MACAU -- It’s not a secret that Macau, an autonomous region in China, has made a name for itself as the new gambling capital of the world in recent years. And Melco Resorts Chairman Lawrence Ho -- son of Macau gaming legend Stanley Ho and a casino bigwig who runs three major casino-resorts such as City of Dreams and Studio City in Macau -- has shared his business philosophy and ambitions to foray into Japan.  “Ten years ago, the industry was lazy and low-tech. But right from the start I knew eve

Industry May 15, 2018

Having recently wrapped up its “Blooming Days” promotions in Korea, EXO-CBX has kicked off its first Japanese arena tour.  EXO-CBX performs at a concert in Yokohama on Friday. (JYP Entertainment)The subunit of EXO, consisted of Chen, Baekhun and Xiumin, successfully held its first leg of “EXO-CBX Magical Circus Tour 2018” at Yokohama Arena on Friday, drawing about 13,000 concertgoers. For about two hours, the band performed 21 songs, including tracks from its first Japanese full-length album “Ma

Performance May 13, 2018

Day6 is set to drop a new Japanese single in July.The band’s agency JYP Entertainment said Saturday that the act’s second Japanese single, “Stop the Rain,” will be released on July 25. The upcoming record has been produced by Shinichi Ubukata, a guitarist known for his activities as a member of Japanese rock band Ellegarden and Nothing’s Carved in Stone.  Poster for Day6’s upcoming Japanese single “Stop the Rain” (JYP Entertainment)Day6 has also participated in writing and composing the new song

Performance May 13, 2018

Unlike many K-pop girl groups that promote princess-like images with their singsong voices, fledgling act Dreamcatcher has embraced a darker side. Its work has often been spooky, yet hauntingly beautiful, weaved into its “nightmare” concept. And the seven-piece act put a final dot on its dark “nightmare” series with new EP “Escape the Era” staying true to its dark nature. “While our past songs have been themed around ‘nightmare,’ our new album is an album that puts an end mark to that project,”

Performance May 10, 2018

Ben“Recipe”Genie MusicSingers are divided into two categories: Those who have consistently released albums under their names and those whose resumes are fronted by “soundtracks” and “featuring.”  Ben belongs to the latter, as most of her songs, technically not hers, have been soundtracks of drama series until her first full-length album “Recipe” recently came out.  Unfortunately, there seems to be a reason why her voice was heard mostly in sad ballad songs. Her voice has a narrow spectrum; it su

Performance May 9, 2018

Seoul is a city that never sleeps; bright with glowing neon signs and buzzing with every hustle and bustle. But the city is also where the members of K-pop act Teen Top became K-pop stars. Nine years on, the group -- which deserves the title of “veteran” in this fast-paced industry -- embodied the energy of a bright night in the capital with its new EP “Seoul Night.”“Our new album is the album we’ve participated in the most. It will remind fans of Seoul’s dazzling night and deliver its bright en

Performance May 9, 2018

Comedian Park Myung-soo will star in a new health-themed variety show, according to OtvN on Monday.“Today Tomorrow” (working title) will feature a cast of middle-aged men traveling around the country to ease their health concerns with healthy food after undergoing medical checkups.  Park Myung-soo (Yonhap)The program hopes to resonate with middle-aged men who strive to find a balance between work and a healthy lifestyle, and provide health tips, said its director Sung Jong-kyu. “It’s quite an ob

Television May 7, 2018

Just like her first name, which means “love” in Albanian, Dua Lipa’s first solo concert in Seoul overflowed with love and passion, as the 22-year-old London-born artist repeatedly blurted out “I love you so much” to screaming fans. There was no fixed choreography for her songs, but the perpetual motions of her arms and legs throughout the 90-minue set showed how much the singer -- whose hair was slightly disheveled from headbanging and perspiration --was enjoying her sold-out show in Seoul on Su

Performance May 7, 2018

(G)I-DLE performs during a media showcase for its debut album “I Am” in Seoul on Wednesday. (Yonhap)(G)I-DLE, a new girl group launched under Cube Entertainment, threw its hat into the K-pop ring with its debut EP “I Am.”“We are a team that is capable of songwriting, composing and creating choreography. We can offer fans the best performance as we know each other’s strengths well,” said Miyeon during the group’s debut showcase for “I Am” in Seoul on Wednesday.The multinational six-piece act cons

Performance May 3, 2018

(Afreeca TV)Dahee, formerly of now-defunct K-pop girl group Glam, started a new career as a BJ on popular video-streaming service.After breaking the news on her social media account last week, she took to her first broadcast on Tuesday with a new moniker Kim Si-won. It was Dahee’s first broadcast appearance in four years. “I have been working in part-time jobs and as a fitting modes. I wanted to sing so badly,” said Dahee during the broadcast. “I decided to become a BJ after much thought. I ask

Television May 3, 2018

(Live Nation Korea)Noel Gallagher, formerly of legendary British rock band Oasis, will hold a solo concert in Korea in August. According to the concert’s organizer Live Nation Korea on Thursday, the British artist will hold the concert titled “Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - Stranded on the Earth World Tour” on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. at Olympic Hall in Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul.  (Live Nation Korea)Gallagher last visited Korea for his performance at the Ansan Valley Rock Festival in July

Performance May 3, 2018

GFriend“Time for the Moon Night” Loen Entertainment  GFriend’s music has always been like a lackluster toy cooped up in a closet. Grown-ups may be reluctant to fiddle with that old toy again, but once walking down memory lane with it, they may realize that it’s actually nice to indulge in a bit of nostalgia. The six-piece K-pop girl group’s recent EP “Time for the Moon Light” is another perfect treat for those wishing to secretly savor such sweetness. As always, the tunes are reminiscent of Japa

Performance May 3, 2018

SMTown Museum, a new cultural exhibition space launched by K-pop powerhouse S.M. Entertainment, will open at SMTown Coex Artium in Gangnam, southern Seoul, Friday. According to the agency Wednesday, SMTown Museum will be on the third floor of SMTown Coex Artium, a compound featuring content related to S.M. musicians.Among the facilities in the new space are “S.M. Archive,” where visitors can enjoy S.M. artists’ albums, photo shoots, music and videos; “Special Exhibition,” an exhibition of the ar

Culture May 2, 2018

K-pop solo artist Crush will embark on his first Asian tour in June, according to his agency, Amoeba Culture.The singer will kick off the tour in Bangkok on June 3, and later visit Hong Kong and Taiwan on June 29 and July 1, respectively. His huge international following, which he built with hits like “Oasis” and “Beautiful,” has enabled the tour, which also marks his first Asian concerts, the agency said.   (Amoeba Culture)The R&B artist debuted in 2014 with “Sometimes,” and gained popularity w

Performance May 1, 2018

It was one of those beautiful spring mornings where everything on the street sparkled under the warm sunlight. Stepping into a small and cozy coffee shop located in Hapjeong-dong in Seoul, this reporter was greeted by an unusually warm smile and handshake from singer-songwriter Park Ki-young, who celebrates her 20th anniversary in the business this year.  “I think my biggest strength is that I have the ability to empathize. I can closely relate to others’ problems, thinking, ‘How can I make that

Performance May 1, 2018