<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>K-Culture &#8211; Culture Group</title>
	<atom:link href="https://culturegroup.asia/tag/k-culture/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://culturegroup.asia</link>
	<description>Bridging the world of brand, culture and business</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:07:51 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	

<image>
	<url>https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-Favicon-32x32.png</url>
	<title>K-Culture &#8211; Culture Group</title>
	<link>https://culturegroup.asia</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
	<item>
		<title>Musicians are community-maxxing</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/musicians-are-community-maxxing/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 01:53:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gen Z]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Pop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trending]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=222297</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The new artist side-hustle]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1787191066624" >21 AUGUST 2026</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1787195227766" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #de1010; font-family: Lato, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><strong>In this week’s edition:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Headline of the Week</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Artists are taking community building to the next level</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Fax, No Printer:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> What are Starbucks China and Rednote doing together?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Before You Leave:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> How are luxury brands making a normie play?</span></li>
</ul>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1770884507054" >Headline of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><b><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1faa9.png" alt="🪩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> OFF THE RECORD </b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The fourth iteration of </span><a href="https://averylaufeyday.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Very Laufey Day</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – which takes place this weekend – is a very global affair, spanning 25 countries, including Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, and Manila. Curated by Laufey, Gen Z’s favorite singer-songwriter, it’s a celebration of the arts that encompasses symphony orchestras, ballet, jazz, opera and museums. According to Laufey, the goal is to help younger listeners connect with ‘</span><a href="https://apnews.com/article/laufey-interview-ccbbc3c99a17f7a648f8b14f202707f4"><span style="font-weight: 400;">high culture</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">’, although there are less intimidating entry points like bookstores and coffee shops. She started the fan event in 2023 as a way to inspire Lauvers to get outside by sharing her ideal one-day itinerary, soundtracked by her upcoming second album. It’s expanded every year since. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Laufey isn’t the only artist meeting fans somewhere other than the music. </span><a href="https://www.service95.com/subscribe"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dua Lipa</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has a book club. </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gene.hackerman/?hl=en"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Weeknd</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> streams video games and champions indie studios. Later this year, Korea’s </span><a href="https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2026/07/24/7LMOHYW3D5D2JGOOPODAT5JLUM/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SM Entertainment</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> will stage a 10k race followed by live performances from idols. Taken together, they reveal new points of connection between artists and fans. For brands trying to reach the same fans, that’s important. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1080" height="540" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1.jpg 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> OUR TAKE</strong> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A side hustle used to mean a fragrance deal or a co-designed fashion label. Now, what artists do when they’re not making music is becoming more than a support act – it’s a way to build community with fans around interests that extend </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">beyond </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">the music. There’s interest in this type of crossover: a 2026 Eventbrite study found that </span><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/blog/press/newsroom/eventbrites-inaugural-social-study-report-reveals-the-reset-to-real-how-gen-z-and-millennials-are-redefining-live-experiences-in-2026/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">69%</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of 18-to-35s in the US and UK want more events that combine different interests, like crafting and cocktails or culture and movement. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Weeknd sought out the makers of indie games he loved, spent hours with them talking about design and posted about it. Vietnamese rapper </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/officialbinz/posts/g%E1%BA%B7p-l%E1%BA%A1i-kh%C3%B4ng-%C4%91%C6%A1n-thu%E1%BA%A7n-l%C3%A0-m%E1%BB%99t-d%E1%BB%B1-%C3%A1n-%C3%A2m-nh%E1%BA%A1c-m%C3%A0-l%C3%A0-nh%E1%BB%AFng-g%C3%AC-nguy%C3%AAn-b%E1%BA%A3n-nh%E1%BA%A5t-c%E1%BB%A7a-/1662610341894962/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Binz</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> eschewed a traditional listening party and instead celebrated the launch of his debut album with a painting workshop for fans and collaborators. Or consider secondhand fashion marketplace </span><a href="https://www.glossy.co/pop/glossy-pop-newsletter-depops-musical-ambitions-grow-with-spotify-partnership-live-performances-and-new-artist-closets/&#093;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Depop</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, who partnered with Spotify to give music lovers access to the wardrobes of six up-and-coming artists. That gave fans a way to buy into the  taste or style of an artist, important in an age when subcultures provide</span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/opinion/subcultures-dead-age.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> fewer ready-made identity codes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Artists’ community building efforts might not be lucrative, but crossover fandoms can result in surprising benefits. Diplo’s run clubs, which first launched in 2024 (5k, followed by a 90-minute live DJ set), expanded to 10 US locations this year. Despite attracting </span><a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/diplo-gunna-travis-barker-run-clubs-1236177580/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10,000 to 15,000 people</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to each event, profitability isn’t guaranteed – the logistics are expensive. But the run clubs did help the DJ/producer become a global ambassador for </span><a href="https://www.whoop.com/gb/en/press-center/whoop-joins-forces-with-diplos-run-club/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whoop</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and appear in an ad campaign with </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQEyKm3FZjv/?hl=en"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cristiano ­Ronaldo</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plenty of brands are chasing the same thing: a loyal community that gathers and stays. It comes more easily to Laufey and co., because the interest is real and not reverse-engineered from a growth target. When BINI&#8217;s Aiah hosted the group&#8217;s second BINI Run in 2025, she called running her </span><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/1/20/bini-aiah-shares-thoughts-on-running-after-the-success-of-the-second-bini-run-it-is-my-safe-space-1116"><span style="font-weight: 400;">‘safe space</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">’ and hoped Blooms would feel the same benefits from exercise. That kind of genuine interest is hard for a brand to manufacture, making artists both a useful partner and a potential competitor. So where does that leave a brand that wants in? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brands can fund artist-led run clubs and book clubs and there is genuine demand here, with young people seeking in-person events. Thoughtful and relevant sponsorship has a place, and the wellness brands that handed out products at some of Diplo’s events are one example of that. But the community belongs to the artist, so it’s the artist’s crowd that decides if a brand is ‘worth’ letting in. The brands that earn entry will offer something the fandom couldn’t easily access (Laufey gave fans a route into art galleries and symphony halls, for example). Access, a venue, an experience, or a tool: the question isn’t which artist to book, it’s what your brand contributes to the community. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1787191181706" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Starbucks China and Rednote have partnered on a community program anchored on special interests. What are the categories?</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn vc_custom_1787191608816">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="300" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1.png 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1-300x83.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1-1024x284.png 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1-768x213.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Scroll to the end of the newsletter for the correct answer!</i></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1722494591796  vc_custom_1722494591796" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1722567035741" >Before You Leave</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1787191349012" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/05/tiktok-disney-deal-short-video-darth-vader-spider-man" rel="noopener">Darth Vader to become a TikTok star as Disney strikes a deal on short video</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(5 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1787191354753" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://gamesbeat.com/jo-malone-london-debuts-in-fortnite-with-sea-salt-bergamot-activation/" rel="noopener">Jo Malone London debuts in Fortnite With Sea Salt &amp; Bergamot activation</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(6 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/3-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/3-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/3-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1787191368166" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://hypebae.com/2026/8/dior-beauty-miss-dior-fragrance-anime-short-film-ugo-bienvenu-director-interview" rel="noopener">Dior Beauty releases anime-inspired film in honor of “Miss Dior”</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(10 mins)</p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1787191386729" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://jingdaily.com/posts/what-is-y3k-fashion-and-why-are-brands-chasing-it" rel="noopener">What is Y3K fashion &#8212; and why are brands chasing it?</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(10 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/5-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/5-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/5-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1787191394004" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.wsj.com/cmo-today/brands-suddenly-care-about-reddit-redditors-dont-return-the-feeling-e7a9d59c" rel="noopener">Brands suddenly care about Reddit. Redditors don’t return the feeling</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(10 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/6-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/6-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/6-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1787191400924" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/the-summer-that-the-monoculture-made-a-comeback-a8265e0a" rel="noopener">The Summer that the monoculture made a comeback</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(15 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px; line-height: 175%;"><strong>B. Pets, cycling, running, arts and crafts</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The coffee wars are brutal in China. Starbucks faces cut-throat pricing (</span><a href="https://www.caixinglobal.com/2026-02-02/in-chinas-coffee-price-war-cotti-lowers-the-heat-102410546.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cotti Coffee’s</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> sub-dollar promotional pricing), aggressive brick-and-mortar expansion (</span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/markfaithfull/2026/02/08/luckin-coffee-takes-shot-at-starbucks-with-flagship-and-costa-rumors/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luckin Coffee</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">’s 30,000 store count in China versus Starbucks’ 8,000), and whatever the </span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/bubble-tea-giant-embodies-starbucks-china-dilemma-2025-07-07/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">world&#8217;s largest fast food chain</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is doing at the moment.  </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">More than ever, Chinese consumers are looking for brands that reflect and are additive to their </span><a href="https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3359294/after-hooking-china-coffee-starbucks-ramps-consumer-strategy"><span style="font-weight: 400;">identities and interests</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and this extends to choice of beverage. By partnering with social platform Rednote, Starbucks created an </span><a href="https://daoinsights.com/works/rednote-interest-community-spaces/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">online-to-offline program</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that drives consumers to select stores-turned-community-spaces that revolved around those four original interest groups. The program has now run for one year, and was recently expanded to include books and music, where stores hosted writer meet-and-greets and served as gathering spots before and after concerts. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Last year, Rednote formally </span><a href="https://daoinsights.com/news/why-rednotes-2025-interest-report-says-more-than-it-intends-to/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">revised</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> its slogan from, loosely translated, ‘your life guide’ to ‘your life interest community’. No longer standing for just a space where users dump recommendations, the platform actively promotes itself as an ecosystem to foster and cultivate interests and hobbies. Partnerships with brands like Starbucks make sense, giving consumers a reason to frequent actual stores and also engage with the app. Rednote’s knitting-centric </span><a href="https://daoinsights.com/news/rednote-knitting/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">activation</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> brought together creator-sellers, knitting fans, and eventually even Starbucks, with stores hosting cozy afternoon sessions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Will Starbucks continue these activities for the long term? It is just a matter of time before a coffee competitor does something similar. Rednote’s success with these partnerships and programs is also linked to how well it maintains a </span><a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3352704/thailand-targets-6-million-chinese-visitors-authentic-content-rednote-wechat"><span style="font-weight: 400;">healthy medium</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for authentic and grassroots user generated content, something which another platform currently struggles with (see our Before You Leave section). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we’ve </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/the-race-to-build-third-spaces"><span style="font-weight: 400;">covered</span></a> <a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/inside-pop-marts-lifestyle-play/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">before</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the online-to-offline journey can seem like a hamster wheel, but should be viewed as a marathon in service of brand growth and consumer loyalty. Don’t see ‘third space’ as just a buzzword, but engage with it to demonstrate how well you understand your multi-hyphenate community. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, forward this on, or share the love on social media. Thanks for reading!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Angela, Twila, Crystal, Helena, Teri, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af23415c832a"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Inside Pop Mart’s Lifestyle Play</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/inside-pop-marts-lifestyle-play/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:01:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gen Z]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Pop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trending]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=222275</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[From blind boxes to bakeries, Pop Mart is testing how far character IP can travel.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1786003320892" >7 AUGUST 2026</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1786003371648" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #de1010; font-family: Lato, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><strong>In this week’s edition:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Headline of the Week</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: The Pop Mart Expansion Pack </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Fax, No Printer:</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Cinema’s New Collectible Economy</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Before You Leave:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> From Heartthrobs to Superheroes</span></li>
