BTS’ long-awaited full-group comeback concert in Busan is still months away, but hotel prices in the South Korean southeastern port city have already hit exorbitant levels, rekindling anger over “rip-off” room rates whenever mega-events come to town.
Some properties have reportedly hiked prices by up to 10 times and even asked guests with existing bookings to cancel so they could resell at higher prices.
The K-pop group is returning as a full act for the first time since all members completed…
Malaysian reporter arrested for sedition after controversial question at Gaza lecture
Former Free Malaysia Today (FMT) journalist Rex Tan was arrested at about 12.45am on Saturday after being summoned to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.
The arrest was confirmed by his lawyer, Rajsurian Pillai, who said Tan was detained under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 505(c) of the Penal Code.
It followed a sensitive question alleged to contain racial elements that was raised during a public lecture in Kuala Lumpur.
At…
Japan, US vow ‘unshaken’ defence alliance despite Trump’s pivot from Asia
The defence chiefs of Japan and the United States on Thursday agreed that the bilateral alliance is “unshaken” and pledged to reinforce its deterrence capabilities amid concerns in Asia that Washington’s focus is shifting from the region.
Following his meeting with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon near Washington, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said he was reassured that the administration of President Donald Trump remains committed to peace and stability in the…
Philippines’ Cebu residents cry foul over mounting garbage, health risks
A deadly garbage avalanche in central Philippines last week, which killed 19 and led to more than 20 missing, has prompted outrage from civic and green groups over poor enforcement of environmental laws for contributing to the disaster.
On January 8, a mountain of debris collapsed at a 15-hectare landfill in the village of Binaliw, Cebu City, where over 100 sanitation workers were on site. Officials say the tragedy may have been partly caused by recent earthquakes and heavy rains affecting soil…
Adopt an internal AI policy like Games Workshop, businesses urged
Manufacturers and content creators have been advised to follow the example of Games Workshop and adopt an internal policy on using AI in their operations.
Luxembourg’s proposed company law reform heralds greater flexibility
A new draft law could significantly streamline the incorporation process for private limited liability companies in Luxembourg, experts have said.
Data centre energy efficiency duties in Germany set to change
The duties data centre operators face under Germany’s Energy Efficiency Act look set to be watered down, according to reports.
Criminal tax offences and tax disputes in Luxembourg
Luxembourg tax law provides for criminal offences of tax evasion (‘fraude fiscale’), aggravated tax evasion, tax fraud (‘escroquerie fiscal’) and attempts to commit those offenses.
BTS fans in Malaysia ecstatic over comeback concerts but fear scalpers
The announcement that BTS will return to Malaysia after more than a decade has sent K-pop fans into a frenzy, with many calling it a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
The South Korean supergroup will stage two concerts in Kuala Lumpur on December 12 and 13, marking its first appearance in the country since 2015, when it performed its Red Bullet Tour at Mega Star Arena.
This will also be BTS’ first-ever concert in Kuala Lumpur as its previous Malaysia performance was held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
For…
High Seas Treaty a chance for China to lead on marine conservation
On January 17, a quiet revolution will take place across around two-thirds of the world’s oceans. A landmark United Nations agreement known as the High Seas Treaty will formally enter into force, creating the first legally binding global framework to protect marine biodiversity in international waters.
For the first time, activities beyond national jurisdictions – from industrial fishing to deep-sea mining and bio-prospecting – will be subject to environmental impact assessments, marine…