Frankie Cosmos: Greta Kline Talks New Album and Single 'Vanity'

The music world is consistently “on,” so the launch of new singles and records is never-ending. And for music lovers like us, that’s like getting cake each time!

As we step into July, it’s that time of year when our playlists are beginning to feel a little dry, but there’s nothing a good summer bop and some catchy bangers can’t fix. From a debuting beauty queen artist to comebacks from certified music icons such as Laufey and Rosé of BLACKPINK, these singles are hitting hard. 

Whether you’re looking to update your playlist or find your new favorite singer, we’ve got the sonic hydration you need with six new singles people are about to be (if not already) obsessed with. 

“Rainbow” by Krishnah Gravidez

Krishnah Gravidez may not have won the 2025 Miss World title, but she didn’t go empty-handed, having been crowned Miss World Asia after ranking in the Top 8. 

This month, she’s showcasing that she’s more than just a beauty with the release of her debut cover single, “Rainbow” — a beloved South Border classic. The song conveys a message of resilience and hope, highlighting that beauty can be found amid life’s challenges.  

“Rainbow sums up not only my life as a beauty queen but also my life in general, because the message from the song says a lot about resilience, about not giving up, and looking at the positive side of things,” Krishnah told The Beat Asia.

The singer also mentioned how her journey had been transformative, and how she had learned not only to be the best version of herself but also to see pageants in a different light.

“When I entered the Miss World competition, I saw pageants from a different perspective. It’s more about helping others, giving back to the community, and just not being afraid of telling who you are and your story as a person. That’s what I actually did when I was crowned as Miss World Philippines 2024.”

We always welcome a good cover, and it’s a nice palette cleanser to add to your playlist, especially since Krishnah’s soothing vocals gave this popular track a more laid-back sound and a brand new vibe. 

Listen to “Rainbow” now. Follow Krishnah Gravidez on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

“Lover Girl” by Laufey

The GRAMMY®-winning artist is back with another soul-stirring track about the quiet heartbreak of missing someone deeply. “Lover Girl” is a bossa nova-infused track that doubles as a confession, wrapped up in Laufey’s signature charm and timeless sheen. 

“The hardest part of loving someone is being away from them. This is that story.” Laufey explained in the press release. The song balances optimism in ache — the sound is slightly upbeat and whimsical, but the lyrics are anchored in longing. It makes sense that it’s a certified “soft-girl anthem.”

The new single comes from her forthcoming album, “A Matter of Time,” which comes out on Aug. 2. Laufey had captured hearts with her personal coming-of-age tales in “Everything I Know About Love” (2022) and further cemented herself as an artist who makes the music of old feel timeless with her GRAMMY®-winning “Bewitched” (2023), which told the story of young love, brought to life be sweeping orchestral arrangements, jazz, and her signature alto tone. 

This latest single shows that Laufey’s new album will continue to embody her beloved influences with the artist revealing, “I’m constantly thinking about classical and jazz, how to properly preserve them and pay homage. I just wanted to let my heart wander."

Listen to "Lover Girl" now. Follow Laufey on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.

“All At Once” by Shye

Singapore’s indie-pop darling, Shye, just dropped a new heartbreak song to add to your playlists. In “All At Once,” the singer-songwriter delivers a haunting, atmospheric track that captures the quiet devastation of heartbreak. What’s interesting about this new single is that it’s a continuation of her previous song, “Waited for You,” deepening the emotional storyline and conveying the journey from longing to the aftermath, which is acceptance. 

“The song sings about being haunted by the memories of a person who has moved on, while you're still stuck in the echoes of what was,” the producer explained. 

The song begins with the sentence, “I think of you and all that you promised,” immediately setting the poignant tone of the track. The chorus, which is anchored on the repeated plea “Come back to me,” conveys that heart-wrenching loop of pretending to feel okay, when you’re really unraveling on the inside. 

“It's the kind of grief that seeps into everything around you — where you start to see the one you lost in everything and everyone. When you know it's over and you have to move on, but it's easier said than done,” Shye added.

If you’re going through your own heartbreak or simply want a sentimental track for your rainy day playlist, this is it. 

Listen to "All At Once" now. Follow Shye on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.

“365” by ONE OR EIGHT

Rising Japanese boy group, ONE OR EIGHT, makes an exciting comeback with their fan tribute track, “365.” The song marks their first release since announcing their partnership with major record label, Atlantic Music Group. 

