Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) has announced a landmark strategic partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“TME”) platforms, JOOX and QQ Music, to present the AsiaTop Music Festival 2026. 

In support of Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, the music festival is set to take place on 30 & 31 May 2026 at the Sepang International Circuit, showcasing an elite lineup featuring celebrated artists from Malaysia and across Asia alongside the largest K-pop music experience in the ASEAN region. This collaboration is a cornerstone of HLB’s commitment to lifestyle-centric banking, where it strives to provide its cardholders with exclusive access to experiences and lifestyle events. As part of this partnership, HLB cardholders will enjoy privileges such as 2 days of ticket pre-sale access, placing them at the forefront of the region’s most significant live entertainment moments.

According to Andrew Jong, HLB’s Managing Director of Personal Financial Services, “At the heart of this partnership is our resolute focus to providing our cardholders with exclusive experiences We see the HLB card as more than just a financial instrument, viewing it as a passport to lifestyle events, entertainment experiences, and elite privileges across the region, ensuring they stand at the very center of these unforgettable cultural moments.”

Speaking of the collaboration, JOOX and QQ Music also highly value the opportunity to bring a flagship event like AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 to Malaysia. It is the hope of both parties that this festival will bridge the gap between digital streaming and high-production live experiences, enriching Malaysia’s cultural landscape while boosting local tourism and commerce. By building on HLB’s focus in lifestyle entertainment, the music festival is catering not only to Malaysians but also to music fans from across the region who seek meaningful and live connections.

The music festival is also in support of the Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026  national tourism campaign, the festival is designed to be a regional magnet for music lovers, while also promoting Malaysia as a premier destination for exclusive entertainment and lifestyle events.

Tickets for the AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 will officially go on sale on 6 May 2026, and HLB Credit Cardholders will enjoy exclusive priority access windows. The festival is also open to customers across all regions. 

For more information, please visit: www.hlb.com.my/asiatop

In celebration of the highly anticipated arrival of Japanese powerhouse vocalist MIKA NAKASHIMA, organizer DON’T LIKE LOUD MUSIC PRODUCTION proudly introduces exclusive travel packages specially curated for international fans. This all-in-one offering allows fans to fully enjoy the concert experience without the hassle of arranging accommodation, making it a seamless and memorable musical journey.

The 2D1N value-for-money packages are now officially on sale and will be available until May 15. With limited quantities available, fans are encouraged to visit the ETIX platform to find out more and secure their packages for a rare chance to see the artist up close.

Each package includes VIP concert tickets along with carefully selected hotel accommodations (2 days 1 night), as follows:

• Package A: 1 VIP ticket + M World Hotel PJ (Single Room) — Only RM1100 nett
• Package B: 1 VIP ticket + M Resort & Hotel KL (Single Room) — Only RM1150 nett
• Package C: 2 VIP tickets + M World Hotel PJ (Double Room) — Only RM2000 nett
• Package D: 2 VIP tickets + M Resort & Hotel KL (Double Room) — Only RM2100 nett

This is a unique opportunity that perfectly combines music and travel into one unforgettable experience. Fans should not miss this rare chance to witness MIKA NAKASHIMA live in Malaysia! For the latest updates on MIKA NAKASHIMA concert in Kuala Lumpur, be sure to follow the official social media channels of DON’T LIKE LOUD MUSIC PRODUCTION and Stormex Entertainment!

Airbnb is partnering with CORTIS on an upcoming immersive Seoul Hideout and fan space. CORTIS is pushing boundaries on their own terms and to celebrate the release of their new lead single, REDRED, off of their 2nd EP, GREENGREEN, there will be three special ways to experience this new space, all available only on Airbnb : 

• An Airbnb Original experience bringing up to 30 eligible guests inside the Green vs. Red space for an interactive journey with CORTIS appearing in person,  
• An overnight stay for one guest and a companion in the same immersive hideout, and 
• A pop-up which will give more than 1,000 guests additional opportunities to explore the space from May 1-7. 

As K-pop continues to fuel global travel to Korea, fans are increasingly seeking more immersive ways to connect with the artists and worlds they love. We are bringing that fandom to life — transforming inspiration into a real-world destination. According to a recent survey , 94 percent of visitors and prospective travelers to Korea say K-culture influenced their interest in traveling there. 

