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K-pop’s Latin American rise: Fans gain easier access to content and merch through Weverse and EBANX’s partnership

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EBANX enables Mexican consumers to purchase Weverse products using a local payment method, marking a key step in the growth of K-pop in Latin America

SEOUL, South Korea and CURITIBA, Brazil, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Weverse, the global superfan platform under HYBE, is expanding into Latin America for the first time, partnering with EBANX, a global fintech specializing in payments for emerging markets, to offer seamless local payment solutions. Starting in Mexico, fans are now able to purchase official merchandise, watch video on demand (VOD) content, and even send direct messages (DMs) to their favorite artists via Weverse using OXXO Pay, a widely adopted alternative payment method (APM) in the country. 

The partnership arrives as Latin America’s passion for K-pop reaches new heights amid Hallyu, or the “Korean Wave,” the global spread of South Korean culture. According to a report from South Korea’s government, K-pop dominated the largest share (34.9%) of Hallyu content in Latin America. In Mexico, the cumulative number of on-demand audio and video streams of K-pop reached 3.5 billion after a staggering growth of 25% in 2023, according to Luminate, a data analytics and insights company.

Local payments unlock global fandom

APMs like OXXO Pay are crucial for consumer accessibility in emerging countries, where only 30% of people use credit or debit cards, according to data from the World Bank Global Findex in EBANX’s study Beyond Borders 2025. For comparison, this rate rises to 85% in high-income markets, with South Korea at 90%. In Mexico, only 26% of people use credit and debit cards, and cash remains the preferred method for 80% of the population, as stated in a study by Banco de México.

For the first time, with EBANX’s integration, K-pop fans in Mexico can access a seamless fan experience on Weverse by purchasing merchandise, exclusive VOD content, and many more, even without a bank account or access to credit, by using OXXO Pay. According to the World Bank database, around half of Mexico’s population is unbanked, and only one in ten consumers has a credit card in the country. Through OXXO Pay, consumers can complete online purchases in cash at OXXO’s convenience stores, a popular local chain.

Weverse’s strategic entry into Latin America

“This partnership marks a milestone for K-pop’s expansion into Latin America and a strategic step for EBANX in the South Korean market,” said Sean Yu, VP of Merchant Success, APAC at EBANX. “We are looking forward to collaborating with Weverse, enabling local payments, and connecting  Mexican fans in a seamless and culturally relevant way.”

Recognizing Latin America as a key driver of K-pop’s global growth, HYBE, a global entertainment lifestyle platform company and the home to some of the most iconic K-pop groups, including BTS and SEVENTEEN, ventured into the region by launching HYBE LATIN AMERICA in 2023. “Latin American fans are incredibly passionate about K-pop, and our partnership with EBANX ensures they can access exclusive content and merchandise without payment friction,” noted Joon Choi, President of Weverse.

Future growth potential

According to a study from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) released last month, Latin America saw a remarkable 22.5% increase in music revenues in 2024, marking the region’s 15th consecutive year of growth. Streaming remained the primary driver, accounting for 87.8% of recorded music revenues. Brazil led the way with a 21.7% rise, making it the fastest-growing market among the global top ten. Meanwhile, Mexico recorded a 15.6% revenue increase, climbing to become the world’s tenth-largest recorded music market.

The partnership between Weverse and EBANX lays the groundwork for broader expansion across Latin America, where K-pop fandoms are rapidly growing. With EBANX’s expertise in local payment ecosystems, including market-specific solutions tailored to regional preferences, Weverse is poised to replicate its success and further strengthen its presence in this high-potential market.

ABOUT WEVERSE

Weverse Company is a global superfan platform whose vision is to innovate the platform business through the expansion of customer experience. In June 2019, Weverse and commerce platform Weverse Shop were launched. Weverse provides content and services optimized for fan activities along with the function of a communication channel between artists and fans. Weverse Shop offers artists’ official merchandise to customers around the world. Weverse is currently operating over 160 communities for K-pop icons such as BTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, BOYNEXTDOOR, TWS, ILLIT, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, RIIZE, BABYMONSTER, P1Harmony, as well as global artists such as Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa, the Kid Laroi, Conan Gray, and Gracie Abrams, reaffirming the platform’s position as the “ultimate global superfan platform”. HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), the parent company of Weverse Company, has been chosen as one of “The World’s 50 most innovative companies” in 2022 and 2020 by Fast Company, which also highlighted Weverse and Weverse Shop as platforms to lead the establishment of one-stop service within the music industry.

