ITV

Tag: BTS

  • Hybe’s K-pop cine fest hits a high note with 320,000 fans across Asia

    Hybe’s K-pop cine fest hits a high note with 320,000 fans across Asia

    MUMBAI : Hybe turned the volume up to 11 with its Asia edition of Hybe Cine Fest, drawing over 320,000 fans into more than 370 cinemas across 10 regions from July 10 to 13. Backed by Weverse and in partnership with Trafalgar Releasing, the four-day extravaganza turned multiplexes into mosh pits, K-pop style.

    The lineup? A mic-drop of Hybe’s biggest acts: concert films of BTS, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, and Enhypen brought screaming fans back to the front row. The main event? #Runseokjin_Ep.Tour featuring BTS’ Jin was livestreamed from Japan on July 12, sending armies into a euphoric meltdown.

    But this was no regular cinema crawl. With Hybe Cinema Noraebang turning theatres into full-blown karaoke sessions, fans belted out 22 iconic tracks from 10 Hybe artists, all while waving lightsticks and dancing in the aisles. Adding to the chaos and charm were selfie booths, dance challenges, and walls where fans left notes for their idols.

    First rolled out in Latin America, the cine fest’s Asian sequel played in Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. Japan is next on the bill, with encore screenings planned in Indonesia and Hong Kong to keep up with fan frenzy.

    For Hybe, it’s not just content, it’s a K-pop carnival on the big screen.

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  • Hybe sets up India subsidiary, aims to localise K-pop in subcontinent

    Hybe sets up India subsidiary, aims to localise K-pop in subcontinent

    MUMBAI: Hybe Corp, the entertainment powerhouse behind global K-pop acts including BTS, Seventeen and Txt, has announced the formation of Hybe India, a whollyowned subsidiary set to begin operations later this year.

    The company announced on 30 June that this initiative is part of chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s“multi-home, multi-genre” strategy, aiming to export Hybe’s artist development blueprint to non-Korean markets. HybeIndia is expected to launch between September and October,following market research and corporate set-up.

    With a population of 1.4 billion, a median age of around 28 years, and one of the world’s fastest growing entertainment markets (estimated to grow at 8.3 per cent annually to Rs 3.45 trillion by 2028), India presents a significant opportunity for Hybe global ambitions. The plan is to replicate the K-pop model—training, storytelling, fan engagement—in local contexts. This mirrors earlier expansions in Latin America and the US, where Hybe America’s Katseye entered the Billboard Hot 100 within a year of debut.

    Hybe has great ambitions for India’s young populace. It says that it will get into:

    Localised music production: Hybe India will blend Indian languages and aesthetics with the K-pop system.

    ● Talent discovery and development: Audition-based programmes, mentorships and training camps are expected, possibly in partnership with Indian broadcasters.

    ● Live events and fan engagement: The expansion may lead to concerts by acts such as BTS and Seventeen in India.

    ● Cultural adaptation: Hybe’s production model must adapt to India’s musical landscape—from Bollywood to indie. Bang Si-hyuk previously said K-pop should be seen as a methodology, not merely a genre.

    ● Market infrastructure: India’s growing event infrastructure, seen in shows like Coldplay Live positions it well for large-scale performances.

    Hybe’s India entry follows its expansion into Latin America and China, adding to earlier success in Japan and the United States. The company tailors its approach—from talent sourcing to IP management—based on local needs.

    With Hybe India set to launch in September or October, the road ahead could feature BTS/Seventeen concerts, homegrown idol groups and Indian-language K-pop acts. While details are still emerging, Hybe’s focus on immersive fan experiences and localisation may transform India’s music scene.

    In essence, this is more than corporate expansion. It’s a step toward co-creating a next- generation Indian pop identity, rooted in the precision of K-pop and coloured with local culture.
     

  • Ranveer Singh’s McDonald’s meal launches across North and East India

    Ranveer Singh’s McDonald’s meal launches across North and East India

    MUMBAI: Warning: This meal may cause spontaneous dancing. McDonald’s India – North and East has teamed up with hindi movie energy powerhouse Ranveer Singh to launch ‘The Ranveer Singh Meal’, a limited-time offering that’s equal parts flavour bomb and fan service.