</ul>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1770884507054" >Headline of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><b><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f31f.png" alt="🌟" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A STAR IS BORN</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop Mart’s latest empire-building chess move is a double-punch opening of a two-story retail store and baked goods space in Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa. Pop Bakery is a casual, more grab-and-go experience, not to be confused with Pop Mart Cafe in Bangkok, and is the </span><a href="https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/consumer-healthcare/pop-mart-brings-labubu-dessert-table-global-bakery-push"><span style="font-weight: 400;">first</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of the sub-line to open outside of China. The character Twinkle Twinkle is the literal star of the show, though other Pop Mart IPs will also feature in the form of food, collectibles, and character meet-and-greets.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop Bakery is the latest in a long, ever-morphing line of branded experiences that focus on physical spaces as a channel for brand expansion and consumer loyalty cultivation. The ROI and long-term impact of these activations on brand health and longevity are still under scrutiny. When everyone and anyone is doing it, what makes a branded experience truly additive to the brand and community? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="540" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic.jpg 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic-300x150.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Main-Topic-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop Mart Co-COO and Executive Director Si De has </span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/labubu-maker-pop-mart-learns-disney-capitalise-toys-viral-success-2025-09-30/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">namechecked</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> the Disney playbook for how the company aims to maintain the longevity and value of its IPs via multiple form factors and business lines. Starting with collectible blind box toys, the ‘</span><a href="https://jingdaily.com/posts/from-popland-to-sony-pictures-is-pop-mart-becoming-china-s-disney"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Disney of China</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">’ has expanded into </span><a href="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Labubu-to-headline-its-own-animated-series-and-feature-film-1EpuIr5nTxK/p.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">animation</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20j01gqx1eo"><span style="font-weight: 400;">film</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, as well as the ultimate Disney stamp of approval – </span><a href="https://www.scmp.com/photos/world/3315599/inside-pop-land-pop-marts-theme-park-beijing"><span style="font-weight: 400;">theme parks</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In </span><a href="https://prod-out-res.popmart.com/cms/ANNUAL_REPORT_2024_976e7e443e.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Southeast Asia</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Pop Mart’s largest region of business after China, the company already </span><a href="https://www.tatnews.org/2024/07/tat-and-pop-mart-welcome-labubu-to-explore-thailand/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">launches</span></a> <a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/shell-gives-pop-mart-collectors-a-reason-to-refuel"><span style="font-weight: 400;">collaborations</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> at breakneck speed. The region is ground zero for Pop Mart’s retail++ themed experiences after they’ve gone through the testing grounds of China, starting with F&amp;B. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The accessibility and communal aspect of F&amp;B is the perfect channel for brand extension, also lending well to content creation and shareability. Pop Mart even experimented with dessert trucks in China before deciding on brick-and-mortar. Luxury retail especially is no stranger to F&amp;B, using </span><a href="https://www.adfwebmagazine.jp/en/design/luxury-brands-cafe-where-fashion-meets-interior-design/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cafes and restaurants</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as lifestyle gateways into the brands. Tiffany &amp; Co’s </span><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/life/style/tiffany-co-to-open-first-blue-box-cafe-in-singapore-as-part-of-ion-store-revamp"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Blue Box Cafe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> launched this summer in Singapore, and </span><a href="https://www.porsche.com/singapore/en/aboutporsche/porsche-studio/cafe-carrera/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cafe Carrera</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> serves as Porsche’s watering hole for the community (it’s important to note that this is a stand-alone cafe, and not just a coffee bar in a car showroom). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Branded experiences are tools in the ongoing attention economy where consumers increasingly demand touchpoints that go beyond digital and into spaces where community and identity are formed. We touch upon this in </span><a href="https://22249280.hs-sites-na2.com/culture-wire-coachs-new-luxury-playbook?ecid=ANzmaIQqax7wXMB-hrCvEBwzoEdvjmrQ2VgjmTHPrFV9SBBE4cMITUKBf1Nv5WyJoXQBXeh06aKG&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9tYFZpz384umDHBZHMrp1JmBKtRajV6cLHyE6ko6_Xts90Mo8PNwpVXXZz_jGCMuykSkgpGN_I1OOlnw746KXp4JeP7g&amp;_hsmi=31795655&amp;utm_content=31795655&amp;utm_source=hs_email"><span style="font-weight: 400;">previous reporting</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">on luxury brands organizing literary salons.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> All brands want to become a ‘way of life’ for consumers, with experiences as a way to speak to and bolster communities anchored around the brand. Make-up brand Glossier was </span><a href="https://www.thecut.com/article/glossier-beauty-industry-playbook.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">adept</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> at this, creating a world around its direct-to-consumer community-driven launches, making the ‘Glossier Girl’ into a covetable everyday identity for friend groups. Malaysian coffee brand ZUS Coffee created </span><a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/how-zus-coffee-leaned-into-music-and-physical-experiences-with-drip-drop"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drip &amp; Drop</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> block parties as a way to cement association with these daily rituals and community activities.   </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’re not advising that every brand immediately go set up a food truck, and certainly not everyone has deep enough pockets for theme parks. With branded experiences, consistency and thought are especially important – whether a brand is seen as spraying and praying, or is truly invested in building a story and community. Activities should not be done in a vacuum or seen as long-term guaranteed engagement in isolation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Disney celebrated its </span><a href="https://disney100exhibit.com/behind-the-scenes/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Disney100</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> corporate centennial in 2023, and Mickey Mouse has his </span><a href="https://www.licenseglobal.com/character/mickey-mouse-turns-100-disney-unveils-next-generation-brand-strategy-at-licensing-expo"><span style="font-weight: 400;">100th birthday</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in 2028. Pop Mart definitely has its eyes on the prize. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1786003460794" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>For <i>The Odyssey</i>, Regal cinemas imposed a strict one-per-customer limit, the first in the US chain’s history. But what was it rationing? </strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn vc_custom_1786004805804">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="300" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new.png 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new-300x83.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1024x284.png 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2024-CW-Trivia-new-768x213.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Scroll to the end of the newsletter for the correct answer!</i></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1722494591796  vc_custom_1722494591796" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1722567035741" >Before You Leave</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1786004299509" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/kansas-city-chiefs-youth-marketing-mascot" rel="noopener">How the Kansas City Chiefs plan to hook the youngest sports fans</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(4 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1786004305721" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/article/70638/1/unquantified-self-data-driven-optimisation-wellness" rel="noopener">‘I trust my own body’: The rise of the unquantified self</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(6 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/3-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/3-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/3-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1786004312483" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/youth-plan-job-tasters-curiosity-credits-david-neo-mccy-6275276" rel="noopener">More job tasters, credits to explore hobbies: SG Youth Plan aims to reach over half a million youths in 5 years</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(5 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1786004319454" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.inc.com/ali-donaldson/olivia-rodrigo-handpicked-etsy-founders-for-festival-merch-their-sales-soared-more-than-2000-percent/91380456" rel="noopener">Olivia Rodrigo Handpicked Etsy Founders for Festival Merch</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(5 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/5-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/5-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/5-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1786004326746" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/heartthrob-marketing-chad-michael-murray-devon-sawa-nostalgia" rel="noopener">Return of the heartthrob: Why the men of the early aughts are booked and busy in advertising</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(6 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/6-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/6-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/6-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1786004336105" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/01/business/media/spider-man-box-office-superhero.html" rel="noopener">‘Spider-Man’ Opens to $927 Million Worldwide, Defying Superhero Slump</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(5 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px; line-height: 175%;">C. Popcorn buckets</p>
<p style="background-color: #ffffff;">For<em> The Odyssey </em>moviegoers in the US, IMAX tickets were hard to find. But the collectible popcorn bucket? That was even scarcer. Quick primer on those: novelty popcorn buckets have become a merch add-on for cinema chains. Tied to the release of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2026/apr/10/popcorn-plastic-bag-devil-wears-prada">high-profile films</a>, these plastic containers can cost anything from US$50–70, with AMC expecting them to bring in around <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/23/business/media/movie-theaters-popcorn-buckets.html?unlocked_article_code=1.1FA.SJZS.x2C8v0sMmyhV&amp;smid=nytcore-ios-share">US$100 million in 2026</a>, almost double the 2023 take.</p>
<p style="background-color: #ffffff;">Last month, IMAX entered the movie merchandise business for the first time with a US$50 replica of the 15/65mm camera <em>The Odyssey </em>was shot on. Unconvinced it would land, CEO Rich Gelfond approved an initial run of 2,500 popcorn buckets which sold out almost immediately. More were shipped in from China, where the film hadn&#8217;t yet opened (a 22-inch Trojan Horse version was also available; this time the horse lost).</p>
<p style="background-color: #ffffff;">Limited-edition popcorn buckets are the film industry&#8217;s equivalent of a concert t-shirt, a keepsake that proves attendance and doubles as #content. Sometimes the popcorn is incidental – the fans that order the buckets online and display them on shelves dedicated to movie memorabilia probably aren’t using them for movie snacks – and, given the capped runs and one-per-customer limits, the US$70 Trojan Horse bucket ended up on resale sites <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/features/spider-man-popcorn-bucket-scalper-prices-imax-merch-1236817709/">for close to US$165</a>.</p>
<p style="background-color: #ffffff;">None of this is happening in isolation. Collectible toy sales <a href="https://www.circana.com/post/global-toy-industry-rebounds-in-2025-as-sales-rise-7-fueled-by-pop-culture-collectibles-and-kidu">grew 32%</a> globally last year, to almost a fifth of the toy market. And, as this week&#8217;s main story shows, Southeast Asia is one of Pop Mart&#8217;s biggest markets. The appetite for collectibles is there, but the popcorn bucket is a cinema object and the US boom rides on Gen Z turning up for the big-screen experience (and<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026/08/gen-z-movies/688148/"> that enthusiasm is more contested than the headlines suggest</a>). Whether younger SEA audiences share that motivation just isn&#8217;t documented. So even if the buckets don&#8217;t take off locally, the underlying shift is worth watching: when anything can be merch-ified (technical term), the real question is what isn&#8217;t merch yet. And what could be?</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, forward this on, or share the love on social media. Thanks for reading!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Angela, Twila, Crystal, Helena, Teri, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af23415d4419"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Why the next big thing in pop culture is perfume</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/why-the-next-big-thing-in-pop-culture-is-perfume/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:16:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gen Z]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Pop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trending]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=222258</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[From Love and Deepspace to FC Barcelona, scent is becoming the newest cultural language.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1784791025585" >24 JULY 2026</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1784791034778" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #de1010; font-family: Lato, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><strong>In this week’s edition:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Headline of the Week</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: What if your favorite fictional character had a signature scent? </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Fax, No Printer:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Who won the 2026 World Cup?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Before You Leave:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> How entertainment, fandom, social platforms, and AI are shaping real-world decisions</span></li>
</ul>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1770884507054" >Headline of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f443.png" alt="👃" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><b>HEART, SOUL… AND SILLAGE? </b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Forget Le Labo. The fragrance that’s proving hard to get across China this year belongs to Rafayel. The catch is that Rafayel is not a person. He&#8217;s a romance interest in the popular otome game </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/otome-games-win-hearts-and-wallets/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Love and Deepspace</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. His birthday scent, a marine fougère which is fitting for a character tied to the sea, </span><a href="https://jingdaily.com/posts/love-and-deepspace-pop-mart-enter-china-s-fragrance-race"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sold out across licensed platforms within minutes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of its March release, with follow-ups for two more characters since.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rafayel fans are buying a scent </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> a new way to belong to the Love and Deepspace universe.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> See also </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/popmartsg/posts/%F0%9D%97%94%F0%9D%98%83%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%97%B6%F0%9D%97%B9%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%97%AF%F0%9D%97%B9%F0%9D%97%B2-%F0%9D%97%B3%F0%9D%97%BF%F0%9D%97%BC%F0%9D%97%BA-%F0%9D%97%99%F0%9D%97%BF%F0%9D%97%B6%F0%9D%97%B1%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%98%86-%F0%9D%9F%AE%F0%9D%9F%B0-%F0%9D%97%94%F0%9D%97%BD%F0%9D%97%BF-soft-petals-drift-through-each-act-unfolding-a-stor/1577352137726796/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop Mart</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which rolled its Petals in Four Acts fragrance sprays out across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand in April, sold (of course) with blind-box mechanics. </span><a href="https://gaming-fragrance.com/en-us/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Street Fighter 6</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is also getting room scents built around individual characters.</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="540" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1.jpg 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Main-Topic-1-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><strong> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> OUR TAKE</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scent marketing isn’t new. Subway and Abercrombie have long used smell to pull customers in. Hotels and airlines have filled lobbies and cabins with signature scents for decades (some of them are </span><a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/bulgari-hotels-resorts-launches-signature-scent-11955260"><span style="font-weight: 400;">now available to take home</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">). But as more of the brand experience moves onto a screen, the parts that can&#8217;t — the ones that require smell, touch, or physical presence — need to do more work. Scent has a particular staying power. It can’t be experienced through a screen, yet it’s closely linked to emotion and memory.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As shopping moves online, the physical store has become less about the transaction and more about the experience. Brick-and-mortar offers the sensory stimulation and social interaction e-commerce can&#8217;t, and shoppers want more of it — </span><a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/from-ai-to-aisles-how-shoppers-are-balancing-tech-and-touch-in-retail"><span style="font-weight: 400;">56%</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of surveyed consumers seek immersive, creatively designed experiences. </span><a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/are-gen-z-shoppers-reviving-physical-retail-or-rewriting-the-rules"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ION Orchard</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which has diffused its own 20-note signature scent for years, has re-positioned as a cultural destination, with SEA&#8217;s first Prada Caffè and Tiffany&#8217;s first regional Blue Box Café located in the mall. </span><a href="https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-story/oyster-shanghai-exhibition"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rolex</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is staging museum-grade exhibitions of its history while luxury houses across China are turning stores and temporary spaces into galleries.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scent is also playing a bigger role in how Gen Z constructs and expresses identity, with younger consumers interested in </span><a href="https://business.pinterest.com/en-gb/pinterest-predicts/2026/scent-stacking/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">scent stacking</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, layering multiple scents to suit their mood or the occasion. This doesn’t just apply to women – </span><a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/signature-scent-to-scent-stacking-the-new-mens-fragrance-opportunity"><span style="font-weight: 400;">75%</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of Gen Z men say they layer multiple scents. Niche fragrance brands are another way to signal individuality, taste, and membership to a particular in-the-know community. On TikTok, fragrance is something to research, collect, and </span><a href="https://www.glossy.co/beauty/beauty-briefing-how-fragrance-is-winning-on-tiktok-shop/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">purchase</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with knowledge accruing its own cultural capital (see </span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/smellmaxxing"><span style="font-weight: 400;">#smellmaxxing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or one influencer’s </span><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/life/style/men-are-spraying-themselves-100-times-in-new-fragrance-frenzy"><span style="font-weight: 400;">100 spray rule</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">). The irony that this is all happening via a screen will not be lost on you. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It makes sense that brands and entertainment properties want to be part of this story. </span><a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/club/news/4520065/fc-barcelona-unveils-its-first-olfactory-identity-transforming-emotion-memory-and-technology-into-fragrance"><span style="font-weight: 400;">FC Barcelona</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> recently commissioned an olfactory identity: a scent ‘DNA’ developed from the club’s emotional, cultural, and distinctive attributes. Two fragrances have already been released, while an AI perfumer will allow the club to create future collections and personalized versions without losing the underlying Barça codes (for inquiring minds: the two launch scents lean on grass, bergamot, vetiver and sandalwood — a nod to the pitch but </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">not </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">the locker room). And with South Korean startup </span><a href="https://www.premiumbeautynews.com/en/perfume-and-ai-the-innovations%2C27802"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deepscent</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> able to turn moods and images into scent on demand, expect olfactory identities to become more adaptable, with custom options for launches or events. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A scent identity has a similar function to a color palette or a sonic logo because it’s an ownable set of codes a brand can keep building from. But IP fragrances go further. FC Barcelona uses scent to evoke place and memory while </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Love and Deepspace</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gets more immersive by using it to make a fictional character feel real. Rafayel&#8217;s cologne isn’t marketed as ‘inspired by’, it&#8217;s sold as something the character would wear. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For brands and IP owners, scent is an increasingly important way to reach people who are already spraying and layering fragrance as a form of self-expression. Thinking about how your brand might smell is just the start. What would wearing it allow someone to say about themselves? And who or what would it help them feel part of? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1784791205630" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Who won the 2026 World Cup?</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn vc_custom_1784791773376">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="300" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new.png 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new-300x83.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1024x284.png 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new-768x213.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Scroll to the end of the newsletter for the correct answer!</i></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1722494591796  vc_custom_1722494591796" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1722567035741" >Before You Leave</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1784791788579" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/marriott-coachella-docuseries-sponsorship-strategy" rel="noopener">Why would a hotel brand sponsor a Coachella docuseries?</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(5 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1784791795146" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/character-ai-introduces-suite-of-microseries-1236804864/" rel="noopener">AI Platform Character.ai Introduces Suite of Microseries</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(4 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1784791806734" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.straitstimes.com/life/travel/singapore-travellers-are-regions-most-cost-conscious-klook-survey?ref=travel" rel="noopener">Singapore travellers are region’s most cost-conscious: Klook survey</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(4 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1784791813991" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hallyu-generated-24-6b-in-exports-in-2025-report" rel="noopener">Hallyu generated $24.6b in exports in 2025</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(3 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/5-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/5-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/5-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1784791820650" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/indispensable-xiaohongshu-app-fuels-chinese-tourism" rel="noopener">‘Indispensable’ Xiaohongshu app fuels Chinese tourism</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(5 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/6-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/6-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/6-1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1784791826949" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://e27.co/beyond-the-chatbot-how-gen-z-pioneers-are-leading-aseans-new-ai-revolution-20260720/" rel="noopener">How Gen Z pioneers are leading ASEAN’s new AI revolution</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(6 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px; line-height: 175%;"><strong><span style="color: #000000;">B. Spain…and romance fans</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The relationship between players Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham has proved to be a </span><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/erling-haaland-jude-bellingham-world-cup-memes-1235592079/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">goldmine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for a certain segment of fans. There is now an ecosystem of content, spanning memes, clips set to moody soundtracks, and fanfiction, which cover the spectrum of friends4ever bromance to </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heated Rivalry: Soccer Edition</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You may not have pegged </span><a href="https://joysauce.com/a-beginners-guide-to-fujoshi-culture/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">fujoshi</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as active participants in men’s soccer fanfare, but as we previously </span><a href="https://22249280.hs-sites-na2.com/culture-wire-the-world-cup-isnt-just-for-football-fans-anymore?ecid=ANzmaITujH1p2ujpmU_d6WVSUaKtdJT2kfsFpyzrUnC-stgugvcYNNcDnagXShjXI5aE3CLfuJgz&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--IiWmyA34rW9JqYmhMdG3N9JzWz7YKK6VINRjSGZmopdaN8g940mPn2Qst4ZC5z7TnuN83Pw_BUSYCTWqfRjp0KPYyhQ&amp;_hsmi=30838113&amp;utm_content=30838113&amp;utm_source=hs_email"><span style="font-weight: 400;">mentioned</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the cultural reach of this year’s World Cup was the broadest ever, touching adjacent communities from music to gaming. These interests aren’t sidebars detracting from the main sporting event, but </span><a href="https://www.accelerationcc.com/intelligence/gen-z-sports-fandom-the-mega-moment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">side doors</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> opening into the cultural event which enable easier and more authentic brand engagement. Gen Zs especially, who are used to cultural fluidity and having multiple interests interact and merge, come into sports fandom this way, with </span><a href="https://www.accelerationcc.com/intelligence/gen-z-sports-fandom-the-mega-moment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">49% of Gen Z</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> sports fans gaining interest in a new sport or athlete via a channel outside of the sport. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we enter the post-mortem phase, brands should note what type of fans were galvanized by the event and how. The cultural playbook continues to evolve as we see that brand sponsorship </span><a href="https://www.nectarsocial.com/company/data-desk/world-cup-2026-social-intelligence-report/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">increasingly does not guarantee eyeballs and engagement</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Adidas is seen as the gold standard in maxing out all the correct </span><a href="https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/adidas-world-cup-campaign"><span style="font-weight: 400;">levers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> this time around, but brands are still figuring out the winning mix of creator and celebrity activation. Virality may not translate into </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ianshepherd/2026/07/16/the-creators-who-are-quietly-running-the-2026-world-cup/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">brand durability</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, as we now move into the post-World Cup phase. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The World Cup and other global events are </span><a href="https://www.accelerationcc.com/intelligence/gen-z-sports-fandom-the-mega-moment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">mega-moments</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, where fans from across the spectrum converge. The binary definition of fan, casual vs hard-core, can no longer hold all the different ways fans engage with and show up for their interests. Meltwater </span><a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/how-world-cup-2026-united-apac-audiences-and-brands"><span style="font-weight: 400;">reported</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that the World Cup generated 1.5 trillion total reach in APAC across seven days, and highlighted that in the Philippines, the BTS half-time show contributed to a significant part of the discussion. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For another upcoming sports mega-moment, the 2028 Olympics, Gen Z interest currently hovers at only </span><a href="https://www.accelerationcc.com/intelligence/gen-z-sports-fandom-the-mega-moment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">23% engagement</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. In terms of building relevance and resonance with fans, old and new, it is clear that there are plenty of side doors brands should be looking to partner with, be it K-pop, </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/11/the-ad-machine-how-david-beckham-conquered-america"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beckham</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, or even </span><a href="https://www.si.com/olympics/beatriz-hatz-talks-love-island-paralympics"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Love Island</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, forward this on, or share the love on social media. Thanks for reading!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Angela, Twila, Crystal, Helena, Teri, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af23415df8e0"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Great Creator Reckoning</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/the-great-creator-reckoning/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:49:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creators]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gen Z]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Pop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luxury]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=222236</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The creator economy just entered its next chapter and brands are rewriting the rules.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1783579912647" >10 JULY 2026</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1783579918932" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #de1010; font-family: Lato, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><strong>In this week’s edition:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Headline of the Week</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: The creators are in the boardroom. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Fax, No Printer:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Which SEA market has gone almost all-in on local artists?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Before You Leave:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> How SKIMS, ENHYPEN, and Bank of America turned fans into participants</span></li>
</ul>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1770884507054" >Headline of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><b><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f46f-200d-2640-fe0f.png" alt="👯‍♀️" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> ARE WE ALL JUST CREATOR-MAXXING?  </b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The World Cup has never been more star-studded (covered in a </span><a href="https://22249280.hs-sites-na2.com/culture-wire-the-world-cup-isnt-just-for-football-fans-anymore?ecid=ANzmaITujH1p2ujpmU_d6WVSUaKtdJT2kfsFpyzrUnC-stgugvcYNNcDnagXShjXI5aE3CLfuJgz&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_mKKBy3Jnqdkq86uu1KxJx1jBOr8WfVvEIMHUYBFIVz89zhNWjlpKGP0ZWNqGgu3bUlbAZz0bO0ISJkbdC51XS7pCzpQ&amp;_hsmi=30838113&amp;utm_content=30838113&amp;utm_source=hs_email"><span style="font-weight: 400;">previous</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Culture Wire), as Capital-F Famous People from across fandoms converge to celebrate one of the biggest global cultural events. So imagine the size of Unilever’s content creator Rolodex as the official personal care brand of this year’s World Cup announced it’s adopting a “</span><a href="https://digiday.com/media/a-super-bowl-every-two-days-inside-unilevers-50000-creator-world-cup-play/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Super Bowl every two days</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">” marketing strategy. The brand has partnered with 50,000 creators worldwide across online and offline activations and campaigns, ranging from big-name athletes to micro-creators.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once viewed as simple amplification channels for whatever direction agencies were hired to push, creators now seem to be center stage, with a seat at the table at the start of a brand’s creative funnel. Is this the dawn of a new era?</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="1080" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1.jpg 2160w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-300x150.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-768x384.jpg 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-2048x1024.jpg 2048w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-1920x960.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><strong> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> OUR TAKE</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Have we really arrived at Creator 2.0? Maybe the more interesting development is not that brands are just talking about creator-maxxing, but that heavy-hitters are investing in and scaling more diverse voices in communities and fundamentally retooling the marketing production process to bring creators to the drawing board. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unilever operationalized this with a Cannes Lion stamp of approval in the creative process for the 2025 Bronze Lion-winning </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Part of the Game</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with Arsenal Football Club.  The campaign message was completely overhauled based on the input of Arsenal Women’s athlete-creators, which speaks to the trust placed in the creators as the credibility sign-off. Unilever Global CMO Leandro Barreto stated that this new SOP, in which creators are recognized as voices of authenticity, double-team with agencies, and don’t just act as spellcheckers, required a shift in “</span><a href="https://www.thedrum.com/news/unilever-tells-agencies-to-make-way-for-creators-we-don-t-need-the-big-idea"><span style="font-weight: 400;">relationships [and] control</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">”. This might be an understatement, as the company now works with 30x more creators versus just two years ago, with a roster of 300,000 creators.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brand-building has always meant partnering with different stakeholders: the classic celebrity spokesperson for clout, and a movie tentpole or IP for scale and to get the word out. As the new generation of YouTube talent gains name recognition and starts commanding dollars, these creators are now celebrities to which proximity is coveted (however </span><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-29/mrbeast-top-youtubers-sell-their-scraps-at-new-age-auction"><span style="font-weight: 400;">mundane-seeming</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A big name doesn’t always equate to credibility, though. Celebrities and mega-influencers can be seen as Too Big To Trust. Brands are increasingly engaging with micro-creators and voices in micro-communities to build trust with consumers from the ground up. Nano-creators (1K-10K followers) in APAC are </span><a href="https://marketingtnt.org/apac-influencer-marketing-2026-from-reach-to-revenue/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">spotlighted</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for having higher engagement rates across platforms than macro-creators, with trust and authenticity cited as </span><a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/is-bigger-no-longer-better-in-the-apac-influencer-scene"><span style="font-weight: 400;">the top reasons</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> consumers engage with creators in the first place. Visa even terms smaller creators as </span><a href="https://www.visa.com.sg/run-your-business/small-business-big-future/empowering-agile-smbs/creator-economy-smbs.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">micro-SMBs</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a fast-growing category in the USD 135.2B (2023) APAC creator economy. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sports brands are especially active in doing so by engaging with amateur and niche sports communities. Nike, in its battle against growth headwinds, is </span><a href="https://www.marketingweek.com/nike-brand-sports-micro-communities/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">tapping</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> into smaller-scale creators and communities to reposition itself and build influence. In fact, Nike and other previously entrenched multinational brands already face heightened competition in China, where key local brands are seen as more </span><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-30/nike-posts-earnings-that-surpass-expectations-in-latest-quarter"><span style="font-weight: 400;">culturally connected</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and anti-generic. In South Korea, the popular Private Road Running Club positions itself as a community “</span><a href="https://monocle.com/fashion/korean-running-brands-to-know/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">for not only running but Korean culture across the board</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">”, and brands must engage with it in ways that feel authentic and enrich people’s daily routines. As even these communities become more diverse, there’s </span><a href="https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/running-influencer-sponsorships"><span style="font-weight: 400;">growing demand</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for non-sports and non-performance-based brands to engage with these running groups in accessible ways.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ways brands and creators work together are </span><a href="https://digiday.com/marketing/dentsu-strikes-meta-deal-to-build-plumbing-for-mass-influencer-activation/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ever-evolving</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and increasingly corporatized, but one thing remains evergreen: how can one stay relevant and build in the culture? One marketing strategy doesn’t guarantee lasting cultural stickiness. Which communities has your brand been engaging with, and how are you crafting the brand story together?</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1783580281320" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Which SEA market has seen local acts go from a minority to 97% of its weekly Spotify Top 10?</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn vc_custom_1783581557700">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="300" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1.png 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1-300x83.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1-1024x284.png 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1-768x213.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Scroll to the end of the newsletter for the correct answer!</i></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1722494591796  vc_custom_1722494591796" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1722567035741" >Before You Leave</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1783580444251" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1018669" rel="noopener">Can a Library Read Your Mood? Wuhan Wants to Find Out</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(5 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1783580450610" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://jingdaily.com/posts/gaokao-season-luxury-missed-coming-of-age-opportunity" rel="noopener">‘Gaokao’ season: Luxury’s missed coming-of-age opportunity</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(5 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/3.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1783580456643" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/06/24/why-gen-z-is-watching-reality-tv-movie-theaters/" rel="noopener">Why Gen Z is watching reality TV in movie theaters</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(7 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1783580462939" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/how-skims-turned-a-netflix-character-into-a-brand-campaign" rel="noopener">How SKIMS turned a Netflix character into a brand campaign</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(3 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/5-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/5-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/5.