Category: Asia

Entertainment

BTS Jungkook Was Among the Targets of a ₱1.5-Billion Cybercrime Ring—Now Its Alleged Leader Faces 20 Years Behind Bars

The alleged leader of an international hacking ring that targeted wealthy South Koreans—including BTS member Jungkook—has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after a Seoul court found him guilty of fraud and violations of South Korea’s Information Network Act. The Seoul Central District Court handed down the sentence on August 20 to the Chinese national, identified by his surname Jeon, over a cybercrime operation that investigators said targeted high-net-worth individuals and used stolen perso

August 23, 2026

Philippines

Marcoleta, Defensor Could Face Perjury-Related Complaint After Guteza Recantation, Lacson Says

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former lawmaker Michael “Mike” Defensor could face a complaint for subornation of perjury following former Marine Orly Guteza’s reversal of testimony in the Senate’s investigation into alleged flood-control corruption, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said. Lacson raised the possibility of criminal complaints after Guteza withdrew his earlier allegations and accused Marcoleta and Defensor of pressuring him to make claims about alleged cash del

August 23, 2026

Philippines

WATER ALERT: Parts of Metro Manila and Cavite to Go Without Water This Week — Is Your Barangay on the List?

Residents in several parts of Metro Manila and Cavite are being urged to prepare for temporary water interruptions this week as water concessionaires carry out scheduled maintenance and network-related works. The advisory comes as Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company continue infrastructure and maintenance activities designed to improve the reliability of their respective water networks. The Manila Times reported Sunday that affected communities should expect interruptions on s

August 23, 2026

Philippines

Teenagers Keep Getting Their Hands on Guns Across Southeast Asia—And the Biggest Loophole May Be Inside Their Own Homes

Recent attacks in Thailand and the Philippines have put that question at the center of a widening regional debate—not simply about gun laws, but about what happens to firearms after they are legally purchased or issued. The emerging pattern is particularly troubling because several of the weapons involved were not mystery guns bought from unknown traffickers. They were reportedly firearms belonging to adults close to the teenagers. That has shifted attention from the question of who can legall

August 23, 2026

Philippines

59-Year-Old Rider Critical After Cebu City Crash—CCTV Shows What Happened at the Red Light

CEBU CITY — A 59-year-old motorcycle rider is in critical condition after a collision at a busy Cebu City intersection, with investigators saying CCTV footage showed he allegedly continued through a red traffic signal before crashing into another motorcycle. The incident happened at around 8:58 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the intersection of P. Del Rosario and Junquera streets in Barangay San Antonio, Cebu City. The rider was identified as Segundo Butaya, 59, of Catarman, Liloan. He wa

August 23, 2026

Asia

Tens of Thousands Are Flocking to North Korea’s Massive Beach Resort—But One Group Is Still Hardly Seen There

North Korea’s massive seaside tourism project is drawing renewed attention after state media said tens of thousands of domestic visitors flocked to the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone during the summer — offering Pyongyang a striking showcase of beaches, hotels and water sports while much of the country endured extreme heat. But behind images of crowded beaches and holidaymakers riding personal watercraft lies a bigger question: Who is North Korea’s lavish new resort really for? The sprawlin

August 23, 2026

Asia

He Dressed Three Popes—But the Story Behind the Vatican’s Most Sacred Wardrobe Is Even More Fascinating

SANTARCANGELO DI ROMAGNA, Italy — Behind some of the most recognizable images of the modern papacy is an Italian artist whose work rarely competes for attention with the men wearing it. Filippo Sorcinelli, a designer, organist and artist from Italy, has created liturgical garments for three successive popes: Benedict XVI, Francis and Pope Leo XIV. His work has helped shape the visual language of major Catholic celebrations, blending centuries-old symbolism with meticulous Italian craftsmanship.

August 23, 2026

Philippines

Loren Legarda Has Been Abroad for Weeks Amid a ₱10-Billion Solar Probe—But Ping Lacson Says One Explosive Rumor About Her Is Completely False

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has pushed back against reports suggesting that Senator Loren Legarda may be seeking asylum abroad, calling the claim “fake news” as scrutiny continues over her prolonged absence from the Senate and an ongoing Ombudsman investigation involving alleged multibillion-peso solar projects. In a radio interview on Saturday, August 22, Lacson said he saw no factual basis for claims that Legarda was attempting to secure asylum overseas. According to L

August 23, 2026

Philippines

More Than Half of This Singapore Flag Was Already Gone—What a Potong Pasir Resident Said Next Has Sparked a Reminder for the Nation

SINGAPORE — A severely damaged Singapore flag spotted in Potong Pasir has prompted renewed discussion over how the National Flag should be displayed, maintained and eventually disposed of when it becomes worn out. According to a report by Stomp, contributor Steven Yong noticed the flag at about 4pm on August 16 while parking his vehicle along Tai Thong Crescent. Video footage submitted to the publication appeared to show extensive damage to the flag, with more than half of it apparently torn a

August 23, 2026

Philippines

519 Turn to Psychological Help After AdZU Shooting—But the Healing Has Only Just Begun

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Days after a deadly shooting shattered the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) community, hundreds of students, teachers and staff are now turning to psychological support as the campus begins the difficult journey from shock to recovery. At least 519 members of the AdZU community have received psychological first aid following the August 18 shooting, according to the latest update cited by The Philippine Star. University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” A

August 23, 2026