K-pop star comes out on stage during final stop on Just B world tour
The 23-year-old Korean singer described himself as 'proud to be part of the LGBT community ', which was met with cheers by adoring fans.
It was a bold admission for someone in an industry which is known to tightly control artists' public profiles and keep personal lives under wraps.
Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, praised Lady Gaga before launching into her gay pop anthem Born This Way.
He was supported by his bandmates with Just B's Siwoo telling Korean media that he cried watching Bain's performance.
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Time Out Dubai
12 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
35 brilliant things to do in Dubai this August
There are tonnes of exciting things happening this August in Dubai. From Dhs10 dishes and mall runs, to sizzling after-dark swims, bargain golf sessions and even a concert or two, get ready for a big one. Diaries at the ready – here are the best things to do in Dubai during August. The best things to do in August August 1 Dig into a Korean chicken melt (Credit: Instagram @ The latest creation from Bonbird, the messy and unapologetically cheesy toastie is stacked with the signature fried tenders, plenty of cheese and a spicy gochujang sauce. If this doesn't get you drooling we don't know what will. Dhs26. Until Sun Aug 10. Open daily 10.30am-2am. Al Wasl, (04 228 2656). Explore a Huda Beauty pop-up Pop-ups don't get much cooler than this. The beauty brand has teamed up with Temple Creamery ice cream parlour for a limited-time event, where the first 50 customers will get free products daily. Celebrating the launch of its new lip oils, you can try ice cream in the same flavours of peach, cinnamon and cherry while enjoying the special décor. Free. Jul 29 to Aug 3, from 11am. Al Wasl, Umm Suqeiem, (056 983 7838). Get a free pint of hops (Credit: BrewDog) Make your way to BrewDog, where a full-day celebration is brewing for International Hops Day. Taking place on Friday August 1, the Scottish pub is turning up the energy with extended happy hours and a round of rock, paper, scissors against the bartenders. Challenge the bar team to the classic game for a shot at scoring your first pint of craft hops on the house. Noon-midnight (game time), noon-8pm (happy hour). Fri Aug 1. Bluewaters, @brewdogbluewaters (052 956 5688). August 2 Have a free hair-styling session (with your bestie) To celebrate International Friendship Day, Dyson is offering complimentary hair styling sessions from Wednesday July 30 to Sunday August 3 at its demo stores in Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall for you and your bestie to get pampered. Take a seat and have your hair worked on with all of the top-of-the-range tools. Call to secure your spot. Dubai Mall: 054 586 6978, Mall of the Emirates: 055 448 9019, Enroll the little ones in a cupcake class (Credit: Novikov Café) For a sweet morning, watch the little ones pop on their chef hat and apron before being given some lessons in all things baking at Novikov Cafe. From whipping up cupcakes to getting creative with the icing, at the end of the day they'll even get a special certificate, along with a goodie bag filled with treats to take home. Free. Sat Aug 2, 10am-noon. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, novikov-café.com (04 320 0209). Get a discounted game at TopGolf (Credit: Topgolf) Grab the whole gang and book out a bay at the all-out driving range for Dhs99 per hour until the end of the month. Perfect your swing while surrounded by some serious AC and if you're there on a weekday, you'll even get an ice cream cone for free. From Dhs99. