The Best Bar in Asia Is Hong Kong's Bar Leone, Again
In fact, the top three of Asia's 50 Best Bars remained unchanged, with Seoul's Zest and Singapore's Jigger & Pony coming in second and third again. It was a momentous night for Bar Leone, the Italian-vibed spot that shook up the drinks world in 2024 when it debuted at the top of the list — barely over a year after opening. In the process, it dethroned Hong Kong's Coa, which held the coveted distinction for three consecutive years.
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Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
‘Squid Game' Over As Media Tires Of Survival Series
Netflix survival thriller series Squid Game has ended its run with a season which got less than half the media coverage it had during the month following its debut four years ago. The Korean streaming show became an almost-overnight success when it was released in September 2021 thanks to its timely viral premise. Its name refers to a deadly series of secret games which cash-strapped players compete in for the chance to win $30 million. The games are overseen by the Front Man, a mysterious character who is clad in black and protected by an army of masked guards in pink jumpsuits. The story is told from the perspective of Seong Gi-hun, a divorced father and indebted gambling addict who lives with his elderly mother. He soon finds that if a player loses a game it results in their death which increases the prize pool. It makes for tense storytelling as Gi-hun triumphs and sets out for revenge against the Front Man only to be told that he can't stop the games because human nature perpetuates them. Squid Game's debut season still stands as Netflix's most-watched show with 265.2 million views in its first 91 days of streaming. Its success was all the more surprising given that the show is in Korean so English viewers have to watch it dubbed or with subtitles. As a result, the show launched with little fanfare and caught the media completely off guard. This is reflected in data from Factiva, a search engine owned by Dow Jones which includes content from 33,000 news, data and information sources in 32 languages. It shows that Squid Game wasn't mentioned in the media at all in June and July 2021, just a matter of months before its debut. It attracted 1,524 articles when it launched in September 2021 and rose almost eight-fold to 11,943 the following month as word spread. Despite its dystopian and far-fetched premise, many viewers remarked on how relatable the show is and there is good reason for this. Squid Game was created, written and directed by South Korean filmmaker Hwang Dong-hyuk who based it on his own economic struggles as well as the class disparity in his home country. This authenticity paid off as the show earned a flurry of awards including six Primetime Emmys and one Golden Globe. As the hype continued to build, it set the scene for season two to get even more media coverage than its predecessor but it was not to be. The second season launched on Boxing Day last year and became Netflix's biggest television debut ever with a total of 126.2 million views across 11 days. However, by then saturation had begun to set in as Squid Game hadn't just taken Netflix by storm, it had also partnered with everything from Domino's pizza to the Duolingo online language learning program in an attempt to drive even more exposure. This appears to have had the opposite effect as the number of times Squid Game was mentioned in the media fell to 7,890 in December last year which presumably would not have happened if the public had still been lapping it up as much as when it debuted. No doubt this wasn't helped by the fact that the show's novelty had worn off and, to his credit, Dong-hyuk could see the writing on the wall. In stark contrast to filmmakers for studios such as Disney, Dong-hyuk said that the third season of Squid Game would be the "finale" and it was filmed back-to-back with the second one. Season three was released in June this year and was yet another knockout for Netflix as it became the first show in the streamer's history to debut at number one in all 93 countries where its users are based. What's more, the 60.1 million views that season three attracted in its first three days were more than any other show has attained in the same period. However, it failed to reach the heady heights of its predecessors and currently stands in third place on the list of the ten most popular non-English Netflix shows of all time as shown in the table below. Tellingly, both the number of views and the number of hours viewed have fallen sharply with the release of each season since the first debuted in 2021. Similarly, Google records show that the peak number of times 'Squid Game' was searched during June this year was around a third lower than in October 2021 following the release of the first season. Likewise, the 5,343 media mentions of the show in June were less than half the total from October four years ago. Both season one and three launched towards the end of the month and the bulk of the media coverage would usually be expected in advance to promote them. A different picture emerges when comparing the coverage during the week of release as the third season leads the way with 2,742 mentions in the media followed by 2,047 for season two and just 227 for the inaugural instalment. This suggests that the core fanbase of Squid Game fans became increasingly interested with every season whilst the wider appeal waned which is why the coverage of the show didn't increase as time went by. It highlights the need for Netflix to continue commissioning new content as even shows which once seemed to be bulletproof can eventually fall in popularity. Squid Game isn't the streamer's only show which is ending in 2025. Hit retro-style supernatural drama Stranger Things will also come to a close with the debut of its fifth season at the end of the year. However, unlike Squid Game, it is finishing on a high as its fourth season became Netflix's most-watched English language series when it debuted in 2022. Squid Game does however still have some fight left in it as an English-language version directed by David Fincher is under development. It is rumoured that it will star Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, who made a cameo in Season 3 of the Korean version. Time will tell whether it can get back to its winning ways in the media.
