Renowned South Korean actor O Yeong-Su, celebrated for his role in the global hit series *Squid Game*, has been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges by a South Korean court. The 81-year-old actor was initially charged in 2022 with allegations of sexually assaulting a woman twice in 2017. The accusations claimed that he had hugged and kissed the woman on the cheek without her consent. In 2024, Mr. O was found guilty and handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence, which he vowed to appeal. However, on Tuesday, the court overturned the verdict, citing his completion of sexual violence education and raising doubts about the alleged victim’s memory due to the time elapsed since the incident. The court emphasized that ‘when there is doubt, the defendant must be given the benefit of the doubt.’ Despite the acquittal, the court acknowledged the possibility of the assault, noting Mr. O’s prior apology to the victim. The alleged victim, however, expressed disappointment, vowing to ‘continue to speak the truth’ and stating that the ruling ‘does not invalidate the truth or erase the pain.’ Women’s rights organization Womenlink also condemned the decision, calling it a ‘concealment of sexual violence in the theatre world.’ Mr. O, who gained international acclaim for his performance in *Squid Game* and became the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, expressed gratitude for the court’s ‘wise judgment.’ It remains unclear whether the prosecution will appeal the decision.
作者： admin
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161 nominations for Hong Kong LegCo election deemed valid
The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has officially confirmed the validity of all 161 nominations for the 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election. This announcement was made by the HKSAR government in a press release on Monday, November 11, 2025. The committee meticulously reviewed each nomination to ensure compliance with legal requirements, including adherence to the HKSAR Basic Law and allegiance to the People’s Republic of China. The nomination period, which ran from October 24 to November 6, saw a total of 161 candidates submitting their forms across the 10 geographical constituencies, 28 functional constituencies, and the Election Committee constituency. The election is set to take place on December 7, marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s political landscape.
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The specter of new conflict haunts memorials around World War I’s end
In Ypres, Belgium, a town forever etched in history as a symbol of the horrors of World War I, authorities unveiled a renovated memorial on Tuesday to honor the tens of thousands of soldiers who perished without graves. The solemn ceremony coincided with Armistice Day, known as Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Britain, marking the end of the Great War in 1918. From 1914 to 1918, the conflict pitted the armies of France, the British Empire, Russia, and the U.S. against a German-led coalition, including the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. Nearly 10 million soldiers lost their lives, with hundreds of thousands dying in Ypres alone. The Flanders region, where the war introduced brutal innovations like poison gas and aerial surveillance, became a grim testament to the evolution of modern warfare. In the aftermath of World War I and later World War II, the international community established institutions like the United Nations and the European Union to prevent future conflicts. However, the specter of war looms once more. Across Europe, nations are rearming in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while airspace violations and sabotage incidents near EU borders have heightened tensions. Beyond Europe, conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and rising militarization in Asia underscore a world grappling with instability. The resurgence of authoritarian movements further challenges the global democratic order, casting a shadow over the lessons of history.
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New variety of tree-like pepper grown in Hunan
A revolutionary new variety of tree-form pepper has been successfully cultivated in Shaodong, Hunan province, marking a significant advancement in agricultural innovation. This breakthrough, developed over 25 years by a team led by researcher Li Pei from the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, promises to transform traditional pepper farming into a more efficient and sustainable practice. The tree-form pepper, which grows vertically and densely, maximizes space and yield while reducing labor costs, making it a game-changer for farmers. The project began with skepticism, as few believed peppers could grow like trees, but through persistent research, the team developed a robust and flavorful variety suitable for various regions, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The innovation lies in its vertical growth, which allows for higher yields and easier harvesting compared to traditional methods. At the technology-driven farming demonstration base in Qingshan village, local farmer Zhang Feihua has become a local sensation by successfully cultivating these peppers in his greenhouse. Under Li’s guidance, Zhang started trial-planting in April, and within two months, the plants grew over two meters tall, laden with green fruit. Unlike traditional peppers, which require bending and stooping to harvest, these can be picked while standing or using ladders. The greenhouse environment also protects the plants from adverse weather conditions. By August, Zhang’s greenhouse was already profitable, with each tree-form pepper plant yielding 15 kilograms annually—over four times more than ordinary peppers. The first harvest yielded a net income of over 10,000 yuan from just one mu of land, with high demand and rising prices offering potential for lucrative off-season sales. Zhang envisions these peppers thriving on urban balconies, contributing to a ‘balcony economy’ with plans for a comprehensive supply chain. News of Zhang’s success has attracted farmers like Zhou Dong and his wife from Ningxiang, who are eager to try growing the innovative peppers. Meanwhile, Li’s team is promoting the tree-form pepper in seven cities, including Loudi and Changsha, through online tutorials and on-site training. Despite the slow promotion due to the yearlong maturation period and the need for greenhouse cultivation, Li plans to expand this exceptional variety to spice-loving regions such as Yunnan and Guizhou provinces.
