South Korea: Exotic animal cafés back in spotlight over virus risk
SEOUL: For a refresh, Rhee Haeri, an office worker in Seoul, used to visit a neighborhood cafe where she could pet a meerkat, a unique experience in the country. “I loved visiting such cafes and looking at rare animals,” Rhee said. But she recently has had to think twice about dropping by the exotic animal […]
First Black K-pop singer Reid writing ‘against-all-odds’ memoir on idol life
SEOUL: From BLACKPINK and NCT 127 to GOT7, the K-pop industry as of late has seen a noticeable boost in diversity in respect to members’ nationalities and racial backgrounds. But still, the ethnic and regional makeup of international K-pop talents today is largely oriented towards East and Southeast Asia. All things considered, it wouldn’t be […]
Malaysia to table sexual harassment, social work bills by year-end
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is expected to table the proposed bills on sexual harassment and recognition of social work as a profession by the end of this year. Improvements have been made to the two bills and they will be handed over to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for its perusal, Minister […]
South Korea: Once viewed as old-fashioned, coffee delivery gains traction amid contactless trend
SEOUL: Coffee delivery services are not an unfamiliar concept in South Korea. Serving persons at tea houses, or “dabang” in Korean, used to deliver cups of coffee filled with sugar and cream on foot. Big-name coffee chains such as Starbucks and small independent cafes replaced such tea houses by offering curbside services and takeaway. But […]
Korea: How leggings evolved from suggestive athletic wear to casual staple
SEOUL: When Kim Ga-in, a Seoul resident, climbed a mountain on Sunday, the 27-year-old woman did not wear hiking pants or shorts or other traditional trekking clothes. Instead, she went with a more comfortable option that would have been unheard of among hikers a generation ago: leggings. Her sister, Do-hee, 20, who came along to […]
Three in 10 Koreans think having kids unnecessary: survey
SEOUL: More than three out of every 10 South Koreans believe it is unnecessary to have kids even after marriage, while parents spend nearly $300 a month on private education for each student in grades 12 or below, a report from the statistics office showed Thursday. According to the report, based on a series of […]
BTS fans raise $1 million in Black Lives Matter donations
SEOUL: International fans of K-pop giants BTS have raised over $1 million in donations for the Black Lives Matter cause in the United States, matching the amount donated earlier by their idols toward the human rights movement, according to a fan charity project Monday. One In An ARMY, an organization of BTS fans involved in […]
Upholding ethical responsibility, religious services adapt to social-distancing guidelines
By Habib Toumi MANAMA: As countries are easing restrictions imposed to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, places of worships are also slowly opening up, but with precautions. Mosques, churches, synagogues and temples, with large open space that accommodates hundreds and even thousands of people, have been thinking of ways to limit the possibility for […]
Coronavirus robs Bahrainis of Eid joy, festivities
By Habib Toumi MANAMA: “I am not taking any risks, so I told my daughters and their children to come late for the family lunch, spend a short time with us, then go home,” Fareed said when asked about his plans ahead for the day. “I love my extended family, but with the coronavirus threats, […]
In a first for Saudi Arabia, virtual “Art of Isolation” exhibition launched
By Habib Toumi RIYADH: Saudi artists now have the opportunity to display their artwork created during the kingdom’s lockdown on virtual platforms and allow visitors to enjoy exhibitions from the comfort of their homes. “The Art of Isolation” virtual exhibition was launched on Saturday with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi […]
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