Global Pulse

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  • Ex-South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in insurrection trial

    Ex-South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in insurrection trial

    In a landmark ruling that has captured national attention, Seoul Central District Court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment on Thursday for orchestrating an insurrection and abusing presidential authority. The verdict concludes a highly watched trial in a nation grappling with deep political divisions.

    The court found Yoon guilty of attempting to impose martial law in December 2024, an action prosecutors characterized as “destroying the liberal democratic constitutional order” by undermining the National Assembly and Election Commission. While prosecutors had sought capital punishment, the court delivered a life sentence—the most severe judicial consequence yet for the ousted leader.

    The attempted martial law declaration, which lasted approximately six hours before being defeated by parliamentary vote and mass public protests, triggered a national political crisis that tested South Korea’s democratic institutions. The court additionally ruled on charges that Yoon ordered military forces to storm parliament, detain political opponents, and blockade opposition party facilities.

    Yoon, 65, maintained his innocence throughout proceedings, arguing that his actions fell within presidential authority and were necessary to address opposition parties’ obstruction of government functions. The conservative former prosecutor faces multiple legal battles, having already received a five-year sentence in January for obstructing authorities attempting to arrest him following the martial law attempt.

    Security was heightened around the courthouse with police buses forming protective cordons, reflecting the trial’s significance in a country that hasn’t executed anyone since 1997. Current President Lee Jae Myung commended the public’s resistance to martial law, suggesting the Korean people should be considered for a Nobel Peace Prize for their nonviolent opposition.

    Legal experts anticipate appeals that could extend the judicial process beyond the typical two-year timeframe for such cases, regardless of Thursday’s verdict.

  • Gold prices to average $5,300 in 2026 and $5,500 in 2027, IIF says

    Gold prices to average $5,300 in 2026 and $5,500 in 2027, IIF says

    A significant structural shift in the gold market is paving the way for sustained higher price levels, according to a new analysis from the Institute of International Finance (IIF). The global financial think-tank projects the precious metal will average $5,300 per ounce throughout 2026 before climbing to an average of $5,500 in 2027, signaling a new long-term trading range driven by increased financialization and changing global monetary conditions.

    The IIF’s comprehensive assessment identifies several fundamental factors supporting medium-term demand, notably robust central bank acquisitions and potential ETF inflows. However, short-term price movements will continue to reflect dynamic interactions between real yield fluctuations, US dollar strength, global liquidity conditions, and geopolitical risk perceptions.

    Garbis Iradian, Chief Economist for Mena and Central Asia at IIF, emphasized that while gold appears structurally better supported than in previous market cycles, its trajectory remains contingent on multiple variables. ‘Gold prices will ultimately reflect the evolution of key drivers rather than a mechanical continuation of recent gains,’ Iradian stated in the newly released research note.

    The analysis outlines specific upside risks that could propel prices beyond baseline projections, including an accelerated decline in real yields, renewed financial system stress, stronger-than-anticipated ETF inflows, or escalating geopolitical tensions that sustain safe-haven demand. Conversely, downside risks emerge from a prolonged high-interest rate environment, US dollar appreciation, weakening global liquidity, or a deceleration in official-sector purchasing activity.

    Market context shows gold trading around $5,000 per ounce on Thursday after reaching record highs of $5,500 earlier in the year, with prices demonstrating volatility throughout the trading session. In UAE markets, 24K gold was quoted at Dh600.75 per gram, reflecting regional price variations.

    The IIF’s baseline projection assumes a soft-landing scenario characterized by gradual monetary easing, modest US dollar weakness, improving global liquidity conditions, and sustained official-sector demand. Under these conditions, gold prices are expected to remain elevated through 2026–2027, though the pace of appreciation may moderate as macroeconomic tailwinds gradually diminish.

  • Dh200,000 Big Ticket win for 4 expats from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan

    Dh200,000 Big Ticket win for 4 expats from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan

    In a life-changing moment for four foreign workers in the UAE, the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi’s February 2026 second weekly e-draw has awarded Dh200,000 collectively to expatriates from South Asian nations. Each winner received Dh50,000 as part of the popular raffle draw that has become a cultural phenomenon among the UAE’s expat community.

    The diverse group of winners represents a cross-section of the Gulf region’s migrant workforce. Riasat Khan from Pakistan finally achieved success after a decade of persistent participation, while Indian national Nibin K. Mathew found fortune after merely five months of trying. The other winners include Shiva Prasad Rijal from Nepal and Gregory Shomir Gomes, who currently resides in Qatar.