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Anshan banks on pet industry to drive growth
Anshan’s Tiexi district in Liaoning province is leveraging its burgeoning pet industry to drive economic growth and urban transformation. With an annual revenue of 4 to 5 billion yuan ($562 million to $702 million), the district has become a hub for pet-related activities, accounting for two-thirds of the city’s pet industry earnings. This strategic shift marks a significant departure from Tiexi’s historical reliance on heavy industry, particularly its association with Ansteel Group, a state-owned steel manufacturer. The district’s focus on the pet industry exemplifies the broader industrial transformation underway in Northeast China, as it seeks to diversify its economy and cultivate emerging sectors. Ding Kunbin, head of Tiexi district, highlighted the region’s natural advantages for pet breeding, including a climate conducive to fur growth and a rich canine gene pool with around 200 breeds, many of which are rare. The pet industry’s roots trace back to the 1990s when laid-off steelworkers began home-based breeding operations, which later evolved into large-scale enterprises. Today, the sector is driven by a new generation of professionals and e-commerce platforms. With China’s aging population and declining marriage rates, the pet industry is poised for significant growth. The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper reveals that China’s urban pet population reached 120 million in 2024, with a corresponding consumption market valued at 300 billion yuan. To support this growth, Tiexi is developing a pet theme park, a pet-friendly hotel, and an indoor pet transportation facility in collaboration with airlines. These initiatives aim to enhance animal welfare, improve urban pet-friendliness, and provide recreational spaces for pet owners. The district is also implementing a clear industrial spatial layout to minimize environmental impact and neighborhood disruption, with plans for centralized pet breeding bases to standardize practices and control disease outbreaks. Through spatial and industrial planning, detailed policies, and regulatory oversight, Tiexi is guiding its pet industry toward high-quality and high-value development.
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Orchids flourish in hidden gem Wanglang
Nestled in the northern reaches of Sichuan province, the Wanglang National Nature Reserve stands as a testament to China’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage. Despite its proximity to the renowned Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong scenic areas, Wanglang remains a hidden gem, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. However, this reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity, particularly known for its rich variety of orchids, including the unique Cypripedium species.
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Marionette festival in Mali defies threats from jihadi militants to celebrate culture
In the heart of Bamako, Mali’s bustling capital, the streets came alive with the vibrant spectacle of the Rendez-Vous Chez Nous festival. Organized by the Nama marionette and dance group, the three-day event, held from November 6 to 8, showcased a dazzling array of dance performances, concerts, and theatrical plays. The festival’s centerpiece was a parade of over 200 giant marionettes, representing modern Malian women adorned with bold features, colorful attire, and intricate hairstyles, alongside animal puppets symbolizing unity and social cohesion. Despite the city’s ongoing struggles with al-Qaida-backed jihadi militants, who have imposed a monthslong blockade on fuel imports, the festival drew thousands of enthusiastic onlookers and participants from across West Africa. Yacouba Magassaouba, the festival director, emphasized the resilience of Malian artists, stating, ‘We fight through our art. Canceling this festival would mean the jihadists have won.’ The event, supported by the Spanish embassy and other partners, highlighted Mali’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit of creativity and community. Amid the chaos, the festival served as a beacon of hope and defiance, celebrating the nation’s artistic legacy and fostering regional unity.
