Latest news with #SEVEN
Pink Villa
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
SEVENTEEN's Mingyu and BTS' Jungkook's Thunder dance challenge soon? Former spills on ‘97 liner reunion plans
SEVENTEEN member Mingyu and BTS' maknae Jungkook are known besties in the K-pop world. Having performed on a year-end special stage together, the two built a strong friendship alongside the former's teammates DK, The8 and from other groups, including GOT7's Yugyeom and BamBam, ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo, and NCT's Jaehyun. Other rumored members of this friend group include Stray Kids' Bang Chan. After returning from the military, Jungkook hasn't been spotted with any of them, although they hung out even while he was enlisted. Now, Mingyu has spoken about how once they meet again, he'll shoot the Thunder challenge with the BTS singer. On July 13, the Shake It Off star turned on a Weverse livestream to chat with his fans. Spilling some secrets about how he has been all around the world these days, and has no idea about the other members' schedules, he gawked at how reports about his upcoming unit debut with SEVENTEEN's leader Soon, he was asked about his friend and fellow K-pop star from the group BTS. Mingyu answered a fan's question during the livestream about a possible dance challenge on the title track of their latest album. Reading a comment, he said, 'Jungkook Thunder challenge? Jungkook isn't in South Korea. He probably isn't in South Korea. If we have a chance to meet, we'll film it]. Since we're not in a rush [to get it done].' Mingyu and Jungkook have previously danced together on SEVENTEEN's Super, which earned wild reactions. That isn't all, they performed a skit, with Mingyu acting like a naive hoobae (junior) to the very experienced sunbae (senior) in Jungkook, bowing down multiple times and then slaying the challenge. Mingyu has returned the favor by dancing to the star's solo tracks SEVEN and 3D (ft. Jack Harlow). Every time, two of the most beloved K-pop stars have broken the internet and invited a flurry of cheers on both ends.
Arabian Business
03-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
EXCLUSIVE: Inside SEVEN's $13.3bn Saudi entertainment push as global expansion ruled out
As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation under Vision 2030, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) stands at the forefront of the Kingdom's entertainment landscape, leading the development of 14 entertainment complexes featuring more than 150 attractions that will rival the world's best entertainment destinations. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Damien Latham, Chief Attractions Officer at SEVEN revealed that despite the scale and ambition of the project, the focus remains firmly within Saudi borders, with no plans for international expansion as the company focuses on delivering what he calls 'world-class entertainment on the doorstep' of Saudi citizens. 'Not currently,' he stated definitively when asked about global expansion plans. 'Our focus is on the SAR 50 billion that we've been entrusted with and delivering that to the best of our abilities. There's nothing in our strategy that sees us go outside of the KSA region.' The focus on the domestic market comes as SEVEN prepares to launch its first entertainment complexes by the end of 2025 and early 2026. The PIF-backed entity is developing attractions across 13 cities in 14 complexes, featuring more than 150 individual attractions – from ski slopes to innovative bowling centres with facial recognition technology. The local-first philosophy Latham, who brings three decades of entertainment industry experience to his role, explained that SEVEN's mandate is deliberately centered on local tourism and local interests. 'Whilst external tourism is good for us, it's more about making sure our local guests are exceeding their expectations,' he emphasised. This philosophy extends beyond mere market focus to the design of the attractions, the company has developed what Latham describes as a careful balancing act between global appeal and local relevance. For instance, a restaurant concept in Jeddah featuring a surfable wave in its center – originally conceived with Hawaiian influences but localised using the rich colours and patterns found in Old Town Jeddah's centuries-old architecture. 'We started to dissect some of these really lovely architectural things that people are so proud of, that would strike a chord when they walked into the restaurant and saw those local patterns and colours infused into this surf destination,' Latham explained. However, not every attraction can be localised. 'With our Transformers IP, which is set on another planet – Cybertron and Riyadh, not really, I can't see any crossover there,' he admits with a laugh. 'So we decided that in this instance, it will just be Cybertron.' SEVEN has invested heavily in integrating technology to create unique experiences that don't exist elsewhere. Their bowling is an example of this philosophy – featuring giant bowling pins that guests can enter, where cameras scan faces to create personalised avatars that accompany players onto the lanes. 'When you hit a strike or hit the gutter, your avatar will do a funny dance or give you a thumbs down,' Latham described enthusiastically. 