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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 group of Japanese men, known as the “bumping gang”, deliberately collides with pedestrians to release their frustrations. Photo: SCMP composite/Facebook
Japan

Japan ‘bumping gang’ collides with pedestrians, mostly women, to vent frustrations

One man admits his behaviour began after he accidentally brushed against a woman’s chest, feeling ‘wonderful’, he repeated.

The Philippines

Korean influencer in Philippines slammed for drinking breast milk of local mums

Trending in China

Japanese restaurant sparks anger by posting note banning ‘rude’ Chinese customers

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Japan

‘It’s so inspirational’: Japan’s acrobatic salarymen find joy in cheerleading

Trading spreadsheets for synchronised moves, this unique cheerleading group is capturing hearts with their spectacular acrobatic routines.

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Members of Cheer Re-Man’s, an all-male cheer-leading team of active businessmen, perform at “Cheer Up Japan” in Tokyo in March. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan woman cuts off boyfriend’s ring finger to stop him marrying someone else

‘Cute and sweet’ cosplaying girlfriend with manipulative, violent streak puts severed digit in alcohol, stores in fridge.

Thailand

Thai funeral home worker takes gold teeth from ashes, melts them into gold bars

Employee insists long-standing practice is entirely legal, done with full consent of families of deceased.

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Trending in China

Chinese diver, 30, drowns trying to recover dropped camera off Indonesian island

Dead woman said to be experienced diver with instructor qualifications, family devastated over underwater tragedy.

A 30-year-old Chinese woman has drowned while trying to recover a dropped camera off an Indonesian island. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Sohu
Thailand

Thai politician’s cafe photo with workers behind glass, sparks ‘human zoo’ row

Healthcare company executive tries to explain away voyeuristic coffee shop gaffe but online critics are not satisfied.

Trending in China

Japan blogger says China tourists are ‘stealing electricity’ from public chargers

‘Inflammatory’ influencer who regularly taunts Chinese people online is accused of making ‘highly offensive’ posts on social media.

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Trending in China

Making chess fun: Nemo Zhou is an influencer and woman grandmaster on a mission

Chinese-born Canadian says on visit to Hong Kong that she wants to encourage more people to play – and challenge some stereotypes.

Nemo Zhou makes an appearance in Hong Kong this week. Photo: Hong Kong, China Chess Federation
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.

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

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

Thousands of people engage with story about racy deal to buy second-hand BMW, as woman who made offer says husband agrees with move.

Malaysia

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

Temple claims world first as on-screen digital deity that looks like a chubby version of a famous Chinese actress dishes out advice.

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.

A Japanese “kept man” has gained online fame for receiving financial support from 15 wealthy women, earning a monthly income of US$7,000. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@takuya_ikoma
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.

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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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.

A famous Japanese singer who travels for four hours a day to attend university has gained admiration for her commitment and dedication. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/IG@yuzwuki
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.

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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Cameron Mofid in Pyongyang, North Korea – the 195th country he has visited. Photo: Cameron Mofid
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.

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’s Chiharu Shida in action in England last month. Photo: AP
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.

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.

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