Sanae Takaichi slammed online for praising calligraphy without mentioning China

South China Morning Post - Nov 7, 2026

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has faced backlash online after writing a social media post celebrating Japan’s shodo calligraphy without mentioning its Chinese roots. On Thursday, Unesco released this year’s nominations for inclusion on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The 59 nominations submitted for consideration for the UN cultural body’s list include Chinese cuisine, Spain’s traditional jota music and dance genre and Japan’s shodo...

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Call to end ‘unjust’ national security cases as Hong Kong slams ‘malicious attacks’

Call to end ‘unjust’ national security cases as Hong Kong slams ‘malicious attacks’

Ten countries – including the “Five Eyes” allies – have called for an immediate end to “unjust prosecutions” under Hong Kong’s national security law after opposition activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung was jailed for 10 years, while the government has urged foreign forces to stop their “baseless malicious attacks”. The foreign ministers of the 10 countries issued a joint statement on Friday, a day after the High Court sentenced Wong over his role in a global campaign to instigate sanctions against...

US and EU’s China talks channel comes back to life after stalling since Trump’s return

US and EU’s China talks channel comes back to life after stalling since Trump’s return

The European Union and the United States plan to revive talks about China after a two-year hiatus, according to multiple people familiar with the planning. The dialogue had stalled since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, but after being approached by Washington, talks are expected in the first week of December, despite the deterioration in transatlantic relations in the meantime. The once-regular forum was used to discuss areas of shared concern with regard to Beijing. During Joe Biden’s...

Hong Kong’s yacht industry eyes mainland China buyers but challenges remain

Hong Kong’s yacht industry eyes mainland China buyers but challenges remain

Hong Kong’s yacht industry is seeking to attract more buyers and visitors from mainland China under a new cross-boundary travel scheme, but relatively high berthing costs could pose a challenge, industry representatives have said. Industry leaders, exhibitors and visitors gathered in Discovery Bay on Friday for the fourth edition of the Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show, which runs until Sunday. The show featured more than 30 vessels, including superyachts and models from international brands such as...

'Final Interview' questions what life holds for young people in a 5,000-to-1 society

'Final Interview' questions what life holds for young people in a 5,000-to-1 society

Six applicants make it to the final interview at a major corporation after beating odds of 5,000 to 1. With COVID-19 cases surging and youth employment plummeting, they spend a month preparing together for the final hurdle: a team discussion. But just before the interview, the company's human resources department, which had initially said all six could be hired, informs them that only one person will be selected. Their task is even more daunting: They must choose the successful candidate themselves within two hours. Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, the human resources department monitors the six applicants' discussion through surveillance cameras installed in the interview room. The applicants agree to establish their own “fair” rules for the discussion and vote on who should be hired every 30 minutes. But they soon discover mysterious envelopes bearing each of their six names. The first envelope to be opened, belonging to Baek Seung-bin (Shin Seung-ho), contains a news article and photographs revealing that he was involved in school bullying during high school. The discussi

Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong vows to do best in Oscar race despite barriers

Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong vows to do best in Oscar race despite barriers

"Possible Love" director Lee Chang-dong said Friday that he would give his all in the Academy Awards race despite what he described as a challenging environment for Korean films. The film, which marks Lee's first feature film in eight years after the critically acclaimed "Burning" (2018), won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival and has been selected as Korea's entry for the Oscars. "The success of 'Parasite' has caused an optical illusion, but while it is an outstanding work, that kind of success may not come again easily (for Korean films)," Lee said in a group media interview when asked about the film's Oscar prospects. Korean director Bong Joon-ho's black comedy thriller "Parasite" (2019) made history as it became the first Korean film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2020. "For Korean films, as well as for other Asian films and those from outside the United States and Europe, the barriers remain high," Lee said, while noting efforts by the Academy Awards to become more inclusive. The maestro, known for his realistic yet po

Korean culture festival draws nearly 40,000 fans in Thailand, Vietnam

Korean culture festival draws nearly 40,000 fans in Thailand, Vietnam

Korean culture is finding new audiences in Southeast Asia through ballet, live music, classical performances and digital art, with nearly 40,000 people attending or participating in events in Thailand and Vietnam this year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday. The 2026 Korea Season, organized by the ministry, along with the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange and Korean cultural centers in both countries, has attracted 39,917 participants since launching in May. The program aims to broaden the reach of Korean culture beyond K-pop and television dramas by introducing traditional art in contemporary forms and creating opportunities for collaboration with local artists. The series opened with “GAT,” an original ballet by Yoon Byeol Ballet Company inspired by the traditional Korean horsehair hat known as gat. Performances in Bangkok on May 23 and Hanoi on May 27 drew a combined 1,650 spectators, with accompanying exhibitions and workshops introducing audiences to the cultural significance of the headwear. October's K-LIVE FESTIVAL BAND:AGE brought toge

Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth to visit Korea next month

Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth to visit Korea next month

"Avengers: Doomsday" stars Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth will visit Korea next month to meet fans ahead of the film's release here, its distributor said Friday. The two Hollywood stars are scheduled to arrive Dec. 7 for a two-day visit, accompanied by Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, according to the Walt Disney Company Korea. It marks the first time Evans will visit Korea in 11 years since he visited the country in 2015 to promote "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015). For Hemsworth, it marks his first official trip to meet Korean fans after he visited the country last year to film the second season of the Disney+ series "Chris Hemsworth: Limitless." The latest sequel of the Avengers film is set for release Dec. 16.