As the title suggests, “365” is a song about wanting to be by a loved one’s side every single day of the year. Produced by renowned songwriter Nasri, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Halsey, this new single is the peak love song of the summer, composed of a captivating melody with resonant beats. 

“’365’ is ONE OR EIGHT’s first love song, and we wanted to express how it feels when you're thinking about a special someone. The title also represents the length of time of our auditions for WARPs DIG, which was the beginning of our journey to become ONE OR EIGHT. That’s why the number means so much to us,” explained member Reia. “Through the lyrics, we want to express our immense gratitude and love for all of our fans, 1DERZ, who have been rooting for us over the past year and sharing many unforgettable moments with us.”

The song came alongside a music video directed by Osrin, founder of PERIMETRON, who has worked with massive artists such as King Gnu, millennium parade, and GLAY. The song is presented in a cinematic backdrop, weaving the group’s unforgettable memories of love and time together.  

The group is also gearing up for a fan meet tour in Asia, with Bangkok (July 26) being their first fan meet in the region. You can buy your tickets here.

Listen to "365" now. Follow ONE OR EIGHT on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

“On My Mind” by Alex Warren feat. ROSÉ of BLACKPINK

Breakout singer Alex Warren just scored the biggest collab this month as he teamed up with Rosé of BLACKPINK in “On My Mind.” The new single is a surprise track from his upcoming album, “You’ll be Alright, Kid,” slated to drop on July 18. 

“On My Mind” is a soaring love song embodying the Gen Z sensation’s signature anthemic pop style, infused with a cinematic flair and raw emotion. Produced by hitmakers Ammo and John Ryan, this folk-pop ballad centers on the theme of longing and nostalgia, as the lyrics sing about a past relationship that still lingers in dreams or memories. It’s poetic, atmospheric, and the way Alex and Rosé’s vocals blend together is sonically beautiful, giving a solid heartfelt track with an intimate storytelling. 

10/10, it’s the song you’d play in that brief moment when the sun sets on the horizon, giving way to the moon and the stars. 

Listen to "On My Mind" now. Follow Alex Warren on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. You can also follow Rosé on Instagram.

“Golden Hour” by Muri and Shigge

Filipino soul-pop artist, Muri, just teased her collaborative single with Japanese electronic producer, Shigge, set to drop on all streaming platforms worldwide on July 11. 

“Golden Hour” is the brainchild of the singer and Tokyo-based beatmaker, conceived during an intensive songwriting camp at the AXEAN Festival in Bali, Indonesia last year. The musicians had a spontaneous studio session, which evolved into months of sonic exchange between Tokyo, London, and Manila.

“I found Shigge’s music really unique and forward-thinking,” Muri shared in a press statement. “When we got the chance to work with each other at the songwriting camp, I felt we could make a really cool world fusing our styles together. For me, music is all about experimenting and trying something new, and this is a result of that.”

This track will be the first official release from their joint EP, “SETSUNA,” which is slated to drop next month. The EP is described as a cross-cultural music production like no other, featuring lo-fi house beats, ambient soundscapes, and neo-soul vocals. 

To celebrate the release, the duo is also embarking on a two-city tour in Tokyo (July 22 and 24, 2025) and Makati City (Aug. 1 and 2, 2025). 

Check out “Golden Hour” here. You can follow Miru on Facebook,  X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, and Shigge on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X (Formerly Twitter). 

Bullet with Butterfly Wings… and rain coats? When alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins made their debut in the Philippines in 2012, it was literally raining in Manila as the city was flooded due to heavy monsoon rains. But that didn’t stop the band or their fans from having a rocking good time even as the show was postponed to the next night.

Thirteen years later, the band’s frontman, Billy Corgan, is returning to Manila not just for a concert — but a reunion tour with the original members set to play on stage! The Rock Invasion Tour kicks off in Nagoya, Japan on Sept. 15, followed by several other cities in Asia including Busan (Sept. 27), Manila (Sept. 29), Bangkok (Oct. 1), Jakarta (Oct. 3), and Singapore (Oct. 10). 

For the uninitiated, The Smashing Pumpkins is more than just a rock band. They’re a genre-defying powerhouse that blurred the lines between grunge, goth, metal, and dream pop, creating some of the most emotionally charged music of the ‘90s. The band also boasts a bunch of awards, including two Grammy wins, six MTV Video Music Awards, and a string of Billboard Hot 100 hits. Safe to say they’re hardcore rock legends, even deemed as one of the “Big 4” of alternative rock in the ‘90s, alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden.  

