Following an explosive debut year that saw KLP48’s popularity reach beyond Malaysia and into Japan, the group is ready to expand its roster. Since their formation under AKB48’s international franchise, KLP48 has taken the stage with growing acclaim, even earning performance invites in Japan. Now, a new group of fresh faces will have the chance to carry on that momentum.

Applications are open from now until 1 August 2025 via klp48audition.com, where hopefuls must submit a video of up to 90 seconds showcasing their singing and/or dancing skills, along with other requested materials.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an on-site screening in Kuala Lumpur on 23 and 24 August, and those who advance will move on to the final audition round on 6 and 7 September.

KLP48 is managed by 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd and is officially licensed by Superball Co Ltd. It stands as the tenth overseas sister group of AKB48, joining the ranks of JKT48 (Jakarta), BNK48 (Bangkok), MNL48 (Manila), and others across Asia. AKB48 itself holds the Guinness World Record for the Largest Pop Group in the World.

“Over the past year, the first-generation KLP48 members have been winning hearts with their dynamic performances and engaging fan interactions,” said Yip Jun Huei, CEO of 48 Entertainment. “We are excited to begin the search for our second-generation members that will further add colour to KLP48 and carry on the AKB48 legacy. To all applicants, good luck and all the best!”

If you know someone with star quality, now’s the time to encourage them to step forward. For applicants under 18, parental consent is required.

Follow KLP48’s journey and get the latest updates on TikTok (@klp48_official), Instagram, and Facebook (@KLP48official).

The tour will kick off with a record-breaking three-night run at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul from July 10 to 12, marking the most shows NCT DREAM has held in Korea’s largest indoor concert venue. From there, the group will head to major cities across Asia, including Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, and Jakarta International Stadium. They will once again bring their high-energy performances to some of Asia’s biggest stadiums, further cementing their status as one of K-pop’s most in-demand acts.

In a press release, SM Entertainment said the new tour will be centered around “the concept of a time-traveling journey based on the reflections and dreams of the seven band members over the past nine years and the future they will continue to write.”

Adding to the excitement, NCT DREAM is set to release their fifth full-length album, titled ‘Go Back To The Future,’ on 14 July 2025. The album features nine tracks, including double title tracks “Chiller” and “BTTF (Back To The Future)”. A teaser with a hoverboard was released earlier which symbolises the debut song 'Chewing Gum' — has already sparked buzz among fans.

2025 NCT DREAM TOUR <THE DREAM SHOW 4 : DREAM THE FUTURE> in SINGAPORE will take place at Singapore Indoor Stadium on 18 – 19 October 2025 (Sat- Sun), 6:00pm. All VIP ticket holders will enjoy access to soundcheck party and exclusive VIP merchandise lane. They will also get their hands on a VIP laminate and lanyard and limited edition VIP gift items.

Fans can sign up for NCTzen DREAM MEMBERSHIP PRESALE on Weverse from 4 July, 11:00am to 7 July, 10:59am. Once signed up, fans will be able to grab their tickets at the Weverse Presale first-hand on 14 July (Mon), 10:00 AM to 5:59 PM. Visit livenation.sg/NCTDREAM2025 for more information.

Live Nation members will have presale access from 15 July (Tue) at 10:00am to 11:59pm. Membership can be registered for free at livenation.sg. General ticket sales will begin on 16 July (Wed) at 10:00am on ticketmaster.sg and via the ticket hotline +65 6018 7645. For more details, please visit livenation.sg or the official Live Nation Singapore social media channels.

PUMA introduces its second collection inspired by Netflix’s Squid Game, the secret, high-stakes contest at the heart of the award-winning series.

Inspired by the exhilarating moments, lore, as well as the ruthless competition of Squid Game, this new collaborative range centers around the anticipated third season, featuring a fresh lineup of games including Jump Rope, Hide and Seek, and of course, the final Squid Game. For their second collection, PUMA and Squid Game bring these new games to life through a range of limited-edition apparel, footwear, and accessories.

PUMA’s legacy of sportswear is interpreted through a streetwear lens, with details and accents inspired by Squid Game. The collection’s Relaxed Football Jersey and Relaxed Shorts feature an abstract all-over print, with a PUMA x Squid Game logo lockup and geometric graphics nodding to the show’s ominous masked henchmen. The accompanying Graphic T-Shirt channels the infamous green tracksuits worn by Squid Game contestants, featuring a specially designed graphic on the chest. Accessories continue the narrative, as the collaborative Bucket Hat also utilizes the show’s signature green with graphic accents, while the Waist Bag features a hangtag of Chul-su, a doll-like figurine who is set to appear in season three.

For footwear, PUMA reworks the low-profile Palermo and the Easy Rider, each arriving with rich details and logo touches on the tongue to acknowledge elements from the show. The Easy Rider comes with an asymmetrical red-green design and a special Chul-su hangtag, while the Palermo is outfitted with frenzied contrast stitching across the upper,  as well as distinctive lace jewels, and a key-shaped hangtag. 

The PUMA x Squid Game collection is available on July 10, 2025, ranging from RM199 – RM529 at PUMA.com, PUMA stores, and at selected PUMA stockists including FootLocker and SSS.