What's happened
Hong from Seventeen attended the Golden Globes, meeting stars from the hit series 'Heated Rivalry.' The show, which gained unexpected popularity in North America, is now set for UK release on Sky and Now TV. Hong's presence highlights the growing influence of K-pop in international entertainment.
What's behind the headline?
The convergence of K-pop and Western television signals a strategic shift in entertainment marketing. Hong's appearance at the Globes and signing with U.S. agencies are deliberate moves to expand his acting career, leveraging his international fame. Meanwhile, the show's viral success, driven by TikTok, underscores how social media can propel niche content into mainstream consciousness despite modest initial promotion. This trend indicates that Asian pop culture figures are increasingly becoming influential in Western markets, not just as music icons but as versatile entertainers. The timing suggests a calculated effort by agencies and producers to capitalize on this cross-cultural momentum, which will likely accelerate in 2026. The UK release of ‘Heated Rivalry’ further exemplifies this global crossover, aiming to tap into the show's dedicated fanbase and the broader interest in LGBTQ+ narratives within sports.
What the papers say
The coverage from Business Insider UK highlights Hong's red carpet debut and backstage meeting with stars from ‘Heated Rivalry,’ emphasizing his expanding presence in Hollywood and the U.S. talent scene. Meanwhile, The New York Times provides context on the show's surprising rise in viewership, driven by social media virality, despite its modest initial promotion. The Scotsman reports on the UK release, noting the show's popularity and the anticipation for its debut on Sky and Now TV. These sources collectively illustrate how Asian pop culture and niche TV series are intersecting in a way that reshapes entertainment consumption patterns globally, with strategic moves by talent agencies and producers fueling this trend.
How we got here
‘Heated Rivalry,’ a Canadian-produced series about closeted hockey players, unexpectedly surged in popularity after its late 2025 HBO Max debut, with viewership increasing tenfold by the season's end. Meanwhile, Hong, a K-pop star, attended the Golden Globes and signed with U.S. talent agencies, signaling a crossover of Asian pop culture into mainstream Western entertainment.
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