Author: Seoul Reporter

Partial Reopening Amid Ceasefire TensionsIsraeli authorities have partially reopened the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday, February 1, allowing limited movement of people after months of pressure from humanitarian groups. This step occurs as clashes persist in the Palestinian territory despite an ongoing ceasefire, with Gaza’s civil defense agency reporting dozens of deaths from Israeli strikes on Saturday. The Israeli military described these actions as responses to ceasefire breaches.The Rafah crossing serves as a crucial route for civilians and aid deliveries into Gaza. It had been shut since Israeli forces took control in May 2024 during the conflict…

Crocodile Sighting Disrupts Sentosa Beach FunSINGAPORE: Visitors at Sentosa’s popular beaches expressed frustration and worry after authorities suspended water-based activities following a crocodile sighting near Sentosa Cove on Saturday, January 31. Swimming, kayaking, and other water pursuits remain off-limits at Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong beaches until officials deem it safe.The reptile appeared at 6:25 p.m. on Saturday, prompting immediate action to protect beachgoers. A local resident, Ms. Sasha Zhukova, who lives at The Oceanfront in Sentosa Cove, first noticed the unusual movement while on a neighbor’s balcony. She described zooming in with her phone camera and confirming it was a…

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi highlighted the advantages of a weaker yen during a recent campaign speech, contrasting with her finance ministry’s readiness to address currency volatility. She later clarified that she holds no preference for the yen’s value direction.Takaichi’s Campaign Remarks on Currency BenefitsIn her address on Saturday ahead of the February 8 snap election, Takaichi emphasized how the depreciating yen supports export sectors. “People say the weak yen is bad right now, but for export industries, it’s a major opportunity,” she stated. She noted that despite U.S. tariffs, the weaker currency acts as a buffer for sales…

SEOUL: Official data reveals South Korea achieved its highest January exports ever, reaching US$65.8 billion, a 33.9 percent increase from the previous year. This milestone, surpassing the US$60 billion mark for the first time in January, stems from surging global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies powered by the nation’s advanced chips.Chip Sector Leads the SurgeSouth Korea, home to leading memory chip producers like Samsung and SK Hynix, plays a pivotal role in AI infrastructure. Both companies reported record quarterly operating profits for the October-December period. Semiconductor exports alone hit US$20.5 billion, marking a 102.7 percent year-on-year rise and the…

Stepping into a Magical Realm at Fort Canning ParkOn a pleasant Saturday, January 31, I ventured to Fort Canning Park and felt like I’d tumbled into an enchanting alternate world, far removed from the everyday sights of relaxed gatherings and celebrating couples. The occasion was Ren Faire SG: The Origins, Singapore’s pioneering fantasy-Renaissance festival, which continued through February 1. For those new to such gatherings, these open-air celebrations often evoke a bygone European era of medieval villages, complete with performers in period attire, lively tunes, mock battles, artisan goods, and specialized cuisine. Here, it transported visitors to the mythical Grand…

BEIJING: New home prices across 100 Chinese cities increased in January, while secondary market declines eased, data from a leading property research firm revealed on Sunday. This uptick follows recent government commitments to steady the housing sector. Monthly Price Trends New home prices climbed 0.18 percent from the previous month, a slight slowdown from December’s 0.28 percent increase, according to the China Index Academy. Launches of premium upgraded housing in cities such as Chengdu, Shanghai, and Hangzhou boosted both monthly and yearly prices in first- and second-tier urban areas. In contrast, third- and fourth-tier cities grappled with surplus inventory, leading…

In a tense Premier League clash at Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton manager David Moyes received a yellow card for his exuberant pitch invasion following Beto’s last-gasp equalizer that secured a 1-1 draw on Saturday.Dramatic Late DramaBrighton appeared poised to claim victory until Beto struck in the sixth minute of stoppage time, igniting jubilation among the Everton camp. As the away team erupted in celebration, the home players dropped to their knees in disbelief. Moyes, stationed in the technical area, dashed onto the field, raising his fists in triumph before retreating to the bench—only to be cautioned by the referee…

The Grammys ceremony promises exceptional performances, bold fashion statements, emotional highlights, and potential milestones in music history. On February 1 in Los Angeles, several key elements stand out as particularly noteworthy. Breakthrough Album of the Year Contender The Album of the Year category remains the most prestigious honor at the Grammys. This year’s eight nominees—Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, R&B artist Leon Thomas, Tyler, the Creator, hip-hop duo Clipse featuring Pusha T and Malice, and pop icon Justin Bieber—have yet to claim victory in this field. A win for Lamar’s GNX would mark the first for a…

Eugene Lee, a 47-year-old semi-retired businessman, draws curious glances whenever he reveals one of his fountain pens. Distributors murmur in confusion, while colleagues dub it ‘the big red pen’ with amusement. For Lee, these moments highlight his passion for an overlooked art form. He owns more than 100 rare fountain pens and ink bottles, valued at over S$50,000.These items stand apart from everyday options at stores like Kinokuniya or Popular. Lee’s treasures come primarily from Japanese makers such as Platinum, Pilot, and Sailor, purchased through a local retailer. Each pen costs between S$500 and S$1,000 on average and features a…

Prominent women in entertainment, including Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, Bella Hadid, and Oprah Winfrey, are bringing back the necktie—a longstanding emblem of male authority—amid challenges to feminist ideals. This trend appears on red carpets, paired with tailored suits or elegant dresses, signaling a bold statement of equality. Nicole Kidman wore a necktie with a trouser suit at the February 2025 Critics Choice Awards, while Demi Moore styled one with a black dress and sheer shirt in Berlin last November. Models like Bella Hadid and Loli Bahia have adopted the accessory in a boyish, androgynous manner, continuing a tradition of using…