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Emirates Golf Club, (04 371 9999). Spend the night at a water park (Credit: Aquaventure) Dive into an evening at Aquaventure as the waterpark keeps its doors open for a Saturday night bonanza. Letting you splash around or float along the lazy river under the stars, you can even expect live DJs, competitions and a surprise around every corner. From Dhs220. Sat Aug 2, 10am-10pm. Palm Jumeirah, (04 426 0000). August 3 Visit the festivities at Boo Boo Laand Credit: Boo Boo Laand Celebrating International Friendship Day, the all-out indoor soft play is offering up a special afternoon filled with everything from friendship band making to photo booths. The little ones can get stuck into the activities, before running wild through all of the usual stations from a football pitch to a princess-makeover station. From Dhs190 per child. Sun Aug 3, 4pm-6pm. Dubai Mall, (050 189 8140). Tuck into Dhs10 dishes (Credit: shutterstock) Dubai is serving up some seriously discounted dishes this summer and you don't want to miss out on trying some of the city's best bites for a fraction of the price. From sizzling starters to special desserts, from Friday August 1 until Sunday August 31, you'll be able to treat yourself to flavours from a selection Dubai vendors for only Dhs10. Check out the full list of participating restaurants on the Visit Dubai website. Dhs10. Aug 1-31. Various locations, Groove at a coffee rave (Credit: supplied) Tie up your shoelaces and get ready to dance at this free afternoon rave. Entirely caffeine-fuelled, you can enjoy special drinks from Avantcha from a yuzu matcha to an espresso as you dance to the live beats. As if that wasn't enough, enjoy the market packed with streetwear brands and gadgets to take home. Free. Sun Aug 3, 2pm-8pm. Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, August 4 Take a Burj Al Arab tour (Credit: supplied) Ever wondered what one of the world's most iconic hotels looks like inside? Join the exclusive UAE resident tour this summer to nosey your way around the Royal Suite, the Observation Lounge and even the all-immersive experience suite. Finish with a fresh juice in the lounge and look out over the Dubai skyline. Dhs195. Wed Jun 25-Fri Aug 29, timings vary. Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim, (04 301 7777). August 5 Try a new ladies' night at Adaline (Credit: Adaline) Drape yourself over a red velvet booth or armchair and enjoy the glamour of the brand new ladies' night in DIFC. Bringing you stage performances with a live band, a chic vintage backdrop and free-flowing dishes and drinks for two hours, you're in for a top dollar evening. Dhs184. Tue, 8pm-10pm. DIFC, (04 498 6200). Play unlimited crazy golf (Credit: Swingers) For some air-conditioned summer fun, tee off to your heart's content at Swingers golf, where you can play unlimited rounds for Dhs80. Take your turn on all three of the nine-hole courses and work on your technique before grabbing a quick bite at the bar afterwards. Dhs80 (adult), Dhs60 (child). Open Mon-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun noon-2am (children welcome until 7pm). Bluewaters, (04 557 6309). August 7 Chill at a free pool day (Credit: Barasti Beach Bar) Barasti is vowing to make your summer a whole lot cooler by scrapping its entrance fee for both the pool and beach areas until October, with no minimum spend required. Open daily 9am-3am. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh, (04 318 1313). Visit a ski chalet café If you fancy a slice of the Swiss Alps this summer, Brix has transformed from a Jumeirah waterfront spot into somewhere that looks like it belongs on top of a mountain. Don't forget to try the new menu with desserts like winter truffle, popcorn and snow, golden honey mousse, matcha soft serve and more. Open daily, 6am-10.30pm. Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1, (054 515 7861). August 8 Have a late-night splash at LEGOLAND (Credit: supplied) Spend your evening cooling off with a dance in the pool at the water park as it launches its Neon Nights. After a day at the park, take in a laser display, dazzling lights and even a dance show as the poolside DJ sets get underway. Grab a frozen yogurt while you're there and your evening's complete. From Dhs295 (included in price of day ticket). Sat-Sun, 7pm-8pm. (04 820 3123). August 9 Take a yoga class (then cool off with a night swim) (Credit: Tagomago) Head to Tagomago every Friday and Saturday night, where you can unwind with an indoor sunset yoga class held by Lululemon. Once you've stretched out the week, it's time to change into your cossie or trunks for the Noche Verano night swim, where you'll be able to redeem Dhs150 on some poolside