Make it a Date: Movies to Watch with Dad this Father’s Day

There are music festivals, and then there’s Sprite Beach Fest — a free, open-to-all, beachfront mega-party that pulled in an estimated crowd of 70,000 and left zero doubts about Coca-Cola knowing exactly what the Gen Zs need. Held in one of Vietnam’s rising destinations, Da Nang, Sprite Beach Fest was more than just a summer celebration — a promise from Sprite that they are glad to deliver every year. The type of celebration that leaves your skin tanned just right after enjoying the beach, your throat sore from singing, your camera roll blessed with endless videos of your favorite artists, and your shoes full of sand. In other words, an unforgettable experience.

First off, the lineup was stacked with Vietnam’s hottest artists, and the event venue had to match that. They chose My Khe Beach, and the vibes were immaculate.

Water cannons blasted over thousands of screaming fans during the initial DJ sets. But this wasn’t just some influencer bait or brand marketing overdrive. Sprite Beach Fest had real substance because that crowd? You can’t fake that energy, no matter how many cute activities, free products, or interactive installations you wave at them.

Vietnam was the perfect crowd. Respectful, hyped, and straight-up energetic. 

People came from all over the country and began lining up the night before. By the time the show was about to start, the energy was so electric that it was literally spilling onto the sidewalks. Yet, no chaos, no pushing, no bad energy — just people sharing in each other’s joy and infecting each other with happiness. It was the kind of space where you could scream your lungs out and still feel like you were in a safe, welcoming space. Fortunately, even as the crowd eventually had the local authorities rerouting traffic due to their sheer volume, everything still went off without a hitch.

Coca-Cola’s decision to host festivals and events like Sprite Beach Fest isn’t just clever marketing — it’s a genuine read of what youth culture in Asia is craving right now. And they’re ready to deliver on the high-energy, music-forward, community-centric gatherings that favor authenticity over aesthetic and vibes over manufacturing viral moments.

The Beat Asia witnessed these gatherings first-hand. 

From last year’s Coke Studio Fandom Concert in Manila to the Sprite Beach Fest in Da Nang, here’s why Coca-Cola events are about more than just chilled drinks- and why you should be at the next one.

Taking Summer to a Whole New Level

Sprite Beach Fest was every bit as loud as possible — and it was just what we needed to cap off the week. Da Nang, while an overall chill city, was ready for a different kind of chill: one that matched the summer heat, local vibe, and beats that you can’t ignore. 

Sprite set up a giant 20-foot inflatable slide that had people landing in a pool of plastic balls, “soda dispenser” showers, a slip-and-slide and see-saw, and a temperature display that said out loud what everybody was feeling: it was hot alright. Thankfully, Sprite also set up a drinks booth to keep the crowd cool as the energy grew hotter.

Then there was the stage. It’s like pairing Waterbomb Festival’s aquatic chaos with the aesthetic and effects of Rolling Loud. 

We’re talking water cannons, pyrotechnics, massive LED screens (aside from the main stage, they also made sure the crowd was well served by placing standalone LED screens in other parts of the venue), and giant speakers that made sure you could hear every note from the artists. Sprite Beach Fest’s organizers weren’t playing safe — clearly, go big or go home was Sprite’s directive. And they succeeded.

Artists Brought the Heat and Immense Coolness

Sprite Beach Fest’s lineup was curated to bring the hottest Vietnamese artists all on one stage, engineered to ignite a crowd that was eager to match their spirit. Each artist brought their signature style and character, matched perfectly with Sprite’s effortlessly cool branding, and conversed with the crowd through their songs. 

Whether you’re a longtime fan or hearing these acts for the first time, everyone was easily swept up in the vibrant energy of the beach fest.

HURRYKNG was the spark that set Sprite Beach Fest on fire. His energy hit just like the first carbonated sip of a freshly opened can of Sprite. He burst onto the stage with a charisma that needed no translation, launching straight into hits like "Một Công Đôi Việc," "Chưa Phải Là Yêu," and "AIRPLANE MODE." 

The crowd immediately locked in and took part in this masterclass in hype-building. HURRYKNG delivered an opening act that raised the bar high — fortunately, however, the rest of the lineup was ready to meet him there.

Next came JSOL, whose stage presence seemed like lightning in a bottle. His set didn’t just entertain, it electrified the audience. Songs like "LOVE SAND" and "NGÁO NGƠ" kept everyone’s energy up as he turned the heat to an 11 on a scale of 10. The confidence, swagger, and vocals hit hard — JSOL made sure his time was something the crowd will remember.

Then came LOW G, stepping in like the calm before a storm. But make no mistake, he didn’t dial down the energy — he just brought a refined version that had the crowd nodding to every beat. His laid-back presence gave way to explosive moments in "An Thần," "Simp Gái 808 (Maiki Remix)," and "HOP ON DA SHOW." The beats were unrelenting but controlled, and the crowd fed off his chill intensity. Sprite is chill, but LOW G is cooler.

