Latest news with #Boys'Love
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Ministry of Commerce Showcases Thailand's Soft Power at 'Timeless Thai Taste 2025'
The event tapped into the U.S. market to create new trade opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs. Bangkok - The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce, successfully organized 'Timeless Thai Taste 2025' from July 9–14, 2025, in three major U.S. cities—Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. The initiative aimed to promote Thai BL series, cuisine, and culture through a Soft Power strategy that resonates with modern American consumers while creating new trade opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs in food, ingredient, and lifestyle service sectors. The events featured an exciting lineup of activities, including Thai cuisine presentations from Thai SELECT-certified restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, and business-matching sessions that connected Thai entrepreneurs with local buyers. A special highlight was a Meet & Greet with popular Thai BL (Boys' Love) series actors – featuring cast members from the upcoming series 'Shine' and 'Reset' - a genre that has garnered significant popularity in the United States. In addition, the program included a panel discussion on the rapidly growing Thai BL series industry and previews of upcoming titles, giving attendees exclusive insights into Thailand's expanding entertainment landscape. The events were free and open to the public, drawing an overwhelming response with more than 1,500 attendees overall. The New York event alone reached full capacity, welcoming over 800 registered participants. Interest extended far beyond U.S. fans, attracting attendees from Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and several European countries—highlighting the global appeal of Thai content and talent. A key feature of this initiative was the expansion of Thailand's BL series industry as part of the country's high-potential service trade sector, one that is rapidly growing in the global market. The event attracted interest from U.S. investors, distributors, and streaming platforms in collaborating with Thai production companies on content distribution, co-investment, and new content development—including series, dramas, virtual fan events, and licensing. These opportunities are expected to generate hundreds of millions of baht in revenue for Thailand. Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of DITP, stated, 'Timeless Thai Taste 2025 is one of our key strategic tools for leveraging Soft Power to drive Thai exports. By integrating culture, cuisine, and entertainment, we aim to build brand recognition and consumer confidence in Thai brands among international markets, especially younger consumers who value cultural identity and have strong purchasing power.' The DITP remains committed to supporting Thailand's creative industries through cultural marketing activities, international business negotiations alongside strategic partnerships with global allies. These efforts aim to position Thailand as a regional hub of the Creative Economy and Soft Power in Asia on the global stage. Event Highlights: Following the conclusion of 'Timeless Thai Taste 2025,' promotional videos featuring Thai SELECT restaurants, filmed with renowned actors from the popular series under Be On Cloud and The Headquarters in all three cities, will soon be released. These videos will encourage international audiences to discover and experience authentic Thai cuisine. Audiences can look forward to these videos on the DITP's official Facebook page, the Timeless Thai Taste X (formerly Twitter) account, and Be On Cloud's official channels. Many attendees expressed excitement about upcoming BL series such as 'Shine' and 'Reset,' which were previewed at the event. Restaurants highlighted by the actors reported overwhelmingly positive feedback and requested similar events in the future. Meanwhile, Be On Cloud has signaled its intention to expand into the U.S. market with plans for a new fan-meeting tour. 'Timeless Thai Taste 2025' not only enhanced the image and popularity of Thai products but also drove export growth in Thailand's service industries, creating long-term commercial opportunities in global markets. For more information, please contact: Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, at or call International Trade Hotline at 1169. Media Contact Company Name: DITP, Ministry of Commerce Contact Person: Saraban Email: Send Email Country: Thailand Website:
