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Inside China’s traffic-driven self-media commentary industry that turns clicks into yuan

Industry observers told The Straits Times that, in general, Chinese independent content creators, known collectively as zimeiti or “self-media”, are primarily driven by commercial considerations.

AI ‘ghost cases’ haunt South Korean courtrooms

Judges are increasingly raising concerns over plaintiffs and attorneys citing non-existent cases and statutes during court proceedings.

Japan start-up develops system to tell human writing from AI-generated text

Kyushu University has been experimentally using it in classes while several dozen universities are considering its adoption.

Taiwan launches website for Chinese nationals to report intelligence

The website is blocked in China, though many Chinese use VPNs to access other blocked sites like Western social media and search engines.

Japan sees record multiple pregnancies after fertility insurance coverage

Japan’s public insurance system covers embryo transfers up to six times for women who were under 40 when they began fertility treatment and up to three times for those aged 40 to 42.

More Japanese local governments introducing hotel tax despite some concerns in the industry

Some local governments are moving to introduce or raise the accommodation tax to secure financial resources for handling the influx of foreign tourists and promoting tourism.

North Korea says ‘denuclearisation’ is a matter terminated irreversibly

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees test launches of a mix of tactical ballistic missiles, artillery rockets and precision cruise missiles, at an undisclosed location in North Korea, May 26, 2026, in this picture released May 27, 2026 by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS

North Korea protests against Seoul-EU rebuke of Russia ties

North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said cooperation with Russia was an “exercise of sovereign rights”.

Crowds line streets in Japanese town for ‘chagu chagu umakko’ horse parade

The parade in north-eastern Iwate prefecture saw about 70 horses wearing ornate harnesses parading through rice paddies and city streets.

Thousands gather for Seoul queer festival and counter-rally

The Seoul Queer Culture Festival has long drawn both supporters of LGBTQ rights and vocal opposition from conservative religious groups.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.