As Squid Game ends, South Koreans return to the reality that inspired it

Millions of fans are bidding farewell to Squid Game, the Emmy award-winning TV series that has topped Netflix's charts and become a symbol of South Korea's ascendance in Hollywood, BBC reported.

The fictional show follows cash-strapped players as they battle it out in a series of traditional Korean children's games - with a gory twist, as losers are killed in every round.

Squid Game has sucked in viewers since 2021 with its candy-coloured sets and bleak messages about capitalism and humanity. And with its third and final season released last Friday, fans across the world are returning to reality.

Some South Koreans, however, have found themselves reflecting on the society that inspired the dystopian series, according to BBC.

Charli, Neil Young and Scissor Sisters give Glastonbury goosebumps

Saturday was a night of four headliners at Glastonbury, with fans facing the cruel choice between pop queen Charli XCX, rock legend Neil Young, disco scamps Scissor Sisters and Doechii - rap's hottest new voice, BBC reported.

Charli XCX won the biggest audience, closing down The Other Stage and turning it into a sweat-drenched, laser lit club night.

Young, topping the bill on the Pyramid Stage, also delivered an all-time hits set, with gnarly, ragged versions of hits like Cinnamon Girl and Like A Hurricane.

Doechii, who only played for 45 minutes, still managed to mark herself out as a future headliner; while Scissor Sisters brought out actual Gandalf Sir Ian McKellen to perform Invisible Light  according to BBC.

 

Khadka gains recognition as a versatile director

Madan Khadka is emerging as a notable figure in Nepal’s music video scene, with his direction in the song ‘Phool Maya Ma Nabhool’ receiving widespread attention on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Other music videos under his direction, such as ‘Timi Marchau Thaha Cha’, ‘Mat Pradeshi’, and ‘Ekauana Bauna’, have also been well-received in the Nepali market.

Having entered the industry more than a decade ago, Khadka has directed nearly a thousand music videos and acted in over four dozen of them. Originally from Butwal, he is now based in Kathmandu and is active in various aspects of video production including direction, choreography, editing, and photography.

Known for his on-screen presence, Khadka has earned the nickname “chocolate model” among fans. He emphasizes the often-overlooked role of directors in shaping a music video's presentation and success.

In addition to his work in music, Khadka has also acted in the feature film ‘Raini’ and is making his directorial debut in cinema with the upcoming movie ‘Mahakabya’. He has worked across multiple genres, from folk and pop to awareness campaigns on topics such as Covid-19, HIV/AIDS, and sanitation.

Despite over a decade of experience, Khadka notes that talents from rural areas still face challenges in gaining recognition. He remains committed to supporting both new and established artists and hopes ‘Mahakabya’ will serve as an important milestone in his career. He has been nominated for more than 15 awards and has won several, acknowledging his contributions to the industry.

 

‘Miss and Mrs Royal Global Queen Nepal 2025’ concludes

The ‘Miss and Mrs Royal Global Queen Nepal 2025’ beauty pageant concluded at the Rastriya Nach Ghar in Jamal, Kathmandu.

Four winners were announced in the finale. In the Miss category, Deepa Chhetri was crowned the winner, while Merita Pokharel was declared the first runner-up. In the Mrs category, Sarika Budha won the title, and Sirjana Rai secured the first runner-up position.

According to Monu Shah, Chairperson of the organizing company Shah Studio & Co Pvt Ltd, Chhetri and Budha will represent Nepal at an upcoming international competition in Malaysia, while Pokharel and Rai will participate in a pageant to be held in Mumbai.

Participants shared that the event helped boost their confidence and self-esteem. While some initially lacked confidence, organizers observed a notable increase in their self-assurance by the end of the program.