    Joining global icons like BTS and Travis Scott, Singh becomes the first Indian celebrity to be part of McDonald’s global Famous Orders platform, bringing his go-to favourites to golden arches across North and East India.

    So, what’s on the Ranveer menu? Fans can choose between a McVeggie (Xplode) or McChicken (Xplode) amped up with a chilli-creamy ‘Xplode’ sauce and crispy golden onions, dialling up the drama on your everyday burger. It’s paired with the brand-new Golden Pop Fries, crispy potato pops that crunch and melt in a single bite, and the debut of Bobaaa Blast, a poppy boba pearl drink that’s part beverage, part party trick.

    The meal starts at Rs 249 for the vegetarian option and Rs 269 for non-veg, and is available from 13th June for a limited period across all McDonald’s outlets in North and East India including via the McDonald’s App, takeaway, drive-thru, Swiggy, and Zomato.

    A celebration of personal taste, pop culture, and playful nostalgia, this collab turns a meal into a mood and perhaps, a quick bop at the counter.

  • Sony strikes the right chord with THG to amplify India’s global music pitch

    Sony strikes the right chord with THG to amplify India’s global music pitch

    MUMBAI: India’s musical ambitions just got a global mic check. In a pitch-perfect move set to reshape India’s live music industry, Sony Music India has teamed up with Los Angeles-based entertainment heavyweight The Hello Group (THG) to launch THG India, a joint venture that promises to give Indian artists a global stage and the backing to own it.

    Billed as the first international collaboration of this scale for Sony Music India, THG India blends the local label’s deep industry roots with THG’s international clout in live touring, publishing, and artist development. Based out of Mumbai, the new entity aims to provide a complete support system from artist management to worldwide bookings to help Indian talent break into international circuits without missing a beat.

    “This is more than a business deal, it’s a bridge for Indian music to go global,” said Sony Music India managing director Vinit Thakkar. “With THG’s unmatched touring network and our homegrown muscle, we’re unlocking a future where Indian artists can thrive not just locally, but on the world’s biggest stages.”

    From Bts and Enhypen to The Chainsmokers and Twice, THG’s publishing and tour booking legacy is packed with platinum plaques and packed stadiums. THG India now aims to channel that pedigree into India’s booming music scene, which has seen a surge in independent acts and a hungry live-event audience post-pandemic.

    “The talent in India is phenomenal and the world is listening,” added The Hello Group CEO Taylor Jones. “THG India will ensure they’re heard. With a team on the ground and decades of experience behind us, we’re here to make Indian music truly borderless.”

    As live music becomes a serious economic engine for the Indian entertainment industry, the joint venture directly addresses one of its most glaring gaps sophisticated infrastructure for touring and artist development. Backed by Sony’s investment and creative ecosystem, THG India is poised to become the launchpad for the country’s next wave of breakout stars.

    With names like Steve Aoki, I.M of MONSTA X, and Kang Daniel already on its international roster, The Hello Group brings proven star power to the partnership. And for Indian artists who until now have struggled to convert local fandom into global visibility this could be the stage door they’ve been waiting for.

    In a world where music travels faster than ever, THG India is putting Indian artists on the global tour bus no passport needed, just pure talent and the right push.

  • Hybe brings K-pop to the big screen with Cine Fest Asia – four days, five mega acts, all fandoms

    Hybe brings K-pop to the big screen with Cine Fest Asia – four days, five mega acts, all fandoms

    MUMBAI:  Move over Marvel, K-pop is taking over the multiplex. Hybe and Trafalgar Releasing are lighting up 350 cinemas across Asia from July 10–13 with Hybe Cine Fest in Asia, the region’s biggest K-pop film event yet. Sponsored by Weverse, the four-day fiesta features five electric concert films and a sing-along session that promises to turn movie halls into mini stadiums.

