Westlife Uses AI Technology to Release Mandarin Song
Asia/ Vibe/ Artists

Irish Boyband Westlife Drops Mandarin Single Using AI Tech

Westlife Photo by Live Nation International

Westlife just made waves in the international music scene by using artificial intelligence (AI) to release a song in Mandarin.

Fans were excited to hear the quartet’s rendition of the 2016 Jason Zhang hit, “Love + Courage.” However, the Irish hitmakers— Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan—didn’t actually sing on the track. It was created using the software Kogou AIK, the world’s first multilingual AI singing technology.

The “Fool Again” singers were thrilled to share the new track with their Chinese fans. “The fan response from us singing 'The Ordinary Road' in Mandarin was truly overwhelming and this just felt like it could be another fun thing to do for our Chinese fans,” they said in a statement.

Despite the track being completely AI-generated, Westlife was deeply involved in the creative process and was also fully involved in the final version. The single was released on June 25 and garnered more than a million streams in its first week.

“It took months to get it right as we wanted it to be the perfect reflection of our voices and we are thrilled with the final version. It’s hugely exciting. We hope our Chinese fans love it!”

The group collaborated with Tencent Music Entertainment (TME), the label behind Kougou Music’s AI technology. Reports said that the technology can completely imitate a person’s voice just after reading or singing a few lines. It also enables users to sing and record songs in 10 languages and 15 Chinese dialects including English, Japanese, Korean, Cantonese, and Hokkien.

Westlife has fostered a strong relationship with China and TME since the release of their “Wild Dreams” album in 2021. They also took part in the company’s annual non-profit program the following year and showed a deep love for their Chinese fans throughout the “If Music Has a Shape” campaign.

“This ongoing mutual dedication is why we have chosen Westlife as the first international artist to collaborate with to release AI music,” TME said in a statement.

“We hope to use AI technology to bring Westlife ‘a bit closer’ to their fans in China. This aligns perfectly with Tencent Music Entertainment's corporate mission of ‘creating endless possibilities with music and technology.'"

For updates on Westlife's tour activities and new singles, follow them on Instagram.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

This Week's Events Across Asia View more

This Week's Events Across Asia

Asia/ Vibe/ Happenings
Mnet’s Reality K-Pop Show ‘Boys II Planet C’ to Hold Open Auditions in Asia
Boys Planet Photo by Instagram/@boysplanet.official

Do you have what it takes to be the next K-Pop sensation? An upcoming K-Pop survival show is searching for young talents in Asia to become potential contestants this February and March!

“Boys II Planet C” is the sequel to “Boys Planet,” which launched in 2023 and led to the formation of K-Pop boy group ZEROBASEONE. The “C” stands for Chinese and is one of the two programs under the “Boys II Planet” project that will broadcast simultaneously in Mandarin and Korean on Mnet. The shows will produce two separate groups that will debut at the same time and ultimately lead a new generation of K-Pop. This reminds us of how EXO was introduced back in 2011 and how the twelve members were divided into Korean (EXO-K) and Mandarin (EXO-M) sub-groups. 

TVN Asia announced earlier this month that open auditions will be held in several cities across Asia, kicking off in Beijing and Shanghai on Feb. 21 before heading to Singapore on Feb. 28. Talented hopefuls from Selangor and Taipei will have their turn on Mar. 1 while Bangkok, Hoh Chi Minh City, and Hong Kong auditions will be held on Mar. 2.

You can apply to be a contestant on the show via their official website until Mar. 2. But before you get your songs and dance moves ready, do note that you will only have one chance to show them what you’ve got so make it count! Here are the qualifications:

  • Open to boys worldwide who are passionate about K-Pop.
  • Must be born before Jan. 12, 2012.
  • Open to independent trainees, agency trainees, and debut artists.
  • Must be able to travel internationally without restrictions. 

Applicants will have to submit a one-minute video showcasing either their singing, rapping, or dancing skills, as well as a self-introduction and photographs. More details can be found here.

Follow tvN Asia on Facebook and Instagram for updates. 