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
ABO Desire episode 5 release date and time: When and where to stream the viral Chinese BL drama everyone's talking about online
ABO Desire, also simply known as Desire, is the show currently spicing up the summer watchlist of every Boys' Love (BL) fan who enjoys their romance messy, mysterious, and biologically complex. This Chinese web drama dives headfirst into the Omegaverse, complete with pheromones, power plays, and secret identities. It's based on Nong Jian's novel and has steadily built a global cult following, thanks to its unpredictable plot twists and a dangerously charming cast. Whether you're watching for the steamy dynamics between Sheng Shaoyou and Hua Yong or the layered world-building that mixes science fiction with corporate scheming, Desire doesn't hold back. With Episode 5 around the corner, fans are gearing up for more secrets, more heartbreak, and possibly even some long-awaited answers. What is ABO Desire about? ABO Desire takes place in a world transformed by a virus that split society into distinct secondary genders—Alphas, Betas, Omegas, and a rare group called Enigmas. These classifications affect everything from one's instincts to social status. The story follows Sheng Shaoyou, a dominant S-class Alpha with major family baggage, and Hua Yong, a sly intern who appears to be an Omega but is actually hiding his true identity as an Enigma. From covert deals to emotional confrontations, their cat-and-mouse tension keeps viewers locked in. ABO Desire Episode 1-4 recap The first four episodes are a slow burn with tension layered like a well-structured lie. It all begins with Hua Yong stepping into Sheng Shaoyou's corporate orbit as a seemingly harmless Omega intern, only to quickly stir suspicion and attraction in equal measure. Meanwhile, secondary characters like Gao Tu and Shen Wen Lang bring in their own complications, especially as Gao Tu's suppressed Omega status starts causing physical instability. Emotional stakes rise as Gao Tu and Wen Lang try to make sense of their growing connection, while Shaoyou struggles to define his own feelings for Hua Yong. The fourth episode ends with a strained truce between Shaoyou and Hua Yong, but right when things seem to settle, a rut hits—and with it, a painful rejection that could change everything. What to expect in ABO Desire Episode 5 ABO Desire Episode 5 is when things get a little chaotic as Gao Tu's overuse of suppressants starts taking a serious toll, triggering unstable pheromone responses that push him to a breaking point. At the same time, Shaoyou and Hua Yong's relationship takes a brief turn for the better as they seemingly reconcile. But just as fans get a whiff of progress, Hua Yong unexpectedly enters a rut. When Shaoyou offers him a permanent bond as a way to help, Hua Yong rejects it and vanishes, leaving Shaoyou desperate, confused, and more determined than ever to uncover Hua Yong's true identity. It's the kind of episode that flips dynamics and throws characters straight into emotional limbo. ABO Desire Episode 5 release date & time ABO Desire Episode 5 is officially scheduled to drop on Saturday, July 26, 2025, on streaming platforms like iQIYI, Youku, WeTV, Bilibili, and GagaOOLala. Here's when you can catch it, based on your time zone: China / Hong Kong / Taiwan:Saturday, July 26, at 8:00 PM CST (GMT+8)(Available on iQIYI, Youku, WeTV, and GagaOOLala) Philippines / Malaysia / Singapore:Saturday, July 26, at 8:00 PM PHT/MYT/SGT(Streaming via GagaOOLala and iQIYI) Indonesia (Jakarta):Saturday, July 26, at 7:00 PM WIB Thailand / Vietnam:Saturday, July 26, at 7:00 PM ICT India:Saturday, July 26, at 5:30 PM IST(Via GagaOOLala and Plex with subs) United Kingdom:Saturday, July 26, at 1:00 PM BST Central Europe (France, Germany, etc.):Saturday, July 26, at 2:00 PM CEST United States: Eastern Time (ET): Saturday, July 26 at 8:00 AM Pacific Time (PT): Saturday, July 26 at 5:00 AM Australia: AEST (Sydney): Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 PM Global listing on Plex:Friday, July 25 (UTC-based timestamp), but available to stream locally from July 26 depending on region
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tappytoon Launches New BL Webtoon Series ‘Bullet Time'