“It feels special to invite our fans, COERs, into our Seoul hideout. REDRED is all about discovering ourselves — what we lean into, what we push back against. Through that, we’ve developed a clearer sense of musical taste. We’re excited for fans to discover their own color and share that moment with us in person in the space we’ve put together with Airbnb.” – CORTIS

About the Airbnb Original experience 

This Airbnb Original fully puts guests in CORTIS' Seoul hideout alongside the group members. 

Upon arrival, guests begin a guided journey where each area is designed to find a new part of the story. 

Throughout the experience, guests will:

• Capture content of the space and be immersed into CORTIS’ Green vs. Red world.
• Discover playful activities all about self-expression and exploration, including a fun   block-stacking challenge with CORTIS, a paint-splatter area, UV light trivia, and even personalized bingo.
• Collect exclusive keycaps and personal keepsakes as they move through all the interactive zones, empowered by CORTIS-inspired creativity.  

How to book the experience 

Guests can book the CORTIS experience from April 21 at 1:00 PM MYT by visiting airbnb.com/cortis-experience. The experience is free, with bookings for up to 30 eligible guests. The experience will take place on April 28 in Seoul. Travel to and from Seoul (including to the experience), and accommodation are not included — guests are responsible for their own arrangements.

About the stay

One guest and a companion will enjoy an overnight stay inside the same hideout, experiencing all the same zones at their own pace. From Mailroom Bingo to the UV clue hunt and the Paint Zone, the stay includes all the special keepsakes, and an added cute plush waiting on the bed at the end of the night. 

Please note: the overnight stay does not include CORTIS appearance.

How to request to book the stay

Guests can request to book the overnight stay beginning April 21 at 1:00 PM MYT for $0 per person. The stay is designed for one guest and a companion, with check-in taking place on April 29 and check-out on April 30, in Seoul. Travel to and from Seoul (including to the stay) is not included — guests are responsible for their own arrangements. To request to book, visit airbnb.com/cortis-stay.

About the POP-UP: Airbnb & CORTIS Seoul Hideout 

From May 1–7, the POP-UP: Airbnb & CORTIS Seoul Hideout will open its doors to additional guests, offering the opportunity to step inside the Green vs. Red space and explore.

Please note: the POP-UP does not include CORTIS appearance.

How to book the POP-UP

Guests can book the POP-UP for free by visiting airbnb.com/cortis-ext from April 23 at 1:00 PM MYT. Over 1,000 spots are available, but they may fill up quickly, so guests are encouraged to book early to secure their place. Guests who secure a spot are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

*Note: Brought to you by Airbnb. The experience, one-night stay, and the POP-UP are available only as a promotional event, allocated on a first-come first-served basis, and is not a contest.

CORTIS’ new lead single, REDRED, is now on major streaming platforms. 

A Story Within a Story: What Sets Absolute Value of Romance Apart

Get ready for a fresh dose of heart, humor, and high school chaos. The cast and crew of Absolute Value of Romance lit up Seoul at a recent press conference, offering a first look at a coming-of-age series that’s as witty as it is heartfelt.

Led by director Lee Tae-gon and starring Kim Hyang Gi, Cha Hak-yeon, Kim Jae-hyun, Son Jeong-hyuk, and Kim Dong-gyu, the series blends awkward teen moments, playful imagination, and emotional growth into one irresistible story.

The series follows Yeo Eui-ju (Kim Hyang Gi), an ordinary high school student who secretly leads a double life as an aspiring web novelist dreaming of success. Her world is turned upside down when four charming new teachers — Ga Woo-su (Cha Hak-yeon), Noh Da-ju (Kim Jae-hyun), Jung Gi-jeon (Son Jeong-hyuk), and Yoon Dong-ju (Kim Dong-gyu) — arrive at her school and unexpectedly become the inspiration behind her writing. Set against the backdrop of high school life, Absolute Value of Romance explores youth, friendship, and growth through the eyes of a young writer navigating both reality and imagination.

Premiering April 17 on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories, with new episodes dropping weekly, here’s why Absolute Value of Romance deserves a spot on your watchlist:

1. Kim Hyang Gi Reinvents Herself in a Bold, Comedic Turn

Kim Hyang Gi takes on the role of Yeo Eui-ju, an ordinary high school student who enjoys writing during the day while secretly leading a double life at night as an aspiring web novelist. Reflecting on her first impression of the script, she shared, “When I first read it, I was drawn to how comic-book-like yet multidimensional the characters felt. The more I read, the more curious I became about what would happen next.” Taking on her first comedy role, she said, “I’ve always had great respect for comedians, so I really wanted to do justice to the humor in the script and bring the character to life.” She added with a laugh, “I really wanted to be funny.” Speaking about shaping the character, she continued, “I paid a lot of attention to Eui-ju’s overall look to help define her personality.” Kim Hyang Gi showcases a fresh transformation in the series, bringing a playful and engaging energy to her portrayal of a high school student.