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
“What Do You Mean That Song’s Old?” Songs from 2005 to 2015 That Defined Us
25 year old songs copy

Chronic back pain, increasing introversion, and a playlist full of certified hits from a decade (or two, or more) ago—Well, that’s it. We’re all getting older. And time definitely flies when you’re listening to good music.

Nostalgia, among other things, is what’s keeping this generation sane even with the pains of growing old. But here’s the ultimate sign of aging: the songs that once felt like yesterday’s hits? Officially titled as throwback tracks now. That means all the songs you danced to at parties, the emo anthems you blasted in your headphones, and the chart-toppers that filled your MP3 players (or iPod shuffle, whoops) are all hitting a certain age this year.

In 2015, we all jammed to “Hotline Bling” and started using music streaming platforms. In 2010, we witnessed Kesha’s iconic debut into the industry with “Tik Tok” and the birth of One Direction. In 2005, well, if we were old enough to remember, it’s probably us having fun with LimeWire and figuring out how YouTube worked.

So, let’s hit rewind and take a trip down memory lane. These iconic songs from 2015, 2010, and 2005 are officially turning 10, 15, and 20 years old this year. Time for us to look back at the songs that made us who we are today.

Songs Turning 10 Years Old in 2025

“Hello” – Adele

Starting off strong with Adele, we could describe "Hello" as the comeback song of the decade. The song (and the album) was a massive global success, topping record charts everywhere, and is one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.

Adele’s emotional ballad of nostalgia and regret had us in a chokehold and got us reflecting on all of our past heartbreaks.

“Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd

It wasn’t a pop playlist in 2015 without this song. Ranked as the Best Song of 2015 by Rolling Stone, nominated for two Grammy Awards, a certified diamond by the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA), and described as a “pop perfection,” "Can't Feel My Face" was undeniably a big part of 2015. 

This was the song that catapulted The Weeknd into the mainstream and is currently one of the most influential artists of his generation.

“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

Though technically released in 2014, this song was the hit that basically defined 2015. You’ve heard this song everywhere—in weddings, parties, clubs, school events, and in every commercial.

This started Bruno Mars’ foray into the funk-pop genre, and what started his current image and influence in the music industry. "Uptown Funk" defined the year and with everyone across the globe trying to emulate Bruno Mars’ soul and swagger image.

“Bang Bang Bang” – BIGBANG

Making a switch over to K-Pop, this song is a cult classic and one of the biggest K-pop anthems of all time. You didn’t have to be a K-pop fan to know this track; it was being played in clubs, parties, everywher.

"Bang Bang Bang" was ranked as the best-performing single in South Korea during the time, and it meshed well with the rising trend of the trap genre becoming mainstream. It also catapulted BIGBANG into the K-pop royalty status that we all know of today.

“Love Me Right” – EXO

You just had to be there when this song got released. EXO and SM were figuratively at each other’s throats behind the scenes at the time, but this song had character, vocals, vibes, everything.

From their dark and grungier concepts, EXO made a switch and turned into the bright, fresh, and sporty-looking boys that are still passionate about their craft. Oh, did we mention "Love Me Right" made the Billboard World Digital Songs Chart at the time?

“Dumb Dumb” – Red Velvet

Red Velvet was already on everyone’s radar since their debut in 2014, and this song solidified their position as an emerging girl group with their “red” concept. Apart from it rising through the charts, and its tribute to Michael Jackson with the rap break, the song was a hit, and no one could deny it.

Plus, "Dumb Dumb" is one of Red Velvet’s quirkiest songs to date, gaining them international recognition as a result. 

“See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

2013 was the year the world lost Paul Walker and in 2015, the world became emotional after “Furious 7” gave him a fitting tribute. "See You Again" was commissioned for the movie’s soundtrack, got everyone in tears, and eventually became the best-selling song of 2015 worldwide.

A certified Diamond, nominated for three Grammy awards, and is one of the most streamed songs of all time on Spotify. No one’s going to deny this song’s relevance—ever.