snacks. Dhs200 (Dhs150 redeemable). Fri-Sat, 6.30-7.30pm (yoga), night swim from 8pm. Palm Jumeirah, (04 832 6620). Have a Dhs1 pint (Credit: Mr Toad's) Running at Mr Toad's venues across the city until Sunday August 10, you can have your second pint at the pub for only Dhs1. The offer is available on a selection of different taps, so be sure to visit before the weekend wraps up. Various locations. Dubai, (04 837 7222). Celebrate Singapore National Day (Credit: CÉ LA VI) The sky-high restaurant is going all out with celebrations to celebrate the country's 60th anniversary. Getting in on the festivities, you can brunch surrounded by Singaporean entertainment, live drummers, make-up artists and free-flowing drinks all afternoon. Dhs390 (soft drinks), Dhs490 (house beverages), Dhs690 (bubbly). Sat 12.30pm-5pm. Address Skyview, Downtown Dubai, (04 582 6111). August 10 Take part in a mall run (Credit: shutterstock) If you don't fancy getting your 5km in out in the summer heat, jog around one of Dubai's best malls instead. Join hundreds of other runners at Wafi Mall as you get your heart rate up (and window shop at the same time). From Dhs52.50 per person. Sun Aug 10, from 6am. Wafi City, (04 324 4555). August 11 Try out a summer camp at Loco Bear (Credit: supplied) The indoor entertainment park will let the little ones explore over 70,000 square feet of fun, from laser tag to wall climbing in its weekly summer camp. To keep the energy levels up between ninja courses and slime labs, the kiddos will also be treated to either a snack or full meal from the kitchen, depending on if they are staying for a half or full day. From Dhs199 (half day), Dhs299 (full day), Dhs799 (half day week), Dhs1,099 (full week). Mon Jun 30 to Fri Aug 22, 8.30am-4pm. Al Quoz, (800 56262). August 13 Get up close with some sharks (Credit: Atlantis The Palm) Calling all shark-fanatics, this summer the Lost Chambers Aquarium is offering up a jawesome day out you'll want to make the most of. Included in the day pass is access to the aquarium, as well as photo ops, shark mascot sightings, a shark and ray nursery feed and even a full aquatheatre show. Those feeling brave enough can try the aquatrek extreme walk through the tank, or a shark safari. Prices vary. Daily 9am-10pm. Lost Chambers Aquarium. Atlantis the Palm. (04 426 1040). August 15 Visit a Smurf Village (Credit: supplied) Take the kiddos to Nakheel Mall as it's taken over by the adorable blue characters. Running from Friday August 15, the free pop-up will let you take on workshops, play games, meet Papa Smurf and Smurfette as well as checking yourself out in the magic mirror. There are even daily shows you can stop by for daily starting from 3pm. Aug 15-31, 1pm-9pm. Nakheel Mall, (800 738245). Celebrate Indian Independence Day (Credit: Varq) Mark the occasion with a three-course set menu at Varq, running over lunch and dinner. Bringing some of the nations' favourite dishes to the table, you can tuck into a Rajasthani lamb curry, prawns in coconut gravy and lotus stem koftas to kick start the weekend. Looking to celebrate Indian Independence Day? Check out the full list of deals here. Dhs250 per person. Fri Aug 15, noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm. Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Palm Jumeirah, (04 275 4444). August 16 Try a Pilates and açaí bowl workshop (Credit: shutterstock) Start the day with an aesthetic Pilates session before making your way to the Ginter Bar, where you'll build your acai bowl açaí bowl of dreams topped just the way you like it. While tucking into your creation, there will even be a selection of matcha and coffee for you to wash it all down with. Dhs75 (açaí workshop), Dhs175 (acai and Pilates). Sat, 11am. InterContinental Dubai Marina, (04 446 6788). August 17 Try a sushi social (Credit: CLAP) Head to DIFC on a Sunday to enjoy a special lunch hosted at CLAP. From 1pm to 3pm, you can enjoy two hours of unlimited sushi and rolls for Dhs175, along with a dedicated kids' menu for Dhs75. Once up there, you can enjoy some pretty stunning views of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. Dhs175 (adult), Dhs75 (kids). Sun 1pm-3pm. Gate Village, DIFC (04 569 3820). Try a taco