Pekin Ibrahim avoids working with actress wife Mona Allen
12 Jun - Although they are both actors, Pekin Ibrahim doesn't think it is a good idea to work with wife Mona Allen in the same project again.
As reported on MStar, the 44-year-old actor, who last collaborated with his wife in the movie "Salina", said that he has no qualms cooperating with Mona, but that he would prefer not to.
"I'd rather avoid it. For example, if I have to scold her for her acting, it's different than scolding other actors. So, to avoid having that inconvenience, it is better that we do not work on the same project together," he said.
At the same time, he admitted that working together would mean that neither of them can look after their two children.
"No one can take care of the kids, meanwhile, both of us kept squabbling on set," he said, jokingly.
Mona and Pekin, who tied the knot in 2018, are parents to three-year-old Petra and one-year-old Persia.
(Photo Source: Mona Allen IG)

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Geek Girl Authority
an hour ago
- Geek Girl Authority
Switch 2 Doesn't Fix POKÉMON's Biggest Problem
Now that the Switch 2 is out, we're getting a lot of comparison videos of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet gameplay on Switch and the new system. And honestly? It doesn't look all that different. If you didn't tell me what was recorded on Switch 2, I'd assume most of the new footage is coming from the original console. Marginal graphics improvements that smooth lines and bump the frame rate up to 60 FPS are great. But I would love to see Pokémon bring back monster designs and detailed landscapes filled with the life and color that once defined the franchise. Pokémon has changed a lot since its 1996 debut. For the most part, it's been for the better. New monsters, regions and mechanics have strengthened the series and added depth to the canon. But the most recent mainline releases, Scarlet & Violet , were met with negative reception from players, both new and old. The problem? Poor image quality and non-stop glitching made the games tough to play. The Switch 2 launch finally made Pokémon's latest titles playable, but Nintendo's newest console merely offers a band-aid. Have 3D Graphics Helped or Hurt Pokémon? Pokémon Colosseum on GameCube. That seems to be the question to ask right now, huh? Many fans associate the introduction of 3D sprites in the video game series' sixth generation with a decline in the overall charm of their favorite monsters and the regions they inhabit, but the topic goes a lot further back than the release of Pokémon X & Y and the Gen III remakes Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire . In fact, many of the games that longtime players grew up with also featured 3D visuals. RELATED: Video Games Are Becoming a Luxury Few Can Afford Pokémon Stadium , Pokémon Colosseum and its sequel XD: Gale of Darkness remain some of the most beloved titles 20 years on — and they all gave us gorgeous 3D worlds and battle animations that outshine even the most recent games. So, is a 3D approach the real issue here? Or has the quality of Pokémon simply taken a dip, despite improved technology? Not Much of a Switch Flying on Miraidon in Violet on Switch. The power of Switch systems has been a major point of contention since the original console's launch back in 2017, and it's still at the forefront of discussions about the quality of Pokémon games. Many blame the console for frequent lag and frame drops. But others can't help but compare buggy titles like Scarlet & Violet to other AAA releases that feature stellar graphics and smooth gameplay on the same system. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom are the gold standard when it comes to Switch titles; both are 3D and accomplish more in Hyrule than Pokémon has across four regions on Switch . Soaring on Latios and Latias in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire on 3DS. The launch of the Switch 2 last week has only added fuel to the fire when it comes to these hot debates. Why did it take three years and the release of a more powerful console for Scarlet & Violet to run as intended? And why is it that these games still can't compete with past titles and other Nintendo releases? As players, we don't have all the answers. But we can all agree on what works and what doesn't. RELATED: Wholesome Games Direct 2025: 9 Games Release Today Smoothing Over the Details Looking back on classic Pokémon titles, the transition to 3D graphics was hardly a harbinger of lesser quality. Gen IV and V installments — Diamond & Pearl , HeartGold & Soulsilver , Black & White and Black 2 & White 2 — played around with implementing this new animation style. And they pulled it off while maintaining the integrity of past titles with a familiar pixel art style. The problem is that newer games on Switch (and by extension, Switch 2) have done away with the details that added charm to such a fantastical world created to highlight the magic of our own. The