Songs Turning 15 Years Old in 2025

“Tik Tok” – Kesha

Surely, no one’s ever going to skip this track. If there was any song that made the year, it would be this one. "Tik Tok" was on everybody's party playlist, and even if you were too young to know what the lyrics were about, you still sang along and copied Kesha from the music video.

Fun fact: it’s one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. Iconic.

“California Gurls” and “Teenage Dream” – Katy Perry

It wouldn’t be 2010 if you weren’t singing along to any of Katy Perry’s hits, to be honest. The “Teenage Dream” album had hit after hit, and these two were the crème of the crop. On one hand, “California Gurls” was the summer anthem of that year. On the other, “Teenage Dream” gave a dreamy, nostalgia, and a romantic yearning we all loved.

Katy Perry gave sugar and spice, with a little bit of teenage angst on the side; what 2010 looked like for a lot of us who grew up with the pop star.

“Like a G6” – Far East Movement

There wasn’t any club song that hit as much as this did. If you were partying and clubbing to this song, you were lit. This cultural phenomenon of a song was infectious, climbed up the charts, and a certified hit.

And, "Like a G6" is actually a song of empowerment for the Asian-American community, giving a platform for the community to celebrate its heritage.

“Lucifer” – SHINee

“Loverholic, robotronic..” Oh, we were definitely curious with this one, and everyone saw and heard this song at some point during 2010. A powerhouse track from SHINee, "Lucifer" immediately rose up the charts and was declared by known publications as one of the best K-pop songs of the decade and in history.

Even if everyone didn’t enjoy it at the time, SHINee was definitely ahead of everyone else.

“Run Devil Run” – Girls’ Generation

This was a huge departure from Girls’ Generation’s already established bubblegum pop image, and everyone ate it up. You can even consider this as one of the earliest “girl crush” concepts in the K-pop industry, and the song was a hit in numerous Asian countries.

Why is "Run Devil Run" a part of the list? They’re Girls’ Generation; they can never release a bad song.

“Love The Way You Lie” – Eminem ft. Rihanna

Rihanna’s hook? Eminem’s intense and powerful rap? The song was dope, relatable, and was described as “Eminem’s closest approach to a love song.” The song talked about abusive relationships, which are still very relevant today.

"Love The Way You Lie" also ranked in many best-of-2010 lists and got nominated for five Grammy awards and won the People’s Choice Awards for “Favorite Music Video” and “Favorite Song.”

For those in need of additional support due to a domestic relationship, here is a list of international resources.

“Just The Way You Are” – Bruno Mars

Everyone knows this song word for word, and we heard it playing everywhere and at every event possible. This was Bruno Mars’ debut solo single, and what got him on the radar across the globe.

"Just The Way You Are" spent a total of 48 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a certified thirteen times platinum, and won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2011. This song was a real hit, and it helped define our 2010.

Songs Turning 20 Years Old in 2025

“Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani

This song wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural moment. A 35-year-old woman spelling bananas on the track? The earworm of the marching band beat heard all throughout? Totally iconic.

The song was certified six-times platinum, Billboard ranked it second place on their 2005 Year-End Hot 100 chart, and it was the first single to ever sell one million digital downloads in the year. Gwen Stefani cemented her solo career outside her band, No Doubt, thanks to "Hollaback Girl."

“Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson

This was the breakup anthem of the 2000s, and one of Kelly Clarkson’s best tracks to date. Originally written for Pink, Kelly Clarkson decided to make it hers with heavier guitar riffs and harder drums. She even went on to become the pop-rock queen we all know and love.

"Since U Been Gone" received positive reviews from music critics who declared it as one of the best pop songs in the last decade. The song was a commercial success, too. So, it’s a win-win for both pop culture and music.

“Breakaway” – Kelly Clarkson

Also from Kelly Clarkson, this song can be remembered as a soundtrack for “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.” The lyrics follow Kelly Clarkson’s journey to self-improvement and was relatable for everyone (especially girls).

The song was a veer away from Kelly Clarkson’s pop-rock tracks, but this one was a hit anyway. And we’ll sing along to "Breakaway" every single time it queues.