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1783580469723" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://kavenyou.com/enhypen-singapore-red-cross/" rel="noopener">Receive Exclusive Official ENHYPEN Photocards In The ENHYPEN x Singapore Red Cross Campaign</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(3 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/6-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/6-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/6.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1783580476144" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 141%; font-size: 15px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7393971/2026/06/25/world-cup-bracelet-bank-of-america/" rel="noopener">How a World Cup ‘charm bracelet’ became this summer’s must-have accessory</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 13px;">(6 mins)</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px; line-height: 175%;"><span style="color: #000000;">A. Indonesia</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to data compiled by </span><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/1/southeast-asias-homegrown-artists-are-knocking-k-pop-off-its-pedestal"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Soundcharts</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the share of local artists in Spotify’s weekly top 10 grew from 39% to 97% between 2021 and the first half of 2026. And with the Philippines and Thailand seeing growth too (31% to 81% <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f1f5-1f1ed.png" alt="🇵🇭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />, 71% to 76% <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f1f9-1f1ed.png" alt="🇹🇭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />), local is now a norm, not an exception. While we’ve tracked </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/sea-pop-goes-global/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">how local SEA talent is reaching the world</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, there’s another shift here: homegrown acts are displacing K-pop and Western pop artists on playlists across the region. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Malaysia shows how complex this shift can be. Local acts make up about 8.3% of the weekly Spotify top 10, but regional acts account for 45.7%. Malaysians may not be choosing homegrown music at the same rate as audiences in other SEA countries, but they are embracing their neighbors’ sounds, particularly Indonesian artists and genres. Cultural proximity is important: Malaysia and Indonesia share enough language and culture that Indonesian acts travel well. So rather than one big regional market, &#8216;SEA for SEA&#8217; is a set of overlapping ones. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Homegrown pop culture is something governments and brands are increasingly investing in. Just last week, the Philippines named BINI—the first all-Filipino girl group to play Coachella—</span><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/7/3/department-of-tourism-taps-bini-as-tourism-ambassadors-1243"><span style="font-weight: 400;">its official tourism ambassadors</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Mastercard and TikTok’s SoundOn recently launched </span><a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mastercard-launches-southeast-asia-artist-accelerator-with-tiktok-s-soundon"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Artist Accelerator SEA</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, supporting emerging local musicians in Indonesia and Thailand through mentorship, live performances, digital music education, and fan engagement. In both cases, cultural credibility is being built closer to home: giving local artists the support and visibility to grow locally before traveling further.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even in Singapore, where Western pop and K-pop still dominate, Dear You, a Teochew-dialect film, </span><a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3357805/dear-you-gets-8-extra-teochew-shows-singapore-after-overwhelming-demand"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sold out its original-language screenings</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, prompting regulators to relax a rule requiring Chinese films to screen in Mandarin. In a country where dialects have faded from daily life, this was an emotional pull and a way to reconnect with an increasingly distant inheritance. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even as credibility shifts closer to home, ‘local’ becomes harder to define. It can mean homegrown acts, neighboring cultures, or inherited languages and traditions. So rather than considering whether to ‘go local’, consider which version of local actually carries meaning. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, forward this on, or share the love on social media. Thanks for reading!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Angela, Twila, Crystal, Helena, Teri, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af23415eb1ad"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>When fans flex their Cultural Wallet</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/when-fans-flex-their-cultural-wallet/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:44:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gaming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Pop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=222137</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[From BookTok to AI companions, people aren’t just consuming stories—they’re living inside them.
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1776393972888" >17 APRIL 2026</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1776393978407" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #de1010; font-family: Lato, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><strong>In this week’s edition:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Headline of the Week</strong>: The ripple effect of the Culture Wallet</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Fax, No Printer:</strong> What does Singapore&#8217;s Mandai Wildlife Reserve&#8217;s new doctor specialize in?</li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong>Before You Leave:</strong> Here&#8217;s how gamers, girl groups, creators, and feeds are rewriting the culture playbook</li>
</ul>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1770884507054" >Headline of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1faf6.png" alt="🫶" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><b> FANDOM MEANS BUSINESS</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On flights from Manila to Seoul last week, </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DW5UxnjEfcm/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Philippine Airlines</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> offered some euphoria to BTS fans by offering banners to any passenger who could prove ARMY credentials. The thoughtful gesture was a hit on social media, with some calling for other airlines to follow suit. For those that missed out, </span><a href="https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10699746"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Incheon International Airport</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> provided consolation in the form of farewell messages on departure boards in the days following BTS&#8217;s comeback concert. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That concert – held in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square – drew over 75,000 people from Korea and beyond, with </span><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/life/1-in-4-fans-at-bts-concert-in-seoul-were-foreigners-with-thais-making-up-largest-group"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 in 4</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> flying in from abroad to witness the event. The largest share of overseas fans came from Thailand, followed by Vietnam. BTS’s return from mandatory military service is, of course, </span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/bts-comeback-album-arirang-sells-398-million-copies-first-day-2026-03-21/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">big news for the record label</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> but local Seoul businesses benefitted too: a traditional liquor maker </span><a href="https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/03/16/weverse-users-surge-10-fold-to-150-million-as-fandom"><span style="font-weight: 400;">tripled production</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for a highball brand endorsed by member Jin. Restaurants in Gwanghwamun </span><a href="https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2026/03/21/GTQRDL6FYFHOHEHPWHX6JA35IU/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">hired temporary staff</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> who speak Spanish, Uzbek, Burmese, and Japanese. And BTS-themed tours are doing brisk business nationwide. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the surface, these are examples of brands catering to BTS fans. But there’s an underlying shift here and it’s the idea that fandom doesn’t just drive culture. It also drives demand.</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="540" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Main-Topic-4.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Main-Topic-4.jpg 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Main-Topic-4-300x150.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Main-Topic-4-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Main-Topic-4-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><strong>OUR TAKE</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Long-term readers will know about the concept of the </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/the-continuation-of-the-culture-wallet/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Culture Wallet</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and how consumers spend around the passion points that express who they are and where they belong. For BTS fans, that means concert tickets, albums, merch, hotels, themed looks or accessories. Practical and emotional investments that allow them to be part of the moment. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">But the Culture Wallet doesn’t stop there. When fan spending scales and concentrates, it results in a second wave of economic activity that ripples far beyond the artist. For example, Asian airlines are </span><a href="https://monocle.com/culture/how-k-pop-culture-is-reshaping-aviation-economics/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">adjusting schedules and flight paths</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in response to K-Pop touring cycles (some carriers are adding temporary flights timed to concert dates).  </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">And according to data from tour sponsor</span> <a href="https://en.antaranews.com/amp/news/411249/visa-cements-global-k-pop-connection-as-worldwide-tour-sponsor-for-bts-world-tour-arirang"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Visa</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, foreign travel to South Korea surged more than 25% in the week of the concert, with travel spending up around 20% from an average week. (Side-note that Visa’s role goes beyond sponsorship, with the brand giving cardholders direct ticket access and running on-site merch booths across APAC tour stops). The </span><a href="https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/03/16/weverse-users-surge-10-fold-to-150-million-as-fandom"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Korea Culture &amp; Tourism Institute estimates</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that one BTS concert can generate up to ₩1.2 trillion (around US$815 million) across retail,  hospitality, staffing and local commerce. These demand spikes should be anticipated in the same way as other major seasonal or event-led surges.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another thing that makes this moment different is not just the spending, but the structure of fandom itself. In the past, fandom was often dismissed as irrational excess or a closed loop of repeat purchases. Today, it </span><a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/inside-the-superfan-economy"><span style="font-weight: 400;">functions more like a live participation network</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: continuous, global and always-on. Fan-to-fan connection can be just as important as fan-to-artist devotion. The main event — in this case, the concert — is one part of the appeal. The evolving lore matters too, as does collecting proof and mementos that they were there. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For many superfans, cultural devotion is both personal and communal. The real value doesn’t sit only in the concert itself. It comes from everything that’s around it: the travel, the community fans meet, the side-quests, the visible signals of belonging and, of course, the commerce that forms around all of that.  </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For marketers, the opportunity is more than a one-off partnership or a themed product drop. Recent data from </span><a href="https://livingforlive.livenationforbrands.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Live Nation</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> found that 97% of fans want brands to play a bigger role in live entertainment and when brands are involved the effects are positive: a 75% uplift in brand consideration, while 80% leave liking the brand more. Fans don’t just tolerate brands’ presence at live events – they are inviting them into the space. And that means that the brands that see success here will be the ones that see past the ‘main event’ and build for everything that fans do around it.  </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1776394036194" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%;"><strong>There’s a new doctor in town at Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve &#8211; what do they specialize in?</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn vc_custom_1776394045945">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="300" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Trivia-new.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Trivia-new.png 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Trivia-new-300x83.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Trivia-new-1024x284.png 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CW-Trivia-new-768x213.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Scroll to the end of the newsletter for the correct answer!</i></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1722494591796  vc_custom_1722494591796" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1722567035741" >Before You Leave</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1776394126823" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p align="center"><strong><a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2026/04/07/introducing-the-playerbase-bringing-playstations-biggest-fans-into-blockbuster-playstation-studios-games/?utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_AV4oCBKde6LF9oAqqWsbrxvMKIlbpXQwPfQF27bH_L5WZtZc2BOfA5-3P-sBPgScOrl8" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0" data-hs-link-id-v2="qh50MJQM">Introducing The Playerbase, bringing PlayStation’s biggest fans into games</a></strong></p>
<p align="center">(3 mins)</p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1776394121848" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p align="center"><strong><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bini-coachella-2026-performance-first-filipino-group-1235543475/?utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_AV4oCBKde6LF9oAqqWsbrxvMKIlbpXQwPfQF27bH_L5WZtZc2BOfA5-3P-sBPgScOrl8" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0" data-hs-link-id-v2="fFfjyaVz">BINI Become First Filipino Group to Perform at Coachella 2026</a></strong></p>
<p align="center">(4 mins)</p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1776394136023" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p align="center"><strong><a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ishowspeed-anime-series-brian-robbins-big-shot-pictures-1236558789/?&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_AV4oCBKde6LF9oAqqWsbrxvMKIlbpXQwPfQF27bH_L5WZtZc2BOfA5-3P-sBPgScOrl8" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0" data-hs-link-id-v2="PqW6j+Jf">IShowSpeed Anime Series in the Works</a></strong></p>
<p align="center">(4 mins)</p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1722494449337"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1776394143614" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p align="center"><strong><a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/only-a-fraction-of-tiktok-trends-last-beyond-two-weeks-publicis-groupe-finds?utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_AV4oCBKde6LF9oAqqWsbrxvMKIlbpXQwPfQF27bH_L5WZtZc2BOfA5-3P-sBPgScOrl8" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0" data-hs-link-id-v2="kzf/VTUO">Only a fraction of TikTok trends last beyond two weeks</a></strong></p>
<p align="center">(3 mins)</p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-2.png 540w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1776394150889" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p align="center"><a href="https://www.newsweek.com/what-is-a-cyberdeck-gen-zs-new-custom-computing-obsession-11787017?utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_AV4oCBKde6LF9oAqqWsbrxvMKIlbpXQwPfQF27bH_L5WZtZc2BOfA5-3P-sBPgScOrl8" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0" data-hs-link-id-v2="TrF4uUSb"><strong>What Is a ‘Cyberdeck’: Meet Gen Z’s New DIY Obsession</strong></a></p>
<p align="center">(5 mins)</p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px; line-height: 175%;">C. Stuffed Toys</p>
<p><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/life/soft-toy-sustainability-get-your-well-loved-plushie-mended-at-mandai-wildlife-reserve"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Toy Doctor,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> a stuffed toy repair and restoration service helmed by husband-and-wife ‘surgeons’, was introduced this year at Mandai Wildlife Reserve as part of its sustainability drive. The clinic already has a steady stream of customers, including out-of-town visitors who fly in to get their childhood toys examined by expert eyes. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Repair costs will likely outweigh the original price of the toy, but people have not hesitated. For these customers, the stuffed toy is an extension of their own identity – a reminder and personification of childhood comforts, or of obstacles surmounted during difficult times. The willingness to pay is clear, to extend the lifespan of treasured companions that have deep emotional resonance. To a couple from Jakarta, their stuffed Dumbo toy was their steadfast travel companion. They chose to hand deliver it to Singapore, not to mention the SGD190 restoration fee. A Singaporean man spent SGD120 to restore his stuffed Green Lantern toy, a gift from a harrowing hospital stay turned lucky charm. The Green Lantern toy even gets a birthday celebration every year with the family.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s not just a simple wash and fold job either. Toy Doctor speaks of the emotional labor required in the act of piecing together how each customer uniquely relates to their stuffed toy. Unsurprisingly, most people don’t actually want their toys to be reverted to mint condition. The point isn’t to replace the toys with something brand new, but to keep the memories and companionship strong. Mandai Wildlife Reserve could have just announced more SKUs for the gift shop, but this extension feels true to brand and is obviously speaking to customers who gladly spend to fulfill their emotional needs. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food for thought for brands &#8211; for customers, it’s not always just about having the latest and greatest. People are now looking inwards and thinking more about what truly matters to them &#8211; how can brands make their stories relevant here and convey understanding and sincerity? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, forward this on, or share the love on social media. Thanks for reading!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Angela, Twila, Crystal, Helena Teri, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af2341605083"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Nike x NewJeans: Membership with benefits</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/nike-x-newjeans-membership-with-benefits/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:08:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=220648</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Influencers are bringing the star power, with 70% of Gen Z following online influencers on social media and 58% having purchased a product that an online celebrity has recommended.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1706768124924" >2 FEBRUARY 2024</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1706767809532" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><strong>In this week&#8217;s edition:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Innovation of the Week</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Nike taps NewJeans for an exclusive performance </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Fax, No Printer: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Can you guess the latest FinTok trend? </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Regional Round-up</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Surprising collaborations, a cultural void, anime advances, and more! </span></li>