- The original BL webtoon, depicting love and betrayal between a gangster and a spy, begins global serialization on the 25th - Contents First responds to evolving BL fan demands with multi-touchpoint content strategy LOS ANGELES, July 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Contents First, the company behind the global webtoon platform Tappytoon, announces the exclusive launch of its new original Boys' Love (BL) webtoon, Bullet Time. The series will begin serialization on July 25 on Tappytoon. Bullet Time is a Boys' Love (BL) webtoon depicting love and betrayal between a feral gangster and a cunning spy, set in Helltham, a neon-lit city of raging crime. The series follows Felix, a spy from law enforcement embedded in the Golden Bite gangster family, as he blackmails Seven, the family's degenerate third-in-command, into joining forces to clean up the scene from within and seek a certain revenge. Their dangerous liason unfolds through betrayal, gunfire, illicit deals and a love-hate relationship rooted in the past, but a risky love triangle with Romani, the family's second-in-command, threatens to derail Felix and Seven. Bullet Time is an original series produced by Tappytoon Studio, a subsidiary of Contents First known for creating multiple global hit titles, in collaboration with emerging creators. The series features art by Dark History and is written by BINO. To promote Bullet Time, Tappytoon released an audio teaser and preview video featuring popular voice actors, both generating significant anticipation among fans. A music video is also in production, bringing the story to life through provocative visuals and sound. Character-inspired merchandise will be available starting this September through Tappytoon's global merch shop, Club JEM, offering fans a more immersive experience with the series. "The BL webtoon landscape is transforming as fans demand richer, more immersive storytelling experiences," said Sun Bang, CEO of Contents First. "We're excited to introduce a distinctive series that not only delivers compelling storytelling but also expands across multiple touchpoints, from digital content to physical merchandise, for the passionate BL fans." Contents First develops story IP through its subsidiary Tappytoon Studio, and has released successful romance fantasy titles in the global market, including To My Husband's Mistress, The Mistress Runs Away, and Ashtarte, demonstrating strong production capabilities. View source version on Contacts Media ContactZoey JoContents First, +82. 10. 8355. 5145 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Tappytoon Launches New BL Webtoon Series ‘Bullet Time'
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Contents First, the company behind the global webtoon platform Tappytoon, announces the exclusive launch of its new original Boys' Love (BL) webtoon, Bullet Time. The series will begin serialization on July 25 on Tappytoon. Bullet Time is a Boys' Love (BL) webtoon depicting love and betrayal between a feral gangster and a cunning spy, set in Helltham, a neon-lit city of raging crime. The series follows Felix, a spy from law enforcement embedded in the Golden Bite gangster family, as he blackmails Seven, the family's degenerate third-in-command, into joining forces to clean up the scene from within and seek a certain revenge. Their dangerous liason unfolds through betrayal, gunfire, illicit deals and a love-hate relationship rooted in the past, but a risky love triangle with Romani, the family's second-in-command, threatens to derail Felix and Seven. Bullet Time is an original series produced by Tappytoon Studio, a subsidiary of Contents First known for creating multiple global hit titles, in collaboration with emerging creators. The series features art by Dark History and is written by BINO. To promote Bullet Time, Tappytoon released an audio teaser and preview video featuring popular voice actors, both generating significant anticipation among fans. A music video is also in production, bringing the story to life through provocative visuals and sound. Character-inspired merchandise will be available starting this September through Tappytoon's global merch shop, Club JEM, offering fans a more immersive experience with the series. "The BL webtoon landscape is transforming as fans demand richer, more immersive storytelling experiences," said Sun Bang, CEO of Contents First. "We're excited to introduce a distinctive series that not only delivers compelling storytelling but also expands across multiple touchpoints, from digital content to physical merchandise, for the passionate BL fans." Contents First develops story IP through its subsidiary Tappytoon Studio, and has released successful romance fantasy titles in the global market, including To My Husband's Mistress, The Mistress Runs Away, and Ashtarte, demonstrating strong production capabilities.