“Girls on Top” – BoA

BoA was way ahead of her time for "Girls on Top." A song about women empowerment in 2005? She really is the queen of K-pop. This track also showed a change in BoA’s image, where she originally had lighter concepts and feminine visuals.

“Rising Sun” – TVXQ

Another track that was ahead of its time, TVXQ had the fourth best-selling album in South Korea in 2005. This legendary song also helped push TVXQ into international fame, and its intense energy, cinematic MV, and powerful choreography made it into a cult classic in the industry.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” – Green Day

Undeniably one of the most emo songs of the 2000s, this song is still one of Green Day’s signature tracks to date. People resonated with "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and played this track on repeat, blaring on their headphones and radios.

“Don’t Cha” – The Pussycat Dolls ft. Busta Rhymes

If you were looking for an it-girl anthem from this year, it must be this one. All the popular girls were shaking their hips to "Don't Cha," trying to embody the vibes The Pussycat Dolls were giving.

This R&B track is The Pussycat Dolls’ signature song, and they cemented themselves as one of the girl groups that started it all. They got nominated for the Top Selling Single of the Year at the 2005 Billboard Music Awards and were certified platinum in 2011.

So, Why Do These Songs Still Matter?

Three things: they defined their time, they’re still being played today, and they bring back memories. The list could go on forever, but these are just some of the biggest cultural moments in music from 2005, 2010, and 2015.

Any songs we missed out on? Tell us what you think deserves a spot on this list on The Beat Asia’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages!

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Announces Comeback with 'AMORTAGE' EP
Photo 7 Photo by officialBLISSOO/X (Formerly Twitter)

After weeks of speculation since the release of the mysterious teaser, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo finally announces her highly-anticipated comeback with a mini album release on Feb. 14, 2025!

After almost two years since releasing her solo debut single, “Flower,” and achieving global success, Jisoo is set to give her fans a little more love with her forthcoming EP, “AMORTAGE,” on Valentine’s Day. The album title merges the French word for love, “amor,” with the cinematic term “montage,” and plans to capture “the essence of love’s journey — fleeting moments stitched together into a vivid, unforgettable reel.”

Jisoo’s personal label, Blissoo, unveiled the timeline for the album’s release last Jan. 27 on all their social media pages, further hyping fan’s excitement. According to the post, Jisoo will be releasing various content from concept photos and tracklist spoilers to music video teasers leading up to the release on Feb. 14.

Pre-orders are also scheduled for Feb. 3 and a special event will be held on the album’s release day. More details will be revealed in the coming weeks, according to the agency.

Amortage Timeline
Photo from X (Formerly Twitter)/@officialBLISSOO

Apart from her musical activities, Jisoo is also starring in Coupang Play’s original Zombie thriller, “Newtopia,” which is premiering on Feb. 27. This marks the singer's second TV series appearance following JTBC’s “Snowdrop” in 2021 where she starred alongside Jung Hae-In.

Follow Jisoo on Instagram or Blissoo on X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
From Ddakji to Red Light: How to Play the Iconic Games from Squid Game
How to Play Ddakji Squid Game and More

Squid Game took the world by storm when it premiered on Netflix in 2021, becoming the platform’s most-watched series with over 330 million viewers. The South Korean dystopian thriller features childhood games turned into deadly challenges, captivating audiences with its gripping story and sharp social commentary.

With Season 2 now streaming, the stakes are higher and the games are more twisted than ever. How did these seemingly innocent childhood pastimes transform into the nerve-wracking spectacles that define Squid Game?

Let’s dive into the games that have kept fans on the edge of their seats across both seasons.

Games from Squid Game Season 1

Ddakji

The simple yet strategic game kicked off the series. Two players take turns using their folded paper tiles (ddakji) to try and flip their opponent’s tile on the ground. If they can flip it, they get a point. Now, would you want to play this with The Recruiter?

