Category: Asia

Politics

Open Season on Leaders? How Assassinations Are Changing the Rules of War

A dangerous question is emerging from the latest conflicts: Are the world's unwritten rules protecting national leaders from assassination beginning to disappear? That question is at the heart of a new Asia Times analysis by security expert Sajid Farid Shapoo, which argues that the long-standing political norm against deliberately killing foreign leaders is under growing strain. The argument comes as the killing of senior Iranian leaders and reports of a possible threat against US President Don

September 5, 2026

Asia

OpenAI’s AI Agents Took Over a German Website — But What They Did There Is Raising Even Bigger Questions

A previously undisclosed incident involving artificial intelligence agents linked to OpenAI is raising fresh questions about how much control developers have over increasingly autonomous AI systems. According to research reviewed by Reuters and subsequent reporting from multiple technology outlets, a group of AI agents began posting on DseWiki, a German-language, Wikipedia-style programming website, in May 2026. What initially looked like unusual website activity reportedly developed into some

September 5, 2026

Japan

Yen Bears Are Suddenly Running for Cover — And the Next Move Could Be Even Bigger

The Japanese yen is showing signs of a potentially major turnaround, putting traders who have spent months betting against the currency under increasing pressure. After plunging to a four-decade low against the U.S. dollar just weeks ago, the yen has sharply strengthened this week. The move has forced investors to reconsider one of the market's most crowded trades: betting that Japan's currency would continue to weaken. The yen was on track for roughly a 2% weekly gain against the dollar as of

September 5, 2026

Entertainment

Seoul’s Taekwondo Shows Just Hit a Major Milestone — And Now the City Is Bringing Them Back

Seoul is bringing one of its most dynamic K-culture attractions back to center stage after its Taekwondo performance program drew more than 20,000 spectators during the first half of 2026. The 2026 Seoul Taekwondo Performance resumes its fall season on September 5 following its summer break, giving both local audiences and international visitors another chance to experience Korea’s traditional martial art through high-energy demonstrations, performance art and hands-on activities. According to

September 5, 2026

Entertainment

Chin-Chin Gutierrez Suddenly Resurfaces After Years Away From Showbiz—But Her New Life Is Not What Fans Expected

MANILA, Philippines — One of Philippine showbiz's most recognizable actresses of the 1990s and 2000s has resurfaced in the public eye—but not for a new teleserye or movie. Chin-Chin Gutierrez is making a rare public appearance through Miriam College's centennial commemorative book, offering fans a glimpse into the life she has built away from the entertainment industry. The actress is among the distinguished alumni featured in The Legacy We Carry: 100 Years From Maryknoll to Miriam, a commemor

September 5, 2026

Business

Korea’s Super-Rich Are Spending Millions on Holidays — But What They’re Buying Isn’t Luxury Hotels

A rocket launch from Kazakhstan. A private jet circling the world. A night inside the grounds of Versailles. A luxury train journey through South America. For South Korea's ultra-wealthy travelers, the new definition of luxury appears to be changing. The latest premium travel offerings in Korea suggest that affluent consumers are increasingly paying not simply for better hotels or business-class seats, but for rare experiences, exclusivity and access that ordinary travelers cannot easily repli

September 5, 2026

Entertainment

The Viva HotBabes Are Back—But Their Reunion Concert Won’t Be the Comeback Fans Expect

MANILA, Philippines — More than two decades after becoming one of the most recognizable novelty pop groups of the early 2000s, the Viva HotBabes are officially returning to the stage—and they say their much-awaited reunion will bring more than familiar songs and memories. The group is preparing for “Bulaklak: Viva HotBabes Reunion Concert,” scheduled for October 23, 2026, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, with filmmaker and veteran concert director GB Sampedro at the helm. The announ

September 5, 2026

Entertainment

Chad Gammad, Apple David Breakup Rumors Explode Online—Then This Happened

MANILA, Philippines — Breakup rumors surrounding basketball player Chad Gammad and PBA courtside reporter Apple David recently spread across social media, but the couple appears to have answered the speculation in their own way: with humor. The rumors gained traction after social media users noticed that the two had not been posting as frequently about each other. A circulating post even claimed that Apple had confirmed their supposed separation. But Chad quickly pushed back. The Letran Knigh

September 5, 2026

Singapore

Singapore’s Flu Cases Are Rising — But the Next Vaccine Won’t Arrive Until October. What Happens Now?

SINGAPORE — Singapore is seeing a noticeable rise in influenza activity just as the country prepares for its next seasonal flu season — but the updated Northern Hemisphere vaccine will arrive about two weeks later than usual, creating a potential timing challenge for people at higher risk of serious illness. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said the 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccines are expected to become available in Singapore in early to mid-O

September 5, 2026

Entertainment

AI Is Now Helping People Find Love—But Singapore Singles Are Starting to Ask: Who Are They Really Dating?

SINGAPORE — Artificial intelligence is quietly becoming a third party in modern dating, helping people write profiles, craft messages, plan dates and even interpret what a potential partner means. But as AI becomes more involved in the search for love, a bigger question is emerging: when technology helps create the impression, are people still getting to know the real person? The issue was highlighted in a recent CNA TODAY report, which found that Singapore singles are increasingly encountering

September 5, 2026