workshop with the kiddos (Credit: Chalco's Cantina) Let the little ones get creative at the taco camp by Chalco's Cantina, where they can plate up fillings from veggie favourites to chicken and beef. After building their plates, the tacos can of course be dug into, and each little chef will also get a soft drink included too. Dhs49. Sun Aug 17, 11.30pm-1.30pm. Marina Gate, Dubai Marina, (052 112 8923). August 18 Visit LEGOLAND (Credit: LEGOLAND) Until Sunday August 31, kids can stay, play and eat for free at LEGOLAND, as well as joining the summer splash fest pool party. If your family stays for one night, you'll get full access to the LEGOLAND resort or water park, complete with breakfast at the resort's Bricks restaurant and fully-themed bedrooms. Prices vary. Until Sun Aug 31, Dubai Parks and Resorts, (04 820 3123). August 20 Try an all-inclusive staycation (Credit: 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central) The trendy Trade Centre spot is offering an all-inclusive staycation where you don't need to lift a finger. Not only can you eat and drink your way around restaurants from Ernst Biergarten to the Nomad Day bar for free (it's all included), but you'll even get a complimentary 30-minute treatment in the hotel spa. From Dhs871 per night (two people). Trade Centre, (04 210 2525). August 21 Try a class at Dryp (Credit: Dryp) Head to Dryp studio in Dubai Marina for one of the most intense yoga classes in town – we're talking hot yoga. State-of-the-art infrared heat technology gently warms up your body (instead of the room) and comfortably maintains a consistent temperature throughout your workout. As well as the classic 90-minute bikram yoga class that takes you through two sets of 26 postures, there's an express 60-minute version, hot vinyasa (including a hip-hop version), and candlelit hot yin classes. Time to get sweating. From Dhs125 (single class). Open Mon-Wed 6am-10pm,Thu 7.30pm-10pm, Fri 7.30pm-7pm; Sat 8am-6.30pm, Sun 8am-8pm. Orra Marina Tower, Dubai Marina, (04 220 5330). August 23 Watch Natalie Imbruglia live (Credit: supplied) Get ready for the ultimate sing-along – Natalie Imbruglia is coming to town. We'd be *very* surprised if you haven't belted out Torn at least once in your life and now you can do it again with the artist herself. Performing at Dubai Opera on Saturday August 23, the Australian pop-star will be taking to the stage for one night only. Tickets are now on sale for the show, priced from Dhs295 to Dhs395, so make sure you grab yours before they sell out. From Dhs295. Sat Aug 23, 7.30pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, (04 440 8888). August 25 Whizz down a mall slide Whether you're a kid (or a big kid), the summer slide is back in Mercato Mall. Upgrading your shopping spree, the adrenaline-pumping shoot is open to all the family. Letting you whizz down from one floor to the other, you don't have to pay a single dirham to slide, with kids under 120cm to be accompanied by an adult. Free. Until Sun Aug 31. Open daily 10am-12.45pm, 2pm-4.45pm, 6pm-7.45pm. Mercato Mall, Jumeirah, (04 344 4161). August 27 Try a big back to school quiz (Credit: supplied) Class is officially back in session, which means it's time for garden on 8's back to school quiz. Head to the pub on Wednesday August 27 from 8pm to 10pm for cheeky throwbacks, retro vibes, and serious competition as your knowledge gets put to the test. If you come out trumps, you could win anything from a Sunday roast to a weekend staycation. Free entry. Wed Aug 27, 8pm-10pm. Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, (052 144 7438). August 29 Sing along to Macy Gray (Credit: supplied) American R&B and soul singer Macy Gray is taking to the stage at Coca-Cola Arena in August. The star behind I Try is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her debut album On How Life Is as part of a global tour. Expect her distinctive raspy voice and a show filled with all the hits. From Dhs99. Fri Aug 29, from 8pm. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk. (800 223388). August 30 Try a luxe afternoon tea (Credit: The Lana, Dorchester Collection) Don't miss your chance to try the exclusive afternoon tea for less. Located at The Lana, Dorchester Collection's lobby lounge, this afternoon tea is usually Dhs600 per person but is now on offer until the end of August. Tuck into traditional finger sandwiches including smoked Scottish salmon and truffle egg, then finish with warm scones and so much more. Dhs400 per person (until Sun Aug 31). Daily from 1pm-6pm. The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Business Bay (04 541 7755). Other things to do in Dubai 50 free things to do in Dubai this month Feeling the pinch? Enter free things to do Dubai ladies' night list 2024: absolutely brilliant deals, offers and discounts Grab your girls for an fabulous night (and for less) 133 top business lunch deals in Dubai Tasty weekday menus in your area
Time Out
16 hours ago
- Time Out
How Thailand became a global TikTok superpower
If you've been in Thailand lately, you already know: TikTok isn't just a thing here – it's the thing. More than eight out of 10 Thais online scroll the app every month, ranking us first in Asia and second in the world according to We Are Social. That's double the global average. But here's the tea: the application is basically Thailand's biggest stage. It's not just about lip-syncs, dance trends or that one guy reviewing weird snacks anymore. This platform is a virtual community that spins itself as a variety show, a shopping mall and a global runway. Thai humour, street food hacks and slang can go from niche to internationally viral overnight. Why this matters (more than you think) In a world where mass media is fading, things that used to be hard to promote like small cafes, don't need billboards anymore. One well-timed TikTok from a micro-influencer can create a queue down the street. K-pop may have paved the way for cultural soft power but Thai creators are right behind, serving up their own distinct flavor to the world. Thailand's 13-million-strong Gen Z (ages 12–28) is a hyper-online bunch with a sixth sense for spotting cringe and devotion to authenticity. For them, TikTok isn't just a social app; it's the Swiss Army knife of the internet. It's where you TikTok it instead of Googling, where a single scroll can spark an add-to-cart spree and where travel dreams are born. This is where it gets wild. Thai teens are becoming content creators, influencers and even chart-topping artists before they can legally rent a car. Take BabyJolystar, who kicked things off by making parody skits where he played an entire cast of characters himself, dropping viral slang via Inside Out 2 parodies and livestreaming Roblox (the digital playground for today's kids). Somewhere in between, he cranked out hit songs and levelled up to music stardom. These days, he's swapped some of the chaos for bite-sized educational clips that are just as binge-worthy. Then there's Punch Puntita – the internet sweetheart whose appeal goes way beyond her adorable looks. She's also juggling medical school, proving she's got both brains and charm. That mix of cute and capable made her the perfect fit for ILLSLICK's nationwide hit music video, ' 1 am at khu meuang'. And Dev? He's the style disruptor of the moment. His streetwear fits are what all Gen Z kids want in their wardrobes. One off-the-cuff street interview at Siam Square blew up on TikTok and just like that, his place on the platform's fashion front row was secured. Even ordinary highschoolers are filming their daily routines, from wake-up to last bell and turning their short clips into sponsorship deals. It's proof that simple, relatable content never goes out of style. With just a phone, a ring light and an idea, Thai teens are turning TikTok into a career starter-kit disguised as an entertainment app. TikTok could do for Thai food, fashion and tourism what K-dramas did for Korea. It's already breaking borders – no translation needed. And with Gen Z's eco-conscious mindset, brands with a green story have an even bigger chance to shine. In this country, this app is everything: a search bar, a shopping mall, a career launchpad, a trend lab and a cultural megaphone. For someone under 30s, it's where life happens.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Sensitive soul man Tom Grennan is back with a new album, and a brand new sound. Everybody dance now...