Here's a quick four-minute guide on how to make your own ddakji:

Red Light, Green Light

A deceptively cheerful game begins the deadly competition. Players must move toward the finish line when Young-hee, the eerie doll, announces “Green Light” and freeze when it says “Red Light.” Any movement detected after “Red Light” results in immediate elimination. With only five minutes to cross the field, every step is a tense gamble in the show.

You can play this game in real life — sans motion detectors and snipers. Assign someone who will act as "Young-hee," and they will stand with their back turned on the players who are assembled a few meters away. "Young-hee" will have free rein when they can say "Green Light" or "Red Light," turning as they shout the latter. As the game goes in the series, players' end goal is to cross the distance between them and "Young-hee" without being eliminated. "Green Light" means they can move towards the finish line, and "Red Light" means they must freeze. Anyone who continues to move during "Red Light" will be eliminated — figuratively, not literally.

Dalgona

This game turns a childhood treat into a nerve-wracking challenge. Players select one of four shapes — circle, triangle, star, or umbrella — and receive a honeycomb cookie with their chosen design in the center. Players must carefully cut out the shape in 10 minutes using a needle, ensuring it remains intact.

Check out this easy guide on how to make your own dalgona cookie using just two ingredients:

Tug-of-War

More than just a test of strength, this classic game requires teamwork and strategy. Teams of 10 face off on towering platforms, pulling a rope to topple their opponents. In Season 1, Gi-hun’s team shows that brains can triumph over brawn as the losing team plunges to their doom.

An iconic game that crosses cultures, this group game only requires two groups (how many players per group depends on you) and a rope. Agree on a middle point between the two groups as that point will determine which group wins. The goal is for your team to "tug" the rope until the other group crosses over the line towards you.

Marbles

Perhaps the most emotional game of the series, this round pits friends and allies against one another. Players pair up, and each duo chooses their own marble game. The goal is to win all 10 marbles from the opponent within 30 minutes.

The game presented various ways of earning all marbles from their opponent. One of the easiest games was throwing your marble further than your opponent; the furthest marble wins. Another is best played outdoors as you need to craft a shallow pit in the sand or dirt and the goal is to throw your marble into that pit.

Glass Bridge

Players must cross a bridge made of 18 pairs of glass panels, with each pair consisting of one tempered (safe) tile and one normal (breakable) tile. With no way to identify which is which, every step could be a player’s last. The 16-minute time limit adds even more pressure to the deadly guessing game.

Unlike the other games in this list, this deadly game doesn't have a real-life counterpart.

Squid Game

The final showdown takes place on a squid-shaped playground. The attacker’s goal is to hop on one foot through the court’s boundaries and reach the squid’shead.” Defenders can run on two feet, trying to block or push the attacker out of bounds. In this ultimate test of wit and willpower, only one can emerge victorious.

Here's an easy-to-follow how-to video so you can try it out yourselves. Next team-building, anyone?

Games from Squid Game Season 2

Rock, Paper, Scissors, Minus One

A twist on the classic game, this version requires players to form rock, paper, or scissors with both hands, then remove one hand to reveal their final choice. The remaining hand determines the winner, keeping players on edge as they anticipate their opponent’s strategy.

But let's hear it straight from The Recruiter himself:

Six-Legged Pentathlon

This thrilling relay combines five mini-games that test both individual skill and teamwork:

  • Ddakji: Flip the opponent’s paper tile with precise throws.
  • Flying Stone: Throw a stone to knock over another stone while staying behind a line. Miss, and your team must retrieve it before trying again.
  • Gong-gi: Toss five dice in increasingly tricky patterns, then catch them all on the back of your hand to finish.
  • Spinning Top: Use a cord to spin a top, requiring coordination and technique. A failed attempt means starting over.
  • Jegi: Kick a shuttlecock-like object five times in a row without letting it fall. Success in each game is crucial to advancing within the five-minute limit.

It could be quite a lot to absorb. Luckily, Netflix dropped a mini-game tutorial featuring the pink guards:

Mingle

Mingle is reminiscent of Musical Chairs, but with a twist. Players must find a room along the perimeter of the hall and enter it with the exact number of people required. Failing to enter a room or being in a group with an incorrect number results in elimination.

