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Skift
20-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Hadiprana Family Launches Hospitality Company in Indonesia
With a Senate Committee formed in Thailand that has a lot of anti-casino members, Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister is defending the government's plan to establish IR casino entertainment complexes. The first recommendation from the Committee is for a public referendum on the issue, something we doubt the government wants to have happen. The propaganda being spread about how casinos will ruin the country's reputation is either something the government did not expect, meaning they did not research the global casino past, or they thought they could quickly pass the measure. Either way, this has gone from a near-sure thing to what we believe is a 50/50 chance of passing. The Deputy Finance Minister confirmed the ruling party's unwavering commitment to the Entertainment Complex project and expects Cabinet approval later this year. The South Korean Foreigners-Only casino past is one that should have been explored to make sure Thailand does not make the same mistakes they keep continuing to make. Inspire Entertainment Resort is South Korea's newest IR, and while Mohegan Gaming from the U.S. developed and opened it, Bain Capital forced them out and is currently trying to gain clear title. The Korea Times said Bain has put the property up for sale in an open market bidding process. The article said the open bidding process serves Bain both as a formal sale mechanism and as a way to enable third-party accounting firms to enable independent valuation as they try to get full ownership and secure legal title. The complex features three five-star hotel towers totaling 1,275 rooms, the nation's largest foreigner-only casino, a convention center, and Korea's first 15,000-seat multipurpose arena, along with a glass-domed indoor water park. The Hadiprana family, custodians of one of Indonesia's most respected architectural legacies, officially launched Hadiprana Hospitality. Under the leadership of the late Hendra Hadiprana's daughter, Puri Hadiprana, the company focuses on creating unique spaces that preserve Indonesia's cultural traditions through innovative, thoughtful design. The company includes four properties – Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana in Bali with 24 suites and villas; Dua Dari, a Residence by Hadiprana offering four one-bedroom residences; Rumah Prapanca, a Residence by Hadiprana in South Jakarta; and the Bandarindu, a Hotel by Hadiprana, opening in 4Q26 in Bali. Almal Real Estate Development, based in the UAE, announced its strategic entry into the Southeast Asian market with the debut of The One by Almal in Bali, Indonesia. The launch signals the beginning of Almal's international footprint under its forward-looking 2030 expansion blueprint, with additional projects already in the pipeline for Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Seychelles, and Mauritius. The One by Almal introduces a Residential Resort-Style living concept, seamlessly blending exclusive residences, villas, and townhouses with curated resort services, immersive wellness programs, and signature dining destinations. The first project in Nusa Dua will offer an elevated beachfront lifestyle designed for discerning residents and travelers alike. Indian Hotels Company announced the opening of Ginger Dehradun, bringing the brand's signature lean luxe philosophy to the capital of Uttarakhand. The hotel offers 72 rooms designed for comfort. Amenities include all-day dining at Qmin, a smart meeting room, a fully equipped fitness center, and community spaces. TGI Hotels and Resorts announced the launch of The Shore Trishvam – a Pondy Beach Resort nestled along the coastline of Puducherry in India. The premium property is owned by Jayaram Hotels. The Shore Trishvam has 65 rooms and six luxurious private pool villas. Facilities include expansive event spaces, gourmet dining experiences, a spa and wellness center, and easy access to the beachfront. The opening marks TGI Hotels and Resorts' second venture in Puducherry, following Atithi TGI Grand. CGH Earth Saha unveiled Hibiscus Villa, a private retreat nestled on the shores of Vembanad Lake in Kerala, India. The villa features three bedrooms, an airy living and dining area, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Each room opens up to calming views of the garden, pool, and lily pond, extending to the lake. A feature of the villa, which is geared for small families or groups, is its trio of outdoor lounging areas – a patio for alfresco dining, sunbed-lined poolside deck, and a cozy garden set up. Leisure Hotels Group marked its debut in Rajasthan, India, with an exclusive boutique jungle retreat in Ranthambore. Singhvilas is an eco-conscious jungle retreat offering 24 well-appointed villas, spread across three categories – Deluxe Cottage, Junior Suite Cottage, and Premium Suite Cottage. L'attitude is their all-day dining restaurant. Personnel Moves Wharf Hotels announced the appointment of Juergen Doerr as its Vice President, Operations; Eva Wong as Group Director, Digital Marketing; and Vireo Yeung as Group Director, Global Sales. They are all based at Wharf's headquarters in Hong Kong. Doerr joins Wharf Hotels from Vinpearl Holding Company, where he was CEO, overseeing 33 hotels, seven amusement parks, and five golf courses. Wong previously held leadership roles at Christian Dior Couture, Ralph Lauren, and prestige beauty brands. Yeung is a hotelier with over two decades of experience, starting at Wharf Hotels in July 2024 as Regional Director of Sales – Hong Kong and Taiwan. ECKO Hotels & Resorts announced Ankit Upreti as Co-Founder. His most prominent former position was with Lemon Tree Hotels, where he specialized in the pre-opening and positioning of new hotels. He co-created ECKO Hotels & Resorts. Long-time executive Tan Hee Teck is retiring as CEO of Genting Singapore and Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd at the end of this month. Genting Group Chair Lim Kok Thay will assume the role of Acting CEO of Genting Singapore, while Ms. Lee Shi Ruh, the current President of Resorts World Sentosa, will become the property's CEO. Tang decided to retire as he approaches his 70th birthday.