Whether you’re curious about their biggest hits or intrigued by their dramatic evolution and cult-like fan devotion, we’re here to guide you through five essential things to know about the band before you step into their beautifully haunted world — one that’s full of dreamy distortion, poetic angst, and remarkable ambition. 

Fact 1: They’re Not a Grunge Band

Although they rose to fame in the same era as Nirvana and Soundgarden, The Smashing Pumpkins’ music leaned towards more dream pop, metal, goth, and shoegaze than grunge. The band has been known for being introspective but theatrical, as well as emotional yet experimental. Their sound has always been neither this nor that but a unique blend of heavy distortion, dreamy melodies, and orchestral arrangements. While going through their discography, you’ll find traces of melancholic acoustic ballads, prog-rock epics, as well as electronic experiments that showcased the band’s evolution with every album. 

Just take their popular hit “1979” from the “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” album (1995). This dreamy and bittersweet coming-of-age track captures the essence of youth and leans more into alternative pop and atmospheric textures. Meanwhile, their first big hit, “Today” from the album “Siamese Dream” (1993) was ironically upbeat, the sound composed of bright guitars and a catchy melody that cleverly masks the darker messaging of the song. Listening to their music proves just how much they were genre-benders, and it’s mostly thanks to the guy we’re about to talk about next.

Fact 2: Billy Corgan Is the Band

Billy Corgan is more than just a frontman, but also the founder, creative mastermind, and primary songwriter. 

He’s known for being intensely driven, which proved to be a good thing and a bad thing, for while his bold artistic vision has shaped their genius, making them iconic, his perfectionism and intensity have also led to lineup changes and a whole lot of band drama through the years.  It’s also probably why their entire catalog feels very distinct. 

Love him or hate him, Billy is the driving force behind The Smashing Pumpkins, and is in fact a huge fan of this fans, too. During the band’s first show in Manila, Billy had told the media how he had grown up around Filipinos in Chicago, and even worked briefly at a Filipino restaurant! He shared that he learned a lot from them and has much respect for their culture and family values.

Perhaps Billy did learn a thing or two about tight-knit families, considering he got the band’s original lineup back together in 2018, and even recorded their 10th studio album, “Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1/LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun.” 

Fact 3: They Created One of the Most Ambitious Rock Albums of the ‘90s

There’s no doubt that The Smashing Pumpkins’ Magnum Opus is the “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” (1995), a 28-track double album composed of orchestral ballads and rock anthems that explored themes of youth, alienation, and the beauty amid the chaos. 

The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, sold over 10 million copies, and earned seven Grammy nominations. Billy really said: Go big or go home! The record spawned all their biggest hits, including “1979”, “Tonight, Tonight,” and “Bullet with Butterfly Wings,” marking the band’s creative high point. Up to this date, it’s regarded as one of the best rock albums of the ‘90s — and of all time.  

Fact 4: Music Videos? More Like Works of Art!

The Smashing Pumpkins aren’t just making music videos as visual accompaniments; they’re crafting experiences. It’s no wonder that they’ve bagged several MTV Video Music Awards for their MVs, which were often story-driven and visually daring. 

The music video for “Tonight, Tonight” (1996), for example, was inspired by the 1902 silent short film, “A Trip to the Moon” by Georges Méliès, and won multiple VMAs, including Video of the Year, Best Direction, and Best Cinematography.

Other notable MVs you should check out from them are the nostalgic lo-fi “1979” which won Best Alternative Video at the MTV VMAs, “Ava Adore” (1998), which was shot in one continuous take, and  “Try, Try, Try” (2000), which presented a raw and controversial documentary-style depiction of a couple struggling with codependency and addiction. 

Fact 5: They’re Still Evolving, Still Rocking Through

Despite the breakups and lineup changes in the 2000s, The Smashing Pumpkins was able to revive itself slowly, with Billy bringing back the original members slowly back into the fold. 

Their recent releases are proof that they’re still creatively restless and have much to give in the music industry. There may be changes in their sound, but like their older stuff, it’s packed with emotion and ambitious instrumentation made up of modern synths and classic guitar riffs.  

Now, in 2025, the band is still selling out shows and arenas, even reuniting the original lineup for the Rock Invasion Tour later this year! Billy Corgan is also hosting a podcast series where he converses with extraordinary individuals who have reached the pinnacle of success in their respective fields. 