If there's any song in the series that we couldn't quite get out of our heads, it would have to be the traditional Korean nursery rhyme "Round and Round." This game requires a bit of preparation and honestly, who would have so many rooms in a single venue? Netflix's video below explains the rules of Mingle, but here's how you can play it without the need for so many rooms.

In a large venue, have everyone gather in the middle and craft "rooms" or multiple squares along the perimeter using tape. Since the borders aren't as physical as a wall, you'll need plenty of eyes to monitor the groups and ensure people aren't crossing from one "room" to another. Good luck!

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
‘28 Years Later’ is Coming This 2025: Guide to the ‘28’ Series
28 Years Later is Coming This 2025 Guide to the 28 Series Photo by 28 Days Later/Facebook

With the “28 Years Later” trailer shattering records — amassing nearly 150 million views and becoming the second-most-watched horror trailer of all time — the excitement for this long-awaited installment is undeniable.

As fans gear up for the film’s June 20 release, it’s the perfect time to revisit the “28” series. This post-apocalyptic franchise redefined modern horror with its chilling depiction of a world ravaged by the Rage Virus. Here’s a look back at the films that started it all and what to expect from the next chapter.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

‘28 Days Later’ (2002)

Official Poster of 28 Days Later Movie the First Movie of the 28 Series
Website/Sony Pictures

Release Date: June 27, 2003

Running Time: 1 hour, 53 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes: 87%

Under the direction of Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, “28 Days Later” begins with a group of animal rights activists who break into a laboratory to free chimpanzees. They're no regular chimps, however, as they're infected with "Rage Virus," and the activists become patient zero in what very quickly becomes an epidemic that spreads across the nation.

28 days later, Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma to find London eerily deserted. The Rage Virus, a deadly and highly contagious infection, has turned people into violent creatures.

This isn’t a zombie movie in the traditional sense. The infected are fast, brutal, and terrifyingly human, making survival even harder. The film’s gritty style and haunting shots of an empty Westminster Bridge made it a game-changer for horror movies.

Good news for fans and newcomers: “28 Days Later” is finally available for digital streaming on Amazon. It’s been hard to find for years, so now’s the perfect time to catch up.

‘28 Weeks Later’ (2007)

Release Date: May 11, 2007

Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes: 72%

Set six months after the initial outbreak, “28 Weeks Later” follows NATO’s efforts to repopulate and rebuild London. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the movie shifts focus to a larger scale but keeps the intense, personal horror of the first film.

The story centers on Tammy (Imogen Poots) and Andy (Mackintosh Muggleton), two siblings whose actions accidentally bring the Rage Virus back into the safe zone, throwing everything into chaos. Packed with action, the film includes unforgettable scenes like the firebombing of London and desperate escapes through the London Underground.

This movie focuses mainly on the human experience amid the chaos. Don (Robert Carlyle), who abandoned his wife Alice (Catherine McCormack) during the outbreak, becomes a key figure as his choices lead to disaster. The movie shows how small decisions can cause huge problems.

If you love a good buildup, “28 Weeks Later” has plenty of quieter moments that prepare you before the tension ramps up. The film builds the dread before everything falls apart, especially when the “safe zone” becomes a nightmare. You can't help but root for the Scarlet (Rose Byrne) and Sgt. Doyle (Jeremy Renner) as they do their best to save the kids.

When the virus reaches Europe at the end, the chilling final shot will leave you craving the next chapter.

You can stream “28 Weeks Later” on Disney+.

‘28 Years Later’ (2025)

28 Years Later Official Movie Poster Post Apocalyptic Horror Film 2025
Website/Sony Pictures

Eighteen years after the last film was shown, the franchise is back with “28 Years Later.” Danny Boyle and Alex Garland return alongside cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle to continue the story.

This time, we follow Isla (Jodie Comer), her husband Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and their son as they live on a fortified island off Northumberland. But their trip to the mainland reveals dark secrets and new threats in a world that’s learned to live with the infected. With Ralph Fiennes joining the cast and a gripping plot, fans can expect a thrilling return to this horrifying universe.

