16/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 16, 2026

LYFE 25 Armies called to Magic Shop

K -POP megastars BTS will kick off its first world tour in four years in April, its label said this week, part of a hotly-anticipated comeback following a hiatus for the South Koreans whose music has become a global phenomenon. BTS – who rose to popularity with hits such as Blood Sweet & Tears and DNA – hold the record as the most-streamed group on Spotify and are the first K-pop act to have topped the Billboard 200 and the Billboard Artist 100 charts in the US. But the Bulletproof Boy Scouts – as its name means in Korean ( Bangtan Sonyeondan ) – has not toured or released music since 2022 as the members underwent the national military service required of all South Korean men under the age of 30. Now that all seven members have completed their military service the band’s label announced on New Year’s Day that the band would release a new album in March before heading on tour the following month. Spanning 34 cities with 79 performances, it will be the largest-ever single tour by a K-pop group in terms of total shows and the “widest regional reach for a South Korean artiste,” according to the band’s agency Hybe. The world tour will kick off in South Korea’s Goyang on April 9, with two additional concerts in the city before moving o K-pop trailblazers BTS will kick off world tour in April, stops include Malaysia

Laroi’s new album Before I Forget continues to push genre boundaries and impress audiences with his star power.

The Kid Laroi returns with new album

The logo of BTS’s 2026 album and release date at the stairs of the Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.

between fans trying to get tickets and a series of popular young adult novels in which contestants fight to the death. BTS is big business in South Korea – before the members’ military service, the group generated more than US$3.7 billion (RM14.99 billion) for the country per year, according to Seoul’s Korea Culture and Tourism Institute. The figure is equivalent to roughly 0.2% of South Korea’s total GDP. Hybe’s shares traded higher at last Wednesday’s market open on news of the band’s world tour, rising around 3%. And investment bank IBK Securities on the same day projected the firm’s operating profits this year would soar 10-fold compared with 2025. “Based on the full tour schedule, around 4.5 million people are expected to attend,” said analyst Kim Yu-hyuk. – AFP

on to neighbouring Japan. The band will then head to the US and Europe, with the tour ending in March 2027 in Manila. The group’s label said more cities will be announced, including additional stops in Japan and the Middle East. Its new album – as yet unnamed – will be its first since the anthology Proof , which became South Korea’s bestselling record of 2022. Right kidney is waving BTS’s famously loyal fanbase – known as Army – reacted with elation at news of the world tour. One fan wrote in response to the news on Facebook that to buy a ticket their “Right kidney is waving”. “Army’s Hunger Games are about to start,” another wrote, drawing a comparison

THE Kid Laroi has released his latest album Before I Forget , marking his first full-length studio project in two years. Led by the singles A Cold Play , A Perfect World and Back When You Were Mine , the 15-track record reflects a more introspective phase for the 22-year-old artiste. The album leans heavily into themes of vulnerability and emotional clarity, with song writing that centres on personal reflection rather than spectacle. In a brief statement accompanying the release, Laroi said the album was made with a singular focus on the music itself, signalling a more stripped-back creative approach. The album follows The First Time (2023), which was later expanded with a deluxe edition featuring additional tracks including Nights Like This Part 2 and Girls . That release marked a period of stylistic growth for the Australian artiste, moving beyond his earlier sound while maintaining a confessional tone. Before I Forget continues that trajectory, blending melodic pop, hip-hop and alternative influences. The album includes collaborations with Lithe, Andrew Aged and Clara La San, with each feature integrated sparingly across the tracklist. Laroi first gained global recognition in 2021 with Stay , his collaboration with Justin Bieber, which topped the Billboard Hot 100. He has since built a catalogue that includes Without You , Go featuring Juice Wrld and Diva featuring Lil Tecca . Following an international tour in 2024 and a string of standalone singles, Before I Forget signals a measured return, placing songwriting and restraint at the centre of his latest release.

From left: V, Jin, Jung Kook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope during its album BE (Deluxe Edition) press conference on Nov 20, 2020. – PICS FROM AFP

America’s Got Talent comedian Tape Face will perform live aboard Star Voyager sailings STARCRUISES has announced that Star Voyager will bring laughter to the high seas as internationally-acclaimed silent comedy star Tape Face takes the stage for a limited-time performance run until Feb 5 sailings, during the ship’s seasonal deployment from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang). transcend language and age, making them universally appealing to families, couples and multi-generational travellers alike. entertainment. His universal appeal complements Star Voyager’s regional itineraries and diverse guest profile,” said StarDream Cruises president Michael Goh.

Guests sailing during this special period will be treated to exclusive live performances by Tape Face at Star Voyager’s main theatre, Zodiac Theatre. Featuring his signature use of props, playful audience interaction and deadpan comedic timing, each complimentary show promises an evening of unexpected laughter and unforgettable entertainment. “Tape Face’s internationally recognised comedy adds a fresh and exciting dimension to our onboard

During Star Voyager’s seasonal deployment, the ship will operate a series of three-night and four-night cruises, offering guests the flexibility to enjoy short yet enriching cruise getaways. These itineraries connect key regional destinations including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang), Phuket and Medan, allowing travellers to experience vibrant cities, cultural highlights and relaxing days at sea within a single, seamless journey.

Best known for his standout appearances on America’s Got Talent as well as his own resident show in the US in 2017, Tape Face has captivated audiences worldwide with his distinctive brand of wordless comedy. Blending physical theatre, expressive mime and perfectly timed visual humour, his performances

Get ready for laughter at sea as international comedy star Tape Face delivers special live performances onboard Star Voyager.