This just goes to show that their legacy lives on, and if you haven’t been completely immersed in their music catalog yet, there’s no better time to start than now. Here’s a curated playlist of all their biggest hits — the perfect starting point for new listeners. 

For tour updates and new music releases, follow The Smashing Pumpkins on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.  

Isabelle Daza is on a mission: to make women's wellness a priority, and ensure their pleasure is taken seriously. 

The Filipina entrepreneur, actor, and model is currently based in Hong Kong and frequently uses her platform of 3.5 million Instagram followers to advocate topics that many communities in Asia still consider taboo.

A vocal champion for pleasure-forward, sex-positive conversations, Isabelle co-founded sexual wellness brand Jellytime with her sister Ava Daza, with the goal to help women explore their sexuality, safely and confidently.

From body-safe, healthy lubricants to carefully crafted pleasure toys and the launch of their condom line—Jellytime Condoms— Isabelle’s brand is shifting the narrative on women’s sexual needs. This is particularly important in the Philippines, where HIV rates are among the highest in Asia and initiatives to promote safe sex are critical.

Isabelle was recently a guest speaker at Asia’s first Global Summit on Women’s Health co-organized by Femtech Future and OM Health Hub, held in Asia Society in Hong Kong earlier this month. The sold-out event attracted over 40 international leaders and guest speakers, and an audience from around Asia putting conversations about women’s wellness firmly center stage.

The Beat Asia caught up with Isabelle to talk about breaking sexual taboos and how she is redefining the conversation around women’s health and wellness.

The Women's Health in Focus: Global Summit is the first of its kind – how did it feel to take part?

It was such an honor to be part of this milestone event. As someone deeply passionate about women’s health and wellness, being in a space that brings together leaders, experts, and changemakers was incredibly meaningful. I was excited to listen, learn, and share insights from our journey with Jellytime.

Why do you think this kind of event is needed in Hong Kong?

There is a growing awareness in Asia about the importance of prioritizing women’s health, but there are still gaps in education, access, and conversation especially in urban, high-pressure environments like Hong Kong. Events like this create safe and empowering spaces where those gaps can start to close.

The Women’s Wellness Summit emphasized the role tech can play in women’s wellbeing – can you tell us more about that?

Technology has the power to democratize access to health tools, education, and support systems. Whether it's app-based mental health support, teleconsultations with OB-GYNs or smart sexual wellness products, tech is helping women take agency over their bodies and make decisions in a more informed and accessible way.

Do you think there a particular need for openness around this subject in Asia?

Absolutely. Many women in Asia grow up with limited or shame-based education around their bodies and sexual health. This lack of openness creates a ripple effect, affecting confidence, relationships and even safety.

We need to normalize these conversations in schools, homes and media. That’s one of the reasons we created Jellytime.

Why are you placing a focus on women’s health issues at Jellytime?

We’ve been underserved for too long. Women are often the caregivers, the ones juggling multiple roles, yet our health (especially sexual health) has been a taboo topic. 

We want to help shift that narrative. Prioritizing women’s health is essential for stronger families and communities.

Why did you feel there was a gap in the market for adult toys?

We saw that most options available felt either clinical or overly provocative, too expensive or too cheap (and you’re quite unsure if it’s safe to use) – there wasn’t much in between. 

We wanted to create something that felt stylish, safe and approachable, especially for those exploring their sexuality for the first time. 

Jellytime is about making exploring fun, not fearsome, combining [both] safety and satisfaction.

How does Jellytime stand out from the other sex wellness brands in the market?

We focus on education and empowerment, not just products. 

Jellytime isn’t just about toys, condoms or lubricants, it’s about changing how people view pleasure and health. Our tone is playful but smart and our designs are made to feel friendly, not intimidating. We also speak directly to communities that haven’t always felt seen by traditional sexual wellness brands.

Why did you decide to launch your line of Jellytime condoms?

We realized many people still feel embarrassed buying condoms or are unsure about what to choose. We wanted to make condoms that feel more inclusive, especially for women and queer communities. The packaging doesn’t feel overly masculine, with a focus on comfort and safety. 

It’s all part of encouraging more people to take control of their health without shame.

Hong Kong is a busy city and people work long hours – what's your advice on how they can incorporate wellness activities into their daily routine?

Wellness doesn’t have to mean a spa day or an hour-long workout. Sometimes it’s just taking five minutes to check in with yourself, breathe deeply or have a moment of joy. Intimacy, whether with a partner or yourself, is part of that. We want to reframe pleasure as part of a healthy lifestyle, not a luxury or something to feel guilty about.