    Tickets go live June 4 at 8:00pm KST in most territories, with India, Japan and Korea following suit shortly. Fans can register and track updates on www.hybecinefest.com.

    What’s playing on the K-pop big screen?

    The festival is stacked with star power:

    * BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E – A visual juggernaut from their 2020 online concert era, returning to engulf ARMY in cinematic scale.

    * SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [BE THE SUN] – From Seoul to the Tokyo Dome, the boyband’s arena-roaring tour is reborn in Dolby glory.

    * TOMORROW X TOGETHER ACT : SWEET MIRAGE – TXT’s dreamy, high-octane 2023 tour now has its own encore in cinemas.

    * ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR [FATE] – From rookie to global sensation, ENGENEs get front-row seats to their meteoric rise.

    * Hybe Cinema Noraebang – A karaoke-cinema crossover where fans belt out bangers from BTS, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, TWS and more.

    Not just screenings – it’s an IRL K-fan party

    With special zones in cities like Seoul (CGV Yongsan), Singapore (Shaw JEWEL), Manila (SM MOA), Bangkok (SF Central World), and Taipei (Vieshow Qsquare), fans can expect exclusive merch, photo ops, and surprises galore. India and Japan special location details are still under wraps.

    Why now?

    After clocking over 260,000 footfalls in Latin America last year, Hybe is ready to replicate the frenzy across Asia. And with cinemas still rebounding post-pandemic, K-pop might just be the new summer blockbuster formula.

    Get your lightsticks ready – this July, the stage is cinematic.

  • Dolby & BTS’s Jin team up for ‘I’ll Be There’ in Dolby Atmos sound

    Dolby & BTS’s Jin team up for ‘I’ll Be There’ in Dolby Atmos sound

    Mumbai: Dolby Laboratories has collaborated with Jin from BTS for the ‘Love More in Dolby’ global campaign. Jin stars in a commercial for his new single ‘I’ll Be There,’ now available worldwide in Dolby Atmos.

    Jin’s first solo album, Happy, will release in Dolby Atmos globally on 15 November.

    “When I first heard my new music in Dolby Atmos, I was truly amazed by the incredibly vivid and immersive experience. It felt like you are right inside the music,” said Jin. “The theme of this new single and the new album is ‘happiness.’ I wanted ARMY (BTS’ fandom) to fully experience the unique flavors of happiness through each song. Now, with Dolby Atmos, I believe fans around the world will feel the exact emotions that I wanted to share, more deeply.”

    “Jin has captivated audiences worldwide through his incredible performances and extraordinary ability to convey emotion through his music,” said Dolby Laboratories SVP and chief marketing officer Todd Pendleton. “With Dolby Atmos, fans will feel even more connected to Jin as they are drawn into the fun sing-along moments and musical details of ‘I’ll Be There’ and his upcoming album.”

    Dolby Atmos offers a new way to create and experience music, immersing listeners inside songs with clear, detailed sound that deepens connections between artists and fans. The format reveals every musical detail, from instruments moving around to a singer’s breath, creating a unique listening experience.

    Directed by Grammy-nominated Colin Tilley, the campaign’s commercial shows how Dolby Atmos can transform ordinary moments by bringing fans into music scenes where Jin delivers powerful performances.

    This commercial is part of Dolby’s ‘Love More in Dolby’ campaign, celebrating immersive entertainment through Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos in music, movies, gaming, and more.

  • Spotify’s new Premium campaign is about feeling the music

    Spotify’s new Premium campaign is about feeling the music

    Mumbai: Spotify Premium has launched ‘Feel The Music’, a campaign that brings listeners closer to their favourite artists by bringing the moments of music creation to the forefront. There are over 35 local and global artists whose behind-the-scenes footage of recording and performing songs will be a part of the campaign.

    “Music making is an art that takes numerous hours, practice sessions, artists, instruments, and emotions. As listeners, we come to love that music and artist, but often do not know the effort that went into making that song – the passion, the hard work, the love, the pain. The new Spotify Premium campaign,‘Feel The Music’, is about that creative process, so that listeners truly feel connected to the songs in the best way possible”, said Spotify marketing director Neha Ahuja.