Paldea region of Scarlet & Violet , while based on the vivid and culturally rich country of Spain, lacks a lot of the life and color we saw in Sword & Shield's Galar just one generation prior. Hisui, the ancient Sinnoh region introduced in Legends: Arceus , was almost as sparse as Paldea. (Though the game's unique art style still managed to capture much of the magic and mystery of its setting.) The unique art style of Legends: Arceus. None of the Switch-era remakes — Let's Go! Pikachu & Eevee or Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl — were received particularly well, either. Many blame the return to a chibi art style. But if we're being honest, this change in artistic direction might not have missed the mark if more intricate details weren't sacrificed in favor of a cleaner image. After all, Gen IV and V gave us some of the best-looking games yet, and they utilized the same look. What's different? RELATED: Can Nostalgia Save the Games Industry? One criticism I often hear is that Pokémon's newer regions feel empty. That hasn't changed yet on Switch 2. The world of Pokémon has never been bigger, with Scarlet & Violet marking the franchise's first true open-world games. There's so much beauty to be found in Paldea. But its newly cleaned-up lines can also feel sterile. Fantasy elements have taken a back seat as a more realistic approach is solidified. And yet, forests are thin. Mud is … clean. Something is missing. Paldea is beautiful, but lacks the same detail as past regions. Fewer Opportunities for Community and Choice For one thing, you can't even enter most buildings in Scarlet & Violet . So, most don't stand out. Sprawling landscapes are virtually barren. There's no need to talk to anyone, since their thoughts conveniently pop up in bubbles above their heads in passing. This way, you find yourself ignoring most of the NPCs hanging around towns and cities because, perhaps more conveniently, the ones offering items, services or battles are also color-coded. They might as well have signs on their foreheads that say: TALK TO ME! I'M USEFUL! Catching Pokémon feels a lot like that, too. Don't get me wrong; I actually love that Pokémon show up in the overworld now. You don't have to search for too long to find the ones you're looking for, and you do have a say in which Pokémon you battle. That being said, I also run straight past most of them. It kind of makes me miss the unpredictability that marked wild encounters back in the day. You can always tell which NPCs want to battle or have items and services to offer in Scarlet & Violet. There seem to be so many people and Pokémon I'll never meet. Call it a personal gripe, but to me, it sometimes feels like this system opposes the prioritization of community that Pokémon was founded on, despite a push toward narrative-driven gameplay in recent years. It's as though we're just passing through rather than embarking on a journey to take it all in. (Don't get me started on drive-thru-style Pokémon Centers.) When so much of these games simply fades into the background, the world becomes less immersive, its stories less profound. But there's a simple fix. RELATED: 10 Coolest Pokémon According to Someone Who's Never Played the Games More to the Imagination If you follow Pokémon discussions on social media, you might know where I'm going with this. The people want expressive monster sprites. They want dynamic battle animations, accessible cities and towns. They want to get lost in a world that welcomes them, not by force, but by fostering a sense of curiosity for the regions, people and Pokémon that await them. Fans want something left to the imagination. The franchise began with the originally black and white games Red & Blue (or Red & Green in Japan). But its colorful monsters and locations are what really drew players in and kept them coming with later installments. Animation improvements came with the release of Gen II's Crystal on the Game Boy Color. I'll never get over how cool it was to see Umbreon's rings glow for the very first time. It was just as exciting to see its attacks in action in Pokémon Colosseum . Sprites and moves only got better with each release — up until X & Y , that is. Swampert sprites in Ruby & Sapphire (left) and Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire (right). Kalos is still one of the most beautiful regions in all of Pokémon. But Gen VI infamously stripped monsters of their bright colors and expressions with the transition to more advanced 3D sprites. Most don't exactly look battle-ready when you send them out, either. No attack stance. No crossing the field to land a move. Three generations later, Scarlet & Violet didn't fix this problem. It looks like there's some hope for heated battles in Legends: Z-A , which will reintroduce dynamic animations and a new battle mechanic alongside familiar sprites on Switch and Switch 2. I'd like to see a return to the use of vivid color palettes, too, but that's only half the battle. RELATED: 6 Pokémon Ports Perfect