Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) has announced a landmark strategic partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“TME”) platforms, JOOX and QQ Music, to present the AsiaTop Music Festival 2026. 

In support of Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, the music festival is set to take place on 30 & 31 May 2026 at the Sepang International Circuit, showcasing an elite lineup featuring celebrated artists from Malaysia and across Asia alongside the largest K-pop music experience in the ASEAN region. This collaboration is a cornerstone of HLB’s commitment to lifestyle-centric banking, where it strives to provide its cardholders with exclusive access to experiences and lifestyle events. As part of this partnership, HLB cardholders will enjoy privileges such as 2 days of ticket pre-sale access, placing them at the forefront of the region’s most significant live entertainment moments.

According to Andrew Jong, HLB’s Managing Director of Personal Financial Services, “At the heart of this partnership is our resolute focus to providing our cardholders with exclusive experiences We see the HLB card as more than just a financial instrument, viewing it as a passport to lifestyle events, entertainment experiences, and elite privileges across the region, ensuring they stand at the very center of these unforgettable cultural moments.”

Speaking of the collaboration, JOOX and QQ Music also highly value the opportunity to bring a flagship event like AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 to Malaysia. It is the hope of both parties that this festival will bridge the gap between digital streaming and high-production live experiences, enriching Malaysia’s cultural landscape while boosting local tourism and commerce. By building on HLB’s focus in lifestyle entertainment, the music festival is catering not only to Malaysians but also to music fans from across the region who seek meaningful and live connections.

The music festival is also in support of the Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026  national tourism campaign, the festival is designed to be a regional magnet for music lovers, while also promoting Malaysia as a premier destination for exclusive entertainment and lifestyle events.

Tickets for the AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 will officially go on sale on 6 May 2026, and HLB Credit Cardholders will enjoy exclusive priority access windows. The festival is also open to customers across all regions. 

For more information, please visit: www.hlb.com.my/asiatop

In celebration of the highly anticipated arrival of Japanese powerhouse vocalist MIKA NAKASHIMA, organizer DON’T LIKE LOUD MUSIC PRODUCTION proudly introduces exclusive travel packages specially curated for international fans. This all-in-one offering allows fans to fully enjoy the concert experience without the hassle of arranging accommodation, making it a seamless and memorable musical journey.

The 2D1N value-for-money packages are now officially on sale and will be available until May 15. With limited quantities available, fans are encouraged to visit the ETIX platform to find out more and secure their packages for a rare chance to see the artist up close.

Each package includes VIP concert tickets along with carefully selected hotel accommodations (2 days 1 night), as follows:

• Package A: 1 VIP ticket + M World Hotel PJ (Single Room) — Only RM1100 nett
• Package B: 1 VIP ticket + M Resort & Hotel KL (Single Room) — Only RM1150 nett
• Package C: 2 VIP tickets + M World Hotel PJ (Double Room) — Only RM2000 nett
• Package D: 2 VIP tickets + M Resort & Hotel KL (Double Room) — Only RM2100 nett

This is a unique opportunity that perfectly combines music and travel into one unforgettable experience. Fans should not miss this rare chance to witness MIKA NAKASHIMA live in Malaysia! For the latest updates on MIKA NAKASHIMA concert in Kuala Lumpur, be sure to follow the official social media channels of DON’T LIKE LOUD MUSIC PRODUCTION and Stormex Entertainment!

Airbnb is partnering with CORTIS on an upcoming immersive Seoul Hideout and fan space. CORTIS is pushing boundaries on their own terms and to celebrate the release of their new lead single, REDRED, off of their 2nd EP, GREENGREEN, there will be three special ways to experience this new space, all available only on Airbnb : 

• An Airbnb Original experience bringing up to 30 eligible guests inside the Green vs. Red space for an interactive journey with CORTIS appearing in person,  
• An overnight stay for one guest and a companion in the same immersive hideout, and 
• A pop-up which will give more than 1,000 guests additional opportunities to explore the space from May 1-7. 

As K-pop continues to fuel global travel to Korea, fans are increasingly seeking more immersive ways to connect with the artists and worlds they love. We are bringing that fandom to life — transforming inspiration into a real-world destination. According to a recent survey , 94 percent of visitors and prospective travelers to Korea say K-culture influenced their interest in traveling there. 

“It feels special to invite our fans, COERs, into our Seoul hideout. REDRED is all about discovering ourselves — what we lean into, what we push back against. Through that, we’ve developed a clearer sense of musical taste. We’re excited for fans to discover their own color and share that moment with us in person in the space we’ve put together with Airbnb.” – CORTIS

About the Airbnb Original experience 

This Airbnb Original fully puts guests in CORTIS' Seoul hideout alongside the group members. 

Upon arrival, guests begin a guided journey where each area is designed to find a new part of the story. 