    Their winning journeys reflect distinct patterns of participation. Khan participated through two different groups over ten years, experiencing all series of draws from cash prizes to Dream Car competitions. Meanwhile, Mathew, a 36-year-old engineer from Kerala living in Abu Dhabi, joined a 20-member group just five months ago upon a friend’s recommendation.

    Group participation emerged as a common theme among winners. Rijal, a 39-year-old Dubai resident for 18 years, won as part of a 25-member company group that has been purchasing tickets collectively for four to five years. Gomes, heading a Project Support Office in Qatar, participated with 14 colleagues through monthly ticket purchases for four years.

    The winners expressed overwhelming joy and disbelief upon notification. Gomes nearly missed the life-changing call but discovered the win through email, prompting his group to verify the results officially before celebrating. Mathew described the moment as ‘overwhelming happiness’ for his first significant lottery win.

    All winners confirmed they would distribute the prize money among their respective groups while continuing to participate in future draws. Their plans for the winnings range from family support and shopping to reinforcing trust in the Big Ticket system. The February campaign continues with a Dh15 million grand prize scheduled for March 3, along with five consolation prizes of Dh100,000 each, maintaining the draw’s reputation as one of the region’s most rewarding monthly events.

  • ‘Hamnet’ to Tom Cruise’s ‘M:I’, are we seeing Chloé Zhao’s cinematic crossover?

    ‘Hamnet’ to Tom Cruise’s ‘M:I’, are we seeing Chloé Zhao’s cinematic crossover?

    Acclaimed filmmaker Chloé Zhao, fresh from her Golden Globe-winning success with ‘Hamnet,’ is reportedly being considered to direct the ninth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. This potential collaboration with Tom Cruise would mark a significant departure for both the Oscar-winning director and the long-running action series.

    Industry speculation intensified when celebrity news outlet Deuxmoi reported that Cruise had approached Zhao about either writing or directing the next chapter. While neither party has confirmed the discussions, the move would represent a strategic shift for the franchise following the perceived conclusion with last year’s ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.’

    Zhao’s directorial journey demonstrates remarkable versatility. After winning the Academy Award for Best Director for ‘Nomadland’ in 2020—becoming only the second woman to achieve this honor—she ventured into blockbuster territory with Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ in 2021. This experience in large-scale production could prove valuable should she take on the Mission: Impossible series, known for its elaborate stunts and high-octane action sequences.

    The franchise has been under the consistent direction of Christopher McQuarrie since 2015, making Zhao’s potential involvement particularly noteworthy. Financial considerations may be influencing this possible change: despite grossing approximately $600 million globally, ‘The Final Reckoning’ faced substantial production and marketing costs nearing $400 million, potentially prompting producers to seek fresh creative direction with budget consciousness.

    Tom Cruise remained characteristically enigmatic about the franchise’s future when questioned at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, preferring to focus on the current release rather than speculate about subsequent installments. As the industry watches for official confirmation, Zhao’s potential involvement signals an intriguing convergence of arthouse sensibility and mainstream action cinema.

  • S. Korea’s ex-president Yoon sentenced to life in prison on insurrection

    S. Korea’s ex-president Yoon sentenced to life in prison on insurrection

    In a landmark ruling that marks a dramatic fall from power, former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for insurrection charges related to his declaration of emergency martial law. The Seoul Central District Court delivered its verdict Thursday in a proceeding broadcast live nationwide, creating a historic moment in South Korea’s democratic journey.

    The court determined that Yoon’s deployment of military forces to the National Assembly in December 2024 constituted a direct assault on constitutional order. Presiding judges emphasized that declaring martial law without legitimate cause—specifically absent war, incident, or equivalent national emergency—represented an unconstitutional power grab designed to subvert parliamentary authority.

    Prosecutors from the independent counsel team led by Cho Eun-suk had sought capital punishment for the ousted leader, arguing he orchestrated a systematic attempt to undermine South Korea’s democratic foundations. The court instead imposed life imprisonment, the maximum penalty short of execution for insurrection ringleaders under South Korean law.

    This case represents the third instance in South Korean history where a former president faced insurrection charges, following predecessors Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo who were convicted for their roles in military coups and martial law crackdowns.