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Associated Press
Michael Owen Becomes the New Face of GK8: Fastest Growing iGaming Brand
SINGAPORE, Aug. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GK8, Asia's leading platform for interactive gaming and entertainment, has proudly announced football legend Michael Owen as its newest brand ambassador. With a reputation built on trust, security, and a diverse range of gaming options, GK8 continues to expand its influence in the iGaming sector, and Owen's partnership is set to bolster its position in the competitive industry. Related link: A Stellar Partnership for GK8 Michael Owen, a former English football star known for his exceptional skills and quick pace on the field, brings his star power to the fast-growing brand. With years of success both on and off the pitch, Owen's influence will help enhance GK8's visibility across key international markets. The partnership marks a pivotal moment for the company, reflecting its ambition to continue expanding globally while maintaining its commitment to a high standard of user experience. 'It's an honor to be working with such a dynamic and forward-thinking brand like GK8. Their dedication to creating a secure, engaging platform aligns perfectly with my values,' said Michael Owen. 'I look forward to connecting with fans and players in Southeast Asia, sharing in the excitement and entertainment that GK8 offers.' The Rise of GK8 Founded with a vision to bring top-tier gaming experiences to Asia, GK8 has rapidly grown into a major force in the interactive gaming industry. The platform is recognized for its advanced security measures, seamless user interface, and wide selection of games, including sports, lotteries, and multiplayer online options. GK8's unique approach to customer service has helped them build a loyal global community, with users praising its responsive support team and fast transactions. Asia's largest iGaming platform, GK8 is now expanding its reach into markets beyond the region, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. As the platform continues to grow, the inclusion of Michael Owen as its new ambassador will undoubtedly help the brand strengthen its position in key global markets, particularly in the UK and Europe, where Owen is a household name. A Secure and Trusted Platform What sets GK8 apart is its unwavering focus on security and user privacy. The platform operates under stringent regulations, ensuring that every user's data and personal information is handled with the utmost confidentiality. GK8's commitment to offering a safe, encrypted environment for its users is reflected in its partnerships with renowned testing laboratories like BMM Testlabs and iTech Labs. In addition to high-security standards, GK8 ensures that its players have access to the latest, most innovative gaming experiences. The platform is constantly updating its offerings, liaising with international vendors to introduce exciting new games regularly. 'We are extremely proud of the trust our customers place in us,' said a spokesperson from GK8. 'With Michael Owen on board, we're excited to continue delivering world-class service and cutting-edge gaming options, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for our global community.' Supporting Responsible Entertainment While GK8 continues to grow its offerings, the platform remains committed to promoting responsible entertainment. The company's comprehensive support services, 24/7 live chat assistance, and responsible gaming policies ensure that users can engage in a safe and enjoyable environment. Whether new to the platform or a seasoned player, GK8 strives to deliver a rewarding experience while adhering to ethical standards. 'GK8's priority has always been our users' satisfaction and well-being,' the spokesperson continued. 'With a strong emphasis on security, customer service, and an ever-evolving gaming selection, we are proud to be the go-to platform for millions of players worldwide.' Expanding Global Presence Currently available in several Asian markets, GK8 plans to broaden its global reach in the coming years. As it continues to push the boundaries of innovation and security, the brand is set to make a significant impact in new regions. With Michael Owen now acting as the face of GK8, the company is ready to elevate its brand to the next level. This partnership highlights GK8's growth, global ambitions, and commitment to providing the best possible entertainment experience for all of its users. As one of the fastest-growing brands in the interactive gaming sector, GK8 remains steadfast in its mission to lead the way with security, innovation, and world-class service. The collaboration with Michael Owen marks the beginning of a new chapter for the platform, setting the stage for even greater success in the years to come. About GK8 GK8 is owned and operated by GK8 Ltd. registration number: 000047418, registered address: BZAGENTS Limited, Sea Urchin Street, San Pedro,Ambergris Caye, Belize. Contact us [email protected]. GK8 is licensed and regulated by the Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros and operates under License No. ALSI-202505017-FI1. GK8 has passed all regulatory compliance and is legally authorized to conduct gaming operations for any and all games of chance and wagering. For more information about GK8 and the latest gaming offerings, visit Media Contact Brand: GK8 Contact: Media Team Email: [email protected] Website:
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: Has Fantastic Four revived the MCU for you?
The Fantastic Four: The First Steps had its world premiere on Monday (21 July) night and the first reactions to the film were generally positive. The film was under immense pressure and expectations, no doubt due to its troubled cinematic history. Its first iteration under 20th Century Fox in 2005 was a flop. A reboot in 2015, also under 20th Century Fox, reimagined Marvel's First Family as a dark, gritty comic book film but it didn't fare better either. Other polls YAHOO POLL: Will you take Wegovy to lose weight? YAHOO POLL: Is the key to a good life in Singapore emotional and mental well-being? YAHOO POLL: Should Astronomer CEO Andy Byron have resigned? However, Marvel can finally breathe a sigh of relief as, despite a steep drop at the box office in its second weekend, the film is sitting well with critics. If anything, the fact that it retained the top position in the second weekend is a testament to the strength of the film. Fantastic Four has garnered an 86 per cent rating with critics and a 92 per cent rating with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. If it matters, Fantastic Four scored higher than James Gunn's Superman – which was released earlier in July. So, we want to hear from you – Has Fantastic Four revived the MCU for you? Related: Matt Shakman on why The Fantastic Four: First Steps didn't give continuity to Thunderbolts post-credits scene Ioan Gruffudd reflects on why his third Fantastic Four movie was scrapped Marvel's next moves: Black Panther 3 and a young X-Men cast to 'keep the cost down'; Blade and Deadpool 4 are lower priorities