With Pride Month coming to a close, can you share more about how your brand and overall wellness approach support the LGBTQIA+ community and their experiences?

At Jellytime, we believe that sexual health education and pleasure should be inclusive and stigma-free. Pride Month is a reminder of how diverse and beautiful our communities are and how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels seen and safe.

In the Philippines, we’re facing a growing HIV crisis, especially among young people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call to action. That’s why we’re passionate about normalizing condom use and helping people understand that protection is an empowering choice, not something to be ashamed of.

Through our products, educational content, and partnerships with advocates, we aim to make conversations around protection, consent, and pleasure more accessible and inclusive for all genders and sex orientations.

Can you give us your top three most important wellness tips for women?

1.  Listen to your body, it knows what it needs.
2. Set boundaries with time, energy, and people.
3. Make pleasure a part of your self-care. It’s not frivolous, it’s essential.

What's next for you and Jellytime?

We’re working on our expansion into new categories. But more than products, we’re working on building a more open, sex-positive culture through content, partnerships and education. We want Jellytime to be a companion in your health journey, not just a brand on your shelf.

Stay connected and keep up with Isabelle on her Instagram and Facebook. For more information on Jellytime, visit their website, Instagram and Facebook. 

Did a new show pop up on your Netflix watchlist? Or maybe there's a new Asian drama making its rounds on social media? Stop scrolling before you fall into the spoilers black hole and let us help you decide if it's worth watching.

From Hollywood sitcoms that tickle your funny bones and thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seats to romantic K-Dramas that make your heart skip a beat, The Beat Asia is taking a first look at the latest series releases for your viewing pleasure.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the review!

‘Squid Game’ Season 3: Episode 1

Run Time: 57 minutes

Rating: 16+/TV-MA (for mature audiences)

Genre: Thriller, Suspense

Subtitle Availability: English, Filipino, Korean, Chinese, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese

Audio Availability: Korean (original), English, Filipino, Japanese, Spanish (Latin America)

Warnings: Contains violence, profanity, and drug use

*SPOILER ALERT! This section contains details from the first episode of “Squid Game” Season 3.

Just when we thought “Squid Game” had revealed all its horrors in Season 1 and 2, the season finale returns with sharper edges, darker twists, and even moral questions that hit close to home. 

In Season 3, audiences are thrown back into the game’s deadly playground, right smack into the high-stakes chaos of the previous episode, when Gi-Hun (Lee Byung-hun) tried to fight back against the gamemaster. As we dove into the first episode, we got to witness the next game, which, like all the others, is a wicked and terrifying rendition of a popular children’s game. The instructions were simple and yet brutal, as each player was challenged to make impossible choices. 

“In the case of season 3, I wanted to introduce games that could really show the lowest bottom of human beings, because the series itself is reaching its climax," Director and Writer Hwang Dong-hyuk told Entertainment Weekly. “I wanted very intense games to bring out the bottom parts of human nature.”

For our latest Screen Test, we’re diving into the first episode of this deadly series, breaking down what worked, from the jaw-dropping to the heart-stopping moments that make “Squid Game” a binge-worthy roller coaster ride. Let’s see if this series still holds its place as Netflix’s reigning dystopian giant. 

Run, Hide… or Die: Season 3’s Brutal Start

The new season is basically Season 2 part two, the director having previously revealed that they had to split the season into two as the episodes increased. We believed he made the right call, as this allowed Season 3 to present games with even higher stakes, and allowed audiences enough time to empathize with the characters — to get to know them better and witness how the games play with their heads and emotions. 

We’re off to a strong start with episode 1, “Keys and Knives,” which kicks off where the last season ended, showing the player rebels fail at their mission, with the remaining ones getting shot down. Soldier no. 11, Kang No-eul (Park Gyu-young), saves Player 246 a.k.a. Park Kyung-suk, by shooting him in the stomach and marking his coffin so he’d be brought to the organ trafficking team. 

