsson’s Hodakova and Dauphinette by Olivia Cheng have taken off thanks to bold, buzzy designs made with sustainability in mind – think statement pieces made out of everything from recycled and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3336455/listers-are-turning-heads-upcycled-looks-rose-blackpink-jenna-ortega?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3336455/listers-are-turning-heads-upcycled-looks-rose-blackpink-jenna-ortega?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:00:18 +0000 David D. Lee David D. Lee From sold-out stadium tours in the US, Europe and Asia to history-making Grammy nominations, K-pop has never stood taller on the global stage. Yet within South Korea, many say the music they once called their own now feels made for someone else. For fans like 21-year-old university student Lee Ye-jin, that shift hits every time she turns on the radio or scrolls through new releases on her phone. Lee has been a member of “Light” – the official fan club of popular boy band Highlight – since 2016.... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3336263/why-south-koreans-are-falling-out-love-k-pop-its-all-english-now?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3336263/why-south-koreans-are-falling-out-love-k-pop-its-all-english-now?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:10 +0000 Carolina Malis Carolina Malis After years of slick buns, glazed skin and “maybe she’s born with it” minimalism, beauty has rediscovered its appetite for a little drama – the big lash, peach blush, glossy lip kind. Suddenly, winged liner is back in everyone’s make-up bag, blowouts have volume again, and blush is visible on purpose. Sabrina Carpenter has become the poster girl for it: all fluffy bangs, soft waves and bombshell energy that nods to Brigitte Bardot but never crosses into full costume. It’s feminine, it’s cheeky... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/beauty/trends/article/3335853/dramatic-1960s-hair-and-make-back-just-ask-ariana-grande-sabrina-carpenter-and-blackpinks-jisoo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/beauty/trends/article/3335853/dramatic-1960s-hair-and-make-back-just-ask-ariana-grande-sabrina-carpenter-and-blackpinks-jisoo?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:00:12 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times A floral quilted vest long seen as an unfashionable “grandma-style” item in Korea – commonly nicknamed the “kimjang vest” after the kimchi-preparing process kimjang, because older women often wear it while making kimchi in winter – is enjoying a surprising revival among young consumers as a trendy winter fashion piece. The trend gained further momentum after global K-pop stars such as Blackpink’s Jennie and Aespa’s Karina shared photos of themselves wearing the vest on social media, sparking... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3334486/how-blackpinks-jennie-and-aespas-karina-are-helping-koreas-kimjang-vest-make-comeback?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3334486/how-blackpinks-jennie-and-aespas-karina-are-helping-koreas-kimjang-vest-make-comeback?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Nov 2025 10:00:13 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Fans attending Asia’s biggest K-pop awards show to be held at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium in November can expect to see Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, the global debut of a new song by South Korean boy band Stray Kids and a special collaboration with Netflix animated series KPop Demon Hunters. The event organisers on Wednesday announced the highlights of the 2025 MAMA Awards, featuring performances by more than 25 acts, ranging from rookie groups to K-pop veterans. The award show,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3332683/michelle-yeoh-stray-kids-among-star-line-major-k-pop-award-show-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3332683/michelle-yeoh-stray-kids-among-star-line-major-k-pop-award-show-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:15:09 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso For such a simple garment, the cape – worn over many centuries by Roman emperors, medieval knights and present-day royalty – carries a lot of weight. “Humans through time have understood that it makes a wonderful frame for the body,” says Nancy Deihl, a fashion historian and chair of the department of art and art professions at New York University. “Since a cape is basically an untailored or unsewn piece of cloth, it has infinite possibilities.” With a little help from horror, fantasy and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3331419/why-capes-are-coming-back-such-distinctive-accessory-worn-blackpinks-jennie-and-kim-kardashian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3331419/why-capes-are-coming-back-such-distinctive-accessory-worn-blackpinks-jennie-and-kim-kardashian?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:00:14 +0000 Ishani Sarkar Ishani Sarkar Halloween is here, spooky vibes are afoot, and every other person you see is dressed as a character from KPop Demon Hunters. The Netflix animated movie became a mega-hit this summer, and the craze shows little sign of abating. The film’s soundtrack, which includes original songs from the fictional K-pop bands Huntr/x and Saja Boys, has gone viral too. The demon-hunting girl group’s single “Golden”, and the demonic boy band’s soul-snatching track “Your Idol” topped the US Spotify chart in July,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3330891/meet-kevin-woo-k-pop-idol-behind-mystery-sajas-singing-voice-kpop-demon-hunters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3330891/meet-kevin-woo-k-pop-idol-behind-mystery-sajas-singing-voice-kpop-demon-hunters?