Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • ‘I cry every time’: How Kpop Demon Hunters went viral

    ‘I cry every time’: How Kpop Demon Hunters went viral

    The unprecedented triumph of ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ at the 2026 Academy Awards, where it secured the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, represents a cultural watershed moment in global entertainment. This groundbreaking film has captivated audiences worldwide since its Netflix debut last summer, achieving what few animated features have accomplished: genuine cross-generational appeal.

    At San Francisco’s elementary schools, children like eight-year-old Oona Herman trade character stickers as prized commodities while attending themed birthday parties featuring movie merchandise and life-sized character cutouts. Yet the phenomenon extends far beyond childhood fascination. Parents like Christine Kao find themselves unexpectedly moved by the film’s emotional depth, frequently moved to tears by its narrative beauty despite initial expectations of mere children’s entertainment.

    The film’s genius lies in its multi-layered construction. On its surface, it presents as a vibrant musical adventure where a K-pop girl group battles demons through the power of their golden voices. Yet beneath this colorful exterior lies a profound exploration of identity through protagonist Rumi’s struggle with her dual heritage as both demon hunter and half-demon. This tension resonates particularly with Asian American audiences who recognize the cultural nuances of family expectations and personal identity.

    Musically, the film represents an evolutionary leap in cultural fusion. The soundtrack—crafted by an international team of K-pop and Hollywood producers—creates what musicologist Ray Seol of Berklee College describes as ‘a clever intersection between K-pop and Western pop music.’ The producers engineered a ‘global sound’ that maintains K-pop’s essential character while incorporating familiar Western pop elements, making it accessible to international audiences while preserving its authentic Korean roots.

    Lyrically, the songs transcend typical animated film music, serving as narrative vehicles that explore themes of self-discovery and identity. Tracks like ‘What It Sounds Like’ function on multiple levels, simultaneously referencing physical markings that reveal Rumi’s heritage while metaphorically addressing emotional scars and personal growth.

    The film arrives at a pivotal moment in Korean cultural expansion, building upon the foundation laid by Gangnam Style’s global breakthrough in 2012. Where BTS and Blackpink paved the way for K-pop’s Western acceptance, ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ represents the maturation of this cultural movement into a comprehensive ‘K-everything’ phenomenon that encompasses animation, storytelling, and cultural diplomacy. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has explicitly embraced this cultural output as soft power instrument for diplomatic and economic advancement.

    From merchandise shortages that surprised Netflix to academic analysis at institutions like Yale University, where sociology professor Dr. Grace Kao studies its cultural impact, the film has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to bridge demographic and cultural divides while advancing the ongoing global influence of Korean creative industries.

  • South Africa beats Fiji to win rugby sevens world series. New Zealand wins women’s title

    South Africa beats Fiji to win rugby sevens world series. New Zealand wins women’s title

    In a climactic conclusion to the 2026 World Rugby Sevens series, South Africa emerged victorious after a tense championship final against Fiji at the New York Sevens tournament. The two teams entered Sunday’s decisive match tied atop the season standings, transforming the final into an ultimate series decider.

    The South African squad established early dominance with Selvyn Davids scoring the sole try of the first half. Tristan Leyds extended their advantage to 10-0 just two minutes into the second period with another crucial try. Fiji mounted a formidable comeback in the closing moments as Terio Veilawa crossed the line, narrowing the gap to 10-7 with merely two minutes remaining.

    The match reached its peak intensity when Fiji gained final possession, advancing within five meters of the South African try line. Their championship hopes ended abruptly with a knock-on that terminated the attacking opportunity, securing South Africa’s double victory in both the tournament and overall series.

    South African captain Impi Visser, celebrating his 50th World Series match, praised the monumental defensive effort: “Fiji brought out the best in us. It’s remarkable how everything culminated in this final—as if perfectly scripted.”

    In the women’s championship, New Zealand delivered a spectacular comeback against Australia, overcoming a 21-5 deficit to claim a 22-21 victory. Despite having already secured the series title by reaching the semifinals, the Black Ferns demonstrated exceptional determination to conclude their season triumphantly.

    The match saw Australian sisters Teagan and Maddison Levi combine for three tries, establishing what appeared to be an insurmountable lead. New Zealand’s resilience manifested through tries from Alena Saili and a double from Kelsey Tineti, setting the stage for Katelyn Vahaakolo’s match-winning try converted in the final minute.

    New Zealand captain Risi Pouri-Lane emphasized the team’s collective belief: “Final matches can swing either way, but grinding through adversity when odds are against you truly matters. The unwavering conviction within every team member proved decisive.”