    The judicial proceedings revealed coordinated efforts between Yoon and senior security officials to obstruct parliamentary functions. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a 30-year sentence for his central role in mobilizing military resources, while former Defense Intelligence Commander Noh Sang-won and former National Police Agency Commissioner Cho Ji-ho received 18 and 12-year terms respectively.

    The controversial martial law declaration occurred on December 3, 2024, but was revoked hours later through legislative action. This triggered a constitutional crisis that ultimately led to Yoon’s impeachment in April 2025 and subsequent indictment while in detention this past January.

    The court’s comprehensive ruling addressed eight defendants total, with all receiving significant sentences for their participation in what judges characterized as a deliberate attack on South Korea’s democratic institutions.

  • What to know about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

    What to know about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

    In an unprecedented development for the British monarchy, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police on Thursday morning. The arrest occurred at King Charles III’s Sandringham estate, where the disgraced royal currently resides, on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

    The investigation centers on allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor, during his tenure as Britain’s special envoy for international trade, shared confidential government information with Epstein. Evidence emerging from millions of pages of documents recently released by the U.S. Justice Department appears to show the Duke of York forwarding sensitive trade reports to Epstein in 2010, including details about official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore, as well as confidential briefs on investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province.

    This constitutional crisis represents one of the most severe challenges to the House of Windsor in over a century, comparable in magnitude only to King Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936 and the death of Princess Diana in 1997. The offense of misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, though legal experts note the difficulty in securing convictions for this particular charge.

    King Charles III has formally distanced the monarchy from his brother, stating in an official communiqué that ‘the law must take its course’ while emphasizing his family’s continued commitment to public service. The monarch declined further commentary on the ongoing investigation.

    Police authorities are conducting simultaneous searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk, including Windsor Castle where Mountbatten-Windsor resided until recently. Under UK law, suspects can be held for up to 24 hours without charge, extendable to 96 hours, during which time formal questioning occurs and legal representation is provided.

    The Crown Prosecution Service must now apply the two-stage ‘Code for Crown Prosecutors’ test—evaluating both the realistic prospect of conviction and whether prosecution serves the public interest—before determining whether to bring formal charges.

  • In Photos: Priyanka Chopra stuns in a saree-inspired gown at ‘The Bluff’ premiere

    In Photos: Priyanka Chopra stuns in a saree-inspired gown at ‘The Bluff’ premiere

    Global entertainment icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas commanded attention at the Australian premiere of her latest cinematic venture, ‘The Bluff,’ delivering a masterclass in sartorial elegance that celebrated her cultural heritage. The February 19, 2026, event witnessed the actress-producer gracing the red carpet in an exquisitely crafted gown that artfully reinterpreted the traditional Indian saree through contemporary haute couture.

    The custom-designed ensemble seamlessly blended Eastern and Western aesthetics, featuring intricate draping techniques reminiscent of classic saree styling while incorporating modern structural elements. Chopra’s fashion choice, characterized by its sophisticated silhouette and premium fabric selection, demonstrated her consistent ability to utilize high-profile appearances as platforms for cultural representation and fashion innovation.

    Complementing her dramatic attire with refined jewelry and polished styling, the multi-hyphenate entertainer engaged enthusiastically with media representatives and admirers, radiating confidence throughout the proceedings. Her appearance generated substantial social media engagement, with fashion commentators and cultural observers applauding her thoughtful sartorial narrative.

    The premiere event also served as a strategic promotional platform for ‘The Bluff,’ an anticipated production that showcases Chopra’s continued expansion within the international entertainment landscape. Industry analysts noted the significance of her sustained global influence, bridging diverse entertainment markets while maintaining strong connections to her cultural origins through deliberate stylistic choices.

  • KPop stars scored the biggest global hit songs of 2025

    KPop stars scored the biggest global hit songs of 2025

    In an unprecedented shift for the global music industry, K-Pop artists have dominated the 2025 international charts according to newly released data from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). BLACKPINK’s Rosé, in collaboration with Bruno Mars, achieved the year’s most-streamed single with “APT,” amassing over two billion streams worldwide.

    This milestone represents the first time a predominantly non-English language track has claimed the top position in the IFPI’s annual global chart since its inception in 2007. Although primarily performed in English, “APT” incorporates Korean elements, opening with spoken dialogue that translates to “Chaeyoung’s favourite random game. Random game. Game start,” and featuring a chorus repeating the word “아파트” (apateu), meaning “apartment.”

    The achievement marks another historic first as Rosé becomes the first artist from outside North America or Europe to top the global chart. IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley described the moment as “landmark” for the industry.