</ul>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677573871074" >Innovation of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><b><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f430.png" alt="🐰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> IT’S NO TIME TO BE SUPER SHY</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">K-pop girl group NewJeans will perform at the </span><a href="https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/nike-orchard-road-opens-in-singapore"><span style="font-weight: 400;">new Nike flagship store</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in Singapore tomorrow. To snag access to the exclusive event, fans needed to download the Nike app, sign up for the brand’s free membership program, and answer a question (‘Tell us why you are the biggest NewJeans fan’). Just 75 winners were selected—along with the first chance to shop the Air Max 90 LV8 before anyone else. The tie-up coincides with a Nike By You x NewJeans capsule collection that is exclusively available at the Orchard Road store. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="540" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer.jpg 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-300x150.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><b>OUR TAKE</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content/culture-wire/krisflyer-takes-experiences-to-new-heights/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">KrisFlyer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, now Nike. This is just </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">another </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">example of how brands are tapping into culture to drive loyalty and rewarding fans with a money-can’t-buy experience (did we mention that this is NewJeans’ first Singapore show?) And here’s the thing: as more brands shift their emphasis from stale loyalty programs <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f634.png" alt="😴" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> to passion points-based rewards, the more consumers will expect it. The brands that don’t keep up shouldn’t expect to hold customers’</span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js1CtxSY38I"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">attention</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 75 lucky </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">bunnies</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (official fandom name for NewJeans) won’t just get to attend the group’s first-ever performance—they will also get early access to the limited-edition Air Max kicks, giving them a way to show that </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">they were there. </span></i><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content/culture-wire/culture-wire-spotify-launches-an-in-app-merch-hub/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ve previously discussed the rise of subtle or coded merch</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which allows fans to signal their fandom to other like-minded individuals, and this is a version of that—albeit one that comes with collector cachet. Yes, must-have ‘it’ items are giving way to must-attend experiences, but physical goods do still have meaning. So, even as you pivot towards passion points as an engagement tool, consider how limited-editions can fit into your loyalty strategy. (Note that NewJeans fans who didn’t get access to the event could still get their paws on the collection during special shopping days from January 30 through February 4.)</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let’s zoom out for a moment and consider the broader Nike x NewJeans partnership. The supergroup first collaborated with Nike as part of Air Max Day in March 2023. Air Max is perhaps the ultimate Y2K sneaker (yes, it was first released in 1986, but it was the 90s versions </span><a href="https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/jode-carstens/the-history-of-the-air-max-95"><span style="font-weight: 400;">that really put the shoe on the map</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">), and the brand has </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nike-air-max-pulse-gen-z-sneaker?r=US&amp;IR=T"><span style="font-weight: 400;">reinvented the style</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with Gen Z in mind. The partnership makes total sense when you consider how NewJeans have put </span><a href="https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/newjeans-lollapalooza-2023-chicago-outfit-1235761952/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">their own spin on the Y2K&#8217;s aesthetic</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lesson here? Identifying passion points that resonate with your members and rewarding their loyalty with priceless experiences. Bonus if you can </span><a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a46362341/mean-girls-musical-movie-costumes-interview-2024/v"><span style="font-weight: 400;">refresh Y2K styles</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and make them appealing to younger audiences—from nostalgia to </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">nowstalgia</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689213430 vc_row-has-fill vc_row-o-content-middle vc_row-flex"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><h4 style="font-size: 18px;color: #303030;line-height: 1.4;text-align: center;font-family:Lato;font-weight:900;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >How is Gen Z approaching their finances? </h4><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689153832"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="450" height="300" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3.jpg 450w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A. Intentional investments <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4c8.png" alt="📈" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="450" height="300" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.jpg 450w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>B. Doom spending <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4b8.png" alt="💸" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="450" height="300" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1.jpg 450w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>C. Loud budgeting <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f50a.png" alt="🔊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1691660735158" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Scroll down to the end of the newsletter for the correct answer!</i></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574085335" >Regional Round-up</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/8-300x200.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/8-300x200.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/8.jpg 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1706767998343" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3ae.png" alt="🎮" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> The Thai Red Cross has partnered with Vaseline to raise awareness about skin donations for burn victims. The </span><a href="https://www.vaseline-skinsforskin.com/en.php"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Skins for Skin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> campaign saw some of the country’s top gamers remove their avatar’s skins and discuss the changes with livestream viewers. Limited-edition Vaseline jars featuring information about the campaign were available at select 7-Eleven stores. This campaign shows how almost any message can be reformatted for the platforms Gen Z favors—it just requires some creative thinking! </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/7-300x200.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/7-300x200.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/7.jpg 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1706768005705" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/25b6.png" alt="▶" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A few weeks ago, we explored how a mall slated for demolition had become </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content/culture-wire/why-is-a-soon-to-be-demolished-mall-popular-with-singaporean-gen-z/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Singaporean Gen Z’s favorite hangout</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The Peace Centre finally closed last weekend, but it was a farewell party to remember with some </span><a href="https://twitter.com/MothershipSG/status/1751503099146260691?s=20"><span style="font-weight: 400;">waiting in line for an hour</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to get into the venue. Could your brand provide a blank space for grassroots culture to flourish? Even better if you can give young people free rein! </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6-300x200.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6.jpg 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1706768013078" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f1f2-1f1fe.png" alt="🇲🇾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><a href="https://en.prnasia.com/releases/apac/iqiyi-brings-original-malaysian-drama-hit-rampas-cintaku-to-global-audiences-amplifying-the-reach-of-premium-asian-content-435218.shtml"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rampas Cintaku</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">—an original Malay-language drama developed by iQIYI—just debuted in Chinese Mainland after enjoying success in Malaysia. With the Baidu-owned streamer planning to launch over 35 original productions and licensed series from SEA over the next two years, it seems like momentum around the region’s entertainment industry will continue to grow. How will you grab a slice?</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5-300x200.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5.jpg 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1706768021068" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9d9-200d-2642-fe0f.png" alt="🧙‍♂️" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Attention, Elric fans! A </span><a href="https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/32620/fullmetal-alchemist-exhibition-malaysia"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fullmetal Alchemist</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> exhibition is currently on display in Kuala Lumpur—the first outside Japan. With over 300 exhibits, it gives fans an up-close look at the popular anime, which has sold over 80 million copies worldwide. Anime fans are looking for new ways to celebrate their fandom IRL: in 2024, how will you help them participate in their passion points in new ways? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4-300x200.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4.jpg 450w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1706768028797" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/26a0.png" alt="⚠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><b> ICYMI:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Continuing with the anime theme, </span><a href="https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/announcements/2024/1/30/crunchyroll-presents-the-anime-effect-podcast-sony-music"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Crunchyroll</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and Sony Music just announced a new weekly podcast,</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The Anime Effect</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, that’s aimed at existing fans and genre newbies. Of course, Culture Wire readers are well-versed in the </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content/culture-drop/2023-culture-drop-the-anime-impact/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">impact of anime</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, but with </span><a href="https://www.polygon.com/c/2024/1/22/24034466/anime-is-huge-and-we-finally-have-numbers-to-prove-it"><span style="font-weight: 400;">new data</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> revealing the reach and emotional power of anime culture, it might be time to refresh your culture strategy…</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><strong>C. Loud budgeting <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f50a.png" alt="🔊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The concept of </span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/loudbudgeting"><span style="font-weight: 400;">loud budgeting</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has gained traction on TikTok over the last few weeks (14M views and counting), and it’s winning over Gen Z and financial advisors. Essentially, it’s about financial accountability: setting a realistic budget, then (loudly!) communicating it to friends and family members. Setting a personal budget isn’t a new concept, but </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">sharing</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> it is—after all, it’s still awkward to talk about money and it’s easier to flaunt wealth rather than financial struggles. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">But </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">why</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has the term gained traction? It’s partly the result of post-pandemic revenge spending when young people relied a little too heavily on credit cards. In some regions, it’s rooted in fears about financial pressures linked to inflation and the rising cost of living. For others, it’s an opportunity to be more transparent about money—important to a generation </span><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/18/gen-z-says-they-have-it-harder-than-their-parents-did.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">that’s struggling to make ends meet</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brands would do well to understand these underlying concerns and consider how financial accountability and peer pressure could impact spending when it comes to more indulgent purchases. It could also lead to more interest in finance advisors or </span><a href="https://news.pg.com/news-releases/news-details/2023/Secret-Deodorant-Launches-Financial-Literacy-Resources-to-Help-Create-a-Stress-Free-Financial-Future-for-Young-Women/default.aspx"><span style="font-weight: 400;">financial literacy resources</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">—which some brands are already exploring. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, forward this on, or share the love on social media. Thanks for reading! </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Angela, Kiko, Ross, Teri, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af2341613690"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Culture Wire &#124; Celebrating Stan Culture with McDonald’s and NewJeans</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/celebrating-stan-culture-with-mcdonalds-and-newjeans/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:01:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[F&B]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fandom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=220476</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Influencers are bringing the star power, with 70% of Gen Z following online influencers on social media and 58% having purchased a product that an online celebrity has recommended.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1698915642348" >03 NOVEMBER 2023</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1698914967874" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a7180; font-family: Lato, Tahoma, sans-serif;"><strong>In this week’s edition:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Innovation of the Week</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">OMG!</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> McDonald’s latest K-pop collaboration </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Fax, No Printer: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gen Z’s latest social media obsession</span></li>
<li><b>Regional Round-up</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Drag queens using their platform for good, the latest from SEA’s thriving live music scene, and more K-pop</span></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677573871074" >Innovation of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4><b><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f430.png" alt="🐰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f964.png" alt="🥤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> MCDONALD’S X NEWJEANS COLLAB</b></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The limited edition McDonald’s x NewJeans collaboration </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syrS5lVdhnw"><span style="font-weight: 400;">launched in Singapore</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> this week, after previously being made available in 10 Asian markets including Malaysia, Hong Kong and, of course, South Korea. The McDonald&#8217;s x NewJeans meal in Singapore includes a Korean-style Chicken McCrispy, crisscut fries, and sea salt chocolate frappe. It also features a special packaging that combines NewJeans’ mascot (bunnies!) and McDonald’s iconic golden arches.</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="1080" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Web-main.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Web-main.png 2160w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Web-main-300x150.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Web-main-1024x512.png 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Web-main-768x384.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Web-main-1536x768.png 1536w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Web-main-2048x1024.png 2048w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Web-main-1920x960.png 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><b>OUR TAKE</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">McDonald’s is hitting it out of the park with K-culture collaborations in the region. Earlier this year, the fast food giant released </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content/culture-wire/mcdonalds-bring-bt21-limited-edition-meals-to-singapore/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">limited edition meals with BT21</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (the LINE FRIENDS </span><a href="https://www.bt21.com/about"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cartoon characters</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> based on BTS members), after first launching their iconic BTS meal in 2021. Beyond commercial success — the original BTS meal increased McNuggets sales by</span><a href="https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/bts-meal-sales-of-mcnuggets-to-jump-by-250-per-cent-in-korea-2977049"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 250%</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> — McDonald’s string of K-culture offerings is a masterclass in building cultural relevance through partnerships.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The latest NewJeans collaboration demonstrates that McDonald’s BTS meal was not meant to be a one-hit wonder. Instead, the consistent drumbeat of K-culture partnerships signals a commitment to harness this passion point to drive commerce. First lesson in brand x culture partnerships? One-off, high-profile initiatives might generate a spike in short-term buzz, but creating an ownable platform through repeated efforts will lead to long-term cultural equity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally, the co-creation across product and packaging — combining McDonald’s already-iconic brand assets and the partner IP’s motifs and fandom symbols — is a nice touch. It taps into behaviors native to K-culture fandoms: collecting artist-related merchandise and inspiring DIY fan creations. In previous collaborations with BTS, fans </span><a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/jg8j47/mcdonalds-bts-meal-packaging-viral-kpop"><span style="font-weight: 400;">repurposed the packaging</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> into everything from phone cases to tumblers, while resellers were offering the empty purple boxes for </span><a href="https://mothership.sg/2021/06/bts-meal-carousell/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">up to SGD 150</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. An Indonesian TikToker also went viral for </span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@siscakohl/video/6971798968263118081"><span style="font-weight: 400;">making ice cream</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> out of the BTS meal. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This demonstrates that no matter how big your brand is, there is always room to attract a new community or celebrate one. For McDonald’s, it positions the brand firmly as a purveyor and celebrant of stan culture, rather than a follower. We will be watching to see what else McDonald’s drums up in the space <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f35f.png" alt="🍟" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689213430 vc_row-has-fill vc_row-o-content-middle vc_row-flex"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><h4 style="font-size: 18px;color: #303030;line-height: 1.4;text-align: center;font-family:Lato;font-weight:900;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >What’s the newest social media app that should be on your radar?</h4><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689153832"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="500" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Lemon8.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Lemon8.png 750w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Lemon8-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><strong>A. Lemon8</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="500" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Looper.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Looper.png 750w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Looper-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><strong>B. Looper</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="500" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Lapse.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Lapse.png 750w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Lapse-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><strong>C. Lapse</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1691660735158" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Scroll down to the end of the newsletter for the correct answer!</i></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574085335" >Regional Round-up</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1698915349050" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">7&#x20e3; Continuing the K-pop theme: Jungkook’s </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seven</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> just became the fastest song to reach 1B streams on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/Spotify/status/1719101120252182736?"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spotify</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The record was previously held by Miley Cyrus (for </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flowers</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">), which took 112 days to reach the 1B threshold. BTS’ Jungkook did it in 108 days, and with his debut solo album dropping TODAY (run, don’t walk), we expect to see even more headlines in the coming weeks. From seven to heaven? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1698915374658" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3f3-fe0f-200d-1f308.png" alt="🏳️‍🌈" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> After </span><a href="https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2023/10/5/captivating-katkat-wins-drag-race-ph-season-2.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">winning the second season</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of Drag Race Philippines, </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/captivatingkatkat/?hl=en"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Captivating Katkat</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is using her platform for good by raising awareness of the </span><a href="https://quezoncity.gov.ph/program/right-to-care-card/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Right to Care Card</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Recently launched in Quezon City, the initiative empowers LGBTQIA+ couples to make important medical decisions for their partners. If you’re working with creators, how might you help them advocate for the issues that they feel strongly about?</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1698915421768" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3ae.png" alt="🎮" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Staying with the Philippines — </span><a href="https://act.hoyoverse.com/ys/event/hoyofest2023-xrdqyw/index.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HoYo FEST</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> just wrapped in Manila (next up, Singapore and Bangkok). Pinoy fans got a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Zenless Zone Zero</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and there were booths for existing games. We’ve previously discussed revenge-experiences, and it’s likely this sentiment is amplified when it comes to Genshin Impact, which launched during the pandemic.</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1698915465497" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2795.png" alt="➕" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2796.png" alt="➖" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f7f0.png" alt="🟰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2797.png" alt="➗" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2716.png" alt="✖" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Live music continues to thrive in the region — the </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CymmNdltOZ7/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ed Sheeran: + – = ÷ × Tour</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is making stops in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Manila next year. The UOB Presale for the Singapore show, which was open to UOB cardholders, </span><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/uob-cards-score-big-with-early-access-to-taylor-swift-ed-sheeran-concert-tickets"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sold out within 1.5 hours</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Congratulations to our friends at AEG and UOB on another successful partnership: this math is certainly </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">mathing</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1698915497594" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f440.png" alt="👀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> To coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness month, the sexual wellness brand Smile Makers launched </span><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/audioboobs-by-smile-makers/id1532349763"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Audioboobs</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a free series of erotic audiobooks that include instructions on how to conduct breast examinations. Last week we explored the </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content/culture-wire/riding-to-the-next-level-in-singapore/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">power of podcasts</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: what if this medium could also help spread important healthcare messages? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left">C. Lapse</h4>
<p><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lapse-disposable-camera/id1636699256"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lapse</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a ‘social photo journal’ that hit number 2 in the US Apple Store last month, turns users’ phones into disposable cameras. Photos can only be taken in the app, and users have to wait several hours for them to ‘develop.’ Once they are ready, they can be posted on Lapse or added to a private archive. There are no filters and no ‘like’ button; friends can only comment using emojis <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1faf6.png" alt="🫶" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lapse is also invite-only, a tactic that has helped drive short-term success (users can only start posting after they have invited five friends). According to data.ai, Lapse had nearly 1.2M users worldwide as of late September. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the latest in a line of social media apps that promise a more authentic social media experience. Lapse is also appealing to Gen Z’s love of vintage tech (sidenote: </span><a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90974412/apple-ipods-vintage-tech-urban-outfitters-selling"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Urban Outfitters</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> just sold out of refurbished iPods. Yes, that makes us feel old too). Will an aggressive growth strategy, paired with this nostalgic appeal, be enough to help Lapse avoid </span><a href="https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/61166/1/why-did-bereal-fail-social-media-instagram-authenticity"><span style="font-weight: 400;">BeReal’s fate</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">? We’re not convinced yet&#8230; </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But here’s the thing: data from </span><a href="https://www.gwi.com/webinars/social-media-behind-the-screens"><span style="font-weight: 400;">GWI</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> suggests that time spent on social media has hit a ceiling, and Gen Zs are 30% more likely to worry about the amount of time they spend on social media. Marketers looking to appeal to this demographic shouldn’t abandon their social media strategy, but it’s important to be aware of the shifts in the landscape towards smaller-circle, more-mindful sharing.</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, forward this on, or share the love on social media. </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Acacia, Angela, Kiko, Teri, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af234161f6d0"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Culture Wire &#124; K-pop learnings from NewJeans and Spotify</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/kpop-learnings-from-new-jeans-and-spotify/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Aug 2023 08:51:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotify]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=220141</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Influencers are bringing the star power, with 70% of Gen Z following online influencers on social media and 58% having purchased a product that an online celebrity has recommended.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1691052854833" >4 AUGUST 2023</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1691051756459" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’ve ever wondered which Taylor Swift era you’re in (and why </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">wouldn’t</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> you?) you’re in luck: Spotify recently unveiled </span><a href="https://newsroom.spotify.com/2023-07-26/share-your-top-5-eras-with-spotifys-new-taylor-swift-my-top-5-experience/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">My Top 5: Taylor Swift Eras</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which lets fans curate and share their top eras. Swifties that have listened to five or more Eras can unlock a personalized streaming card. We love how this appeals to both casual Taylor fans and serious Swifties. </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Innovation of the Week</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: The bunnies are taking over… </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Fax, No Printer: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is the latest Prime Video Originals success story?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Regional Round-up</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Cat-and-mouse games in Singapore, Malaysia slays (again), pop-up sustainability and more! </span></li>
</ul>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677573871074" >Innovation of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f430.png" alt="🐰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><b>HOP TO IT! </b></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">K-pop girl group NewJeans has partnered with </span><a href="https://www.newsroom.spotify.com/2023-08-01/newjeans-celebrates-its-new-ep-with-bunnyland-pop-ups-interactive-playlists-and-larger-than-life-installations/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spotify</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to celebrate the launch of their second EP </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Get Up</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with a series of digital and IRL activations. On the </span><a href="https://newjeansgetup.byspotify.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bunnyland website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, fans can discover their NewJeans hero (based on their music tastes) and then listen to special playlists. Bunnies – the official name for the band’s fandom – in Jakarta and Seoul can hop on down to themed pop-up experiences featuring retro arcade games, playlist stations and a Bunny Beach. Giant bunny characters (‘Spotibuninis’) will also make an appearance at malls in Manila and Tokyo. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="540" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer.jpg" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer.jpg 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-300x150.jpg 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="font-size: 18px;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Our take</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fittingly, for a band that has more than 24M monthly listeners </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">globally</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, this activation is being rolled out on a global scale: the Bunnyland experience will also pop-up at </span><a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/beyond-the-music"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lollapalooza</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which is being held in Chicago this weekend. Building buzz with playful real-world activations and partnerships (look out for a </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvYscg1SJHK/?img_index=1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NewJeans x LINE FRIENDS</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> collaboration late in August) is marketing 101, but when done well, it’s still incredibly effective. Gen Z in particular are prioritizing fun: </span><a href="https://bcwmovatory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BCW-Movatory-Age-of-Values-2023.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">43%</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> say it&#8217;s important to them to do things that give them pleasure and that they seek every chance to have fun. So what can you do to dial up the thrill factor and </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">really</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> seize their attention? Bunnies optional <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f430.png" alt="🐰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some newsletter readers might remember that just a few weeks ago we highlighted how </span><a href="https://culturegroup.asia/content/culture-wire/move-over-hallyu-the-twave-is-here/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thailand’s T-wave</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is on the rise, but K-pop still reigns supreme. After all, the recent Starbucks x Blackpink collaboration, which included 11 types of drinkware and six lifestyle accessories, sold out online in some markets in </span><a href="https://www.campaignasia.com/article/starbucks-x-blackpink-buzz-for-the-brand-yet-bother-for-the-customer/485585"><span style="font-weight: 400;">just a few minutes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Most markets sold 95% of the merchandise within two to three hours. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The phenomenal success of new, up-and-coming K-pop acts like NewJeans (the girl group debuted </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">only a year ago</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and already accumulated </span><a href="https://www.allkpop.com/article/2023/07/newjeans-hit-2-billion-cumulative-streams-on-spotify-only-a-year-after-debut"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2B streams</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on Spotify) not only shows that the genre is here to stay, but also serves as a reminder that K-pop is so much more than megastars Blackpink and BTS. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smart brands should be on the lookout for up-and-coming acts, which might be less familiar to marketers, but commands a huge and passionate fanbase nonetheless. Not only does this allow brands to align with a fresh, new act (and at a fraction of the partnership fee with top tier groups), it will also allow brands to build a strong rapport with the fanbase and roll out unique campaigns tailored to the act’s theme or concept. Need some help identifying these up-and-coming opportunities? Culture Group is here to help!</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689213430 vc_row-has-fill vc_row-o-content-middle vc_row-flex"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><h4 style="font-size: 18px;color: #303030;line-height: 1.4;text-align: center;font-family:Lato;font-weight:900;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >What’s the latest Prime Originals success story?</h4><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689153832"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-1.png 600w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-1-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><strong>A+ <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4da.png" alt="📚" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2-1.png 600w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2-1-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><strong>My Fault <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/3-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/3-1.png 600w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/3-1-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Summer I Turned Pretty <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f41a.png" alt="🐚" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574085335" >Regional Round-up</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5.png 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1691052028714" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f431.png" alt="🐱" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f42d.png" alt="🐭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Warner Bros Discovery just announced that </span><a href="https://www.cartoonbrew.com/series/tom-and-jerry-singapore-cartoon-network-230851.html"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tom and Jerry</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is coming to Singapore in the beloved cartoon characters’ first localized series. Seven episodes will premiere on Cartoon Network in 2023. Last year, WBD released T&amp;J shorts in Japan in an anime style, but this time expect to see local landmarks and scenarios. There’s nothing like good old-fashion fun… especially when it’s updated and localized to appeal to a new audience! </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/4-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/4-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/4.png 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1691052037251" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3c6.png" alt="🏆" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> The Malaysian short film </span><a href="https://sea.ign.com/sea-power/202792/news/malaysian-animated-film-horologist-wins-best-animation-award-at-san-diego-comic-con"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Horologist</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> won the Best Animation award at the San Diego Comic Con, the first Malay film to do so. It initially started out as a manga, before creator Jared Lee worked with a local studio to turn it into a short film. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: SEA culture is making waves across the world. How can you harness it, uplift it and empower local creators? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/3-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/3-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/3.png 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1691052045058" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f964.png" alt="🥤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><a href="https://manilastandard.net/showbitz/celebrity-profiles/314355420/thai-superstar-win-metawin-is-the-new-face-of-coca-cola.