  • Iraq warns Kurdish authorities not to get drawn into war on Iran, sources say

    Iraq warns Kurdish authorities not to get drawn into war on Iran, sources say

    The Iraqi federal government has issued a stern warning to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) regarding the potential involvement of Kurdish factions in the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. According to multiple officials from Iraq, Kurdistan, and Turkey who spoke with Middle East Eye, Baghdad delivered the ultimatum earlier this week, threatening to deploy federal forces to secure border areas if the KRG fails to prevent Kurdish groups from joining the conflict.

    This development emerges amid growing regional apprehensions that Iranian Kurdish opposition parties based in Iraqi Kurdistan might be pressured by Washington to initiate cross-border operations. These groups, possessing thousands of well-organized fighters, represent the most structured segment of Iran’s fragmented opposition. Their involvement, however, would almost certainly provoke severe retaliation from Tehran, potentially dragging Iraq deeper into the escalating regional warfare.

    Iran has previously threatened to strike Kurdish bases in Iraq if utilized for attacks, while Turkey consistently views armed Kurdish movements as a fundamental national security threat. Kurdish officials, including Qubad Talabani, KRG Deputy Prime Minister, have publicly distanced themselves from the conflict, emphasizing that participation could unleash unpredictable chaos across the region. Talabani explicitly stated, “This is not our war, and we’ve made that very clear.”

    The situation is further complicated by ambiguous signals from the US administration. President Donald Trump initially appeared to encourage Kurdish engagement, suggesting they would need to “choose a side,” but later contradicted this by stating, “I don’t want the Kurds to go in. The war is complicated enough as it is.”

    Despite this, two prominent exiled groups—the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK) and the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan—have not ruled out joining the war. PJAK recently called for Kurds in western Iran to form local committees, with senior commander Mazloum Haftan articulating goals for a “democratic and decentralised Iran” rather than alignment with either Washington or Tehran.

    The conflict originated on February 28th with US-Israeli air and missile strikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and nuclear program, described by Washington as efforts to cripple Tehran’s capabilities. Iran denounced the attacks as unprovoked aggression aimed at regime change. The warfare has since expanded, with Iranian retaliatory strikes on Israeli territory, US bases in the Gulf, and regional energy facilities, significantly escalating tensions across Middle Eastern shipping lanes and strategic locations.

  • Veteran Al Jazeera journalist Jamal Rayyan dies aged 72

    Veteran Al Jazeera journalist Jamal Rayyan dies aged 72

    The Arab media landscape is mourning the loss of Jamal Rayyan, the pioneering broadcaster and foundational voice of Al Jazeera, who passed away at age 72. With a distinguished career spanning over five decades, Rayyan’s death signifies the closing of a transformative chapter in modern Arab journalism.

    Rayyan’s legacy is inextricably linked to the rise of Al Jazeera, where he made history as the first presenter to appear on the network during its 1996 launch broadcast. His authoritative delivery and distinctive style became synonymous with the channel’s identity, helping establish it as a formidable international broadcaster that challenged conventional media narratives across the region.

    Born in Tulkarm in the occupied West Bank on August 23, 1953, Rayyan held Jordanian citizenship. His Palestinian roots profoundly influenced his perspective throughout a career that would span multiple countries and major media institutions. He began his journey in 1974 as a broadcaster on Jordanian radio and television before expanding his reach to international platforms including the Korean Broadcasting System, Emirates Television, and the BBC.

    For nearly three decades, Rayyan remained one of Al Jazeera’s most recognizable and trusted faces, presenting news and political programs that reached millions of viewers across the Arab world and beyond. Colleagues and audiences alike remember him as a transformative professional who expanded spaces for political debate and public discussion through Arabic-language broadcasting.

    Rayyan’s passing represents the end of an era for the generation of journalists who redefined Arab media in the late 20th century. Throughout his half-century career, he left an indelible imprint on television journalism and inspired countless younger reporters entering the field. He will be remembered not only as a pioneering broadcaster but also as an enduring symbol of Al Jazeera’s formative years, when the network emerged as one of the most influential voices in regional media.

  • China gala exposes chicken feet bleaching with hydrogen peroxide

    China gala exposes chicken feet bleaching with hydrogen peroxide

    China’s annual Consumer Rights Day gala has uncovered alarming food safety violations in the poultry processing industry, revealing widespread use of toxic chemicals to bleach chicken feet for aesthetic enhancement. The nationally televised 3.15 Gala, produced by China Central Television, documented how producers are illegally using hydrogen peroxide to transform chicken feet into visually appealing but potentially hazardous products.