    The first film to go live today is one that features Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for Dil Chahta Hai. Released in 2001, the song and film score sounds still as fresh today, and the video takes the listeners through how the trio brought the title track together. Over the coming weeks, Spotify will release more films that will be featured on digital platforms and in movie theatres, and static creatives that will feature on outdoor media.

    Embed: first film

    The artists who feature in the campaign, include:

    1.   Alan Walker
    2.    Anirudh Ravichander
    3.    Anuv Jain
    4.    Arijit Singh
    5.    Armaan Malik
    6.    A.R. Rahman
    7.    Asees Kaur
    8.    Badshah
    9.    BTS
    10.    Coldplay
    11.    Diljit Dosanjh
    12.    DIVINE
    13.    Doja Cat
    14.    Ed Sheeran
    15.    Harry Styles
    16.    Jasleen Royal
    17.    Jonita Gandhi
    18.    Jubin Nautiyal
    19.    KING
    20.    K S Chithra
    21.    Manoj Muntashir
    22.    M M Keeravaani
    23.    Neeti Mohan
    24.    Nimrat Khaira
    25.    Post Malone
    26.    Pritam
    27.    Sachet-Parampara
    28.    Salim-Sulaiman
    29.    Selena Gomez
    30.    Shakthisree Gopalan
    31.    Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
    32.    Shreya Ghoshal
    33.    Sunidhi Chauhan
    34.    Yuvan Shankar Raja
  • One Take Media Co. to present K-drama ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo’

    One Take Media Co. to present K-drama ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo’

    Mumbai: One Take Media Co. has announced its “New Week, New Drama” return with popular drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo this week for its audience.

    This show has a lovely couple in the lead, Lee Song-Kyoung and Nam Joo-Hyuk, playing Kim Bok Joo and Jung Joon Hyung, respectively. A coming-of-age story about a group of college athletes who are fighting for their dreams, experiencing and finding love in the process, and growing every step of the way. 20-year-old Bok Joo is a weightlifter who is pursuing her dream of winning a gold medal, but she then finds romance for the first time in her life. The characters in this drama are elite athletes in weightlifting, swimming, and rhythmic gymnastics who work hard to achieve their goals in life. Watch this space next week for new show updates.

    One Take Media Co. is set to bring its all-popular Korean dramas dubbed in Hindi and in their original Korean language with English subtitles. Also, as informed recently, they have launched their OTT app, Playflix.

    According to a recent Netflix study done in India, the number of Indians watching Korean dramas has surged by 370 per cent and BTS (Bangtan Boys), a South Korean boy band formed in 2010 and debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, is India’s fourth most streamed, according to Spotify’s 2020 data.

  • McDonald’s & BTS partner to offer the pop group’s favourite order

     Mumbai: The golden arches of McDonald’s will shine even brighter thanks to a new collaboration with the 21st century global pop icons, BTS, now featuring on the fast food franchise’s daily menu.

    This one-of-a-kind menu tour has arrived at McDonald’s outlets in north India, where customers may enjoy the band’s signature order at participating restaurants across Rajasthan. 

    The BTS meal includes a ten-piece chicken McNuggets®, medium fries®, medium Coke, and sweet chilli and cajun dipping sauces inspired by popular recipes from McDonald’s South Korea.

    “The band has great memories with McDonald’s. We’re excited about this collaboration and can’t wait to share the BTS meal with the world,” says the Bighit Music, label of BTS.

    Since 2013, BTS has topped music charts and brought people together from across the world through their music and positive messages. In India too, the boy band enjoys a phenomenal fan following, especially among millennials. India ranks among the top six countries contributing to music-video views of the K-pop band.

    Over the next few months, BTS fans in India will find themselves that much closer to their favourite artists, because for the first time since McDonald’s launched its celebrity signature orders program in the USA last year, the BTS Meal is available in India.