Meanwhile, the frontman of the game, Gi-Hun, wakes up in the bunker surrounded by his allies. As of now, there’s only Hyun-ju/Player 120 (Park Sung-hoon), the mother-son duo Yong-sik/Player 007 (Yang Dong-geun) and Geum-ja/Player 149 (Kang Ae-sim), Jun-Hee/Player 222 (Jo Yuri), and Dae-ho/Player 388 (Kang Ha-neul) — who had been the reason many of their allies had died due to his cowardice in the previous season — who are left on his team. The loss of many lives due to his plan, including Jung Bae’s/Player 390 (Lee Seo-hwan), has broken Gi-Hun’s spirit. He causes a scene before the next round of voting, asking the guards why he had been left alive. 

Meanwhile, Detective Jun-Ho (Wi Ha-jun) and the mercenaries on the boat are searching for the missing drone operator. While Captain Park (Bruce Locke) spins a tale of him getting drunk and falling overboard, Woo-seok (Jun Suk-ho) seems to have his doubts. The gamemaster then calls Captain Park, ordering him to keep the mercenaries away from the island and to kill everyone should things go south. 

Back in the bunker, the voting resumes, and while Gi-hun forfeits his turn, the Blue team wins by a landslide. His allies comfort him that it’s not his fault and apologize for the failed rebellion. Yong-sik blames Dae-ho for not returning with the magazines, revealing his betrayal to Gi-hun. 

Woo-seok also revealed to Jun-ho that something’s off about Captain Park, as he had seen him holding a screwdriver on the night the drone operator went missing. Jun-ho brushes this off, however, refusing to believe that the man who had saved him would sabotage him. Meanwhile, No-eul takes down the organ traffickers and saves Player 246, forcing the doctor to stitch him up. However, the doctor reveals that he had lost a lot of blood and would need a transfusion to survive, to which No-eul volunteers her blood. 

In the next scene, Hide and Seek was revealed as the next game. The players were split into two teams at random. The Blue team was tasked to hide and find the exit within the arena’s maze, while the Red team acted as the taggers, tasked to find members of the Blue team and kill them on site. If they fail to accomplish these within 30 minutes, they will be shot down and killed. Blue team members are given a single key that can unlock any door in the arena, but not relock it. The Red Team, on the other hand, is given a knife as a weapon.

Before the game began, players were given the chance to make a switch with someone from the opposite team. Some notable moments during this period include Yong-sik exchanging with his mother, saying that she’s not a killer; Myung-gi (Player 33/Yim Si-wan) trying to switch with a very pregnant Jun-hee and promising to find and protect her once the game begins; Nam-gyu/Player 124 (Roh Jae-won) toying with Min-su (Lee David) and taunting him for watching Se-mi get killed; and Dae-ho, who’s on the Blue team, desperately trying to convince a Red player to switch with him and getting frustrated and paranoid at Gi-hun — who’s on the Red team — staring him down like he had a plan.

As the game begins, the Blue Team is ushered into an arena, and players are given two minutes to hide. Jeong-dae/Player 100 (Song Young-chang) announces that they should prioritize finding an exit instead of hiding, while Jun-hee, Geum-ja, and Hyun-ju team up. 

Outside, Player 124 convinces Myung-gi to pair up. The latter reluctantly agrees, wanting to finish his task as soon as possible and find Jun-hee. The episode ends with the Red Team entering the arena. Gi-Hun is the last among them, claiming that it’s “his” fault (most likely pertaining to Dae-ho) before stepping inside. 

The Final Verdict

While there was no complete game yet in episode one, the build-up was pretty amazing and intense, weaving back stories, plot branches, and helping audiences piece puzzles of information together to see how they fit into the bigger picture. 

Just from that 57-minute pilot, you can tell that the rest of the season is going to be filled with emotional outbursts and a whole lot of betrayal, especially in the next episode, as players are once again forced to team up. And in “Squid Game” language, we already know that teaming up doesn’t always mean better, and will most likely ends up in a disaster — yes, we’re talking about Season 2’s Mingle. 

There’s a lot of build-up for betrayal, and this season makes it impossible to predict what will happen next. The writer definitely made the storyline so intricate and packed, weaving mind games with death games with practiced ease. 

We love the way each scene was arranged, as it kept viewers wanting more. Just when something exciting or terrible is about to happen or be revealed, it cuts to another plot branch with an equally satisfying and frustrating situation. We believe this is what makes this pilot a strong start to the season. It’s balanced, delivering tension and action, but never rushes the story. It builds anticipation scene by scene, kind of like that slow gasp of inhale before a scream. 