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Win Metawin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the Thai star of BL dramas </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">2gether</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boys Over Flowers</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, is Coca-Cola’s first ASEAN ambassador. As part of the </span><a href="https://www.coca-colacompany.com/media-center/coca-cola-recipe-for-magic-meals"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recipe For Magic</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> campaign, which celebrates how food can bring people together, Metawin (a self professed foodie) will share a meal that he loves. Giving fans the chance to see a new side of their idol could help your ambassador program go beyond </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">another </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">celebrity tie-up. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1.png 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1691052052724" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2615.png" alt="☕" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> In other beverage-related news, the Infinite Café in Bangkok is showcasing sustainability with an off-grid solar system and batteries. The pop-up café, developed by energy provider </span><a href="https://www.banpunext.co.th/en/news-updates/infinite-cafe-by-banpu-nextthailands-first-100-clean-energy-pop-up-cafe-en"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Banpu NEXT</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in partnership with specialty coffee brand Roots also shows CO2 emissions in real-time. With young people </span><a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/email/genz/2022/12/06/2022-12-06b.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">skeptical of greenwashing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, consider ways to embed transparency into your eco initiatives. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2.png 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1691052059997" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/26a0.png" alt="⚠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><b>ICYMI: </b><a href="https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-07-31/the-boy-and-the-heron-film-sells-3-million-tickets-to-earn-4.69-billion-yen/.200844"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Boy and the Heron</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://www.looper.com/1350985/oppenheimer-fans-need-watch-hayao-miyazaki-film-next-the-wind-rises/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oppenheimer</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have put Studio Ghibli back in the spotlight… and now Levi’s is getting involved. The denim brand has created an exclusive </span><a href="https://www.lofficielmalaysia.com/fashion/all-the-details-on-the-new-levi-s-x-princess-mononoke-collaboration"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Princess Mononoke</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">-inspired collection that features jeans, jackets and totes. A play for the nostalgic-loving Gen Z, the collection is designed to appeal to super fans and casual observers. Will it be as successful as LOEWE’s collaboration? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><strong>B. My Fault <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Spanish-language original </span><a href="https://www.aboutamazon.eu/news/amazon-prime/a-golden-week-for-european-originals-on-prime-video"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">My Fault</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (‘</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Culpa Mía</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">’) has been a huge international success for Prime, ranking in the top 10 most watched titles in over 190 countries, with more than 75% of total viewing coming from outside Spain. It’s based on Mercedes Ron’s </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Culpables</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> book trilogy, which was first published on Wattpad where it garnered a huge fanbase, thanks in part to the influence of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Twilight</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and Taylor Swift’s </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">I Knew You Were Trouble</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> music video (watch the </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">My Fault</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> trailer </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaB7cGBuCP0&amp;t=39s"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ve previously discussed how platforms like Wattpad and Bilibili have empowered young creators to craft </span><a href="https://company.wattpad.com/blog/zrt8ewta625ngfl6gm5o33657q1slk"><span style="font-weight: 400;">more diverse narratives</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that resonate with their lived experience. Now those stories are reaching international audiences via streaming platforms (see also </span><a href="https://www.lifestyleasia.com/kl/culture/people/the-z-list-claudia-tan/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Perfect Addiction</span></i></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and </span><a href="https://company.wattpad.com/blog/gfuln5hiqdgwcdq8cgjgaihhpq3ws0"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beauty Newbie</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">)</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Young people aren’t waiting for the content they want, they’re creating it themselves. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s plenty of space for brands in this nascent creator economy. It might mean empowering young people – gaming company </span><a href="https://www.madmushroom.gg/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">One True King</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> launched a publishing label to develop indie games for streaming platforms. Or even going direct to Wattpad and co’s vast IP libraries to find new original content – see how </span><a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-debuts-first-ever-brand-film-alone-in-tombstone-based-on-a-wattpad-short-story-adapted-for-the-screen-301822204.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SouthWest Airlines </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">debuted a brand film developed with Wattpad. How will you play? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So are you </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fearless</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Folklore</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">? Seeing </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Red</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or getting a </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reputation</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, pass this on, or share the love on social media. Thanks for reading Culture Wire! </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Acacia, Aliya, Angela, Kiko, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af234162c1bd"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Culture Wire &#124; Gonbae to Tiger Beer!</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/gonbae-to-tiger-beer/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jun 2023 06:57:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[F&B]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=219754</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Influencers are bringing the star power, with 70% of Gen Z following online influencers on social media and 58% having purchased a product that an online celebrity has recommended.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1685602711468" >2 JUNE 2023</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1685602716365" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><b>In this week’s edition: </b></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Innovation of the Week</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: How Gen Z fandom and wellness came together in a new beer</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Fax, No Printer: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Who is the future of K-pop? </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Regional Round-up</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Gachapon, luxury airways, and Puma x Porsche! </span></li>
</ul>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677573871074" >Innovation of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;"><b><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f42f.png" alt="🐯" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />Something’s Brewing</b></span></h4>
<p><a href="https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2023/05/29/Tiger-breaks-beer-making-boundaries-to-keep-up-with-sessionable-and-accessible-drinking-trends?utm_source=copyright&amp;utm_medium=OnSite&amp;utm_campaign=copyright"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tiger Beer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has released a new soju-infused lager that’s a roaring success with Gen Z. It’s based on </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">somaek, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">a Korean cocktail made from </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">so</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">ju and </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">maek</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">ju (beer) that regularly pops up in Korean dramas: we’ve seen </span><a href="https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3162552/how-do-you-drink-somaek-koreas-favourite-cocktail-k-drama"><span style="font-weight: 400;">onscreen couples bond over the drink</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (and fried chicken) and K-pop idols sip somaek </span><a href="https://www.koreaboo.com/news/bts-spill-drinking-habits-different-festa-dinner/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">behind the scenes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The new canned cocktail is just part of a broader embrace of K-culture. In May, Tiger Beer hosted a festival in Singapore which featured</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> K-pop Star 1</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> runner up Lee Hi, and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon is the brand’s global ambassador. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="540" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer.png 1080w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-300x150.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-1024x512.png 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-768x384.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="font-size: 18px;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Our take</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First off – this innovation highlights the power that pop culture has on consumer preferences. But more importantly, it demonstrates how a genuine understanding of passion points can unlock opportunities to deliver surprise and delight into micro moments in consumers’ lives. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This pays dividends: brands that display high cultural relevance see growth </span><a href="https://www.kantar.com/inspiration/brands/why-playing-a-greater-role-in-culture-is-key-to-growth"><span style="font-weight: 400;">up to six times</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> more than brands that don’t. And as younger consumers gravitate towards </span><a href="https://magnaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Magna-IPG-Lab-Impact-of-Culture-US.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">brands that get involved</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in their pop culture experiences, it’s even better if your brand can allow fans to live out their fandoms in new ways. After all, which K-culture stan </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">doesn’t </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">want to drink like their idol? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let’s also zoom out to the bigger picture here. Drinking is at an </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-gen-z-drag-down-beer-sales-2018-2?r=US&amp;IR=T"><span style="font-weight: 400;">all-time low</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for sober-curious Gen Z (when they do drink, they prefer spirits to beer <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f378.png" alt="🍸" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />) and this is the demographic that’s </span><a href="https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/research/alcohol-facts-and-data/alcohol-consumption-uk#howmanypeopledonotdrinkalcohol"><span style="font-weight: 400;">most likely to be teetotal</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. That’s a problem for 90-year old beer brands, even those that are rooted in SEA’s cultural fabric. Finding new ways to appeal to connect with younger consumers is essential – and tying your product to fandom is one way approach. Beyond Tiger Beer’s alignment with K-pop, we’ve seen </span><a href="http://22249280.hs-sites.com/culture-wire-heineken-broadens-fans-music-tastes"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heineken refresh music</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><a href="https://daoinsights.com/news/danish-beer-brand-tuborg-creates-why-not-rap-alliance-in-china/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tuborg Beer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> create a rap alliance. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you&#8217;re operating in an industry that’s fallen out of favor with Gen Z, it’s beyond time to mix up your message. How can a pop culture formula help you win over younger consumers? </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689213430 vc_row-has-fill vc_row-o-content-middle vc_row-flex"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><h4 style="font-size: 18px;color: #303030;line-height: 1.4;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >Who is the future of K-pop?</h4><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689153832"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1677688867975"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1.png 600w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><strong>ENHYPEN</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2.png 600w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><strong>New Jeans</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3.png 600w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><strong>FIFTY FIFTY</strong></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574085335" >Regional Round-up</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/5-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/5-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/5.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1685602847526" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2708.png" alt="✈" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Do you fly Business or Coach? The luxury bag brand has brought out an </span><a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/coach-has-launched-a-new-air-travel-themed-boutique-inside-an-actual-airplane"><span style="font-weight: 400;">airplane-themed retail activation in Malaysia</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, with their travel collection being sold inside an actual plane. It harkens back to the golden age of airtravel in the 1950s, and urges consumers to find joy in the once-rare experience of flying with Coach. How can your brand leverage nostalgia, to bring magic back to the mundane? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/4-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/4-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/4.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1685602858531" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9f8.png" alt="🧸" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Gashapon, the Japanese ball lottery game, is taking Singapore by storm. </span><a href="https://confirmgood.com/post/gashapon-bandai-singapore/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bandai has opened its first Singapore store</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, with over 200 machines for consumers to try their luck at. The collections are mostly anime themed, encouraging users to collect whole sets from popular IPs like </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spy x Family</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pokemon</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Low prices, J-fandom theming, and the gamified experience make it a winning combo with Gen Z fans!</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3-1.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1685602870318" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f399.png" alt="🎙" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Pinoys are </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">loving</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> podcasts, Spotify has revealed. The Love &amp; Relationships genre is the most popular, with a </span><a href="https://backendnews.net/more-listeners-in-ph-are-tuning-in-to-spotify-podcasts/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">400% growth from 2021 to 2023.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Recognizing the rising power of the audio medium, Culture Group is currently working with Wattpad star writers from ID and PH to start their own Spotify podcast series. What IP, content, and/or creators can your brand translate to audio?</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690524965"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2-1.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1685602880441" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f697.png" alt="🚗" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Porsche is </span><a href="https://www.marketing-interactive.com/porsche-and-puma-join-hands-to-create-limited-edition-collection-for-young-dreamers"><span style="font-weight: 400;">celebrating its 30th year in Thailand</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with limited edition sneakers in collaboration with Puma, as part of their ‘Dreams in Colors’ collection. Porsche will also be teaming up with 88rising to lift up young creatives in Thailand. Between fashion and creativity, it looks like Porsche is covering all the bases when it comes to empowering young people.</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690535897"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1-1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1-1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1-1.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1685602890357" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f484.png" alt="💄" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> ICYMI! Life in plastic </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">is </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">fantastic, but what about life in the virtual world? </span><a href="https://www.glossy.co/fashion/forever-21-x-barbie-brings-ai-fashion-design-to-roblox/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Barbie is bringing the fashion of Forever 21 to the gaming platform Roblox,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> allowing gamers from all over the world to get dressed up in the collaboration. This isn’t just a shot in the virtual-world dark – the Forever 21 Shop City world in Roblox has so far hosted 260K visits. Come on, Barbie – let’s go party! </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><strong>B. New Jeans</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sorry to all the ENGENEs and HUNNIES out there (those are the fandoms for ENHYPEN and Fifty Fifty, respectively), but New Jeans are the ones to watch. They have a diverse lineup (Vietnamese-Australian vocalist Hanni representing SEA on the K-pop stage), fresh musical direction, and concepts that could’ve come straight from a twenty-something’s Pinterest board… </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’d even go as far to say that what parent company HYBE learnt with BTS, they perfected with New Jeans. The quintet have only been recording together for less than a year, but already have collaborations with </span><a href="https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/newjeans-coca-cola-collaboration-single-music-video-release-zero-3425010"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coca-Cola</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and just this week announced a Southeast Asia exclusive with </span><a href="https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/newjeans-mcdonalds-chicken-world-coming-mcdo-philippines-singapore-indonesia-thailand-malaysia-vietnam-dates-meal-2023"><span style="font-weight: 400;">McDonalds</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. And did we mention they hit </span><a href="https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/korean-popular-music/newjeans-sets-guinness-world-record-fastest-k-pop-act-billion-spotify-streams/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1.5B streams</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on Spotify in just 219 days? It took K-pop veteran Kim Taehyung, the previous record holder, a now-embarrassing 411 days to complete the same feat. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chart-topping, record-breaking – keep your eyes peeled for everything now, next and New Jeans. </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don’t forget to stream New Jeans this week! OMG is a particular favorite in the Culture Group office – we’re going to officially call it the song of the summer. What’s your playlist for the sunny season? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, pass it on, or share the love on social media. Thanks for reading Culture Wire! </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Acacia, Aliya, Angela, Kiko, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af234163910a"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Culture Wire &#124; McDonald’s bring BT21 limited edition meals to Singapore</title>