    “No matter who you are, everyone has a go-to order at McDonald’s – even international superstars like BTS,” said McDonald’s India – north and east COO Rajeev Ranjan. Connaught Plaza Restaurants operates McDonald’s restaurants in north and east India. “This band is truly a global phenomenon with a fan base that knows no borders, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring the BTS meal to our customers in India,”he noted.

    Customers can now order the BTS Meal through the McDonald app, in-store, at drive throughs or via McDelivery (wherever allowed by the local authorities).

  • Vh1 to offer K-Popp’d, Lip Sync Battle and X Factor S14 this month

    Vh1 to offer K-Popp’d, Lip Sync Battle and X Factor S14 this month

    MUMBAI: Vh1 is all set to enthrall viewers with its spectacular line up of shows this September! Viewers are in for an exhilarating ride as the channel offers internationally loved shows like The X-Factor UK Season 14, Lip-Sync Battle Season 3, along with widely followed pop music from Korea on Vh1 K- Popp’d and much more.

    Following an overwhelming appeal for the immensely popular style of music, K-Pop, Vh1 is geared up to present a brand new music block Vh1 K-Popp’d, premiering on Saturday, September 16. The show will feature super hit tracks by the most popular Korean musicians BTS, EXO, GOT7 and many more.

    TVh1 is airing an all new season of the much loved The X Factor UK Season 14 starring the sensational Simon Cowell. Joining Simon Cowell will be judges Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, who will be seeking out the most talented performer to take home the coveted title, every Monday & Tuesday. The channel will also air a special musical series – Shawn Mendes Unplugged, featuring the 19-year-old Vine cover star turned pop crooner famous for super hit singles like Stitches, Mercy and Treat You Better, on 17 September.

    Turning the month more musical than ever, Vh1 brings back epic lip sync performances, combined with witty commentary by LL Cool J and supermodel Chrissy Teigen on Lip Sync Battle Season 3. Paying tribute to the most sought after mentors in the music industry, Vh1 aired a special programming slot featuring the best teacher- student duos on Vh1 Teacher’s Pet, featuring sensational duos Rihanna & Jay Z, Timberland & Nelly Furtado, Dr. DRE & Eminem and many more, belting out their blockbuster numbers like Umbrella, I need a doctor, Somebody to love and Carry out.

    Viacom 18 head of programming – English entertainment Hashim D’Souza shared: “Looking at the immense popularity amongst Indian viewers for K-Pop, we are also very excited to introduce a special segment Vh1 K-Popp’d which I’m sure will be appreciated by our fans across India.”

    Show Line-up:

    Show: The X-Factor – UK Season 14
    Date: Every Monday & Tuesday| Time: 10 Pm
    Synopsis: X-factor 2017 is on the horizon. Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh are on the lookout for the next big thing. Do not miss the exhilarating performances as the judges
    seek the most talented one to take the award home.

    Show: Lip-Sync Battle Season 3
    Date: Every Monday – Friday | Time: 9 Pm
    Synopsis: Hosted by LL Cool J and with colourful commentary by Chrissy Telgen, the latest season of Lip-Sync battle promises a series of epic performaces. The new season will see guests like Sir Ben Kingsley, Ruby Rose, Spiderman stars- Tom Holland and Zendaya and cast of Stranger Things.

    Show: Vh1 K-Popp’d
    Date: Saturday, 16th September | Time: 8 Pm
    Synopsis: The advent of K-pop is a music phenomenon that introduced South Korean culture to the world. K-Pop has grown into a subculture that amassed enormous fandoms of teenagers and young adults. Vh1 brings to its viewers a whole new music block dedicated to K-pop.

    Show: Shawn Mendes Unplugged
    Date: Premiers on Sunday, 17th September | Time: 8 Pm
    Synopsis: Eight years after the series that featured stripped-down performances, Vh1 is rolling out again the Unplugged. The first guest to grace the new Unplugged will be Vine cover star turned popstar, Shawn Mendes. He has been knocking out monster singles like Stiches, Mercy and Treat You Better.