    Following closely in second place was “Golden” by Huntr/X, the animated girl group from Netflix’s popular series “KPop Demon Hunters.” The virtual ensemble is voiced by real-life artists Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna, and Ejae.

    American singer Alex Warren secured third place with “Ordinary,” while the Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga collaboration “Die With A Smile” took fourth position. Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” completed the top five, despite having topped the charts the previous year.

    The chart demonstrated remarkable staying power for older releases, with eight of the top ten singles having been released prior to 2025. For the second consecutive year, no British artists appeared in the top ten, though Lola Young reached eleventh place with her breakthrough single “Messy,” achieving over one billion streams.

    The continued influence of K-Pop was further evidenced by another “KPop Demon Hunters” entry—”Soda Pop” by rival boyband Saja Boys—appearing in the top twenty.

    Earlier industry reports confirmed Taylor Swift as 2025’s overall top global artist, though she appears only once in the singles chart at nineteenth position with “The Fate of Ophelia” from her album “The Life of a Showgirl.” The IFPI will release its annual album chart rankings later this week.

  • After fall, Gaon Choi wondered ‘Is this how it ends?’ But Olympic champion is just getting started

    After fall, Gaon Choi wondered ‘Is this how it ends?’ But Olympic champion is just getting started

    LIVIGNO, Italy — In a dramatic turn of events at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, 17-year-old South Korean snowboarder Gaon Choi transformed a potentially career-ending accident into a golden triumph. During her initial halfpipe run, Choi experienced a terrifying fall that left her momentarily believing her Olympic dreams had shattered.

    “I genuinely thought my knee was broken,” Choi revealed to The Associated Press after returning to South Korea. “Having envisioned this moment since childhood, the thought of it ending so abruptly overwhelmed me with emotion.”

    Despite the psychological and physical trauma, the young athlete demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Choi not only completed the competition but dethroned defending champion Chloe Kim to claim the Olympic gold medal in snowboarding’s premier event. Her victory marks a historic achievement as South Korea’s first gold-medal snowboarder.

    The podium moment carried profound emotional complexity for Choi, who described Kim as both mentor and sister-like figure. “The experience evoked mixed feelings—some regret and apology, but overwhelming happiness that made the achievement particularly meaningful,” Choi reflected.

    Choi’s snowboarding journey began unexpectedly at age seven when her father initially purchased skis for her, contrary to the snowboards he bought for her older siblings. Her insistence on equal treatment launched a decade-long path to Olympic glory.

    Despite the significance of her accomplishment, the event wasn’t televised live in South Korea, where winter sports attention typically focuses on speedskating and curling. Nonetheless, Choi gained recognition unexpectedly when flight attendants identified her during her return journey.

    The new champion believes her performance didn’t fully showcase her prepared routine due to the early injury. “I aim to train more intensively, perfect my execution, and ultimately present the run I’ve envisioned,” she stated.

    Olympic observers also noted emerging talents who may dominate future competitions:

    – Japan’s Taiga Hasegawa, 20, earned silver in slopestyle and emphasizes fundamental riding skills alongside technical tricks
    – New Zealand’s Cam Melville Ives, 19, demonstrated exceptional triple cork maneuvers but encountered spatial limitations in the halfpipe
    – American Ollie Martin, 17, made history as the youngest athlete to land a 2160-degree rotation and impressed with his fourth-place big air finish

    These athletes represent snowboarding’s evolving landscape as the sport concludes its Livigno chapter and looks toward future competitions in Aspen and Laax.

  • US kids talk about chasing Olympic glory alongside elite figure skaters

    US kids talk about chasing Olympic glory alongside elite figure skaters

    In ice rinks across the United States, a new generation of figure skaters is emerging, training in the very same facilities as Olympic medalists like Ilia Malinin. These young athletes, some still in elementary school, are dedicating their lives to a singular dream: representing their country on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Their journey is one of immense discipline, balancing rigorous academic schedules with predawn practice sessions, all while drawing inspiration from the elite skaters they share the ice with daily. Coaches and parents report a significant surge in motivation and technical ambition among these youngsters, who see living proof that their Olympic aspirations are attainable. This phenomenon highlights the powerful trickle-down effect of elite athletic success, fostering a highly competitive and inspired training environment that promises to strengthen American figure skating for years to come. The narrative is not just about future medals, but about the cultivation of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence from a remarkably young age.