分类： society

The third Liangzhu Forum, held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, from October 18 to 20, 2025, brought together over 300 participants to discuss the urgent need for global cultural heritage protection. The event emphasized the importance of safeguarding cultural diversity and fostering mutual understanding among civilizations.

In a case that has deeply shaken South Korea, a 48-year-old elementary school teacher, Myeong Jae-wan, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of an eight-year-old girl, Kim Hae-neul. The incident occurred in February in the central city of Daejeon, where Myeong lured the young student into a classroom before fatally stabbing her. Prosecutors had pushed for the death penalty, emphasizing the victim’s family’s demand for severe punishment. However, the court ruled that while the risk of reoffending was high, it could not conclusively justify execution. Myeong, who claimed her judgment was impaired due to ongoing mental health treatment, expressed remorse through dozens of letters submitted to the court, though prosecutors noted her lack of remorse during the investigation. Prior to the attack, Myeong had taken a six-month leave for depression but was deemed fit to return to work by a doctor just 20 days later. Reports indicate she exhibited violent behavior in the days leading up to the stabbing, including an altercation with another teacher. On the day of the crime, Myeong purchased a weapon, intending to end her own life and that of a random child. She lured Kim into a media room, where the attack took place. Kim was reported missing after failing to board her school bus and was later found with fatal stab wounds. Myeong also sustained a neck injury, suspected to be self-inflicted. The court condemned Myeong’s actions, stating that as a teacher, she was entrusted with protecting her students but instead committed a heinous crime in a place meant to be safe. In addition to the life sentence, Myeong has been ordered to wear an electronic tracking device for 30 years. South Korean leaders have called for enhanced safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

South Korean authorities are moving to formally arrest the majority of 64 citizens repatriated from Cambodia, where they were allegedly involved in online scam operations. The individuals, detained in Cambodia over recent months, were flown back to South Korea on a charter flight last Saturday. Upon arrival, they were held for questioning to determine whether their participation in the scam organizations was voluntary or coerced. Police have requested arrest warrants for 58 of the returnees, accusing them of engaging in fraudulent activities such as romantic scams, fake investment schemes, and voice phishing, primarily targeting fellow South Koreans. Courts are expected to decide on the arrest requests in the coming days. Five individuals have been released, though the reasons remain undisclosed as investigations continue. Four returnees reported being beaten while held against their will in Cambodian scam centers. The case has sparked public outcry in South Korea, urging stronger measures to protect citizens from being trafficked into overseas scam operations. This follows the tragic death of a South Korean student in Cambodia, who was reportedly lured into providing his bank account for scam activities and later tortured. The U.N. estimates that over 100,000 people have been trafficked to scam centers in Cambodia, with similar numbers in Myanmar and other regions. South Korea has imposed a travel ban on parts of Cambodia and dispatched a government delegation to address the issue. Interpol reports indicate that the reach of these scam centers has expanded globally, with victims now being trafficked from South America, Western Europe, Eastern Africa, and new centers emerging in the Middle East, West Africa, and Central America.

Vietnam stands at a crossroads, torn between its reliance on gas-powered motorbikes and the government’s push for an electric future. With Hanoi set to ban fossil-fuel motorcycles from its city center by July 2026, and Ho Chi Minh City considering similar measures, the nation is accelerating its transition to cleaner transportation. By 2030, Vietnam aims for one-third of cars and over a fifth of motorbikes to be electric. However, this shift is not without challenges. While electric bikes promise reduced emissions and quieter streets, concerns about affordability, range, and charging infrastructure persist. For many Vietnamese, motorbikes are more than just vehicles—they are lifelines for small businesses, daily commerce, and family transportation. The country’s 77 million two-wheelers, including 7 million in Hanoi and 8.5 million in Ho Chi Minh City, are deeply ingrained in its culture and economy. Despite the hurdles, electric bike sales are surging, with startups like Dat Bike and VinFast leading the charge. VinFast, backed by Vietnam’s largest conglomerate VinGroup, is investing heavily in battery-swapping stations and low-interest loans to boost adoption. Meanwhile, traditional giants like Honda and Yamaha argue that the 2026 timeline is too ambitious, citing consumer strain and production challenges. Government subsidies and incentives aim to ease the transition, but long-term success hinges on delivering electric bikes that match the performance and affordability of gas-powered models. As Vietnam navigates this transformation, its experience could serve as a blueprint for other developing nations seeking to balance tradition with sustainability.

In a breathtaking display of tradition and devotion, the historic temple town of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India, witnessed an unprecedented illumination on Sunday. A staggering 2.6 million earthen lamps, known as diyas, were lit in unison, marking a record-breaking celebration ahead of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The event transformed the town into a radiant spectacle, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Thousands of devotees and tourists gathered to witness this awe-inspiring moment, which not only highlighted the cultural significance of Diwali but also showcased Ayodhya’s spiritual heritage. The massive lighting ceremony was meticulously organized, with volunteers and local authorities working tirelessly to ensure its success. This grand celebration has set a new benchmark for Diwali festivities, reinforcing Ayodhya’s status as a hub of religious and cultural importance in India.

In a significant move to enforce labor regulations, Saudi Arabia has shut down 10 recruitment firms and penalized 27 others for violating labor laws. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development conducted nationwide inspections during the third quarter of 2025, uncovering numerous infractions. The suspended firms were found guilty of breaching recruitment and labor service rules, delaying client reimbursements, and failing to address beneficiary complaints effectively. The ministry has urged the public to utilize Musaned, the official national platform for recruitment services, which facilitates direct communication with approved providers and allows for evaluation, reporting, and follow-up. Violations can be reported via the number 920002866 or through the Musaned app. This crackdown underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair labor practices.