HKFP
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- HKFP
China's crackdown on gay erotica stifles rare outlet for LGBTQ expression
Chinese women who publish homoerotica online say they are being threatened with fines and jail time, as increasing enforcement of vague obscenity charges targets a rare space for LGBTQ identity and feminism. In recent months, Chinese police have detained dozens of writers on Haitang Literature City, a Taiwan-based website known for publishing serialised Boys' Love, a genre of erotic fiction mainly written and read by heterosexual women. Originating as a strand of Japanese manga comics in the 1960s known as 'yaoi', the genre has attracted a cult following in Asia and beyond, leading to popular screen adaptations and web series. The stories defy social stereotypes about the roles of men and women, a 22-year-old writer who asked to go by the pseudonym Miu Miu, told AFP. 'It's a kind of resistance… resisting a male-dominated society,' she said. The latest crackdown ensnared mostly amateur writers who earned little to nothing for their work. Under Chinese law, profiting from 'spreading obscene content' can lead to fines and prison. 'Serious' instances can carry jail terms of up to a decade. The obscenity law applies when someone's work gets at least 10,000 clicks or is 'used' to collect fees exceeding 10,000 yuan (nearly $1,400). While the law excludes 'artistic works or works of artistic value', that distinction is usually left to police. Embed from Getty Images 'The rules are outdated,' said a lawyer representing one of the authors and who asked not to be named due to the risk of repercussions. 'The general public's attitude towards sex is no longer the same as it was 30 or 40 years ago,' the lawyer added. One author phoned by police earned 2,000 yuan for two books with a total of 72 chapters that, combined, drew around 100,000 clicks. 'Are there really 100,000 people who have seen my work like they said? Are they really going to sentence me to three to five years?' the author wrote on Weibo. 'Don't they know how precious three to five years of life are?' Censors without borders The investigations have also renewed criticism of a practice known as 'distant water fishing', cross-provincial policing by cash-strapped local governments. The profit-driven enforcement typically involves authorities travelling to another jurisdiction and seizing a suspect's assets. Embed from Getty Images 'Police find this kind of stuff can make them money,' Liang Ge, a lecturer on digital sociology at University College London, said of the targeting of Boys' Love authors. In one case, a policeman from northwestern Lanzhou travelled 2,000 kilometres (more than 1,200 miles) to investigate a writer in her coastal hometown. She was driven to the police station and questioned for hours about her writing. She is currently on bail but could face criminal charges, which would disqualify her from taking China's civil service exam and positions in some hospitals and schools. Another 20-year-old author received a police summons which prompted her to travel hundreds of miles from the city of Chongqing to Lanzhou. On arrival police urged her to 'return the illegal income' she had earned from her writing to reduce her sentence. 'It's a very dirty practice,' said the lawyer, noting the central government in Beijing has issued several directives against it. 'Social awakening' Activists see the crackdown on alleged obscenity as part of a wider push to suppress LGBTQ expression — an effort that has expanded under President Xi Jinping. Embed from Getty Images China classified homosexuality as a crime until 1997 and a mental illness until 2001. Same-sex marriage is not legal and discrimination remains widespread. The Boys' Love genre — often lightly erotic but sometimes overtly explicit — has become increasingly censored as its popularity has boomed. Television adaptations have rewritten male lovers as friends, as same-sex relationships are banned from the screen. In 2018, a writer known by her pseudonym Tianyi was sentenced to over a decade in prison for earning $21,000 from a homoerotic novel about a teacher and his student. Last year, a court in Anhui province heard 12 cases involving spreading obscene content for profit, according to public records which do not give outcomes of the trials. Many in China 'feel less and less space to express themselves freely', said Ge, the lecturer and a longtime reader of Boys' Love. 'It's not just about posting something on social media, it's about reading something in their private life.' As news of the crackdown spread, Haitang users rushed to cancel their accounts. But writer Miu Miu said she has not given up hope she might be able to finish her favourite stories. 'Sexual knowledge has become taboo,' she said. 'This is a social awakening.'