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NATO member Romania finds drone fragments after Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports
In a significant development, Romania, a NATO member, reported the discovery of drone fragments on its soil in an inhabited area near its southeastern border with Ukraine. This incident occurred following Russian military strikes targeting Ukrainian ports along the Danube River overnight. The Romanian Ministry of National Defense revealed that radar systems detected multiple drones approaching the country’s airspace shortly after midnight on Tuesday, prompting emergency alerts for residents in Tulcea County. Due to adverse weather conditions, fighter jets could not be deployed, but military personnel successfully recovered the suspected drone fragments approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) inside Romanian territory. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu confirmed the incident on social media platform X, emphasizing that such actions are part of Russia’s broader strategy of aggression and provocation against NATO and the European Union. She also announced that new sanctions are being prepared to impose significant costs on Russia for its reckless behavior. This marks the latest in a series of increasingly frequent drone incursions into Romanian airspace as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian Danube River ports. In response, Romania and Poland are deploying advanced weapons systems to counter the growing threat of Russian drones, which has exposed vulnerabilities within NATO and heightened tensions across Europe.
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The night an explosion shook Delhi
A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort metro station on Monday evening has left at least eight people dead and over 20 injured, sending shockwaves through the Indian capital. The blast, which occurred in one of the city’s most secure and bustling areas, was so powerful that it melted nearby vehicles and was heard kilometers away. The incident has sparked widespread panic and a high-alert response from law enforcement agencies. The explosion took place on a road sandwiched between Chandni Chowk, a bustling trading hub, and the historic Red Fort, a major tourist attraction. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with people running in all directions, vehicles engulfed in flames, and bodies scattered on the road. Local resident Mohamed Hafiz recounted the terrifying moment, saying, ‘There was blood everywhere. People were in shock. The scene was too disturbing—I could even see body parts.’ The injured were rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital, where a large crowd gathered, anxiously searching for answers and missing loved ones. Among them was Mohammed Azghar, whose brother, an electric rickshaw driver, has been missing since the blast. ‘We’ve searched everywhere but can’t find him. I just want some news—good or bad,’ Azghar pleaded. The blast site, usually teeming with activity, was eerily deserted, with only security personnel and journalists present. The mangled remains of vehicles and bloodstains on the road bore grim testimony to the tragedy. Local residents, visibly shaken, expressed concerns about their safety and livelihoods. Ram Singh, a goods transporter, voiced his worries: ‘I earn daily and am concerned about feeding my family. I hope a sense of security returns soon.’ As investigations continue, the city remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of one of the most shocking incidents in over a decade.
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Historic games cycling race a testament to GBA integration
The 15th National Games witnessed a groundbreaking event on Saturday as over 100 cyclists participated in the men’s individual road race, traversing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. This 231.8-kilometer race, a first in the games’ 66-year history, linked Guangdong province with the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, symbolizing the deepening integration of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event highlighted the region’s advanced infrastructure and enhanced connectivity, offering a unique experience for both athletes and spectators. Starting in Zhuhai, the route passed through Macao’s Taipa Island and Hong Kong’s Lantau Island before returning to Zhuhai, with riders crossing checkpoints six times without stopping. The race not only showcased the GBA’s technological advancements but also emphasized the convenience of cross-boundary travel. Macao rider Kam Chin Pok remarked on the growing ease of movement within the GBA, noting that such events foster greater public awareness of regional integration. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a marvel of engineering spanning 55 kilometers, provided a challenging yet exhilarating backdrop for the race. Cyclists faced strong sea winds and changing landscapes, from urban skylines to expansive sea views. Li Dongyu, representing Tianjin, described the experience as awe-inspiring, while Han Feng of the Chinese Cycling Association praised the boldness of the concept. The event’s seamless organization, with staff ensuring safety at every checkpoint, further underscored the GBA’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration through sports.