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Did Kim Soo-hyun 'two-time' Kim Sae-ron with another actor during his military service? Here's what we know
Kim Soo-hyun, who is already amid a row for allegedly dating a minor, was reportedly in a relationship with another actor during his military service. Korea Times, citing Money Today, reported that Soo-hyun dated the actor, who was a K-pop idol group member, "from around 2016 to 2019". They were labelmates at the same agency. (Also Read | Kim Soo-hyun's entire footage from South Korean show removed amid Kim Sae-ron row) Reportedly, Kim Soo-hyun and the actor parted ways in 2019 just before his discharge from the South Korean military. The report quoted a source, "The relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and the actress was an open secret in the entertainment industry. I heard that Kim often sent letters to her during his military service." Another source said, "The exact starting point of their relationship is unclear, but it is certain that they dated between 2017 and 2019, when Kim was serving in the military." His agency, Gold Medalist, has not issued any statement regarding the rumour. Soo-hyun enlisted in the military in October 2017 and was discharged in July 2019. Previously, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron claimed that Soo-hyun was in a relationship with her for six years since 2015. At that time, Gold Medalist said that they dated from "the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after Kim Sae-ron had become an adult". In March, Soo-hyun said that he "didn't date her while she was a minor". Soo-hyun is facing heat from Sae-ron's family amid claims that he was in a relationship with her when she was just 15, and that his agency, Gold Medalist, forced her to repay a debt prior to her death. Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seoul on February 16. She was 24. He is best known for shows such as It's Okay to Not Be Okay, My Love from the Star and Queen of Tears.
Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Netflix cancels new medical K-drama's second season after just four episodes, despite huge popularity and top ranking
Fans of Hospital Playlist who hopped on its new spinoff while waiting for the original to get renewed for a third season might not be too happy with Netflix's decision to pull the plug on the new show. Earlier this month, the OTT platform released Resident Playbook, starring Go Youn Jung, Shin Si Ah, Han Ye Ji, Kang You Seok, and Jung Joon Won. Despite a slow start and a debut clouded by controversies tied to South Korea's recent health crisis, the show gained momentum and is now one of the most-watched K-dramas globally. Netflix cancels Resident Playbook In its classic scrapping style, Netflix has slapped a 'limited series' tag on Resident Playbook, which means that after a 12-episode run (already shorter than the traditional 16-22 episode format most K-dramas follow), there's no chance of a renewal. No official confirmation has come from the makers yet, but the streamer clearly isn't keen on bringing a sequel on board. The move comes as a surprise, especially since the show pulled in around 2.8 million views this week alone, after spending two straight weeks at the top of Netflix's non-English TV chart. This week, it's sitting comfortably at the number 3 spot and is currently the number 1 show in six countries, including India. It's also in the top 10 in 14 countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and more. Speaking of Resident Playbook's domestic rating, according to Nielsen Korea, the show's fourth episode pulled in an average nationwide rating of 5.1, marking its personal best. The drama was also named the most popular among key demographic viewers aged between 20 to 49. However, the show's rising popularity was slightly overshadowed by the arrival of Son Suk Ku and Kim Hye Ja's Heavenly Ever After, which debuted with a nationwide rating of 6.1 percent, claiming the top spot in its time slots across all cable channels. Resident Playbook controversy Resident Playbook's premiere was delayed repeatedly, probably due to the show's subject intersecting with the controversy that triggered a massive health crisis in South Korea last year. Back in 2024, many residents and doctors took to the streets in protest, and the country saw mass resignations from the health department after the government proposed increasing medical school admissions. Those protesting argued that mass admissions would lower the quality of medical education, and the core issues, low pay, overwork, and constant stress, would once again be ignored. In the latest move, however, according to the Korea Times, the government has frozen the earlier order passed during former President Yoon Suk Yeol's term. Meanwhile, some still believe the show risks romanticising resident life amid the ongoing controversy. Resident Playbook revolves around four Gen Z interns who join Yulje Hospital's OB-GYN department (again, one of the most debated departments in South Korea's medical field) as it struggles to find new recruits amid the country's declining birth rate. The K-drama shows how these first-year students handle crises, their way of confronting issues, speaking their minds, constantly thinking of quitting, and not being ready to settle for the hustle culture just yet.