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:00:14 +0000 Ishani Sarkar Ishani Sarkar One of the biggest style icons in the world right now is Blackpink’s Lisa – Lalisa Manobal. The superstar, who made her acting debut in season three of HBO’s acclaimed series The White Lotus, has some of the most lucrative luxury brand endorsements under her belt. In 2020, Lisa became the first-ever brand ambassador for Celine after years of inspiring the French luxury house’s former creative director, Hedi Slimane. The “Rockstar” rapper is also an ambassador for Bulgari and Louis Vuitton. When... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3330444/meet-stylist-blackpinks-lisa-nan-nist-who-dressed-her-louis-vuittons-paris-fashion-week-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3330444/meet-stylist-blackpinks-lisa-nan-nist-who-dressed-her-louis-vuittons-paris-fashion-week-show?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:00:09 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Tickets for South Korea’s 2025 MAMA Awards go on sale this Friday with several K-pop girl groups and three superstars from Blackpink among shortlisted artists for the major music awards ceremony in Hong Kong. The two-day event, which returns to the city after seven years, will be held at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium on November 28 and 29. Visa cardholders will have early access to two rounds of ticket presales on October 17, while general sales will begin on Monday. Visa is the event’s title... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3329282/tickets-k-pops-mama-awards-hong-kong-go-sale-nominees-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3329282/tickets-k-pops-mama-awards-hong-kong-go-sale-nominees-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:11:24 +0000 Ishani Sarkar Ishani Sarkar Step aside, Alex Cooper. There’s a hot new celebrity podcaster in town, and he’s taking over the internet. Therapuss with Jake Shane, hosted by the eponymous 25-year-old influencer, is going viral for its star-studded guest list, candid conversations and unexpected hilarity, which often results in meme-worthy moments. A-listers like Glen Powell, Julia Fox, Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Katy Perry, Lorde and Blackpink’s Rosé have appeared on the show, and a recent episode featuring Kaia Gerber has... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3328773/meet-podcaster-jake-shane-whos-friends-kaia-gerber-sofia-richie-and-glen-powell?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3328773/meet-podcaster-jake-shane-whos-friends-kaia-gerber-sofia-richie-and-glen-powell?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:00:15 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso To say Paris Fashion Week is a star-studded affair would be an understatement. But we’ve had an extra dose of celebrity glam this season with the event putting on a whopping 74 shows on the official calendar. As over a dozen new creative directors showed their debut collections for major luxury houses such as Balenciaga and Chanel, we saw countless A-listers grace the front row of their runways. Below we break down some stand-out celebrity looks this season, from the big and bold to the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3328218/28-stand-out-celebrity-paris-fashion-week-looks-nicole-kidman-blackpinks-lisa-meghan-markle-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3328218/28-stand-out-celebrity-paris-fashion-week-looks-nicole-kidman-blackpinks-lisa-meghan-markle-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:38:51 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre A new era has officially begun at Dior. Earlier this year, Jonathan Anderson, the Northern Irish designer who turned Loewe from a sleeping beauty into one of the hottest brands around, joined the brand as creative director. Like Loewe, Dior is owned by LVMH, the largest luxury group in the world. One of LVMH’s cash cows, Dior has gone through various creative changes over the last two decades: from John Galliano to Raf Simons and more recently Maria Grazia Chiuri for womenswear and Kim Jones... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/fashion-news/article/3327578/paris-fashion-week-diors-striking-new-direction-under-jonathan-anderson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/fashion-news/article/3327578/paris-fashion-week-diors-striking-new-direction-under-jonathan-anderson?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Oct 2025 03:31:59 +0000 Cherry Liu Cherry Liu There’s something small but mighty you might be missing in your bag – a Thai herbal inhaler, or yadom. It’s a remedy in Thailand for calming stress, easing motion sickness and relieving stuffy noses and headaches, and fans of Thai dramas might recognise it from Netflix’s Mad Unicorn, where the main character often uses the iconic green bottle from the Hong Thai brand. The herbal inhaler has since become a favourite among celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa, Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth, British... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/beauty/wellness/article/3326782/what-yadom-thai-herbal-inhaler-loved-blackpinks-lisa-and-chris-hemsworth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/beauty/wellness/article/3326782/what-yadom-thai-herbal-inhaler-loved-blackpinks-lisa-and-chris-hemsworth?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Sep 2025 04:00:12 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso If you’re up to date on the latest fashion trends, there’s a chance you’ve heard names like Matin Kim and Mardi Mercredi. Fashionistas these days can often be found wearing a Matin Kim tank top, or a T-shirt and cap adorned with Mardi Mercredi’s signature flower. Both are Korean brands – yet you might not be able to tell if you were to walk into one of their stores for the first time, or heard their names in passing – both are derived from French (“matin” meaning morning, and “mardi mercredi”... