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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.
A young Japanese woman has dedicated six years to driving trucks to challenge stereotypes in the industry. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/X
Japan

Young Japan woman dedicates 6 years to driving trucks to challenge stereotypes

Kana manages delivery routes between Saitama and Kyoto, working 13-hour drives and returning home weekly.

Malaysia

Malaysia man sells US$4,100 car, shocked when woman offers sex for shortfall

Malaysia

Malaysia temple unveils first ‘AI Mazu’ for devotees to worship, address concerns

Japan

Japanese man hides dad’s body in wardrobe for 2 years to evade funeral expenses

Some speculate that man intends to claim extra pension benefits, while others express sympathy.

A Japanese man hid his father’s body in a wardrobe for two years to avoid the costs of a funeral and is now under investigation for pension fund fraud. Photo: SCMP composite/newsdig.tbs.co.jp/Shutterstock
Japan

Japanese ‘kept man’ gains online fame for being financed by 15 wealthy women

During Covid pandemic, his client base shrank from 15 to seven, prompting him to develop new strategies for financial stability.

Trending in China

Japanese man demands guard kneel and bow at Osaka Expo, sparks public outrage

Viral video shows guard kowtowing in front of tourist after he failed to direct the latter to a car park correctly.

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Trending in China

South Korean bus driver rushes collapsed China student to hospital, saves her life

Good Samaritan carries student to emergency unit on back, pays woman’s hospital bill, cries tears of joy when she recovers.

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A South Korean bus driver has been praised after she rushed an unconscious Chinese student to hospital, saving her life. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Weibo
Japan

Japanese singer flies 4 hours daily to university, gains admiration for commitment

Pop idol’s gruelling daily schedule begins with putting on make-up at 5am before arriving at university around 10am for classes.

Japan

Japan tour bus hearses enable families to visit special places with deceased

Final journey with the departed may also serve as a source of comfort for those who remain.

India

Indian woman discovers fiance elopes with mum days before wedding

Father of bride remembers man only communicated with his wife, sometimes spending 22 hours a day with her.

An Indian woman found out that her fiancé had eloped with her mother just days before their wedding, taking with him the family savings and jewellery. Photo: SCMP composite/X
Japan

Taiwan tourist criticised for shaking trees for ‘cherry blossom rain’ in Japan

Surprisingly, her child, standing next to her, starts imitating the action by hitting other branches.

A Taiwanese tourist was criticised for shaking trees for “cherry blossom rain” photos in Japan. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Threads
Marathons

American’s ‘craziest experience’ at North Korea marathon, completes record task

Cameron Mofid’s 10km in Pyongyang race means 25-year-old has now visited every country in the world.

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Thailand

‘Beauty pageant’: Thai transgender women seek publicity during military lottery

Annual event mixes anxiety with celebration, one potential soldier holds amulet in mouth in hope of avoiding draft.

Trending in China

2 Chinese women slammed by millions for photo shoot on Japan highway after crash

‘Dangerous’ pair on way to Mount Fuji drank whisky, took dog for walk on snarled-up carriageway following tour bus accident.

Two Chinese women have been slammed for lying on a Japanese highway for photos after a bus crash that injured dozens of people caused a traffic jam. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote
Thailand

Photographer turns Thai street cleaner into model who is scouted by make-up artist

Head-turning single mother-of-two ‘wins lottery of life’ after unlikely encounter while she was sweeping streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown.

A street cleaner in Thailand has become a model after being spotted by a Russian photographer. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@nongchat
Badminton World Federation (BWF)

‘Stop the stalking’: Japanese badminton star asks fans in China to keep distance

Chiharu Shida, dubbed ‘most beautiful badminton player’, says obsessive fans have left her feeling scared ‘every time we compete in China’.

Japan

Happy not happy: Japan man’s odd name brings bullying, struggles in love, work

Man finally finds satisfaction after years of ridicule, gets job in which clients think his moniker will bring them good fortune.

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Japan

Japan student gains 32 million views as only one to dig up 8-year-old time capsule

Young man feels let down that his ex-classmates and teacher forgot their promise to return.

A Japanese university student went viral after being the only one to dig up an eight-year-old time capsule, garnering 32 million views. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Amazon
Thailand

Thai dad arrested for abandoning baby in forest to punish wife who denies him sex

Abusive, drug-addicted father ordered into rehabilitation pending criminal charges after sending photo of newborn in banana grove to threaten wife.

Thailand

Bizarre 2-way mirror in Thai park toilet lets men watch women for ‘enjoyment’

Outrage as theme park boss says voyeuristic looking glass was installed to give ‘fun experience for everyone’, netizens call it ‘disgusting’.

Trending in China

Shock as Malaysia teacher tells pupil struggling with dialect to ‘go back to China’

Teacher tells complaining relative of abused student that she would call police to track him down because he had ‘invaded her privacy’.

A teacher in Malaysia is in hot water after she told a pupil struggling with the local langauge to “go back to China”. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Chinese Football Association (CFA)

Hangzhou becomes sea of red as China fans brace for decisive World Cup qualifier

China must beat Australia on Tuesday to have any chance of securing automatic qualification to 2026 tournament.

China coach Branko Ivankovic speaks to the press ahead of his side’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia in Hangzhou. Photo: Xinhua
Trending in China

Tearful Wu Yanni’s 60m hurdles Worlds failure sparks furious social media debate

Despite setting a new national record time of 8.01 seconds, the 27-year-old missed out on qualification by 0.01 seconds.

Japan

Japanese dental clinics offer dog pals, on-site gym to boost declining business

Declining birth rates see business slump heralding introduction of nurses dressed as maids, French-style clinic cafes, brightly-decorated spaces.

Trending in China

‘Never mess with a Chinese woman’: student chases Italy phone thief, goes viral

With help of police and passers-by, China student trio snare subway phone thief, sending powerful anti-crime message to would-be lawbreakers.

A female student who chased a phone thief in Italy and retrieved her stolen property has been widely praised on mainland social media. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin
Japan

Japan love motel converts to funeral home, spurs birth, ageing population debate

Japan sees slump in number of places of ‘privacy and comfort’, some of which offer five-star facilities while others are more down-to-earth.

A so-called love hotel in Japan has been converted into a funeral home, sparking much debate on social media. Photo: SCMP composite/Sohu/X.com
Trending in China

5 celebrity cats from Thai runway to Hawaiian waves that captivate fans globally

The felines show remarkable adaptability, resilience, and survival strength to entertain, inspire those who meet them.

Trending in China

Chinese tourist critical as she leans from train for photos, strikes tunnel wall

Daredevil holidaymakers who dice with death while travelling on railways overseas are hit with travel safety warning by Chinese authorities.

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