New USAID Initiative to Improve Health and Nutrition Outcomes in Five Provinces.
United States to Help Advance Maternal Child Health, Nutrition in Laos
Spackman Media Group Artist Son Suk-Ku Ranks #1 In The 2023 MALE ACTORS TO WATCH Survey In Korea
- Spackman Media Group artist Son Suk-ku secured the top spot in the 2023 MALE ACTORS TO WATCH survey conducted by Cine21, a weekly film magazine in Korea
- The ranking serves as a testament to Son Suk-ku’s dominance in both big and small screens in Korea, headlining 2022’s top box office performing film, THE ROUNDUP, and the most popular K-drama in May 2022, MY LIBERATION NOTES
- Fresh off winning the JTBC Grand Prize at the 2022 TV Drama Acting Awards in Korea, Son Suk-ku’s latest Disney+ original drama, BIG BET, ranked first in the Top 10 TV Shows on Disney+ Korea as of February 2, 2023
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 3 February 2023 – Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by global media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that Son Suk-ku of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), ranked first in the 2023 MALE ACTORS TO WATCH survey conducted by Cine21, a weekly film magazine in Korea.
Since 2021, Cine21 has conducted a survey of Korean video content industry experts to study the forward-looking direction of the Korean entertainment industry. 64 video content experts participated in the survey, including CEO’s & directors of various well-known and established production and entertainment companies, such as Netflix, Showbox, Ace Maker, Lotte Cultureworks, Studio Dragon, BA Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment, Watcha Content, Barunson, Keyeast, etc.
The number 1 ranking recognizes Son Suk-ku’s dominance in both big and small screens in Korea, following his starring roles in 2022’s top box office performing film, THE ROUNDUP, and the most popular K-drama in May 2022, MY LIBERATION NOTES.
In January this year, Son Suk-ku also took the top spot in movie star reputation, according to the Korea Corporation Reputation Research Institute. Moreover, Son Suk-ku’s latest Disney+ original drama, BIG BET, ranked first in the Top 10 TV Shows on Disney+ Korea as of February 2, 2023[1].
Previously, Son Suk-ku won the JTBC Grand Prize at the 2022 TV Drama Acting Awards held in December 2022 by Good Data Corporation, an online competitive analysis agency for K-content in Korea.
Looking ahead, Son Suk-ku is scheduled to star in two upcoming highly anticipated Netflix original K-dramas, D.P. SEASON 2 and MURDEROUS TOY. He is represented by SBD Entertainment Inc. (“SBD Entertainment“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spackman Media Group that represents and manages the careers of 12 artists. In addition to Son Suk-ku, SBD Entertainment also represents one of Korea’s rapidly rising young actors, Han Ji-hyun of popular K-drama THE PENTHOUSE 3, who won the Best Rookie Female Actor in the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea and endorsed Shiseido in 2022.
[1] FlixPatrol, https://flixpatrol.com/top10/streaming/south-korea/2023-02-02/, TOP 10 on Disney+ in South Korea on January 11, 2023
Hashtag: #SpackmanEntertainmentGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited
Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea.
The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company’s Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000’s with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit 
http://www.charlesspackman.com and https://spackman-group.com/charles-spackman.
Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).
Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.
The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.
Production Labels
SEGL owns a 100% equity interest in Studio Take Co., Ltd. (“Studio Take“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021). Its latest film, A MAN OF REASON, is set to be screened theatrically and digitally in North America and at theatres in Korea in the first half of 2023. A MAN OF REASON premiered in the US at the 42nd Hawaii International Film Festival. The film was also invited to the 47th Toronto International Film Festival, the largest film festival in North America, and the 55th Sitges Film Festival, one of the world’s top three genre film festivals. Studio Take shall also release an upcoming film, THE GUEST, in 2023 tentatively.
SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 80 films (59 Korean and 21 foreign) including OKAY MADAM (2020), LONG LIVE THE KING (2019), MY FIRST CLIENT (2019), ROSE OF BETRAYAL (2018), THE OUTLAWS (2017) and SECRETLY, GREATLY (2013), which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS (2013), as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY (2013). In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012), a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit http://novusmediacorp.com
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).
The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.
Talent Representation
The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Park Keun-rok), MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee, Lee Cho-hee), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung) and Play Content Co., Ltd. (Hwang-hwi). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit http://www.spackmanmediagroup.com
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.
Strategic Businesses
The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.
For more details, please visit http://www.spackmanentertainmentgroup.com/
LOHAS EXPO x Natural, Organic, Green Life Expo 2023
Asia’s largest LOHAS Expo Including commerce and public
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 February 2023 – The ” LOHAS EXPO x Natural, Organic, Green Living Expo 2023″ (referred to as LOHAS Expo) hosted by the Exhibition Group Co. Ltd. opens today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for three days until February 5th, 2023. This year’s LOHAS Expo is the largest ever, with over 1,000 brands participating, and aims to showcase sustainable products and trends in the industry and to consumers.
The opening ceremony of LOHAS Expo 2023 was attended by Dr. CHAN Pak Li, Bernard, Under Secy for Commerce and Economic Development, and Mr. LIU Chun San, JP, Under Secy for Transport and Logistics, and Hon Benson LUK Hon Man, Legislative Council Member, and Mr. Cary Wong, Chairman of the Exhibition Group Co. Ltd.
Mr. Cary Wong, Chairman of the Exhibition Group Co. Ltd, said: “In recent years, the world has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and every industry and individual has been affected to a certain extent, making people pay more attention to health. Whether it is the focus on preventative medicine by the Chinese, or the natural and herbal remedies promoted by Western countries, they are all closely related to daily life. In recent years, the government has also been promoting a green and sustainable lifestyle, which is in line with the goals of the exhibition. With the joint efforts of the government and the industry, we can promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.”
Since the first LOHAS Expo was held in Hong Kong in 2012, the expo dedicated to promoting natural, organic health food, health products, beauty products, and daily necessities in Asia to bring the concept of a sustainable lifestyle. This has attracted over 1,000 well-known companies and brands from around the world to participate. The expo has also drawn buyers from the Asia-Pacific region and is highly regarded in the industry.
In addition to shopping, this year’s LOHAS Expo also features a variety of exciting events for on-site spectators, including the “Student Culinary Competition” co-sponsored by the Chinese Culinary Institute, “Healthy Cooking” hosted by star chefs, and multiple business exchange forums. In addition, this year’s event will feature different award ceremonies, such as the “Hong Kong LOHAS Award” and “Green Beauty Salon Award.”
For more information on LOHAS Expo events and products, visit https://lohasexpohk.com or the Facebook page “LOHAS Expo Natural Organic Green Living Expo.”
LOHAS EXPO x Natural, Organic, Green Life Expo 2023
| Date: | 3 – 5 February, 2023 (Friday – Sunday) |
| Time: | 3 – 4 February: 11:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m.
5 February: 12:00 a.m – 7:00 p.m. |
| Venue: | Hall 3F – 3G, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
1 Expo Drive, Wanchai |
| Website: | https://lohasexpohk.com |
Hashtag: #LohasExpo
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
New Vientiane Skatepark to Offer Free, Public Space to Build Skills, Camaraderie
The Laotian Times interviews the organizers of Vientiane Skate Park, which will open to the public with a celebration on Sunday, February 5.
On a small residential street just off Chou Anou Road in Vientiane’s Northwestern Nongtha Neua Village, nestled behind Hi5 Football Field, Laos’ first skatepark to meet international standards is taking shape. The scene – with smooth, poured concrete and stable, professional-grade ramps – is a far cry from the small, do-it-yourself skateparks that have cycled in and out of Laos’ capital city.
