In a landmark ruling, a 33-year-old South Korean man, Kim Nok-wan, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating a sprawling online blackmail ring that sexually exploited 261 victims, including 16 minors he raped or assaulted. The Seoul Central District Court emphasized the gravity of his crimes, stating that Kim’s actions necessitate his “permanent isolation from society.” Additionally, 10 accomplices received prison terms ranging from two to four years in what authorities have dubbed the largest cybersex crime case in the country’s history.
分类： society
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Emergency services at scene of multi-vehicle crash involving bus
A significant multi-vehicle accident involving a Bus Éireann bus has been declared a major incident by the Irish transport company. The collision occurred on the R132 in Gormanston, County Meath, on Monday morning. Bus Éireann has confirmed that its Route 101 service was involved in the crash, which included multiple other vehicles. Emergency services, including Gardaí, are currently on-site managing the situation, and local traffic diversions have been implemented to facilitate the response. The incident has caused significant disruption in the area, with authorities urging the public to avoid the location while investigations and recovery operations continue. Further details regarding injuries or fatalities have not yet been disclosed, but the severity of the crash has raised concerns about road safety in the region.
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Promotion week for intangible cultural heritage brands opens in Dali, China’s Yunnan
The city of Dali in China’s Yunnan province has become the focal point of cultural preservation and innovation as it launched a week-long promotion event for intangible cultural heritage brands on November 23, 2025. The event, which officially commenced on Sunday, features over 120 heritage brands, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditional craftsmanship and cultural practices unique to the region. Among the highlights was a live demonstration by a skilled artisan crafting a Dulong blanket, a testament to the intricate techniques passed down through generations. This initiative aims to elevate the visibility of these cultural treasures, fostering both local and international appreciation. The promotion week not only celebrates the artistic legacy of Yunnan but also seeks to integrate these heritage brands into modern markets, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. The event has drawn significant attention, with participants and visitors alike marveling at the diversity and depth of the cultural heritage on display.
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Tourists visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Scenic Area in Dunhuang city, NW China
The Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Scenic Area in Dunhuang city, located in Northwest China’s Gansu province, has recently become a breathtaking winter wonderland. On November 23, 2025, tourists flocked to the iconic site, which was adorned with a pristine blanket of snow, transforming the landscape into a picturesque scene. The snow-covered dunes of Mingsha Mountain and the serene waters of Crescent Spring created a unique and mesmerizing view, drawing visitors from near and far. Known for its natural beauty and cultural significance, the area continues to be a major attraction, especially during the winter months when the snow adds an extra layer of charm. The local tourism industry has seen a boost as more people are inspired to experience the tranquil and awe-inspiring scenery. The event highlights the enduring appeal of Dunhuang’s natural landmarks and their ability to captivate visitors year-round.
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UAE residents turn balconies, backyards into cosy winter hangouts
As the UAE experiences a drop in temperatures, residents are creatively adapting their homes to embrace the winter season. Families are crafting cosy indoor and outdoor spaces, enabling them to relish the cooler evenings without stepping outside. In Al Ain, Maha A., an Emirati resident, shared that her family erects a traditional tent in their backyard annually. ‘We spend most winter evenings there, whether it’s with friends, family, or simply relaxing with karak and coffee,’ she explained. The tents, which range from Dh1,800 to Dh12,000 depending on size, are carefully selected based on fabric, color scheme, and interior layout. Once summer arrives, the tents are packed away to prevent damage. Many families prioritize durable materials, with some opting for heavier fabrics to block the wind and others choosing lighter, decorative options. Interior touches like carpets, cushions, and even chandeliers are added to enhance the ambiance. In Dubai, Lebanese expat Marwa Aalim transforms her balcony into a winter retreat. During summer, it serves as a laundry area, but as the weather cools, she brings out bean bags, a small swing, and warm lights. ‘It becomes the designated chill area during winter, so we move from the couch to the balcony. We even had a movie night outdoors once,’ she said. Marwa ensures affordability by updating the space annually without overspending. Similarly, Dubai resident Shams Mubarak dedicates a winter budget to his balcony and backyard. ‘We live on the first floor and have a larger outdoor space, so I add games for the kids along with a full outdoor seating setup,’ he explained. For Shams, winter is the ideal time to maximize the use of outdoor spaces, creating a simple yet inviting area for family gatherings without the need to venture out every evening.
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Restoration of over 32,500 houses completed after an earthquake in Shigatse
In a remarkable recovery effort, the city of Shigatse in Southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region has successfully restored over 32,500 houses devastated by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri county in early January. The earthquake, which caused widespread destruction, left thousands of homes in ruins. However, within ten months, the local authorities have managed to rebuild and reinforce homes across 486 villages in seven counties. The reconstruction included the complete rebuilding of more than 22,000 houses and the reinforcement of an additional 10,500 homes. The first batch of residents affected by the quake were able to move into their new homes as early as August. The swift response included the immediate rollout of a post-disaster reconstruction plan, which involved field surveys, housing design, and debris clearance, all initiated within three days of the disaster. This extensive restoration project highlights the resilience and efficiency of the local government and community in the face of natural calamities.
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Taiwan travelers keen to explore mainland in greater depth, regrets restrictions by DPP authorities
Taiwanese travelers are increasingly drawn to explore the Chinese mainland, driven by the allure of social media and the mainland’s extensive railway network. This growing interest was evident at the 2025 Tainan Travel Expo, currently underway in southern Taiwan. The event features a booth by the Kaohsiung office of the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits and Fujian province’s cultural and tourism department, showcasing Fujian’s top attractions and travel routes.