When RHYDER took the stage, things escalated fast. It wasn’t just a performance; it was another lesson in crowd participation. He commanded the crowd with ease, and the audience was eager to respond. Whether waving their foam sticks or chanting after RHYDER, there was an instant connection between him and his fans that you can’t script.

But if the night needed a finale to match its fever pitch, Duơng Domic more than delivered. His set was truly unforgettable. Every hit, from "A đến Ă" to "Yêu Em 2 Ngày" and "Mất Kết Nối," felt like it was made for a moment like this. It didn’t matter if you knew the lyrics or not. The crowd became one — vibing, jumping, waving, and singing like there’s no tomorrow. You could almost feel everyone taking a mental snapshot to keep this moment locked in their minds forever.

What Makes Sprite Beach Fest Hit Different?

To understand the soul of Sprite Beach Fest, The Beat Asia spoke to the man in charge. Tin Le, Coca-Cola’s Head of Marketing Vietnam and Cambodia, offered insight into why Sprite doesn’t just host events, they create cultural experiences.

“Vietnam is a country with very long coastlines, so every year, as a summer promise, we want to bring the Sprite activations throughout the country along these areas,” he explained. 

“This has been a promise we have kept for the consumers for three years now, that we celebrate one of the biggest summer occasions on the beach with our consumers in Da Nang.”

For Coca-Cola, Sprite isn’t just a drink; it’s a rallying cry. “Heat Happens, Stay Cool” isn’t just about the temperature. It’s about attitude. “It’s about encouraging people to come out and play. Don’t let the heat block the way…or heated moments bring you down,” he shared. That ethos — pushing past obstacles with high spirits — is something that Sprite stands for.

“So if you want to do something, go ahead and do it. If you want to have fun in the summer heat, or if you like your spicy food, go ahead and enjoy it. Sprite will accompany [you through] all that.”

Music, naturally, fits that message. “Music is the biggest passion point of [the] Vietnamese [people]. But not just the Vietnamese, ASP (Asia-Pacific) consumers and the global consumers as well,” Tin said. 

And it’s not just any music. “If you go through the whole lineup of all the [artists] we have chosen for our concerts, they're all cool singers reflecting [the spirit of our consumers].” 

He added, “The Gen Z consumers, they like to stay cool against whatever challenges are thrown at them. That very positive attitude against all kinds of heated moments…that is something that makes our music connect with them.”

Why You Should Attend the Next Coca-Cola Event

Sprite Beach Fest is just one of Coca-Cola’s many events around the globe, following an evolving blueprint for brand-led entertainment that doesn’t feel like a giant advertisement (despite the huge installations screaming their brand). The plan is simple.

Be where the people are. Celebrate what they care about. Don’t interrupt culture; contribute to it.

Coca-Cola has been testing this across Asia, and the results speak volumes. 

In the Philippines, the Coke Studio: Ultimate Fandom Concert last 2024 turned heads, broke hearts (in a good way), and also lit up the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With a diverse lineup that included NewJeans, ALAMAT, Kyle Echarri, Illest Morena, and Nik Makino, the event tapped into K-Pop stans, P-Pop loyalists, and all-around music lovers who wanted to partake in a night to remember. And Coke gave it to them.

But Sprite Beach Fest isn’t the end. For one, Coke Studio Season 9 is coming soon on Sept. 5, 2025! No details yet on the lineup, but their Instagram post suggests following Coca-Cola's official partners (Jollibee, 7-Eleven, Grab, and Lazada) to find out how you can grab tickets to one of the hottest music festivals in the Philippines.

Following Coke Studio is another major festival in Japan, Coca-Cola X Fes. 2025, which is scheduled for Oct. 11 to 12, 2025 at the Saitama Super Arena, Japan. The lineup, needless to say, is a dream: XG, Creepy Nuts, &TEAM, Camilo, ano, and Natori were recently confirmed to join the festival. Check out their website to find out how to win exclusive Coca-Cola merchandise or tickets to Coca-Cola X Fes. 2025.

It’s clear, though, that Coca-Cola isn’t just reacting to youth culture; they’re helping to shape it. 

Given that “Coke” is reportedly the 2nd most recognized word in the world, just behind “okay,” it’s no wonder that they’re in tune with pop culture — even with every new generation being born. Whether it’s on a Vietnamese beach, Manila arena, or Japanese stadium, their activations are less about visibility and more about credibility. 

Have you ever wondered why Red Bull hosts so many extreme sports events worldwide? This is why.

Sprite Beach Fest proves that the future of brand engagement isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about genuine connection. And Coca-Cola, in all its fizzy, carbonated genius, seems to have cracked the code. For us, though, we still haven’t moved on from the Da Nang fest, which is another way of saying, we will block off our calendars the moment they announce the next Coke happening — and we’ll be there again, ready to sing our lungs out.

Check out their website for more information. Follow Sprite on Instagram and Coca-Cola on Instagram. 

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. 

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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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