This episode also proves that “Squid Game” still knows how to reinvent fear as it once again turns a simple children’s game into something terrifying. We knew it was only a matter of time before Hide and Seek made it into the lineup, as it presents the perfect setting for a suspenseful gameplay experience. Although we’ve yet to see the actual game unfold, we already know the stakes will be higher with the leading cast belonging to separate teams. The end of episode 1 gave us a sense of quiet dread as we began to ask if the game’s frontman, Gi-hun, would truly kill Dae-ho once presented with the chance and ultimately give in to the game’s brutal mind games. Or will there be another rebellion on the horizon? There will surely be jump scares — both in the form of players and plot — and betrayal just waiting around the corner.  

Visually, Squid Game has always been stunning, not just in how shots were framed — putting emphasis on the characters’ emotions and their thought process — but also in the setting. 

It’s ironic how these arenas have pastel and vibrant set designs, which only makes the color of blood of every fallen player stand out even more. The Hide and Seek arena looked right out of a child’s bedroom, complete with the bluish, dim lighting and glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling. It reminded us of the monsters hiding under our bed, and the series just amplified that fear by presenting viewers with their possible childhood traumas. 

Tense, scary, and razor-sharp in both pacing and storytelling, “Squid Game” Season 3 is already living up to the hype, and there’s no doubt that it’s only going to get even more intense from here as the games near their climax and end. We’re giving this first episode a solid 4 BEATS. 

Let the final games begin. Watch “Squid Game” on Netflix today. 

For updates on the latest movies and series, follow Netflix on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. 

Idol by day, exorcists by night. Who would’ve known that that simple premise would take the world by storm? 

If you’ve been on social media lately, especially within K-Pop circles, you’ve probably seen photos of fierce-looking idols slaying monsters or reels of a gorgeous boy band singing to a boppy summer tune — who suspiciously looks like animated versions of some of our K-Pop biases (*coughs* BTS). It’s crazy how much content Netflix’s latest supernatural animated flick, “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” has online.

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the animated musical fantasy-action-comedy film follows a powerhouse K-Pop girl group who moonlight as demon hunters — safeguarding their fans and the entire city with their magical voices from soul-hungry demons. However, a threat to their mission comes in the form of a demon boy band who plans to steal their fans and destroy the very barrier that prevents demons from infiltrating the surface world.

The film had an impressive release weekend on the streaming platform, skyrocketing to No. 1 Netflix’s global film category across 26 countries, according to FlixPatrol. No surprise there considering its powerhouse cast that includes Arden Cho (“Partner Track”), Ahn Hyo-seop (“Business Proposal”) who’s making his debut in English-language voice work, Lee Byung-hun (“Squid Game”), and actor-comedia Ken Jeong (“The Hangover” and “I Can See Your Voice”). 

Viewers are absolutely loving it, the film receiving mostly positive reviews, praised for its animation, storyline, soundtrack, and voice acting. So, of course, we had to see it for ourselves, and safe to say, we get the hype. Here’s why we believe “K-Pop Demon Hunters” should be added to your watchlists.

Blackpink Meets Buffy

Badass chicks as demon slayers? Not a new concept. But we can’t even fault this film for lacking originality in that aspect because K-Pop is a whole different world, and to watch a chart-topping K-Pop idol group slaying beasts, while singing and eating in those fantastic costumes? It’s top-tier content. 

The story follows idol girl group, Huntrix, composed of Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), who live double lives as demon hunters. For centuries, demons have preyed on humans, feeding their souls to the demon king, Gwi-Ma (Lee Byung-hun). A group of three women eventually rose as hunters to create a magical barrier called the Honmoon, sealing the demons in their underground realm. The legacy continued through generations, with each trio of singers maintaining the Honmoon, and in the present time, it’s Huntrix’s job to protect the world and make sure the Honmoon becomes golden, which means sealing the demons for good. 

Everything is going well until it’s revealed that Rumi is part demon and has been slowly transforming into a full-fledged one, which is shown through the appearance of patterns on her skin. Worse, it’s also making her unable to sing properly. As if that problem wasn’t bad enough, a new K-Pop group comes into town, calling themselves the Saja Boys, and determined to steal their fans. 

One thing we love about this film is that it’s wholly Korean; the storyline, characters, and other elements are deeply rooted in Korean mythology. Take the concept of the Honmoon, which is steeped in the Korean ideas of purification and ritual protection. The demons in the film were seen wearing black robes with wide-brimmed hats, which is a nod to the jeosung saja, who are the grim reapers of Korean myth. And yes, the demon boy band “Saja Boys” wore these outfits in one of their performances, too. The only difference was that instead of ferrying souls the way grim reapers do, the demons are stealing them, which warps the mythology in a sinister but clever way. 