Jennie sings soundtrack for new Netflix animation 'Steps'

Jennie sings soundtrack for new Netflix animation 'Steps'

Jennie, a member of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, has taken part in the soundtrack for the upcoming Netflix animated film "Steps," her agency said Friday. "Someone to Hold," the song she recorded for the Netflix release, marks the first time the singer-rapper has participated in a soundtrack for an animation, according to OA Entertainment. The singer was quoted as saying she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and felt happy to become part of a world of warm-hearted and interesting characters. The song has been nominated for the Song — Animated Film category of the Hollywood Music in Media Awards — even before its official release. "Steps" is set for release Nov. 20.

ITZY's Chaeryeong previews solo debut album 'Lovesick' ahead of Monday release

ITZY's Chaeryeong previews solo debut album 'Lovesick' ahead of Monday release

Chaeryeong, a member of K-pop girl group ITZY, has released short previews of every song on her first solo album, “Lovesick,” three days before her solo debut, according to her agency JYP Entertainment. Chaeryeong will release the mini album and its title track of the same name Monday. A mini album, also called an EP, is a shorter release than a full-length studio album. “Lovesick” has four tracks. At midnight Friday, JYP posted an “album spoiler” video with brief clips from all four songs: “Lovesick,” “Moonlit Club,” “Scent” and “Favorite Reason.” In K-pop, these previews are part of the promotional rollout before a release. The video shows Chaeryeong in a range of looks, from bright and fresh to chic and mysterious. Before the spoiler video, the agency had posted two music video teasers for the title track on its official social media channels. The title track centers on the excitement of falling for someone, the agency said. Chaeryeong co-wrote the lyrics for the fourth track, “Favorite Reason.” She also started a blog where she writes about getting the

NCT DREAM to host listening party, livestreamed comeback show for 6th album

NCT DREAM to host listening party, livestreamed comeback show for 6th album

Boy group NCT DREAM will host a listening party and a livestreamed comeback show around the release of its sixth full-length album, “DREAM AFTER DREAM,” the group’s agency SM Entertainment said Friday. The listening party will be held Saturday at a venue at 16 Yeonmujang 7-gil in Seongdong District, eastern Seoul. The group will play every track on the album for fans before its official release and talk with them about the new record. On Monday, the album’s release day, the group will broadcast a comeback live show titled “Let’s Boogie Woogie!” starting at 5 p.m. on NCT DREAM’s YouTube channel, NCT’s TikTok channel and other platforms. In K-pop, a “comeback” means an artist’s return with new music. It usually comes with a series of promotional events, broadcasts and stage performances. The broadcast follows the album’s festival theme, with the members playing a team getting a festival ready. According to the agency, the show will include segments about the music on the album and talk about the group’s upcoming promotional activities. “DREAM AFTER DREAM” ha

Illit brings back Little Mimi collaboration with December album release

Illit brings back Little Mimi collaboration with December album release

K-pop girl group Illit is reviving its popular collaboration with Korean character brand Little Mimi, turning its upcoming fifth mini-album into a collectible release designed to appeal to younger fans. According to BELIFT LAB, part of HYBE Music Group, the Little Mimi edition of “BREAK EVEN” will be released Dec. 30, marking the group's second collaboration with the character brand. The partnership follows last year's Little Mimi edition of Illit's first single album, “NOT CUTE ANYMORE,” which sold out during its preorder period and required additional production. The new release takes the form of a Little Mimi doll key ring and includes a mini CD, a lyrics sheet, three photocards and stickers, combining music with collectible merchandise. Its design draws inspiration from the “black agent” concept of the album's title track, “I'll Get You,” incorporating ribbons and frills into the character's outfit to echo the group's appearance in the music video. BELIFT LAB said the doll could also be styled alongside whistle key rings and charms previously released as part of the al

Seventeen's Joshua brings bold elegance to Vogue Korea digital covers

Seventeen's Joshua brings bold elegance to Vogue Korea digital covers

Seventeen member Joshua is putting his growing influence in fashion and beauty on display, appearing in three digital covers for Vogue Korea in collaboration with luxury brand Tom Ford Beauty. Vogue Korea released the three covers on its official social media accounts on Thursday, showcasing Joshua in a photo shoot themed “Bold Ambition.” The images pair his sophisticated appeal with daring styling, highlighting a more mature and refined look in collaboration with Tom Ford Beauty, for which he serves as an ambassador. In an accompanying interview, Joshua discussed his ambitions to continue developing as an artist and explore new creative opportunities. After forming a unit with fellow Seventeen member Jeonghan and releasing its first mini-album, “DREAMSCAPE,” Joshua said he had become increasingly dedicated to music and hoped to share more of his own work. “I want to further develop my abilities and show you songs of my own,” he said. “My heart has become more deeply invested in making music than before, and I am also learning acting,” he said, adding that he had developed

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