The film’s trailer has already broken global records. If that’s any sign, this installment is set to be just as impactful as its predecessors.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Asia/ Vibe/ Happenings
The 2025 Oscars Nominations Are Out, Musicals Take The Lead!
Photo Photo by Facebook/TheAcademy

Nominations for the 97th Academy Awards (a.k.a. The Oscars) have just been announced and movie musicals proved to be this year’s biggest contenders as “Emilia Pérez” takes the lead with 13 nominations, followed by “Wicked” and “The Brutalist” with ten nominations each.

Actors Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennot hosted the live broadcast last Thursday (Jan. 23), presenting the nominations for the film industry’s most prestigious top prize. The Oscars will air on Mar. 2, 2025 on ABC, live from The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with Conan O’Brien set to host the ceremony.

Emilia Pérez” has seen success earlier this month when it won Best Motion Picture at The 82nd Golden Globes, the show’s top prize, along with three other awards. The Spanish-language musical stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez, and is about a Mexican cartel leader who hires a lawyer to help her disappear and transition into a woman. Despite the controversies surrounding the movie, it was honored with thirteen nominations including Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, Best Actress in a Leading and Supporting Role for Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldaña, Best Cinematography, and Best Director for Jacques Audiard.

The beloved Broadway musical film adaptation “Wicked” defied all gravity in terms of box office success as it soared to the top of the charts, even winning the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award at the Golden Globes. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both received nods from The Academy and were nominated for Best Actress in a Leading and Supporting Role, respectively. Rumor has it that Cynthia is only one Oscar away from achieving EGOT status! The film also received nominations for Best Picture, Best Music, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.

ICYDK, this is the first time since 1968, when “Funny Girl” and “Oliver!” were nominated, that two musicals were nominated in the Best Picture category.

Meanwhile, the dark drama “The Brutalist” was recognized for its stunning cinematography and acquired ten nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor in Leading Role for Adrien Brody, Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role for Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones, as well as Best Director.

Other Best Picture nominees include “Anora,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” Dune: Part Two,” “I’m Still Here,” “Nickel Boys,” and “The Substance.” You can also expect to see a start-studded night this March — and new faces on the nominees' row as much of the acting categories were dominated by first-time nominees such as Demi Moore (“The Substance”), Ariana Grande ("Wicked"), Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”), and Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”).

To see the complete list of nominations, click here. Follow The Academy on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Formerly Twitter) for updates.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Asia/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
GOT7 Makes Their Return to Music With 13th EP 'Winter Heptagon' on Jan. 20
20250122 Got7 Photo by GOT7/X

GOT7, one of the third-generation K-Pop groups that defined the genre in the past years, has finally made their full-group comeback after three years.

Their 13th EP, “Winter Heptagon” and the music video for its title track, “Python” were released on Jan. 20, 2025, under a partnership with Kakao Entertainment. It is their first group release since their departure from their former agency, JYP Entertainment, in 2021 and the release of their self-titled EP.

This comeback also marks the celebration of GOT 7’s 11 years in the K-Pop industry. South Korean media has described their most recent music as “resonance rather than a sound,” with the group deciding to exist “through their hearts, not through a contract.”

Winter Heptagon” consists of nine tracks, including the title track “Python.” All songs were co-written and produced by the members of GOT7.

GOT7 will also be holding their first concert in six years, “NESTFEST,” at the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea from Feb. 1 to 2, 2025. The Feb. 2 show will be livestreamed for international fans via Beyond LIVE. Tickets are now available through Melon Ticket and Beyond LIVE.

GOT7, consisting of members Jay B, Mark, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom, debuted in 2014 under JYP Entertainment. Known for their songs “A,” “If You Do,” “Hard Carry,” and “You Calling My Name,” the group has made waves internationally for their music.

Since their departure from JYP Entertainment, the group has focused on their solo careers and enlisted for their mandatory military service.

Don’t forget to follow GOT7 on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for more updates on their activities!

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.