		<link>https://culturegroup.asia/content-old/culture-wire/mcdonalds-bring-bt21-limited-edition-meals-to-singapore/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Culture Group]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2023 11:02:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture Wire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[F&B]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[K-Culture]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturegroup.asia/?p=219687</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Influencers are bringing the star power, with 70% of Gen Z following online influencers on social media and 58% having purchased a product that an online celebrity has recommended.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp vc_custom_1677573708438">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="73" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-300x73.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1-768x187.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wire-2-with-tagline-1.png 829w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><p style="font-size: 14px;color: #b2b2b2;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:400;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1683198370762" >5 MAY 2023</p><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1679032193923" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to this week’s edition of <strong>Culture Wire</strong>, a newsletter brought to you by Singapore-based pop culture and lifestyle marketing agency Culture Group.</p>

		</div>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1683198412339" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week, we launched an activation in Manila with our friends at Prime for </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Citadel</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the platform’s latest spy action title. </span><a href="http://www.CitadelCrackTheCodes.com/start"><b>Citadel: Crack the Codes</b></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> calls on the audience to question everything they know and crack 8 codes in order to win PHP 500,000. We are waiting with bated breath to see who will become Manila’s top spy recruit…</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>In this week’s edition: </b></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Innovation of the Week</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Hana-deul-set! McDonald’s latest collaboration</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Fax, No Printer: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">What’s the latest game blowing up in Southeast Asia? </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Regional Round-up</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Spooky time, P-pop, and a mental health Panda…</span></li>
</ul>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677573871074" >Innovation of the Week</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h6><b><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f49c.png" alt="💜" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />A BORAHAE BURGER</b></h6>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">BTS have done it again! The Bangtan Boys have brought out another drop with their two-time collaborator McDonald’s, </span><a href="https://confirmgood.com/post/mcdonalds-sg-bt21-collection/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">releasing a line of foods in Singapore</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> themed after their cuddly LINE counterparts, BT21. The meals promote traditional Korean flavors, with packaging decorated by the BT21 characters, and sold alongside a </span><a href="https://www.moneydigest.sg/bt21-ceramic-set-available-at-mcdonalds-from-4-may-2023/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">special edition set of plates</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This is McDonald’s second collaboration with the Korean group, with the first (we’re sure you remember the BTS meal!) release </span><a href="https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/bts-meal-sales-of-mcnuggets-to-jump-by-250-per-cent-in-korea-2977049#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20report%20by,over%20the%20past%20four%20weeks."><span style="font-weight: 400;">increasing sales of the McNugget</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by 250% in just four weeks. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceIn bounceIn">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="1080" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer.png 2160w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-300x150.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-1024x512.png 1024w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-768x384.png 768w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-1536x768.png 1536w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-2048x1024.png 2048w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CW-Main-Topic-Image-longer-1920x960.png 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 30px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="font-size: 18px;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Our take</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">BT21 is a collaboration between BTS and LINE FRIENDS, where each band member designs a character after themselves in various interpretations – from </span><a href="https://www.bt21.com/about"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cute animals and cookies to aliens</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Through a partnership with these mascots, McDonald’s can leverage the powerful BTS IP, without actually engaging the band itself. This also allows BTS to engage in initiatives without taking up time and space from other projects – or military service! Now there’s a smart business move. How can your brand develop a high-impact but light-lift strategy that builds on fan love?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">More broadly, BTS has always understood the importance of diversifying their outputs, with various spinoff media like the WEBTOON </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">7Fates: Chakho </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and a whole</span><a href="https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230219000087"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> new slate of TV shows</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, to compelling brand partnerships – </span><a href="https://stylecaster.com/bts-tamagotchi/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tiny Tan Tamagotchis</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://jingdaily.com/dr-martens-x-bt21-prada-coffee-and-palm-angels-barbour-coats-global-collabs-of-the-week/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">BT21 Doc Martens</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and more. These initiatives leverage crossovers with other passion point pillars to capture potential new audiences, while providing their core audience with more opportunities to engage with the IP they love. What overlaps can your brand leverage to extend your reach?</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574022302" >Fax, No Printer*</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For those of you born before 1997, <a title="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" href="https://d2Dj3K04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/OS+113/d2Dj3K04/VVZSdX35nJpnW2DqhNS6gk7HPW3Z50n14XnVdzN4KxWMf3lSbNV1-WJV7CgBjVW22t2Bg3sL1LDW5FHW8c9dZnQ7W7s4QBT59fDPjW6QhjLq3TfXdVVM0mJy305F2VW2SxQ2331rpn2W7GW6pH68Vvq2W24TNfY6362mGW6lg3X06y_dbTN8MqmDQG2D04W7pg-MR1qqLSHW1P4tSS7N19SyW96HRbk69j4SyW8_PJCW50VGTNW3f6C_N8_6HfcW8xFB07974ptyW30Xxqv7sMxW7W18zkVg8GpMDfW65Q4962hBT-2W84qLvy1CQGKbN2KYbmc87gxTV5GxMk9gWqq33ly31" rel="noopener" data-hs-link-id="0">&#8216;fax, no printer</a>&#8216; is Gen Z speak for &#8216;undeniable facts I agree with&#8217;</em></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689213430 vc_row-has-fill vc_row-o-content-middle vc_row-flex"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><h4 style="font-size: 18px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >What's the latest game heating up Southeast Asia right now?</h4><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677689153832"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1677688867975"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="500" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-1.png 750w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-1-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><b>Persona 5</b></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="500" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2-1.png 750w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2-1-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><b>Atomic Heart</b></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="500" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3-1.png 750w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3-1-300x200.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>

	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px;"><b>Animal Crossing: New Horizons</b></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-1/5"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677656341890"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574085335" >Regional Round-up</h2></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1683198465780" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f47b.png" alt="👻" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Persona Theory Games is bringing back spooky season with its </span><a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/663620"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Malay-horror inspired releases</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The most recent release, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Karabet</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, draws on Malay folklore like </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hang Jebat</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pontianak</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> ghosts, and even history beats like the Japanese occupation. Ghosts from around the region, like the Pinoy </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tikbalang </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and the Thai </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kuman Thong</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, also pop in. How can your brand marry your audience’s passions with their culture in order to create something unique and speaks only to them? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690477964"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1683198479458" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f1f5-1f1ed.png" alt="🇵🇭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> The princes of P-pop are back! </span><a href="https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/100882/sb19-announces-pagtatag-music-era-and-world-tour/story"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SB19 have announced a world tour</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, where they will be bringing their latest era of music across the first leg in the United States – with more dates to be announced. SB19, the Korean-trained but Philippines-raised Philippines-pop band (or P-pop, for short) have been the connecting bridge between the K-pop fandom and the Pinoy community, proving the success of global trends packaged up with local connections. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690512132"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1683198490342" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f43c.png" alt="🐼" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Pau Pau the Panda has some advice: take it easy. After learning that Singaporean Gen Zs value their mental health, delivery platform </span><a href="https://www.campaignasia.com/article/foodpandas-keys-to-better-brand-experience-empathy-gamification-and-seamlessne/484232"><span style="font-weight: 400;">FoodPanda has pivoted its brand message</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to focusing on relatability and self care (or should we say… self-</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">bear</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">?). User sentiment has been overwhelmingly positive – calling the brand the ‘therapist I never knew I needed’. The lesson to learn? Relate to your young audiences first, rather than straight up selling to them.</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690524965"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1683198501057" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/262a.png" alt="☪" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> In the spirit of giving back during Eid this year, </span><a href="https://www.thejakartapost.com/adv/2023/05/01/a-festive-love-is-a-communal-love-with-lg-lebaran-sehat.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LG is rolling out pop-up food trucks</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to three local neighborhoods in Indonesia, serving healthy and balanced meals to residents. The brand is also providing health check-ups for young children. LG has recognised a consumer issue and sought to provide support – how can your brand translate purpose into tangible action? </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690535897"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-4"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_bounceInUp bounceInUp">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-300x200.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-medium" alt="" srcset="https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-300x200.png 300w, https://culturegroup.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1.png 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-8"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1683198509309" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f1ef-1f1f5.png" alt="🇯🇵" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Shinkai sweep! Makoto Shinkai’s last two films have become a touchstone of the anime film community, and it’s clear that his latest release will be no different. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Suzume</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has grossed over </span><a href="https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2023/05/02/makoto-shinkais-suzume-anime-film-passes-us300-million-worldwide"><span style="font-weight: 400;">USD 300M worldwide</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, becoming </span><a href="https://www.oneesports.gg/anime/suzume-no-tojimari-highest-grossing-china/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">China’s highest grossing anime film, breaking records in South Korea</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://www.highonfilms.com/makoto-shinkais-suzume-no-tojimari-sets-box-office-record-india/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">India</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and taking </span><a href="https://comicbook.com/anime/news/suzume-box-office-america-anime/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">USD 5M in the States alone</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Anime’s upward trajectory has no limit these days. Watch this space for our upcoming deep dive into the topic!</span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
</div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1677690574163"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner vc_custom_1672967431084"><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 15px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><h2 style="font-size: 35px;color: #303030;line-height: 1;text-align: center;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal" class="vc_custom_heading wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp vc_custom_1677574267933" >This Week's Trivia Answer</h2>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><strong>B. Atomic Heart</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Singapore-made, SEA-published game Atomic Heart has been </span><a href="https://www.kakuchopurei.com/2023/05/atomic-hearts-surpasses-2-million-in-sales/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">doing absolute numbers on the charts</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">! Released worldwide, the game made USD 2M within the first two hours of going on sale, with more than 49.6% of its sales coming from around Asia. Within three weeks of its release, the game managed to hit 5M players across all platforms – great results from the region’s game industry!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With a </span><a href="https://nikopartners.com/southeast-asias-games-market-a-short-guide-to-one-of-the-fastest-growing-regions-for-the-games-industry/#:~:text=Southeast%20Asian%20countries%20boast%20US,games%20markets%20in%20the%20world."><span style="font-weight: 400;">USD 5B video game market and 270M gamers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Southeast Asia is ripe for gaming creativity, and we are seeing more titles that draw from the local culture. Indonesia’s </span><a href="https://www.gameshub.com/news/reviews/a-space-for-the-unbound-review-an-indonesian-masterpiece-for-the-world-39246/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Space for the Unbound</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Thailand’s </span><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2271300/Safehouse/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Safehouse</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and Singapore’s </span><a href="https://sea.ign.com/sea-indie-games/181239/news/upcoming-singaporean-game-cuisineer-wins-the-big-indie-pitch"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cuisineer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> all feature local icons prominently – from food and drink to the local underground scene.  </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brands looking to harness this passion point have the perfect opportunity to champion local creators </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> celebrate local cultures – contributing to the growth of the space while earning brand love and fan loyalty. </span></p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 10px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_border_width_3 vc_sep_pos_align_right vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey vc_custom_1673444569144  vc_custom_1673444569144" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span  class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 25px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div>
	<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInUp fadeInUp" >
		<div class="wpb_wrapper">
			<h4 align="left"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f680.png" alt="🚀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><strong> Over and Out!</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Looking for weekend plans? There’s clearly something for everyone in SEA’s latest gaming releases – from scary ghosts, to first person shooters and Singaporean food frenzies. Drop your Steam handle! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop culture insights are better when shared. Subscribe, forward this email on, or share the love on social media. Thanks for reading Culture Wire! </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Your Culture Mavens,</strong></p>
<p>Acacia, Aliya, Angela, Kiko, &amp; Vicki</p>

		</div>
	</div>
<div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 35px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="ohio-button-sc btn-wrap text-center" 
	id="ohio-custom-6af2341645b1e"
	 data-aos="fade-up" 
				>
	<a href="https://22249280.hs-sites.com/culturedrop-16sep2022-0" 
		class="btn ">
					<i class="ion-left ion ion-md-mail-open"></i>
						<span class="text">
			Subscribe to Culture Wire		</span>
					</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

<!--
Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https://www.boldgrid.com/w3-total-cache/?utm_source=w3tc&utm_medium=footer_comment&utm_campaign=free_plugin

Page Caching using Disk: Enhanced 
Minified using Disk

Served from: culturegroup.asia @ 2026-11-10 04:59:02 by W3 Total Cache
-->