    Undercover investigations in Sichuan province and Chongqing municipality exposed multiple facilities operating without proper health certifications or sanitation protocols. At Chengdu’s Mingyang food production workshop—a preliminary processing site for Shufuxiang Food Co—reporters documented filthy conditions where chicken feet underwent chemical bleaching processes. Workers openly admitted using hydrogen peroxide, a strong oxidizer banned in food processing, to achieve the desirable white appearance.

    The investigation expanded to reveal similar practices at Zengqiao Food Co in Chongqing, where barrels labeled with hydrogen peroxide concentrations as high as 35% were discovered. Employees at both facilities acknowledged avoiding the chemically treated products themselves while continuing to produce them for market distribution.

    Medical experts warn that hydrogen peroxide consumption destroys proteins and nutrients in food, potentially damaging oral mucosa, liver, and kidney function. Excessive intake can prove life-threatening, raising significant public health concerns about long-term consumption.

    Following the exposé, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation launched immediate enforcement actions, conducting surprise inspections and seizing numerous barrels of hydrogen peroxide from implicated facilities. Initial findings confirm Shufuxiang had purchased over 5,242 barrels of the chemical since May 2025 specifically for chicken feet processing.

    The Sichuan Market Supervision Administration has announced a comprehensive province-wide rectification campaign targeting food production and processing standards, signaling intensified regulatory scrutiny following the consumer rights revelation.

  • China launches Institute of Global Development

    China launches Institute of Global Development

    China has officially launched the Institute of Global Development (IGD) at Zhejiang University, marking a significant step in strengthening international development cooperation. The inauguration ceremony took place on Sunday in Hangzhou, positioning the institute as a pivotal platform for translating development theory into practical solutions.

    The newly established institution will operate under the joint policy guidance of China’s Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Education, and the Zhejiang Provincial Government. Its primary mission involves advancing the practical implementation of the Global Development Initiative while accelerating progress toward the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and subsequent post-2030 planning frameworks.

    IGD will specifically target mid-to-senior-level government officials and business leaders from across the globe for specialized training and academic programs. According to Huang Xianhai, the institute’s dean, IGD will leverage Zhejiang University’s strengths in applied economics and public administration disciplines to offer comprehensive degree programs. “We aim to provide long-term, strategic talent support for global sustainable development,” Huang stated.

    The institute has already initiated global recruitment efforts, with the first cohort of doctoral students expected to commence studies in September 2026. The concept for IGD originated from China’s proposal during the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Chinese representatives advocated for creating a dedicated institution to enhance multilateral cooperation among nations.

    The launch ceremony highlighted IGD’s commitment to fostering global partnerships, evidenced by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Zhejiang University and the United Nations Population Fund. This agreement establishes a collaborative framework for joint research on population and development issues, creating a shared global research platform.

    Additional international organizations have expressed strong interest in collaborating with the new institute. Amakobe Sande, UNICEF Representative to China, emphasized the potential for partnership: “UNICEF hopes to explore cooperation with IGD to advance sustainable development outcomes for children. Platforms such as the Institute of Global Development can help translate development experience into shared knowledge, South-South Cooperation, and practical solutions for countries seeking to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.”

  • Israeli forces kill two children and their parents in West Bank

    Israeli forces kill two children and their parents in West Bank

    A Palestinian family’s joyful pre-Eid shopping trip ended in tragedy when undercover Israeli special forces opened fire on their vehicle in the West Bank town of Tammun, killing both parents and two of their children in a controversial shooting that has drawn international condemnation.

    On Saturday evening, Ali Bani Odeh, 37, was driving home with his wife Waad, 35, and their four children after purchasing new Eid al-Fitr clothing in Nablus. The children were enthusiastically describing their new outfits to their visually impaired brother Othman when Israeli forces, traveling in an unmarked civilian vehicle, intercepted their car and unleashed a barrage of gunfire near the western entrance of Tammun.

    The shooting resulted in the immediate deaths of both parents and two children—Mohammad, 5, and Othman, 7—each sustaining fatal head wounds. Survivors Mustafa, 8, and Khaled, 12, both suffered shrapnel injuries to their faces and heads during the incident.

    Eyewitness accounts and survivor testimonies describe disturbing aftermath treatment by Israeli soldiers. The two surviving children were forcibly removed from the vehicle, made to lie on the cold, wet ground for interrogation, and subsequently subjected to physical abuse and psychological torment. Khaled recounted to reporters how one soldier punched him in the face when he questioned why they killed his parents.

    Medical personnel faced significant obstacles in responding to the incident. Palestinian ambulance crews were prevented from reaching the scene for approximately thirty minutes despite the critical condition of the survivors. When finally permitted access, paramedics discovered the vehicle riddled with dozens of bullet holes, with all fatal wounds concentrated in the head and upper torso regions.