TOM GRENNAN: Everywhere I Went, Led Me To Where I Didn't Want To Be (Insanity) Verdict: Soul boy goes pop He made his name as a boy-next-door soul singer who was prepared to share his innermost feelings in song, but Tom Grennan seems keen to change the narrative with his fourth album. He says it's one to make his listeners sing and dance, despite that tongue-twister of a title. He said pretty much the same before his previous release, 2023's chart-topping What Ifs & Maybes, but he's closer to the mark this time around. Channelling the spirits of Freddie Mercury, George Michael and Robbie Williams, the 30-year-old doesn't hold back, bounding between 1970s glam, 1980s funk and 1990s pop in a hell-for-leather dash featuring big, busy arrangements. There are 15 songs here, and the first of the album's two ballads doesn't arrive until track 13. A promising youth footballer who was on the books of Luton Town before he turned to music, Grennan has hinted at a poppier approach before. He collaborated with Calvin Harris and Ella Henderson in 2021, but he's never sounded as optimistic or outgoing as he does here. Five songs on Everywhere I Went... were co-written with American pop alchemist Justin Tranter, one of the composers behind Chappell Roan 's Good Luck, Babe!, a BRIT-winning hit that topped many best-of-2024 lists. 'Got a brand new sound, gonna play it loud,' he tells us on Celebrate, underlining his feel-good outlook on a funk number co-written by Harley Sulè, of rap duo Rizzle Kicks. Grennan says the unwieldy album title alludes to the mental health challenges he's faced, but the overall mood isn't downbeat: the onus is on his ability to battle through his demons. 'Every day, I'm working, working, working on me,' he tells us on Shadowboxing, against an infectious ska rhythm. On Boys Don't Cry — not the old Cure single, but an electro-pop song that recalls Tears For Fears' Everybody Wants To Rule The World — he argues that men need to be more honest about their emotions. 'I don't know why I've been saving my tears,' he sings. The constant cheerleading sometimes feels strained. 'Turn that heat up, and never cool down,' he exhorts us on the Bruno Mars pastiche Certified. On a more positive note, Cinnamon is a stomping glam-rock workout, and Shadows On The Ceiling sees him deploy an impressive, soaring falsetto. The album's slower songs, when they finally arrive, are worth the wait. Drama Queen is a superior power ballad, and I Won't Miss A Thing takes a philosophical view of a fading relationship. 'As the years roll by, I'll keep you by my side,' he promises. He might want his fans to sing and dance, but Grennan hasn't forgotten his sensitive side. Tom Grennan starts a UK tour at Bournemouth International Centre on September 3 ( ALISON GOLDFRAPP: Flux (AG Records) Verdict: Dance queen mellows out Rating: When she was inspiring an electronic dance resurgence with musical partner Will Gregory in the early 2000s, Alison Goldfrapp was an influence on Madonna, Kylie and Girls Aloud. Billing themselves as Goldfrapp, the duo made seven albums before beginning an open-ended break in 2022 after rounding off a tour with gigs at St. Anne's Park in Dublin and Lytham Festival. With no indication as to when they will make music together again — 'never say never,' asserts Alison — the pair have concentrated on solo projects. Alison's 2023 debut, The Love Invention, made the Top Ten, and its fusion of house and disco, sung with gleeful abandon, reiterated her credentials as a clubland queen. Earlier this year, she completed an arena tour supporting the reunited Scissor Sisters. Her second solo album, Flux, covers familiar ground while adding subtle tweaks. Two of her regular collaborators, pop producer Richard X and electronic artist James Greenwood, are back, and there's a new kid on the block in Swedish synth-pop wizard Stefan Storm. The upshot is a series of dreamy songs that are more confessional, but less forthright, than The Love Invention. Flux opens strongly. Hey Hi Hello combines themes of longing and heartache with the shimmering synths of Euro-disco. 'All night, all summer long, I tried getting back to where I started from,' sings Alison. On Sound & Light, the elusive 'emerald ribbons' of the aurora borealis are a metaphor for an unreliable lover. 'All I want is love to find me,' she pleads. With her singing a breathless purr, the album is dotted with celestial images. On Find Xanadu, she vows to 'sing with a lilac moon', while Strange Things Happen finds her 'out on the edge, daring the stars to fall.' But, for all its space-age whimsy, Flux lacks the over-the-top razzle-dazzle of prime Goldfrapp, a band who once toured with a troupe of dancers sporting silver horses' heads. Maybe, after 25 years beneath the mirrorball, Alison simply needs a breather. 'Some things just happen... some things can take a while,' she sings on Play It (Shine Like A Nova Star). The song's fractured beats and robotic vocals suggest a return to groove-driven former glories might not be too far off.