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/fashion-news/article/3326397/how-marithe-francois-girbaud-made-comeback-fashion-world-especially-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/fashion-news/article/3326397/how-marithe-francois-girbaud-made-comeback-fashion-world-especially-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:12 +0000 Cao Li Cao Li There is not an oversupply of Labubus – at least for now, according to HSBC. Second-hand prices of the wildly popular monster dolls – endorsed by celebrities like pop star Rihanna and Lisa from the South Korean girl group Blackpink – have recently begun to fall as maker Pop Mart ramped up production. Shares of the company have dropped more than 20 per cent since peaking in late August, raising investor concerns that the toys’ supply is exceeding demand. But analysts at HSBC said such worries... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3326036/demand-pop-marts-labubu-wont-tilt-180-degrees-despite-oversupply-concerns-hsbc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3326036/demand-pop-marts-labubu-wont-tilt-180-degrees-despite-oversupply-concerns-hsbc?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Television’s biggest stars hit the red carpet on Sunday under a bright September sun for the Emmys, the first of many awards shows that will offer style trends on the road to the Oscars. Here are some of the top looks seen at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Selena Gomez, who stars in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, arrived on the arm of her fiancé, music producer Benny Blanco, wearing a floor-length red sleeveless Louis Vuitton column gown with a slit and a sweeping train. Sydney... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3325535/emmys-2025-red-carpet-selena-gomez-lv-blackpinks-lisa-lever-couture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3325535/emmys-2025-red-carpet-selena-gomez-lv-blackpinks-lisa-lever-couture?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:40:54 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times Once dismissed as outdated after the rise of wireless earbuds, wired earphones are making a comeback as a hip fashion accessory, blending practicality with retro flair. Industry officials said on Monday that the popularity of wired earphones began to wane in 2016 when Apple launched its AirPods. The move triggered a surge in wireless earbud competition from Samsung, LG and others, while smartphone makers’ removal of the 3.5-millimetre jack was seen as a symbolic end to wired earphones. The... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3323287/blackpinks-jennie-isnt-only-gen-z-fan-wired-earphones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3323287/blackpinks-jennie-isnt-only-gen-z-fan-wired-earphones?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:00:08 +0000 Sumnima Kandangwa Sumnima Kandangwa Marko Monroe wears many hats. Not only is he a reality TV star, stylist and designer, but he is also known for designing custom Labubu dolls for collectors from Lady Gaga to Marc Jacobs. Dubbed the “Labubu whisperer” by W Magazine, Monroe says he will be riding the Pop Mart doll craze until “the last Labubu drop”. Here’s everything to know about Marko Monroe. Marko Monroe is a designer and stylist When he’s not making clothes for the monster dolls, Monroe works as a stylist. He has... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3322805/meet-marko-monroe-labubu-whisperer-who-designed-custom-one-blackpinks-lisa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3322805/meet-marko-monroe-labubu-whisperer-who-designed-custom-one-blackpinks-lisa?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Aug 2025 10:00:11 +0000 Sumnima Kandangwa Sumnima Kandangwa This year’s hottest fashion accessory is not a designer bag or statement sunglasses but a doll with large ears and a mischievous grin that has a starting retail price of about US$20 (though it has been known to rise to five figures). Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung’s furry creation, the Labubu, has gone from being a quirky collectible to a viral statement piece, seen hanging off designer bags around the world ever since Blackpink’s Lisa was spotted with various versions of the doll in 2024. Since... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3322360/celebrity-labubu-lovers-bts-v-lady-gaga-blackpinks-lisa-and-dua-lipa-are-all-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3322360/celebrity-labubu-lovers-bts-v-lady-gaga-blackpinks-lisa-and-dua-lipa-are-all-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:00:16 +0000 Cao Li Cao Li Pop Mart established itself as the world’s most valuable toy producer and exporter of China’s “soft power” after the global phenomenon of its Labubu plush toys and figurines drove overseas revenue to soar fivefold in the first half. Online and in-store revenue outside China and Taiwan jumped to 5.59 billion yuan (US$778 million) in the first six months, making up about 40 per cent of the Beijing-based group’s total interim sales of 13.88 billion yuan, which beat analysts’ estimates, Pop Mart... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3322400/pop-marts-interim-sales-soar-labubu-craze-fuels-chinese-toymakers-record-earnings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3322400/pop-marts-interim-sales-soar-labubu-craze-fuels-chinese-toymakers-record-earnings?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:11:36 +0000