South Korean collective Balming Tiger is returning to Hong Kong, where they had a memorable experience during their first performance at the 2023 Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival. The group's members fondly recall being pelted with "shoes and slippers" by an enthusiastic crowd, highlighting the high energy of the Hong Kong audience.
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3315188/south-korean-alternative-k-pop-collective-balming-tiger-hong-kong-and-having-fun?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe film's musical sequence has become an ambassador of joy, with composer Basso admitting it would make him dance and smile uncontrollably if he saw it in real life. The five-minute sequence combines various styles, including jazz, swing, salsa, cha-cha, the Charleston, bossa nova, polka, quickstep, and samba, making it impossible to resist a massive grin.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/the-life-of-chuck-best-part-of-new-stephen-king-movie-is-a-dance-scene/The Benin Bronzes, stolen by British forces in 1897 under Sir Henry Rawson, have been returned to Nigeria as part of a larger repatriation effort. Oba Ewuare II hailed the return as a "divine intervention," while Marieke Van Bommel, director of the Wereld Museum, emphasized the Dutch government's commitment to returning artifacts that don't belong to their country. The largest single repatriation of 119 artifacts marks a significant step forward for Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments, led by Olugbile Holloway, which is working tirelessly to recover more looted items from colonial times.
https://africanews.com/2025/06/22/netherlands-returns-119-artifacts-looted-from-nigeria/BTS members RM and V have been using their platform to promote cultural exchange and social causes. As the new global ambassador for Samsung's Art TV, RM showcased his artistic side at Art Basel in Switzerland. Meanwhile, V attended a piano recital in Seoul alongside filmmaker Park Chan-wook. The group has leveraged its massive popularity to raise awareness on mental health and anti-Asian crime, as well as support social justice movements like Black Lives Matter, with donations of $1 million in 2019.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/21/entertainment-lifestyle/last-member-of-k-pop-mega-band-bts-to-finish-military-service/2137295Indonesia's Ministry of Culture has encouraged regional governments to establish at least one museum each, with the goal of promoting cultural education and awareness. Director General Restu Gunawan emphasized the importance of museums as educational tourist destinations, particularly for students during school holidays. The government has allocated a special fund to support the construction of museums, which can also convey information about Indonesian culture's economic value. Head of Tangerang City Culture and Tourism Office Boyke Urif Hermawan highlighted the city's rich cultural heritage, citing historical sites such as the Boen Tek Bio Temple and Kalipasir Mosque.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/360965/ministry-calls-for-collaboration-in-establishing-museumsThe Kenyan Senate has backed a bill aimed at providing grants and structured support for artists, a move seen as a significant boost to content creators and the creative industry. Julius Otieno, a news outlet, reported on this development. The proposed law seeks to address the financial struggles faced by many artists in Kenya, with some notable figures like Boniface Kariuki's father reportedly being conned of Sh200,000.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/business/kenya/2025-06-21-nzomo-how-content-creators-can-break-the-glass-ceiling-of-kenyan-innovationA local artist has won second prize in the NBF art competition 2025 and is showcasing his work at Perspectives – II group exhibition at the Capital Club, Dubai, curated by Patricia Millns and Bhairavi Mistry of Noora The Divine Spark.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2025/06/21/canvas-and-sky-reputed-artist-andrew-thompson-is-also-an-aircraft-engineerSM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l'Élysée on June 20, marking a significant moment for international cultural diplomacy and creative rights advocacy. Macron referred to Lee as the "founding father of K-pop" and proposed establishing a permanent office in France to foster deeper collaboration between Korean and French creators. The French president also instructed Culture Minister Rachida Dati to pursue the idea concretely.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-06-22/entertainment/kpop/Kpop-industry-giant-meets-French-president-builds-cultural-bridges-between-two-countries-/2335577Nigeria celebrated the return of priceless "Benin Bronzes" with a ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, where four sculptures were showcased. The selection included a bronze carving of a king's head, a carved elephant tusk, and a small leopard, highlighting the significance of these ancient artifacts in Nigerian cultural heritage.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/nigeria-receives-over-100-looted-artifacts-netherlands-5196101