One such park near the night market, a popular meeting point for young skaters, consisted of moveable handmade rails and ramps made from discarded wood. Skaters were repeatedly told to dismantle the handmade parks because of safety concerns, but those skaters’ efforts made it clear that Laos wants – and can benefit from – a more permanent public skatepark. Thanks to international fundraising efforts and the expertise of the organization Make Life Skate Life, those Lao skaters are about to have their often dashed hopes for safe, permanent skate infrastructure met.
Tom Drury, who made a name for himself by skateboarding across Australia to raise funds for this new park in Laos, says that the new Vientiane skatepark will offer new challenges and opportunities for already street-smart Lao skaters. Drury’s 4,000 kilometer ride helped him to raise more than AUD 42,000 (LAK 502 million), all of which has gone toward the creation of the Vientiane Skate Park.
“Many Lao skaters are incredible street skaters. I’ve seen them landing some really impressive tricks. But these ramps and half pipes will offer them a whole new opportunity for learning. Dropping in. Transitions. These are all new skills for people who haven’t had access to this kind of skate infrastructure.”
Architectural plans for the new park, including a skater’s path (photo credit: Make Life Skate Life)
These skills also potentially open up the door for Lao skaters to compete on an international stage. Dropping in (the process of entering a half-pipe from the top edge) and transitions (areas of the park with angles between 0 and 90 degrees) are essential parts of both the men’s and women’s park competitions at the Summer Olympics, which began including skateboarding in 2020.
When 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya won gold at those Olympics for Japan, she ignited a new generation’s interest in skateboarding for both girls and boys alike – a popularity surge that was certainly felt in Laos, where youth can often be seen carrying around boards and landing impressive jumps.
While skating, like most sports, certainly promotes health and athleticism, Drury emphasis the unique support, egalitarianism, and kindness inherent in skate culture.
“Skaters really compete against themselves, not each other. Because of that, and because it encourages a kind of flow state, skating helps with all kinds of mental issues and neurodivergence. It even helps people with ADHD to concentrate in the rest of their lives. It’s a lot like meditation.”
Skating has even been found to encourage youth resiliency and foster acceptance across racial and gender differences. The mental and social benefits of skating are perhaps most noteworthy because skating, unlike some other sports, doesn’t require a lot of expensive gear. Moreover, any gear that is necessary will be available at the new, volunteer-run park. The Vientiane Skatepark will be free to use and include free-to-rent safety gear, like helmets and knee pads.
(Photo credit: Vilaxay Chandara)
The decision to build the park in a more residential area, rather than in the center of the city, makes it an asset for locals rather than just an attraction for tourists. Crucially, alcohol won’t be allowed on the premises, making the park an oasis for local youth who are increasingly likely to start drinking too soon. Underage drinking is a serious problem in Laos, and this decision to make the space booze-free makes it a welcome alternative for anyone looking to socialize while sober. The park will also be closed and locked at night to discourage safety issues like skaters going out alone.
The opening day celebration (2pm- 6pm, Sunday, February 5) will include live music, competitions, demonstrations, and skateboarding workshops led by professional skaters. Local artists are also strongly encouraged to come and paint areas of the park with murals in order to make it their own.
”This isn’t meant to be a foreigner-run space. Instead we hope that the community will take ownership of it – to make it a reflection of what they want the space to be. We’re not sure how Laos will make this park their own, but we’re excited to find out.”
Lao Friends Hospital for Children Celebrates Eight Years
The Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) in Luang Prabang celebrated its 8th anniversary on January 27, 2023.
Applications Now Open for Australia Awards Scholarships for Study in 2024
The Australian Embassy in Laos is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships for study in Australia commencing in 2024.
Hollywood’s Hmong Film to Hit Theaters This February
Hollywood movie The Harvest – a film focused on a Hmong-American community – is set to release in Theaters on 12 February 2023.