Throughout the experience, guests will:

• Capture content of the space and be immersed into CORTIS’ Green vs. Red world.
• Discover playful activities all about self-expression and exploration, including a fun   block-stacking challenge with CORTIS, a paint-splatter area, UV light trivia, and even personalized bingo.
• Collect exclusive keycaps and personal keepsakes as they move through all the interactive zones, empowered by CORTIS-inspired creativity.  

How to book the experience 

Guests can book the CORTIS experience from April 21 at 1:00 PM MYT by visiting airbnb.com/cortis-experience. The experience is free, with bookings for up to 30 eligible guests. The experience will take place on April 28 in Seoul. Travel to and from Seoul (including to the experience), and accommodation are not included — guests are responsible for their own arrangements.

About the stay

One guest and a companion will enjoy an overnight stay inside the same hideout, experiencing all the same zones at their own pace. From Mailroom Bingo to the UV clue hunt and the Paint Zone, the stay includes all the special keepsakes, and an added cute plush waiting on the bed at the end of the night. 

Please note: the overnight stay does not include CORTIS appearance.

How to request to book the stay

Guests can request to book the overnight stay beginning April 21 at 1:00 PM MYT for $0 per person. The stay is designed for one guest and a companion, with check-in taking place on April 29 and check-out on April 30, in Seoul. Travel to and from Seoul (including to the stay) is not included — guests are responsible for their own arrangements. To request to book, visit airbnb.com/cortis-stay.

About the POP-UP: Airbnb & CORTIS Seoul Hideout 

From May 1–7, the POP-UP: Airbnb & CORTIS Seoul Hideout will open its doors to additional guests, offering the opportunity to step inside the Green vs. Red space and explore.

Please note: the POP-UP does not include CORTIS appearance.

How to book the POP-UP

Guests can book the POP-UP for free by visiting airbnb.com/cortis-ext from April 23 at 1:00 PM MYT. Over 1,000 spots are available, but they may fill up quickly, so guests are encouraged to book early to secure their place. Guests who secure a spot are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

*Note: Brought to you by Airbnb. The experience, one-night stay, and the POP-UP are available only as a promotional event, allocated on a first-come first-served basis, and is not a contest.

CORTIS’ new lead single, REDRED, is now on major streaming platforms. 

A Story Within a Story: What Sets Absolute Value of Romance Apart

It wasn’t just another tour stop—it was a night that felt deeply personal, intimate, and uniquely for Malaysian. MOODZ. At the Kuala Lumpur leg of his 2026 WOODZ World Tour ‘Archive. 1’, WOODZ didn’t just perform—he connected, listened, and most importantly, made fans feel seen.

Taking the stage right on the dot at 8PM, WOODZ opened the night with a powerful trio—“Bloodline,” “Downtown,” and “Dirt On My Leather”—instantly setting the tone with his signature intensity and charisma. The energy in the hall surged as fans welcomed him back, marking his long-awaited return after three years.

Greeting the crowd with a warm smile, WOODZ shared, “It’s been 3 years since I last performed here, and I’m really happy to be back.” But what followed wasn’t just a standard setlist—it was a carefully crafted experience, filled with thoughtful moments that made Kuala Lumpur feel like the most special stop on the tour.

From fan-favourite tracks like “Drowning,” “I’ll Never Love Again,” “Cinema,” to “To My January,” WOODZ delivered each song with emotional depth and vocal precision. Yet, what truly set the night apart was his genuine effort to bridge cultures—effortlessly interacting with fans in Bahasa Malaysia. “Korang enjoy tak?” he asked, met with roaring cheers. “Terima kasih for singing with me… Sayang~ Gempak! Syiok! Hari ini memang best! Mantap! Korang sangat cantik!” His playful use of local phrases didn’t just entertain—it warmed hearts, drawing fans even closer to him. 

One of the biggest surprises of the night came when WOODZ treated fans to a special cover of “Sempurna” by Malaysian band Insomniacks. What made the moment even more memorable was his impressively clear pronunciation, delivering the song with sincerity and care. He shared that he had prepared the performance just two weeks prior, expressing how happy he was to be able to perform such a beautiful song in Kuala Lumpur. The unexpected cover instantly struck a chord with the audience—“Sempurna” being a fan-favourite among locals—and his effort alone earned him a perfect score in the hearts of many. 

The highlight of the night came when WOODZ transformed the concert hall into something unexpected—a massive karaoke session. Stripping things down to just his guitar, his voice, and thousands of fans, the atmosphere shifted into something beautifully raw and emotional. Together, they sang “Cinema,” “Drowning,” “Sempurna,” “To My January,” and “Human Extinction,” creating a harmony that blurred the line between artist and audience. And just when it seemed like enough, fans shouted “한번 더!”—“one more time.” WOODZ listened. Not once, not twice—but multiple times, he granted their wishes, repeating “Cinema” and “Drowning” up to three times, laughing along as he did. “You guys love singing?” he teased. “You sing better than me… mantap!” The joy was contagious. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a shared experience, one that felt spontaneous, unscripted, and deeply sincere. 