Russia Today
28-03-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Global firms lining up to return to Russia
Foreign firms that exited Russia due to sanctions linked to the Ukraine conflict are now seeking to return, according to President Vladimir Putin's special economic representative, Kirill Dmitriev. Dmitriev, who is also the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), was responding to Korea Times report on Friday that South Korean companies are looking to resume operations in Russia, given US-led ceasefire talks between Moscow and Kiev. 'Global companies are lining up to return to Russia, signaling renewed confidence and fresh opportunities in one of the world's largest markets,' Dmitriev wrote on X on Friday. More than 1,000 Western firms – from well-known retail firms to car giants – have exited the Russian market in the past three years. But as Ukraine conflict ceasefire talks gain momentum, major South Korean companies are reportedly stepping up feasibility studies on resuming operations in Russia. The push reflects Russia's strategic importance for the country as a market, particularly in light of mounting tariff pressure from the US, the outlet said. LG Electronics is reportedly among the first, and recently partially resumed operations at its home appliance plant in Moscow, which produced washing machines and refrigerators, the outlet said citing industry sources. 'The move is aimed at preventing deterioration of production facilities that have been idle,' an LG official told the Korea Times. READ MORE: Italian electrical giant announces return to Russia Hyundai Motor Group, which along with Kia held the top two spots among car brands in Russia in 2021, is also closely assessing the prospect of re-entering the Russian market. The group sold its St. Petersburg plant for just 10,000 rubles ($120) with a two-year buyback option 2023. It means the group must make a decision on restarting production at the facility before the end of 2025. Earlier this week, Italian household equipment manufacturer Ariston announced its return to Russia after exiting the market in 2022. The development seems to reflect an emerging trend of potential comebacks and buybacks by major foreign brands amid a US pivot on relations with Russia. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated on Wednesday that each company's case will be evaluated on an individual basis. Foreign firms that exited Russia 'under government pressure' but maintained 'jobs, contacts, and technologies,' along with a buy-back option, could be permitted to return, he said. Mishustin added that companies possessing unique expertise would also be welcomed— so long as they adhere to localization and investment conditions.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Byeon Woo-Seok's agency warns fans of fraudulent international event scams
26 Mar - Byeon Woo-Seok's rep has recently released a statement warning fans to not fall victim to any deception concerning the actor's supposed overseas events. On 24 March, Varo Entertainment posted the warning, saying that there have been incidents where some parties have claimed that they hold agent rights for Byeon's international fan meetings and tried to profit from it. "We have not granted any exclusive rights or signed any agent contracts with third parties concerning Byeon Woo-seok's fan meetings or related events. We ask for special caution to avoid involvement in or damage from any illegal activities falsely conducted under the guise of an agreement with our company," the company said, according to Korea Times. Byeon rose to stardom last year through the hit tvN drama "Lovely Runner", sparking the "Sun Jae" fever around the globe. He had since held fan meetings in major Asian cities including Bangkok, Seoul, Hong Kong and Taipei, cementing his growing popularity across the world. At the same time, the actor also started to endorse multiple brands including LG, Giordano, Prada and Cartier. His new drama, "Wife of a 21st century Prince" co-starring IU will be aired in the second half of this year. (Photo Source: Byeon Woo-Seok IG)