    The Israeli military and police issued a joint statement claiming the vehicle “accelerated toward the forces, who perceived an immediate threat to their safety and responded with gunfire.” This explanation has been met with skepticism by local authorities and human rights observers.

    The incident has drawn parallels to the June 2024 killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza, highlighting what Palestinian officials describe as a pattern of excessive force against civilians. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed 44 Palestinians in the Tubas district alone, including numerous children.

    Local municipality member Najeh Bani Odeh, who also serves as a paramedic, emphasized the particular danger posed by undercover Israeli units: “They operate in civilian vehicles, so people don’t notice them and behave normally when they pass by. If the soldiers inside feel threatened, they open fire immediately.”

    The tragedy has left the community of Tammun, home to approximately 15,000 Palestinians, in mourning as they prepare for Eid celebrations under the shadow of what local residents describe as an ongoing occupation marked by frequent military raids and settler violence.

  • New round of China-US trade talks underway in Paris

    New round of China-US trade talks underway in Paris

    Diplomatic efforts to stabilize economic relations between the world’s two largest economies resumed Sunday as Chinese and American delegations convened in Paris for a fresh round of trade negotiations. The talks mark the latest attempt to bridge longstanding commercial differences and establish a more predictable framework for bilateral trade.

    The Paris venue, strategically chosen for its neutral ground, provides an opportunity for both nations to address complex trade issues away from the heightened political atmospheres of their respective capitals. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics including tariff structures, market access, intellectual property protections, and supply chain resilience.

    This meeting represents a continuation of dialogue that has persisted through various phases of the bilateral relationship, reflecting the mutual recognition that despite strategic competition, economic interdependence necessitates ongoing communication channels. The choice of Paris as host city also signals both countries’ willingness to engage within a broader international context, potentially drawing on European perspectives regarding global trade norms.

    Observers are monitoring whether these talks will yield substantive agreements or serve primarily as a confidence-building exercise ahead of potential higher-level engagements. The outcome may significantly influence global market stability and international trade patterns for the coming year.

  • 5th member of Iranian women’s soccer team gives up asylum in Australia

    5th member of Iranian women’s soccer team gives up asylum in Australia

    MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian government confirmed Monday that a fifth member of the Iranian women’s national football team has departed the country after initially accepting refugee status, further reducing the number of athletes remaining from a group that sought humanitarian protection. This latest departure occurred shortly before midnight on Sunday, according to officials from Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s office.

    The development follows Saturday’s exit of two additional players and a support staff member who traveled from Sydney to Malaysia. These departures mark a significant reversal from the initial wave of asylum seekers that saw six players and one staff member from Iran’s 26-person squad accept humanitarian visas following the Women’s Asian Cup tournament last month.

    The team’s arrival in Australia preceded the February 28 outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, creating a complex geopolitical backdrop for their stay. On March 10, the majority of the Iranian contingent returned to Kuala Lumpur, while the remaining individuals pursued refugee status.

    Iran’s Tasnim News Agency characterized the returning athletes as ‘returning to the warm embrace of their family and homeland,’ framing their departure as a failure of Western influence. The situation gained international attention when players declined to sing Iran’s national anthem during tournament matches, raising concerns about potential repercussions upon their return home.

    The case drew high-profile attention, with Iranian diaspora groups in Australia and former U.S. President Donald Trump urging the Australian government to provide protection for the athletes. Iranian state media subsequently portrayed the athletes’ return as a ‘disgraceful failure of the American-Australian project.’

    With the latest departures, only two squad members remain in Australia under humanitarian protection, marking a dramatic shift from the initial seven who sought refuge.

  • Why Hamilton loves China?

    Why Hamilton loves China?

    Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has developed a remarkable appreciation for China that extends far beyond the racetrack. The British racing icon has discovered multiple reasons to cherish the Asian nation, from the electrifying atmosphere at the Shanghai International Circuit to the stunning natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province.

    Hamilton’s connection with China has deepened through his repeated visits for Grand Prix events, where he has experienced firsthand the passion of Chinese motorsport enthusiasts. The Shanghai International Circuit has become a familiar territory for the champion driver, who has celebrated numerous victories before crowds of enthusiastic supporters.

    Beyond the high-speed world of Formula 1, Hamilton has explored China’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes. His appreciation for Jiuzhaigou National Park highlights his attraction to China’s breathtaking natural wonders, known for their colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. This combination of professional success and personal discovery has created a multifaceted relationship between the racing legend and the country.

    Hamilton’s affection for China represents the powerful bridge that international sports figures can build between cultures, demonstrating how athletic competition can foster genuine appreciation and understanding between nations and their people.