for Nintendo Switch A Cultural Shift Pokémon once rewarded curiosity by placing items in trash cans. NPCs in random houses offered HMs that were required to progress. Routes to new cities were blocked by strange trees and boulders or a puzzle of some kind. This brought the world of Pokémon to life and kept players engaged, encouraging thoughtful interaction with the world around them. The Switch era has offered no such reward. The Kalos region's Pokémon League in X & Y. It's no secret that the video game series has endured a lot of criticism for being too easy in recent years. That's largely due to its removal of things like puzzles and tough battles that necessitate strategy. Some argue that the games are for kids, so they have to be easy. But I and countless other '90s kids grew up playing them, too. And honestly? It seems more likely that Pokémon has simply begun to reflect real-world cultural changes. RELATED: Mobile Game Monday: Medieval-Idle Prayer Fans Then and Now While older fans probably spent time outside playing classic games with friends on handheld systems, the Switch and Switch 2 aren't exactly built for outdoor play. That's because no one's taking their games outside anymore. (We have Pokémon GO for that.) This alone disrupts the connection between mainline Pokémon games and the world they're based on, as older titles and systems were designed to be played on the go. Why create forests, deserts, rivers or mountainsides alive with color and detail if your target audience isn't going outside to imagine exploring them? The Paldea region's Pokémon League in Scarlet & Violet. But that's the thing. Pokémon has always been about modeling and teaching appreciation for the world we live in. The Hoenn region was based on the Japanese island of Kyushu, where Ruby & Sapphire director Junichi Masuda would spend his summer vacations as a kid. Tapping into that sentiment is key. The Pokémon franchise has never been better equipped to bring this fantastical world to life on Switch 2. But its next entry, Pokémon Legends: Z-A , has already been met with the same criticism in development. I just hope a setting as bright and alive as Lumiose is done justice. June's Most Anticipated Video Games Olivia Rolls (she/her) is a weekly contributor at GGA, specializing in cozy games, anime and all things horror. Her byline has appeared at publications like The Mary Sue, The Escapist, GameSkinny and more. When she's not writing deep dives on her favorite games, shows, movies or characters, she's probably yapping about the latest pop culture trends or catching up on another Pokémon playthrough. E-mail professional inquiries to [email protected]. You can also find Olivia on Bluesky and LinkedIn.


Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
20 Accomplishments By BTS' Jung Kook During Mandatory Military Service
Jung Kook's managing to make his official solo debut and enlist for his mandatory South Korean military service within six months was already a testament to his ability to conquer and succeed quickly. However, the last 18 months during his conscription showed how much the youngest BTS member could accomplish even while serving his country. As one of the best examples in showing that enlistment can coexist with superstardom, his enlistment beginning on December 12, 2023, and his discharge on June 11, 2025, allowed him not only to maintain but arguably elevate his career. Along with releasing new music, topping charts, winning prestigious awards, and giving back to his community, here's a chronological look at 20 of his standout milestones from his time away. When the world's biggest streaming service revealed their year-end numbers, Jung Kook's massive solo single 'Seven' featuring Latto showed its lasting impact as the No. 4 top global song of 2023, only behind Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers,' SZA's 'Kill Bill' and 'As It Was' by Harry Styles. The achievement made him the only K-pop artist to land on any of Spotify's year-end global or U.S. lists. The massive audience for 'Seven' hasn't slowed down either. As Jung Kook completed his service, 'Seven' remains in the top 100 most-streamed songs of all time on Spotify, with 2.39 billion streams at press time. In the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry's global music report that looks at music sales and activity across the entire world, Jung Kook's 'Seven' landed at Number 10 on the IFPI Global Single Chart for 2023 making it the 10th biggest song in the world for the year — even with its July 2023 release. Earning the achievement with his official debut single showed how Jung Kook the Soloists had truly arrived. Recognized for his growing discography, Jung Kook joined the Korea Music Copyright Association as a regular member, following in the footsteps of his BTS band mates like Suga, RM and J‑Hope on January 31, 2024. Established in 1964, KOMCA protects the rights of music creators in South Korea, with members requiring a significant body of work for