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Viral stories

Viral stories
Trending events, happenings and people that have made waves on social media or online in wider Asia, and the world beyond.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
A pregnant Thai celebrity defended her performances, while fans asserted that women have the right “to shine at any stage”. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@bellegb
Thailand

Pregnant Thai star’s performance defended by fans – ‘women can shine at any stage’

K-pop and J-pop girl groups face pressure, with pregnancy often leading to career suspension.

ITTF

Chinese influencer issues ‘deepest apology’ over fake video, table tennis lies

Trending in China

China’s Fan Zhendong pleads for privacy after supporters mob him at hotel

Badminton World Federation (BWF)

Chinese Taipei badminton doubles pair under fire for pro-independence support

Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin were the targets of ‘China, Taiwan’ chants from fans at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Centre.

Wang Chin-lin (left) and Lee Yang show off their badminton gold medals at the Paris Olympic Games. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japanese man turns home into ancient palace to cope with autism

He reflects that he used to unintentionally say things that upset people, but never meant any harm.

Japan

Japan offers 1-day student experience for tourists for US$200

‘Naughty students’ with baseball bats disrupt PE class, creating chaos, playfully intimidating classmates.

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Japan

Japan man uses wig, props to create dating photos with imaginary girlfriend

Man notes that a natural photo features a shy smile, much like a bashful boyfriend being photographed by his girlfriend.

A Japanese man creates dating photos with an imaginary girlfriend, amusing social media, but some warn it may worsen loneliness. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com
Trending in China

Backlash against ‘sexy’ China athletes a reflection of traditional values: experts

Academics say critics seem to hold the view that Chinese women should be ‘pure’ and a way of projecting the nation’s soft power through sport.

Japan

‘Good listener’ Japan man travels for 5 years, stays in 500 strangers’ homes for free

He finds the wait for a free host exhilarating as it’s like casting bait, waiting for a fish to bite.

Trending in China

China wife pushed off Thai cliff by husband says he demands US$4 million for divorce

Imprisoned husband demands substantial amount as compensation for ‘emotional and youth loss’.

A Chinese woman, pushed off a cliff in Thailand by her husband, says he is demanding US$4 million for their divorce. Photo: SCMP composite/The Paper
Thailand

Man trapped in Thai well for 3 days as villagers think shouting sounds from haunting

Residents report strange cries from remote forest at night, growing louder and more intense.

A Chinese man who was trapped in a well in Thailand for three days without food or water has been found safe, although he was in a weakened state. Photo: SCMP composite/Facebook
Trending in China

Chinese tourists leave Japan guest house in disarray, sparking price hike proposal

Online post garners 3.6 million views on X, stirring fury among observers in both Japan and China.

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Thailand

Thai temple abbot found hiding 73 corpses for training monks to meditate

Abbot claims corpses were used for ‘death awareness’ training to help monks confront fear of death, deepen spiritual practice.

Vietnam

Vietnam youth rent partners to please parents, applicants must be fit, good cooks

Rental contracts typically include stringent terms, such as prohibiting emotional involvement, banning sexual harassment.

Many young Vietnamese are marrying later due to career goals and difficulty finding the right partner. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Malaysia

Malaysian wife beats husband after he exposes her falling victim to romance scam

Scammer, claiming to be from London, makes extravagant promises, including marriage proposal and private jet gift.

A Malaysian woman, a victim of a romance scam, assaulted her husband for attempting to expose the con, unwilling to face the truth. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

KOL strolls shoeless to rate Japan’s hygiene, finds white socks remain spotless

Cleanliness is central to Japanese culture, reflecting order and discipline, while littering is seen as disrespectful.

Trending in China

Ex-Chinese gymnast Wu blasted by Olympic champion Guan for posting ‘sexy’ videos

Wu uploaded videos of her dancing in short shorts, mini skirts and stockings which racked up tens of thousands of likes on Douyin.

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Thailand

‘Goofy’ Thai golden tiger captures hearts, emerging as next star after hippo Moo Deng

Ava is described as playful and sociable, showcasing a friendly demeanour towards children.

A three-year-old golden tiger at a Thai zoo has become a sensation, rivalling baby hippo Moo Deng, after her online debut on November 19. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@immoodeng/facebook_Chiang Mai Night Safari
Japan

Japan teen girls use hot melted glue to create tear-like droplets in makeup

Trend has been criticised in Japan and China as ‘ridiculous’ for resembling sperm and snot.

United States

US firm offers service for clients to ‘scold’ bosses without fear of backlash

Company is actively hiring ‘scolders’ but only parents who often use strong language with their kids can apply.

Japan

Japan funeral home offers ‘coffin-lying’ to let people reflect on life and death

‘Coffin cafe’ innovation sees young people flock to funeral home to lie down in open caskets, take photographs, come to terms with death.

A century-old funeral home in Japan is offering a service which allows customers to lie inside open coffins so they can reflect on life and death. Photo: SCMP composite/Sohu/Facebook
Japan

Japan man avoids decisions for 15 years by sticking to same foods and routines

Man finds reducing personal choices lightens mental load, leading to clearer thoughts.

Kita, above, believes that avoiding daily personal choices helps him prevent “decision fatigue” in our information-saturated world. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com
Japan

Japan man loses wife, 3 kids in quake, runs emotional marathon in their memory

Grieving father runs race, trains for it in places where he and late family members used to play together.

Thailand

Thai woman finds surgical needle left in vagina after 18 years of pain

Suture needle cannot be removed by doctors, procedure has been postponed three times because it has shifted within her body.

Viral Paris Olympics star Kim takes break from shooting to spend time with family

The 32-year-old who rose to stardom during the Games, where she won a silver, says she is tired from the competing and public attention.

South Korean shooter Kim Ye-ji posing for a photo during an interview at a shooting range in Seoul in October. Photo: AFP
Vietnam

Vietnam man worries that ‘too pretty’ daughter not his, shocked by birth switch

Distrusting father turns to alcohol over too beautiful daughter, employs DNA test, wife leaves after truth emerges that she is not his.

A man in Vietnam who was suspicious that his “too pretty” daughter was not his child was shocked to find that the child had been accidentally switched at birth. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Trending in China

Chinese basketball clubs hit back at ‘obsessive fans’ after player abused online

Former Liaoning Flying Leopards guard Guo Ailun joined Guangzhou Loong Lions after 14 years, and both clubs have been in the firing line.

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Japan

Japan Buddhist monk shares wisdom, cat photos, links people to cola to promote hope

Thought-provoking posts on social media by abbot attract big online following, actual visits to Buddhist temple.

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