Korean pop culture was also everywhere, from the K-Drama meet-cutes (“Love Maybe” will always be an iconic meet-cute track) to K-Pop things like concerts, fan signings, and dare we say it — the shipping of members! The movie knew its audience and was able to present Korean culture in a comedic and cute way without being mocking. 

The animation also featured a bold hybrid aesthetic, with characters displaying anime-inspired expressions. The way they blended chibi, angular, and exaggerated facial morphs matched the emotional tone of a scene, making it funny but also aesthetically pleasing when it needed to be. It also helped that these characters looked familiar, mimicking the different personas existing in a K-Pop band’s group chemistry, like the maknae (baby of the group), the visual center, and the one who always shows off his abs. Director Maggie Kang even said in an interview that Saja Boys’ character designs were inspired by real-life K-Pop idols such as BTS, Stray Kids, Monsta X, and ATEEZ. The amount of posts and fanarts this fictional boy group is getting on social media recently also shows just how realistic they are as idols. 

Story-wise, it was also commendable. It was paced very well, the characters were well-written and easy to empathize with; the conflict is sound, and the themes it covered like the duality of identity — balancing one’s public persona with hidden truths, intertwined with women empowerment, sisterhood, and authenticity made this film relevant today and easy to relate to. 

We would say, however, that we wished some of the other side characters had a little bit more backstory, like how we only ever get to see most of Rumi’s story and internal struggles, and little about the other girls in the group, which we thought were also main characters in their own right. There were also the other members of the Saja Boys — did they just run with Jinu’s idea of forming a boy group? Do they also have shame that they wish they could change? What’s their story?

These questions kept running through our heads, which only meant that the characters were designed in such a way that left us wanting to know more about them. A good thing! But it also meant not being completely satisfied with the story because you can only show so much in an hour and a half movie. Now, if it were a series, then perhaps things would be different. 

Demon Time Goes Pop

Since it’s a movie based on K-Pop idols, music would naturally play a huge role, and safe to say this film did not disappoint. They didn’t have to go that hard with the songs, but the soundtrack is good enough to top Melon charts and is so K-Pop-coded that many viewers have the music currently on repeat (us included)! 

Not to mention, they were vocally sound, which is thanks to the talented Korean singers and producers who provided their singing voices, such as producer EJAE (Rumi), rapper Rei Ami (Zoey), R&B star Audrey Nuna (Mira), and singer-producer Andrew Choi (Jinu). Even Broadway legend Lea Salonga lent her voice for Celine, who was Rumi’s guardian, and former U-KISS member Kevin Woo was one of the Saja Boys as Mystery. 

Korea’s national girl group, TWICE, also made a cameo at the end, as they provided their rendition of Huntrix’s “Takedown.”

Some other standout tracks included “Golden,” which is the song Huntrix used at a significant point in the film. Every K-Pop girl has a girl power anthem, and this didn’t disappoint with its catchy chorus, flowing melody, and empowering lyrics. 

Meanwhile, the Saja Boys’ infectious “Soda Pop” is the epitome of every K-Pop boy group’s summer anthem. The animators nailed the looks, the vibes, and even the impressive dance choreography. And just like every boy band, they gave us dual personalities, and performed a villain song in their demon forms that probably gave Disney a run for their money. “Your Idol” is thrilling, dripping with irony, as it’s supposedly a love song from an idol to the fans, but the tone and word choice in the lyrics come off as obsessive, possessive, and downright unhinged. 

And of course, let’s not forget Rumi and Jinu’s “Free,” which gave us all the feels as these two characters sprinkled a bit of romance into the storyline. Are they lovers? You’ll have to watch and find out!

Final Verdict

Representation in film is always a good thing, and “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is one movie that embraces its culture and roots. It presented all the fascinating elements in the K-Pop world, set in the vibrant city of Seoul, which gave viewers a glimpse into their music, food, and entertainment culture. 

Even more, this movie was designed to stir fandoms, which gave people in those circles much to discuss, inspiring people to make more art, whether that’s through fan art, song covers, or cosplay. So we’d say ten points for audience impact! 

If you’re looking for a movie with a sound storyline, killer soundtrack, and impressive animation, look no further. This is action with heart at its finest.

You can watch “K-Pop Demon Hunters” on Netflix. Watch the trailer here. 

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