'It's infusing a bit of simple technology into an old attraction. Let's face it, ten-pin bowling has been around 100 years. That makes it a bit different, a bit more fun, a bit more tech-savvy.' The company has also developed futuristic karting experiences where racers speed through dystopian representations of Riyadh's skyline, complete with flying cars navigating around architectural icons like the Kingdom Tower. Strategic partnerships and homegrown IP While SEVEN creates approximately 70 per cent of its attractions as proprietary IP, the remaining 30 per cent comes through carefully selected partnerships with global brands. These collaborations are not chosen lightly – each partnership must meet specific criteria around innovation, longevity, and alignment with local preferences. 'We looked at how partnerships could come together in a much more meaningful way beyond the obvious commercial side,' Latham explained. The company has partnered with Formula E, leveraging the electric racing series' focus on young drivers and technological innovation. Similarly, partnerships with Mattel (Hot Wheels) and Transformers provide access to brands with multi-generational appeal. 'These are iconic brands that will stand the test of time. They're not going to be here today, gone tomorrow,' Latham said. 'They instantly resonate, and that helps because we believe the brands we've created will go even deeper into the entertainment preferences of our guests because they're rooted in Saudi Arabia.' Construction challenges and upcoming launches The path to launching hasn't been without obstacles. Latham acknowledged that constructing entertainment facilities presents unique challenges compared to traditional building projects. 'It's not like we're building office blocks or something a bit more easy,' he said. 'Constructing a ski slope – it's not easy.' Despite these challenges, SEVEN is pushing toward its launch targets. The company recently showcased progress to Public Investment Fund executives and the Crown Prince, with Chairman Abdullah Aldawood,leading tours of nearly completed facilities. Complexes in Tabouk, Abha, and Yanbu are all set to go live in the coming months. The company is currently in a massive hiring phase, seeking hundreds of employees for each complex to deliver what Latham called 'this great guest experience.' It's a challenging but exciting time, he admitted: 'It's going to be a fun 12 months, but a really tough 12 months.' One of SEVEN's most forward-thinking approaches lies in its construction methodology. Recognising that entertainment preferences evolve rapidly, the company has built flexibility into its facilities from the ground up. 'What we build today might not be relevant in four or five years time,' Latham acknowledged. 'So the box that we build it in needs to be flexible enough that we can flip that attraction to something different.' This adaptability extends to SEVEN's understanding of entertainment trends. Latham uses virtual reality as an example of technology that, while impressive, doesn't always translate to commercial entertainment success due to its individualistic nature. 'When it's put into a commercial entertainment application, it becomes quite an individual-led entertainment experience. So you don't share that with your friends because you're in this virtual world.' The affordability imperative Despite the massive investment and world-class ambitions, SEVEN maintains a strong focus on accessibility. 'Entertainment isn't class-driven,' Latham said. 'It's got to be affordable for people. One thing our board and senior management team have had in their mind is, let's make sure that this really is about families and friends coming together.' This philosophy recognises that true entertainment success comes from creating shared experiences that bring people together, rather than exclusive offerings that segment audiences. The company has carefully structured its portfolio to include attractions at various price points, from weekly-accessible options like bowling and adventure golf to experiences like ski slopes that serve as destination draws. The five-year vision As SEVEN prepares for its launches, Latham's vision for the company's future remains grounded in community building rather than financial metrics alone. 'As long as overall we have hit that mark of a sustainable business and exceeded the expectations of all the people we've surveyed – tens of thousands of people have been asked about their entertainment preferences – I think that's the main driving force.' The company's success will be measured not just in revenue but in repeat visitation and community building. 'If you've created that community, you've created that footfall, and you've hit that expectation, then the rest will just follow naturally,' Latham explained. For international visitors curious about Saudi Arabia's entertainment evolution, Latham predicts a significant shift once launches begin. 'The minute people start witnessing the launches of all these fantastic attractions, there'll be no stopping the external interest.' However, he maintained that SEVEN's primary focus remains on exceeding local expectations rather than attracting international tourism. For SEVEN, great entertainment transcends specific activities or technologies – it's about creating 'shared experiences with your family and friends where you just have this most fantastic, engaging time together that you're talking about for days and weeks afterwards.' 'There is no one silver bullet for entertainment,' Latham reflected. 'You have to be extremely open in your mind to looking at trends and how people enjoy coming together.'