Metamorphosis By De Beers: Prelude
Introducing the first chapter of De Beers’ magnificent new High Jewellery collection, inspired by Mother Nature’s transformation through the seasons
PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach – 3 February 2023 – In nature, change is the only constant. Seasons shift as flower buds blossom, bloom and fade. A caterpillar forms a chrysalis, preparing for its magical transformation into a butterfly. Beneath the earth’s crust, billions of years ago, a slow tectonic alchemy created ancient deposits of rough diamonds, the fruits of which are still being revealed. And it is through gradual adaptations that we achieve our innermost potential. De Beers pays homage to Mother Nature’s constant evolution with Metamorphosis by De Beers, a High Jewellery collection dedicated to the transformative power of natural diamonds.
Launching in January 2023 during Paris Couture Week, Prelude is the first chapter of the new collection, with a further chapter to be revealed in July 2023. Prelude explores the cyclical rhythm of time, harmoniously capturing the four seasons within nine one-of-a-kind designs.
With a focus on exceptional craftsmanship, Metamorphosis by De Beers encapsulates the transformation at the heart of De Beers, the only global luxury brand that begins at the source. De Beers realises the potential of rough diamonds, transforming these treasures of nature into one-of-a-kind High Jewellery that radiates magnetic beauty. The collection continues the evolution of the House itself, with artistic and technically ambitious designs that celebrate artisanal skills as well as the rare beauty of the raw materials.
The Prelude set showcases an array of expert goldsmithing and diamond-setting techniques, including serti neige (snow setting), fil couteau (knife-edge) and perlage (gold beading). Spring, summer, autumn and winter collide, with each season represented through different design signatures, coloured metals, diamonds and settings. The collection combines white, yellow and rose gold with white, brown and fancy-coloured diamonds, selected to evoke the hues of each season.
Nature’s metamorphic power is mirrored by an element of transformability in four of the nine pieces. A majestic transformable necklace features four diamond strands – one for each season – strung between two removeable clasps. Bead-set white diamonds and star-set yellow diamonds are joined by fil couteau to mimic the fledgling buds of spring; a twisted rope of diamond-set yellow gold evokes ripples on summer sand; brown diamonds set in rose-gold triangles conjure autumn’s russet leaves; and white gold serti neige represents the glacial beauty of winter.
In a contemporary ear cuff, each diamond strand is finished with a coloured-titanium chrysalis, hinting at the beginnings of nature’s most magnificent metamorphosis. The chrysalises can be removed and worn on a charm bracelet. Elsewhere, the four strands form a ring jacket for a 3.06 carat D-Flawless diamond solitaire from the De Beers Natural Works of Art collection, which can be interchanged with a pavé-set diamond ring. Another necklace features a detachable pear-shaped clip which can be worn as a brooch.
“In Metamorphosis by De Beers we have transformed the spontaneous beauty of nature into our most complex and innovative designs yet,” says Céline Assimon, CEO of De Beers Jewellers. “Each design in our Prelude set showcases a masterclass of artisanal savoir-faire – we have honed in on the details, combining antique-inspired settings with contemporary techniques such as coloured titanium. We have pushed the boundaries with the ear cuff, which has a mesmerising sense of movement and volume. It’s a very modern approach to classical High Jewellery, reflecting De Beers’ DNA of excellence through experimentation and constant innovation.”
Hashtag: #DeBeers #DeBeersHK #naturaldiamonds
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About De Beers Jewellers
Founded in London, with a flagship store on Old Bond Street and a presence in the most exclusive locations around the world, De Beers Jewellers is the pinnacle of luxury diamond jewellery. Building on De Beers’ 130 years of expertise, the House glorifies the world’s most beautiful diamonds through creativity and craftsmanship in bold, distinctive designs.
De Beers is invested in ensuring all the diamonds it discovers create a lasting positive impact for people and the places where they are found. This comes with a pledge to build a better future – one that is fairer, safer, cleaner and healthier, in which communities thrive, ethical practices are maintained, and the natural environment is protected. We call this long-term commitment Building Forever.
De Beers Jewellers has 37 stores globally and ships to 15 markets via 
debeers.com.
FB: @DeBeers
IG: @debeersofficial
https://www.debeers.hk/
