This Week in Asia /
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Lifestyle & Culture
Seunghan’s resignation from Riize sets off heated clash between K-pop fans
Korean fans say the 21-year-old tarnished the group’s reputation with his actions, while international supporters argue he is being bullied.
15 Oct 2024 - 7:41PM
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Alice and Adeline Chang: why are Malaysians fascinated by the ‘chaotic’ sisters?
14 Oct 2024 - 8:41PM
Japan yakuza member arrested on suspicion of fraud after cutting off own finger
14 Oct 2024 - 3:50PM
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Lifestyle & Culture
AI is transforming South Korea, even helping pets and people with disabilities
South Korea is embracing AI, with innovative applications transforming everyday life from AI-powered translation services to X-ray analysis.
14 Oct 2024 - 9:03AM
A station employee converses simultaneously with a foreigner in their respective mother tongues through a transparent OLED screen at a subway station in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: EPA-EFE/Yonhap
People
Apollo Quiboloy Senate bid tests religion’s ‘unholy’ grip on Philippine politics
As his legal troubles mount, the Duterte-linked pastor’s candidacy blurs the lines between religious influence and political power.
13 Oct 2024 - 10:00AM
Lifestyle & Culture
‘Really troublesome crowds’: Tokyo’s nightlife hotspots ban Halloween drinking
The mayors of Shibuya and Shinjuku are cracking down on street drinking this Halloween, citing public safety and overtourism as key concerns.
9 Oct 2024 - 3:26PM
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Lifestyle & Culture
Why is Hong Kong such a hot destination for Japanese tourists?
Japanese tourist arrivals to Hong Kong are up 106 per cent so far this year, but industry analysts say the weak yen threatens further growth.
9 Oct 2024 - 4:56PM
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Lifestyle & Culture
Unruly tourists could be jailed for life as Indonesia’s Bali steps up penalties
Increase in length of jail terms, more surveillance efforts part of law-enforcement drive to keep rule-breakers at bay, officials say.
8 Oct 2024 - 6:07PM
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Foreign tourists gather at a beach in Canggu, Bali, Indonesia. Photo: EPA-EFE
Lifestyle & Culture
Why a hotel and rail plan for Japan’s Mount Fuji makes ‘many people very angry’
Officials say the plan could help curb overtourism and generate billions in revenue – as activists worry it threatens the fragile ecosystem.
8 Oct 2024 - 1:12PM
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People
‘Deeply worrying’: false claims of Chinese crime wave in Japan spark outrage
Social media has become a fertile breeding ground for extremist sentiment, analysts say, amid deepening distrust and growing online hatred.
7 Oct 2024 - 8:12AM
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Economics
UK warns drug mules as cannabis smuggling from Thailand reaches record highs
A former Arsenal player and dozens of Malaysians were among those detained, with tonnes of Thai cannabis being seized at UK ports of entry.
7 Oct 2024 - 8:11AM
Lifestyle & Culture
K-pop’s global rise sparks debate over ‘factory-like’ system, future direction
Min Hee-jin, the producer behind some of K-pop’s most successful acts, says the industry’s focus on formulaic perfection is holding it back.
8 Oct 2024 - 8:39PM
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Members of K-pop girl group NewJeans pose on the blue carpet at the 2025 Spring/Summer Seoul Fashion Week in South Korea on September 3. Photo: AFP
Lifestyle & Culture
‘It’s a funeral’: Singapore to hold last horse race after 182 years
On Saturday, horse racing in the city state comes to an end at the Singapore Turf Club, as trainers remain disappointed over its closure.
4 Oct 2024 - 3:33PM
Lifestyle & Culture
Thailand zoo defends viral baby hippo Moo Deng against Peta’s captivity claims
The zoo defended its care for Moo Deng, arguing the baby hippo receives the best possible care and is part of a conservation programme.
2 Oct 2024 - 5:41PM
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Lifestyle & Culture
Japan’s ‘rising horse’ festival struggles to surmount animal abuse controversy
The historic Ageuma Shinji festival, known for its perilous race, faces mounting pressure to ensure the safety and well-being of its horses.
29 Sep 2024 - 3:30PM
Lifestyle & Culture
A short history of Asia’s fascination with cults and their dark secrets
Delve into chilling tales of followers lured by false promises of salvation – and the cult leaders who preyed on their vulnerabilities.
29 Sep 2024 - 12:30PM
Televisions in Japan show news of Shoko Asahara’s execution in 2018. His Aum Shinrikyo cult could have produced enough sarin gas to kill millions, investigators said. Photo: Kyodo
Politics
Singapore PAP politician enlists ‘cutest volunteer’ Labubu to engage youth
Lam Pin Min’s Sengkang team debuts viral doll, dressed in PAP’s signature white outfit, during grocery distribution event for elderly.
25 Sep 2024 - 7:11PM
Lifestyle & Culture
Transgender traffic police get the green light in India’s Telangana state
Activists cautiously welcome the move – but call for broader support and sustainable job opportunities for all transgender people.
22 Sep 2024 - 3:30PM
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People
Singapore prepares to get up to Speed with YouTuber known for daring stunts
IShowSpeed’s Southeast Asia tour has thrilled fans with daring stunts, cultural experiences, and viral moments, with Singapore the next stop.
19 Sep 2024 - 6:36PM
Lifestyle & Culture
Indonesia’s Bali tightens tourism rules, cracks down on unruly tourists
The island is prioritising quality tourism, welcoming visitors who respect local customs and traditions, and deporting violators.
18 Sep 2024 - 4:52PM
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Foreign tourists relax on the Kuta Beach near Denpasar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali. Photo: AFP
Lifestyle & Culture
‘Completely unacceptable’: blackface row reignites racism debate in Singapore
Activists warn that recurring blackface controversies threaten Singapore’s multicultural fabric, calling for accountability and education.
18 Sep 2024 - 1:30PM
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Lifestyle & Culture
In Malaysia, long weekend sees residents cross Thai border by the thousands
Thailand’s southern Hatyai province has long been a popular holiday destination for Malaysians living near the border.
17 Sep 2024 - 4:41PM
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Lifestyle & Culture
How India’s growing middle class is reshaping tourism trends in Asia
Indian travellers are looking to destinations including Hong Kong and Central Asia as they seek out new experiences, report shows.
16 Sep 2024 - 8:19PM
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OPINION
Liew Kai Khiun
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Atchareeya Saisin
Opinion
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Blackpink concert tour puts Asia back on post-Covid globalisation track
13 Jan 2023 - 3:55PM
Reena Devi
Opinion
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Has Singapore’s cultural tourism focus got the balance right?
26 Oct 2022 - 3:22PM
Tobias Zuser
Opinion
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Soh Chin Ann is the world’s most-capped footballer. Here’s what it means to Malaysia
16 Aug 2021 - 7:52AM
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Alan Robles
Opinion
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Filipinos love their adobo – just don’t tell them how to cook it
14 Jul 2021 - 4:50PM
Raquel Carvalho
As I see it
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When are Asia’s governments going to step up for women’s rights?
12 Mar 2021 - 10:05AM
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Montira Unakul
Opinion
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Laos‘ Plain of Jars has lessons for disaster risk management during Covid-19
21 Nov 2020 - 11:00AM
TRENDING TOPICS
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