During one of his heartfelt ments, WOODZ reflected on his last visit. “Three years ago, I was a little sick… but I promised to come back healthy. And now, I’m good. Thank you, everyone.” The room softened in that moment, as fans responded with warmth and quiet support, turning the concert into something more than just music—it became a story of growth, healing, and return. 

As the night neared its end, WOODZ reignited the energy with explosive performances of “I Hate You,” “Bump Bump,” and “Stray,” reminding everyone why he’s celebrated as an all-rounder artist. 

A true singer-songwriter, WOODZ continues to prove his versatility—effortlessly blending pop-rock, R&B, hip-hop, and rock ballads, while writing, composing, and producing his own music. His artistry isn’t confined to a single genre, and neither is the way he connects with his fans. Every note, every lyric carries a piece of his story—and Kuala Lumpur got to feel that up close. 

More than just a concert, ‘Archive. 1’ in Kuala Lumpur was a night of shared voices, laughter, and genuine connection. And if there’s one thing fans are hoping for—it’s that the next reunion won’t take another three years.

Disney+ today announced that the recently released romantic comedy Perfect Crown has become the number one most viewed Korean series on Disney+ globally (based on five days of views).

First premiering on April 10, Perfect Crown follows the people’s favorite royal, Grand Prince I-AN, as he becomes embroiled in a power struggle with other members of the royal family. With pressure on the prince to wed, he strikes up a marriage of convenience with Huiju, the heir to a Korean conglomerate, but as the pair work together to advance their own ends, emotions begin to flare and things don’t go quite as smoothly as planned.

Perfect Crown stars IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines, My Mister) as Huiju, the second in line to inherit one of Korea’s biggest conglomerates, and Byeon Wooseok (Lovely Runner, Strong Girl Nam-soon) as Grand Prince I-AN. The series is directed by Park Joonhwa (Alchemy of Souls, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim) and is written by Yoo Jiwon.

With the first two episodes available to stream today on Disney+, new episodes will be released every Friday and Saturday night at 10:20PM MYT through the show’s series finale on May 16.

Perfect Crown is the latest Korean title set to debut on Disney+. Fans of unmissable Korean storytelling can also look forward to the upcoming release of A Shop For Killers Season 2 and Made In Korea Season 2, as well as Portraits of Delusion (working title) starring Suzy and Kim Seonho, The Remarried Empress starring Shin Mina, Ju Jihoon, Lee Jongsuk, and Lee Seyoung, and a whole host of binge-worthy APAC titles currently streaming on Disney+.

Stream Perfect Crown today on Disney+.

Secure Your Spot: A Night Not to Be Missed

Trending K-pop sensation TWS’s first-ever VR concert, “TWS VR CONCERT: RUSH ROAD” is set to debut on April 30 in Singapore, exclusively at GV Bugis+. Exclusive Collectibles for Fans 

After nine long years, TAEYONG finally returned to Malaysia — and this time, it's for his solo concert. Held last Saturday (11 April) at Idea Live Arena, the 2026 TAEYONG CONCERT IN KUALA LUMPUR marked not only his first-ever solo concert in the country, but also a meaningful moment just four months after his military discharge. For fans who had waited nearly a decade, the night felt both surreal and deeply personal.The show exploded to life with a powerful opening sequence of “Locked,” “Loaded,” “Skiii,” and “APE,” immediately setting the tone for a high-energy, no-holds-barred performance. From the very first beat, TAEYONG commanded the stage with precision, charisma, and a renewed sense of freedom that only amplified his artistry.Balancing intensity with emotion, he treated fans to beloved tracks like “Ruby” and “Tap,” before unveiling a newer side of himself through “Am I In Love or Not,” seamlessly transitioning into “Love Theory.” Each segment of the concert reflected his evolving musical identity — raw, experimental, yet undeniably heartfelt. “It's been such a long time since I came to Malaysia. I really miss y’all, and I promise I will come back more often to meet everyone,” TAEYONG shared sincerely, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. He also expressed his desire to experience more of Malaysia beyond the stage. “Every time when I visit, the schedule is very tight. I always wanted to visit Batu Caves, but didn’t have the chance. Hopefully next time, I get to go.” He added with a smile that he hopes to finally try satay on his next visit — a simple wish that fans are already eager to see fulfilled.Throughout the night, TAEYONG made an effort to connect in a more personal way, charming fans with his Malay phrases like “Saya rindu kamu,” “Korang enjoy tak,” and “Saya sayang kamu,” each one met with overwhelming cheers and affection. In an exciting surprise, he also hinted at new music on the way — a promise that quickly turned into reality as teasers for his upcoming single “Rocks Solid” featuring Anderson .Paak dropped shortly after the concert, with the release set for 17 April.