acceptance in the club. Jung Kook delivered a massive moment for representation by snagging the win for Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 People's Choice Awards. Not only did JK beat out big names like Drake, The Weeknd and Bad Bunny, but won as the first-ever Asian artist to win the award at the February 18, 2024 ceremony in Santa Monica. The people have spoken, indeed! On February 29, 2024, Billboard unveiled its inaugural K-Pop Artist 100 list, ranking the biggest K-pop artists and groups in America. Based on artist activity on the Billboard 200 albums chart, Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, and Billboard Boxscore touring data from January 2023 through December 2023, his Number One position only further underscored Jung Kook's undeniable dominance in the U.S. The Recording Industry Association of Japan hosted its 2024 awards ceremony, which honors top artists locally, globally, and in Asia. After Jung Kook took home the Song of the Year by Streaming – Western award at the 2023 Japan Gold Disc Awards for 'Left and Right' with Charlie Puth, Jung Kook earned yet another SOTY at the March 2024 ceremony. 'Seven' with Latto nabbed Song of the Year by Download – Asia, cementing his impact on Japan's lucrative music market. No joke: The iHeartRadio Music Awards may have taken place on April Fool's Day 2024, but Jung Kook's win as K‑Pop Artist of the Year showed how serious fans and radio were supporting him in the wake of his hugely successful Golden era. Marking another cross‑border triumph for his debut solo smash, 'Seven' with Latto earned the Song of the Year award at the first-ever Asia Star Entertainer Awards that took place in Yokohama, Japan, on April 10, 2024. As part of BTS's 11th‑anniversary 'FESTA' celebrations, the group's BIGHIT MUSIC shared an unreleased Jung Kook song, 'Never Let Go,' on June 7, 2024, marking his first solo output while serving. ARMY turned the upbeat thank‑you song for fans into a gift for JK himself when it became his seventh song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart, giving him a new record as the K-pop soloist with the most entries on the U.S.-based singles chart. From August 8 through September 19, 2024, Jung Kook and his BTS band mate Jimin co‑starred in the eight‑episode travel reality show Are You Sure?! that streamed on Disney+ for the guys' first summer away from fans. The series allows the guys to get outside and showcase their sense of adventure and camaraderie. The duo even got nominated in the 'Favorite On Screen' category at the 2025 iHeartRadio Awards alongside other music stars' streaming hits like Taylor Swift's The Era's Tour (Taylor's Version), Demi Lovato's Child Star and Megan Thee Stallion's In Her Own Words. Beginning September 18, 2024, Jung Kook's I Am Still documentary began showing in cinemas worldwide in 120 different territories. The film chronicled his solo era around his 2023 Golden album, offering an intimate look at his artistic evolution while reinforcing his cinematic appeal. Due to overwhelming fan demand for I Am Still, HYBE, in collaboration with the doc's distributor, Trafalgar Releasing, announced that 'Party Edition' screenings would be coming to theaters, featuring an additional 20 minutes of singalong videos. On May 1, 2024, the star was honored as part of the Gold House A100 List as one of 100 Asian Pacific figures shaping American culture. Jung Kook's influence extended beyond music to have a broader societal impact. In particular, Gold House noted how Jung Kook being 'the first Asian to win 'Male Artist of the Year' at the People's Choice Awards' was one of the year's primary examples of Asian Pacific-led creativity breaking records in entertainment. That year, fellow honorees included Steve Aoki, Charli XCX, and Alan Chikin Chow, with a judging panel that included legendary journalist Lisa Ling, actor Daniel Dae Kim, and chart-topping music group Far East Movement. After previously taking home the Top Global K‑Pop Song at last year's awards for 'Seven,' Jung Kook snagged the honor for a second time at the May 2024 show for another track, 'Standing Next to You.' Meanwhile, Golden secured the Top K‑Pop Album award, showing his ability to move records and singles. With nearly 20 years of ceremonies under its belt, the Huading Awards in China recognize both local and international talent. Jung Kook earned the title of Asia's Most Popular Male Singer as the only K-pop soloist reportedly recognized at the event in yet another display of his power and popularity overseas. During an October 2024 New Yorker feature about HYBE and its founder, Bang Si Hyuk, Usher belatedly disclosed that he invited Jung Kook to perform their remixed version of 'Standing Next to You' at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show that past February — a slot missed only due to service duties but shows the immense stages for which the world considers JK ready. With winners voted by British radio listeners, the Global Awards took place