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BTS Jungkook faces online hate after Swiss vacation pics with Jimin go VIRAL; ARMY come to the rescue
BTS member Jungkook was recently discharged after serving his mandatory military service. The idol, since then, has been spending his time relaxing and has even been spotted in Switzerland with fellow member Jimin . While the idol has chosen to keep all activities under wraps, his vacation photos have brought an onslaught of criticism along with malicious comments. Jungkook flooded with hate comments Ever since the youngest member of BTS returned from his military discharge, his recent activities have become a hot topic online. Since he does not have a personal social media account like his fellow members, fans usually approach the idol on the account he manages to share content about his dog, Bam. His recent activities, i.e. travelling with Jimin to Switzerland, have managed to garner a lot of criticism and hate. On June 25 and 26, netizens had been flooding his dog's account with harsh and majorly homophobic comments. The comments mainly targeted the idol for spending time with Jimin and for not focusing on his solo activities. BTS ARMY come to the rescue Fans of the idol soon came to his rescue. Many reported the malicious comments and flooded the comments section with messages of love and support in order to make sure that the 'SEVEN' singer does not come across the mean posts. One fan comment read, 'Jungkook, you're doing a great job! We are so proud! Don't worry, you'll get over it soon! We are always on your side! I am proud of you always! We love you infinitely. If the world seems too noisy, let us be your silence. Real armies are always with you! Stop thinking about people who only try to pull you down. They're not even an army, they're just traitors.' Another comment that a fan posted in support of the idol read that 'JUNGKOOK WE LOVE YOU. JUNGKOOK BEST BOY. JUNGKOOK OUR PRIDE'. Recently, Jungkook and Jimin were also targeted by saesang fans. Photos and videos of the idols were shared online, it was later revealed that they were being circulated without consent.
Arab News
21-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
SEVEN invests in future of Saudi entertainment sector
Saudi Entertainment Ventures, known as SEVEN, is investing heavily in the future of the Kingdom's entertainment sector by creating a broad spectrum of job opportunities, said Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN. AlFawzan told Arab News that SEVEN is developing a diverse range of technical, creative, operational, and managerial roles to unlock 'new horizons of joy' while building a thriving and sustainable workforce that mirrors the energy and ambition of Saudi Arabia. He said the company has already achieved 55 percent Saudization across its workforce, including 45 percent in leadership positions. 'Through initiatives such as our Future Leadership Program in partnership with IMD, we are equipping Saudi talent with global best practices in entertainment management, ensuring they are prepared to lead this sector forward,' AlFawzan explained. He said that delivering the best guest experiences depends on passionate, diverse teams who deeply understand and share the culture of the communities they serve. 'We are committed to creating opportunities that empower Saudi youth to build meaningful careers in the entertainment industry,' he added. The chief projects officer revealed that SEVEN is reshaping international entertainment experiences to resonate strongly with Saudi cultural values. AlFawzan stressed that guests remain at the core of every decision SEVEN makes. When collaborating with global brands like Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, and Hasbro, the company ensures a robust commitment to meaningful localization. 'It is never a matter of simply importing a concept,' he said. 'We carefully reinterpret every experience to reflect Saudi traditions, family values, and community preferences.' AlFawzan disclosed that more than 60 percent of SEVEN's offerings are locally inspired, which guarantees that each destination feels authentic, familiar, and welcoming to Saudi audiences. 'Our aim is for every visitor to feel a deep sense of cultural pride and connection upon entering a SEVEN venue because, for us, entertainment reflects identity — not just leisure,' he said. Addressing concerns about whether large-scale projects like SEVEN overshadow local businesses in favor of international brands, AlFawzan reaffirmed the company's dedication to nurturing both. 