Carol Liu, a local resident planning a trip to Fujian next year, shared her positive experiences from three mainland trips over the past year. She highlighted the affordability and quality of food and accommodations, which have changed her friends’ initial hesitations. Liu also expressed hope for more direct flights to facilitate easier access to various destinations.
Nino Wang from Kaohsiung recounted her month-long solo journey across more than a dozen mainland destinations, including the lesser-known border city of Ruili in Yunnan. She praised the kindness of locals and the ease of travel, expressing a desire to visit Quanzhou in Fujian soon.
Wang Hsien-wen, vice director of the Tainan Association of Travel Agents, noted the mainland’s high-speed railway system’s role in making travel more accessible. He observed a shift among young travelers from traditional nature-focused trips to city-based explorations, inspired by social media platforms like RedNote and Douyin. Chongqing, with its unique metro train passing through an apartment building and the iconic Hongya Cave, has become a new favorite.
Despite this enthusiasm, practical obstacles remain. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan have yet to lift the ban on organized group tours to the mainland or remove the travel alert for Taiwan residents. Direct cross-Strait flights and routes are also not fully restored. Wang Hsien-wen hopes for the restoration and expansion of direct flights, which would save travelers time and allow for more extensive exploration.
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Guizhou’s new rail line to aid tourism
A groundbreaking high-speed rail line in Guizhou province, Southwest China, is poised to revolutionize the region’s tourism industry. Scheduled to commence operations by the end of November 2025, this 99-kilometer route will link Panzhou and Xingyi, integrating all city-level administrative regions in Guizhou into the national high-speed rail network. Designed to operate at 250 km per hour, the line will intersect with the existing Shanghai-Kunming high-speed railway, placing Xingyi—the capital of the Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture—on the high-speed rail map. This development is expected to significantly enhance accessibility to Guizhou’s renowned natural landscapes and rich ethnic cultures, which have long been a draw for tourists. However, the region’s mountainous terrain has historically limited travel options, often necessitating transfers through the provincial capital, Guiyang. The new rail line will reduce travel time between Xingyi and Guiyang to approximately two hours, fostering new growth opportunities for local tourism. Zhou Ying, deputy mayor of Xingyi, emphasized that the rail line’s opening will fully integrate Xingyi into the national high-speed network, injecting robust momentum into the city’s tourism sector. Ma Yucan, general manager of Xingyi Wanfenglin Tourism Industry Operation Co, highlighted the transformative impact on visitor experience, noting that high-speed rail will eliminate the need for lengthy bus journeys to popular destinations like the Wanfenglin Scenic Area. Local businesses, including innkeeper Wang Xiyun, are already preparing for an anticipated surge in visitors, with scenic area statistics projecting a daily increase of around 30,000 tourists. The rail line is also expected to bolster Guiyang’s role as a provincial tourism hub, offering national and international connectivity. According to Liu Weidong, deputy Party secretary of Guizhou Railway Investment Group, the project will create a one-to-two-hour high-speed travel circle connecting Guiyang with eight other prefectural centers, enhancing regional rail networks, promoting economic development, and strengthening interregional connectivity. This initiative is set to support Qianxinan’s integration into Guizhou’s broader socio-economic framework, fostering ecological protection, tourism, and economic growth.
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South Korea’s biggest online sex criminal sentenced to life in prison
In a landmark case, South Korea has sentenced Kim Nok-wan, the 33-year-old leader of a notorious Telegram-based sex crime ring, to life imprisonment. Kim, who operated under the self-proclaimed title of ‘pastor,’ headed the ‘Vigilantes,’ a pyramid-style group that exploited at least 261 individuals between May 2020 and January 2025. This marks the largest number of cybersex exploitation victims in South Korea’s history. The group blackmailed victims into producing explicit content, which was then shared in online chatrooms. Kim’s crimes included the sexual assault of minors, the distribution of child sex abuse images, and the production and dissemination of illegally filmed material. He was also convicted of ‘quasi-rape’ or sexual assault where the victim was unable to resist. Despite expressing remorse in court, the judge emphasized the brutality of his crimes and the lack of restitution for victims, stating that permanent isolation from society was necessary. Kim targeted both male and female victims through social networking platforms, luring them to Telegram before blackmailing them. He coerced victims into submitting ‘hourly daily reports’ and writing letters of remorse, punishing non-compliance with demands for nude photographs or self-harm. The Vigilantes produced over 2,000 pieces of sexually exploitative media. Kim personally participated in at least 453 Telegram channels and chat rooms, 60 of which he operated. This case also marks the first instance of Telegram cooperating with South Korean police, providing crucial data that led to Kim’s arrest. The Korean National Police Agency formalized its investigative cooperation with Telegram in October 2024, enabling the platform to share relevant information with authorities.
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Driver arrested in Tokyo after car hits about 10 people, seriously injuring 2, local media say
A disturbing incident unfolded in Tokyo on Monday when a vehicle collided with approximately 10 pedestrians, leaving two individuals with serious injuries. The driver, who reportedly fled the scene, was later apprehended by authorities. Japanese media outlets, including The Mainichi, confirmed the arrest and noted that the suspect is currently under investigation for a suspected hit-and-run. Police officials have yet to release a formal statement but assured the public that updates would be provided promptly. The incident occurred on a national holiday in Japan, adding to the shock and concern among residents. Further details regarding the driver’s motives or the circumstances leading to the collision remain undisclosed as investigations continue.