For further information, please visit:

Website: https://weverse.io/

ABOUT EBANX 

EBANX is the leading payment platform connecting global businesses to the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Founded in 2012 in Brazil, EBANX was built with a mission to expand access to international digital commerce. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep market expertise, and robust infrastructure, EBANX enables global companies to offer hundreds of local payment methods across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. More than just payments, EBANX drives growth, enhances sales, and delivers seamless purchase experiences for businesses and consumers alike.

For further information, please visit:

Website:https://www.ebanx.com/en/ 
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx

Media Contact: 
Shan Huang
shan.huang@ahgstrategies.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/k-pops-latin-american-rise-fans-gain-easier-access-to-content-and-merch-through-weverse-and-ebanxs-partnership-302427404.html

SOURCE EBANX PTE. Ltd.

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Towards new trends, gathering new trends and innovating: China Changan makes its debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show

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SHANGHAI, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China Changan makes its debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show with the theme of “Towards New Trends, Gathering New Trends, and Innovative Power”, bringing 88 products to showcase its innovative technologies and product portfolio.

Towards new trends, creating core technology driving force

China Changan has built a “1255+” technological innovation system and transformed into an innovative technology group. At the auto show, Chenzhi Technology releases a new generation of intelligent chassis sports integrated solutions, covering EMB full-wire control brake and other technologies, with multiple power combinations, system-level redundancy and other features, and its performance indicators are leading the world. Chongqing Qingshan launches the “GI-Drive2.0” intelligent electric drive platform, which contains 293 invention patents and uses EDS4 distributed electric drive assembly with an efficiency of 96.5%. It demonstrates scenes such as turning around on the spot and shows precise control capabilities.

Gathering new trends and building a smart travel ecosystem

China Changan participates in the exhibition with a “3+2+N” business layout:

Powertrain and electric drive: Dongan Power displays the M15NTDE engine and other products with leading thermal efficiency; Chongqing Qingshan exhibits the all-in-one electric drive assembly; Huachuan Denso brings products such as extended-range generators.

Intelligent chassis: Chenzhi Technology demonstrates its full-stack capabilities including wire-controlled braking and steering; Sichuan Jianan’s third-generation electric drive axle is about to be mass-produced.

Thermal management: The Innovation Research Institute exhibits super-integrated thermal management modules; Southern Inter displays multi-zone air-conditioning boxes and other products.

Electronics, appliances and parts: The Electronics and Appliances Division brings products such as power domain controllers; Hunan Tianyan displays transformation results such as superchargers.

Changan Minsheng Logistics presents full-process digital logistics solutions and intelligent equipment.

Innovation brings together new momentum for the industry

China Changan adheres to the brand connotation of “innovation-led”, provides customized cooperation models, introduces intelligent manufacturing and digital management, and strictly controls quality. At the same time, it promotes green supply chains, deploys battery recycling, explores cutting-edge fields with industry chain partners, and promotes high-quality development of the automobile industry.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/towards-new-trends-gathering-new-trends-and-innovating-china-changan-makes-its-debut-at-the-2025-shanghai-auto-show-302437149.html

SOURCE China Changan

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X-PHY Inc Unveils Real-Time Deepfake Detection Tool Ahead of RSA Conference 2025

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Expanding its AI-powered security suite, X-PHY takes aim at the rising threat of AI-generated deception

SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — X-PHY Inc, a leading innovator in embedded cybersecurity technology, has announced the launch of its latest solution ahead of RSA Conference (RSAC) 2025 – Deepfake Detector – a real-time deepfake detection tool that empowers users to verify the authenticity of videos, audio, and images directly on their devices, without relying on the cloud. Live demonstrations will be held for the first time during RSAC.

The growth of deepfakes has been exponential – deepfake content on social media alone grew 550% between 2019 and 2023, and the World Economic Forum states it is a key global risk. X-PHY’s innovation is designed to combat AI-generated deception, enabling users to verify the authenticity of digital media – including videos, images, and audio – with up to 90% accuracy, in real-time. This marks X-PHY’s expansion into AI-driven content integrity solutions, bridging data protection with digital trust.

“At X-PHY, we are committed to extending our ethos of Security by Design beyond data protection,” said Camellia Chan, CEO and Co-Founder of X-PHY Inc. “The X-PHY Deepfake Detector strengthens our vision of a Community Root of Trust, where every layer – from hardware to data to content – serves as a checkpoint for authenticity and security. By combining deepfake detection with our existing hardware-embedded defences, we’re ensuring every endpoint not only protects data, but actively discerns and verifies the trustworthiness of the information flowing through it.”