'We firmly believe that global and local players, alongside diverse creative talent, are all essential to the success of our destinations,' he said. While SEVEN partners with renowned names such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, Flow House, Play-Doh, Clip 'n Climb, and Hasbro, it equally prioritizes celebrating Saudi creativity. He said that the company is actively developing original attractions and homegrown concepts across its venues by working closely with Saudi artists and entrepreneurs to bring local content and ideas to life. 'Whether through Saudi-owned offerings or regionally inspired entertainment, we are establishing platforms where local innovation can thrive alongside international intellectual properties,' AlFawzan said. 'Our guests deserve an entertainment landscape that honors global excellence while remaining deeply rooted in Saudi identity, originality, and values.' AlFawzan also said that SEVEN places sustainability and cultural connection at the core of its nationwide entertainment developments, fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. 'Sustainability is not an afterthought at SEVEN; it is a guiding principle embedded in every stage of our development,' he said. He detailed how the company integrates environmental responsibility from design through construction and into long-term operations, with a clear focus on minimizing environmental impact. He said that SEVEN is targeting LEED certification across its portfolio spanning 14 cities. 'To date, we have recycled more than 75 percent of construction waste and sourced over 50 percent of materials from certified green suppliers,' AlFawzan noted. He highlighted that the incorporation of high-performance solutions has led to energy savings of up to 20 percent and water savings of up to 80 percent in key project locations. Beyond environmental stewardship, SEVEN prioritizes broader social impact through community engagement and cultural preservation. 'Entertainment is a powerful catalyst for community connection and cultural pride,' AlFawzan explained. 'With over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) invested across 14 cities, our projects are accessible within minutes or a short drive for most Saudi communities,' he pointed out. 'Accessibility is at the heart of our vision: making extraordinary experiences part of everyday life.' He also revealed that SEVEN is introducing region-first and world-first concepts to the Kingdom, including the world's first Hot Wheels electric go-karting experience and next-generation Family Entertainment Centers that seamlessly combine physical play with digital interaction. 'But more than the rides and attractions, what truly sets SEVEN apart is our focus on culture and community,' he added.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jungkook may be sporting new tattoo, fans spot ‘swallow shaped' tattoo on chest during performance; buzzing with excitement
Recently, BTS idols Jungkook , Jimin, V, and RM all got discharged after serving their mandatory military service. Only two days after coming back to civilian life, Jungkook chose to join the stage alongside fellow members J-Hope and Jin to perform special songs just for the fans, making this a mini BTS reunion. Jungkook joins Jin and J-Hope on the encore stage, sporting a possible new ink J-Hope, on June 1,3, held his first stage for the encore stage for the HOPE ON THE STAGE tour. The member was joined alongside by Jin as well as Jungkook for a special surprise for the fans. While ARMY is not new to random bursts of surprises, Jungkook still managed to shock the crowd with a possible new ink on his chest! The idol joined the stage and performed one of his most popular solo songs, 'SEVEN', alongside which fans in the crowd could spot that the idol might have some new ink on his chest. Fans in the crowd could spot a new tattoo on the right side of the idol's chest, just shaped like a swallow bird. While the tattoo was not fully visible due to the idol's clothes fans could still capture a peek of it, situated under Jungkook's white vest. Another thing that the fans noticed during the performance was that the ink might also be coloured. Previously, the popular idol showcased different kinds of doodles and artworks in the form of tattoos with a full sleeve. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2 & 3 BHK Homes Near Padur, OMR Starting @ ₹72.50 Lakh* TVS Emerald Undo The news of the new tattoo comes as a surprise, leaving fans wondering about when they'll be able to catch a proper glimpse of the artwork. The artist performed songs like 'Jamais Vu,' 'MIC Drop', 'Baepsae,' and 'Airplane Pt. 2' alongside his fellow members.
