Fantastic Four, Rick and Morty, Tether, Halliburton and South Korean Presidential Election Early Voting Guide

Major content release schedule and trends for 2025

Several anticipated movies and animations are set to be released in 2025. First, "28 Years Later" is a sequel to the 2002 film "28 Days Later," where director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland collaborate once again to offer fans an unforgettable horror experience. This film features Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, and is a post-apocalyptic horror set in a world after the pandemic. It is scheduled for release on June 20, 2025. Additionally, "Fantastic Four: First Steps," which kicks off Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), will be released on July 25, 2025. This movie stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and presents an intriguing story centered around a retro-futuristic worldview from the 1960s. Furthermore, animation fans are excited about the news of "Rick and Morty Season 8" airing on Adult Swim. Season 8 is set to premiere on May 25, 2025, and will air every Sunday night at 11 PM, consisting of a total of 10 episodes. In addition, various works from Disney and Pixar are also on the verge of release. Movies such as "Elio" (June 20), "Freaky Friday" (August 8), and "Avatar: Fire and Ash" (December 19) promise a wide range of content from family-friendly stories to sci-fi fantasy.

Changes in Content Consumption Trends

There are several trends that are bringing changes to recent content consumption habits. Firstly, there is a noticeable increase in the search for detailed information. The runtime of the movie 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' is 2 hours and 49 minutes, making it the longest in the series, and there is a growing tendency to check the runtime before watching. This reflects consumers' desire to generate interest before viewing and to gauge their time investment in advance. Additionally, the expansion of content accessibility through streaming platforms is becoming more prominent. Season 8 of 'Rick and Morty' is set to be available on streaming services Hulu and Max starting September 1, after its TV broadcast. This approach across various platforms offers consumers significant flexibility. Lastly, there is a rising interest in immersive content and reality programming. Season 2 of HBO's 'The Rehearsal' enhances immersion by simulating real-life situations, providing a new reality experience and showcasing the diversity of content. These trends reflect the changing demands of consumers.

Sports Trends

In 2025, sports are receiving significant global attention, particularly with noticeable changes in soccer, the NBA, and MLB. In soccer, the arrival of Lionel Messi in MLS coincides with an increase in soccer's popularity in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Major League Soccer (MLS) is providing all matches to fans worldwide through its season pass, thus expanding international accessibility. In the NBA, the New York Knicks find themselves trailing 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 playoffs. In the game, Josh Hart is adapting flexibly to strategies as he comes off the bench, while Mikal Bridges is strengthening his position within the team. In MLB, the New York Mets recorded an average attendance of 36,196 in their home games for the 2025 season, showing a 47.1% increase compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to the acquisition of Juan Soto and improvements in the team's performance.

Social Issues in the United States and Media Reflection

Recently, various issues have come to the forefront in American society, and these have become major topics in the media. The shooting incident that occurred in Little River, South Carolina, resulted in at least 11 people being transported to the hospital, leading to shocking outcomes. This incident appears to be isolated, and information regarding the suspect or motives has not yet been disclosed. Such events are sparking extensive discussions about public safety. Additionally, news of the passing of celebrities is also having a significant impact on society. The death of Phil Robertson, the star of the reality show Duck Dynasty, at the age of 79 has evoked mourning among many fans and the conservative community. Lastly, the documentary Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie, which deals with a staged crime incident, is gaining particular attention. This documentary addresses the situation where Papini claimed to be kidnapped after going missing, only to later be revealed as a hoax, raising awareness among many viewers.

Global industrial and economic trends

The global industry in 2025 is showcasing changes and innovations from various companies. Halliburton experienced a decline in performance in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year but is seeking recovery through technological innovation and sustainability strategies. Notably, they signed an MOU for a carbon capture and storage project in Australia and introduced the Octiv Auto Frac service, an automated hydraulic fracturing technology, improving efficiency by 17%. Additionally, Tether has surpassed $120 billion in U.S. Treasury holdings, increasing its credibility in the global financial market. Furthermore, the U.S. Senate passed a stablecoin regulatory bill, leading to a review of issuing dedicated stablecoins. Finally, Univision has enhanced its content strategy aimed at the Hispanic community, unveiling a new vision based on cultural authority and creativity. They are promoting content diversification centered around the Hispanic market, the most influential consumer segment in the U.S.

Schedule for the 21st Presidential Election of the Republic of Korea

The schedule for the 21st presidential election of the Republic of Korea has reached an important point. Early voting will take place on May 29 (Thursday) and May 30 (Friday) for two days, from 6 AM to 6 PM each day. Voters can cast their ballots at early voting stations nationwide, regardless of their registered residence, and a photo ID is required. The main voting is scheduled to be held on June 3 (Tuesday) from 6 AM to 8 PM at designated polling stations. There are high expectations for voter interest and active participation, which will be an important moment in the exercise of democracy. It is hoped that many citizens will take part in these early and main votes to express their opinions.