on-air through the U.K.'s biggest radio stations, including Capital FM, Capital XTRA, Heart FM, Radio X, and Smooth Radio. Jung Kook and his fanbase were named the winner in the Best Fans category, highlighting the dedication of ARMY across the United Kingdom. His first solo nomination for AAA culminated in a win for Best K‑Pop Record at the December 27, 2024 show, solidifying Jung Kook and his Golden era as both critical and fan favorites. After Netflix's hit series XO, Kitty returned on January 16, 2025, and its soundtrack took over Billboard's Top TV Songs chart, led by Jung Kook's 'Seven,' which appeared in the season finale episode. With rankings based on song and show data blended with sales and streaming information for the month, 'Seven' earned an additional 12.5 million streams in the U.S., helping it break out among other songs synced and soundtracking other popular programs like Severance, High Potential, The Recruit and Landman. To do his part as South Korea battled wildfires in March 2025, Jung Kook gifted 1 billion in Korean won (more than $733,680) to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association to split equally between emergency aid for wildfire victims and acts to improve firefighters' working conditions showcasing his pockets are deep for generosity and social responsibility. Proving his consistent popularity, two Jung Kook tracks were named the Most Performed Songs of the Year at the 2025 BMI Pop Awards in Los Angeles on May 13, 2025. JK and his collaborators like BloodPop and Dave Stewart (who worked on '3D' featuring Jack Harlow), as well as Andrew Watt and Ali Tamposi (for 'Standing Next to You'), were all recognized as part of honors for the songs that have received the most performances and plays across terrestrial radio, satellite radio, and digital streaming services over the past year. In the past, 'Seven' was honored at the awards in 2024, while 2023 saw 'Left and Right' with Charlie Puth honored. However, 2025 was the first time Team Golden Maknae received double the recognition.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
WePlay Teams Up With "HelloPanda-哈啰潘达" For "Xiangxiang Smile Festive"
TOKYO, June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WePlay, a global new-generation social entertainment platform, officially announced its activity collaboration with "HelloPanda-哈啰潘达" for the "Xiangxiang Smile Festive" event, running from 12:00 on June 10 to 24:00 on June 16. This innovative partnership, blending virtual and real-world elements, will deliver heartwarming interactive experiences to Japanese users. "Xiangxiang": A Cross-Border Sensation of Warmth As the daughter of pandas "RiRi" and "ShinShin" who resided in Japan, Xiangxiang has captivated public attention since her birth at Ueno Zoo on June 12, 2017. During her six-year stay in Japan, this adorable ambassador generated over ¥60 billion in economic impact through merchandise sales and themed events. Her return to China in 2023 amplified her popularity: thousands of Japanese fans braved the rain for a final farewell on February 19. Visit WePlay Japanese official SNS account to learn more about Xiangxiang. Xiangxiang smile festive: Elevating Cuteness and Social Innovation Centering around the dual cores of "whimsically cute + social," this event will launch a series of immersive interactive activities, crafting a heartwarming and surprising experience for Japanese players: users can enjoy limited-edition items like homepage effects featuring "Xiangxiang". Players may also participate in "Wonderful Adventure in the Animal Kingdom" to explore new virtual worlds and earn social sharing incentives. Social + Entertainment: WePlay Dominates Japanese Market With gamified social hits like Hide & Seek, Who's the spy and Mic Grab, WePlay has captivated Japan's youth. This collaboration merges Xiangxiang's charm, lightweight gaming, and social mechanics, reinforcing its "entertainment-meets-social" edge. Gaming Meets Philanthropy: Virtual Kindness, Real Impact The event incorporates charity: Accumulated "Love Points" will be converted into pet food donations for Japanese animal protection organizations, supporting stray animal welfare. This design not only allows users to convey kindness while being entertained, but also bridges digital love to reality while fulfilling corporate social responsibility. A WePlay Japan executive noted: "This 'gaming + public welfare' model lets youth enjoy socializing while learning animal protection values." About WePlay WePlay, a global social entertainment platform under Singapore-based Wejoy, integrates games, entertainment, and social features. With a mission to "Bring joy and friends to young people around the world" and a vision to "Bring people together through games, lead the trend of global online social entertainment," WePlay is committed to co-create an innovative era of gaming and social experiences. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE WePlay Sign in to access your portfolio