On-Demand Deepfake Detection

Upon activation, the X-PHY Deepfake Detector uses multi-modal AI to analyze video, image, and audio streams in real time. By examining facial micro-expressions, voice fingerprints, and Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-generated artifacts, it flags signs of manipulation – even across multiple video windows. Detection is performed entirely on-device, preserving privacy and functioning even without an internet connection.

This is achieved through the Deepfake Detector’s use of advanced temporal and spatial AI analysis, powered by pre-trained neural networks. These models are capable of identifying subtle inconsistencies across facial movements, audio waveforms, and image artifacts – common signs of AI-generated content.

When combined with X-PHY’s patented hardware-based protections, this forms a seamless security ecosystem, protecting both stored data and the integrity of digital communications.

Flexible Deployment, Fuss-Free Integration

Designed for seamless adoption, the Deepfake Detector offers flexible deployment options to suit varying enterprise needs. It can be installed as a lightweight software agent on personal computers and laptops running on Windows operating systems or packaged with the X-PHY Cybersecure SSD – creating a unified defense layer that spans data protection, ransomware prevention, and deepfake detection.

The solution is application-agnostic, compatible with leading platforms like Teams, Zoom, Webex, Chrome, YouTube, and Meta. Users can activate it with a single click when joining a meeting, where it runs autonomously for a preset duration and can be re-engaged as needed.

Built on Zero Trust principles, the solution adds an additional layer of authentication and verification at the device level, helping organizations strengthen their cyber resilience against AI-powered deception and reducing reliance on external validation systems that often introduce unnecessary operational complexity.

X-PHY Deepfake Detector is now available for purchase through the official X-PHY website and from authorized global channel partners. For enterprise enquiries or bulk deployments, please contact our sales team at info@x-phy.com

Experience live demonstrations at X-PHY Inc’s Booth #5368, located in the North Expo Hall of the Moscone Center, from April 28 to May 1 during RSA Conference 2025.

About X-PHY Inc

X-PHY Inc is a pioneering cybersecurity company dedicated to hardware-based cybersecurity solutions that protect data at its core. Built on the principle of Security by Design, X-PHY embeds protection directly at the physical layer for proactive, autonomous, and real-time defense against evolving cyber threats. Headquartered in California, USA, X-PHY Inc was established in 2021 and has since developed a growing portfolio of 43 patents, reinforcing its commitment to innovative AI-embedded security at the hardware level. The company’s patented solutions safeguard endpoints, servers, and data centers, ensuring zero-trust resilience across industries.

X-PHY Inc is part of the Flexxon Group, a leader in hardware engineering and memory solutions, leveraging its legacy of innovation and expertise in secure storage to build cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies for the digital world.

For more information, please visit:
X-PHY: x-phy.com
Flexxon: flexxon.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/x-phy-inc-unveils-real-time-deepfake-detection-tool-ahead-of-rsa-conference-2025-302435625.html

SOURCE X-PHY Inc

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Bright Scholar Schedules Unaudited Financial Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2025 Ended February 28, 2025

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CAMBRIDGE, England and FOSHAN, China, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited (“Bright Scholar,” the “Company,” “we” or “our”) (NYSE: BEDU), a global premier education service company, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 ended February 28, 2025, on April 28, 2025, before the US market opens.

The Company’s management will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (7:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time) on April 28, 2025.

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

Mainland China:

4001-201203

Hong Kong:

800-905945

United States:

1-888-346-8982

International:

1-412-902-4272

Participants should dial-in at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for “Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited.”

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.brightscholar.com/.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible after the conclusion of the live call until May 5, 2025, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

United States Toll Free:

1-877-344-7529

International:

1-412-317-0088

Replay Passcode:

2410484

About Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited

Bright Scholar is a global premier education service Group. The Company primarily provides quality international education to global students and equips them with the critical academic foundation and skillsets necessary to succeed in the pursuit of higher education.  

For more information, please visit: https://ir.brightscholar.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s business plans and development, which can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.

IR Contact:
Email: BEDU@thepiacentegroup.com
Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677/ +1-212-481-2050

Media Contact:
Email: media@brightscholar.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bright-scholar-schedules-unaudited-financial-results-for-the-second-quarter-of-fiscal-2025-ended-february-28-2025-302437087.html

SOURCE Bright Scholar Education Holdings Ltd.

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