2. Four Teachers, Four Personalities—and Endless Chemistry

The four teachers bring distinct personalities and striking charm to the series, bringing a lively and engaging dynamic to the story. Speaking about his character Ga Woo-su, Cha Hak-yeon shared, “On the surface, he appears cold and structured, but if you look closer, he has a slightly clumsy charm, which makes him fun to watch.” Kim Jae-hyun, who plays Noh Da-ju, described his role as the group’s mood-maker, saying, “He’s the one who brings everyone together and keeps things lively with his unpredictable charm.” Kim Dong-gyu, who plays Yoon Dong-ju, also shared, “I wanted to carry on the idea of a ‘boyfriend-material teacher’ and make the character feel warm and relatable.” Son Jeong-hyuk plays Jung Gi-jeon, a dependable sports teacher who supports those around him, rounding out the group’s dynamic. Bringing together contrasting personalities and unique energy, the four teachers create a lively dynamic that adds to the series’ youthful and engaging appeal.

3. A Director Who Knows How to Capture Youth

The series is helmed by director Lee Tae-gon, known for his work on acclaimed dramas such as Hello My Twenties!, and True to Love. Speaking about what drew him to the project, Lee shared, “The script was incredibly engaging. But above all, I was drawn to the sense of youth and fun that the story brings.” Emphasizing the core theme of the series, he continued, “At its heart, this is a story about growth. High school is a time when that growth is especially significant, and those experiences we go through during that period stay with us and shape who we become. I hope that both the audience and everyone who worked on the series can share in that sense of growth.” Through his direction, Absolute Value of Romance captures the essence of youth and growth with warmth and authenticity.

4. A Cast That Feels Like Your Own School Memories 

Bringing together youthful energy, nostalgia, and relatable experiences, the student ensemble enhances the series’ vibrant and engaging tone. Sharing what makes Absolute Value of Romance stand out, Kim Dong-gyu described the series as “a refreshingly unique concept—something you don’t often see, and incredibly fun.” Son Jeong-hyuk likened its atmosphere to “the lively, bustling energy of a school break time.” Cha Hak-yeon emphasized the strong sense of youth embedded in the story, sharing, “It really made me think of youth—like running to the cafeteria as soon as it’s lunchtime. I believe viewers will be able to feel that same atmosphere, along with the themes of growth.” Kim Hyang Gi added, “I think the series will feel very healing. It brings back memories of school days, and I hope viewers follow the journey and experience both fun and heartfelt moments along the way.” A vibrant group of students at Murim Girls’ High School, including Kim Sohee as Choi Go-ya and Singaporean actress Gladys Bay as Jenny, further enriches the series’ coming-of-age story.

5. A Playful “Story Within a Story” Twist

One of the most distinctive elements of Absolute Value of Romance is its story-within-a-story structure, where the narrative expands beyond the events at school into the world of Yeo Eui-ju’s writing. Within her novel, the teachers transform into entirely different characters, creating a playful contrast and offering a new layer of fun for viewers. Cha Hak-yeon, who takes on a contrasting role as Ju Si-on within the story, shared, “There were no limits to the character. We kept asking, ‘Can we really go this far?’ Because of that, there are many unexpected moments and movements you wouldn’t typically see.” Kim Jae-hyun added, “To portray a different character, I intentionally made my movements bigger and more expressive.” Kim Hyang Gi also spoke about stepping into the story as its creator, saying, “Whenever I appear in those scenes, I found myself acting more like the math teacher—being a bit strict and even telling them, ‘Why are you saying the line like that?’” Blending reality and imagination, the series delivers a playful and unpredictable viewing experience, where characters shift between worlds in surprising and entertaining ways.

With its mix of humor, heart, and creative storytelling, Absolute Value of Romance captures the messy, magical journey of growing up. Whether it’s your first love, your wild imagination, or the friendships that shape you, this is one series that knows exactly how to hit all the right notes.

Streaming exclusively on Prime Video from April 17, with new episodes every Friday.