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Viral stories
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Viral stories
Trending events, happenings and people that have made waves on social media or online in wider Asia, and the world beyond.
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Thailand
‘So fake’: viral Lisa image for Thai tourism fuels AI concerns
The image of K-pop star Lisa Manobal framed against blooms of the Red Lotus Sea has sparked a meme wave and debate about AI in creative work.
23 Jan 2026 - 4:27PM
South Korea
Dubai chewy cookie: K-pop post sparks viral South Korean snack frenzy
23 Jan 2026 - 2:59PM
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Thailand
Thai woman dates twin brothers at once, gets family support, sparks mixed reactions
22 Jan 2026 - 9:00AM
Thailand
‘Not a gym’: Thai temple warns tourists not to do yoga, climb ancient rocks at place of worship
Officials at scared mountainside sanctuary threaten to close shrine to visitors permanently; online observers decry disrespect to Buddhism.
21 Jan 2026 - 9:00AM
Japan
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Japan ramen joint bans Chinese customers amid menu price row
The restaurant says it had to call police over unruly Chinese diners, but online sleuths say the real cause of the trouble was dual pricing on its menus.
16 Jan 2026 - 7:52PM
Trending in China
Japan ramen eatery bans ‘troublesome’ China diners, charges more for English menu
Restaurant says it had to call police over unruly Chinese diners; online sleuths claim real reason for ‘trouble’ is dual pricing policy.
16 Jan 2026 - 8:32PM
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Japan
Japan woman mocked for ‘ugly’ looks, resists cosmetic surgery, uses make-up
Ridiculed as a child, woman takes more than 30,000 selfies in 13 years on fashion journey; says it was like a ‘scientific study’.
15 Jan 2026 - 2:00PM
Mainland China
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Chinese-made ‘Are You Dead’ app addresses fear of dying alone
Failing to check in for two days in a row will result in the app sending an email to the emergency contact person.
13 Jan 2026 - 9:39PM
Malaysia
Fast and furious: Malaysian streetwear boss suspended after road rage video
The Stoned & Co co-founder, seen on camera tailgating and blocking a car after being honked at, has apologised for his ‘poor judgment’.
13 Jan 2026 - 2:27PM
The Philippines
Filipino woman worships green statue for 4 years, finds out it is animated character Shrek
Woman treats green ogre figure with great reverence; says she will continue to worship ‘kind-hearted’ cartoon statue.
12 Jan 2026 - 9:00AM
The Philippines
Soap opera in the sky: why Philippine Airlines’ safety video became a viral hit
The melodramatic Filipino teleserye-style video has racked up millions of views online by blending safety rules with storytelling.
9 Jan 2026 - 3:22PM
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Social media
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Viral video of bare hands in drinks gets milk tea shop closed
The employee filmed the act herself for social media, claiming it was ‘Indian-style milk tea’ for entertainment.
8 Jan 2026 - 9:04PM
Trending in China
Japan zoo makes workers mimic pandas after 4 bears return to China, launches fan club
‘Bizarre’ caged activity compared to ‘avant-garde theatre’ as animal park tries to cement passion for pandas amid Sino-Japanese tension.
8 Jan 2026 - 2:00PM
Japan
Japan insecticide firm holds memorial to honour bugs killed during product testing
Unusual 40-year-old tradition sees monk chant and employees pray for dead cockroaches, mites and fleas; critics find ceremony ‘ironic’.
6 Jan 2026 - 9:00AM
US-Venezuela conflict
Nike tracksuit worn by Maduro is selling out after viral photo
Global searches for the distinctive Nike grey hoodie and joggers spike after Venezuela’s leader is pictured in US custody.
6 Jan 2026 - 8:22AM
Fame and celebrity
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What is the relationship ‘swag gap’? Just ask Hailey and Justin Bieber
It’s been 2 years since the Biebers attended a Rhode beauty drop in wildly different outfits – and TikTok seems to think such ‘swag gaps’ are relationship deal-breakers.
5 Jan 2026 - 6:00PM
Japan
Japan gamer, 12, plans to quit school for esports, backed by parents, sparks debate
Boy with capacity for focus far exceeding ordinary child aims for top of professional gaming; once concentrated on game so much, he wet himself.
5 Jan 2026 - 9:00AM
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South Korea
Korean professors fined for taking students’ tests to inflate scores, stop budget cuts
Teachers sat ‘key’ exams to keep poorly performing people at university amid school closure threats; one academic faces extortion bid.
4 Jan 2026 - 4:00PM
Malaysia
Inspirational one-armed Malaysian man works as food delivery rider to save for wedding
26-year-old suffered horrendous injuries after being dragged along road in an accident; shuns use of prosthetic arm as it causes too much pain.
3 Jan 2026 - 6:00PM
Mainland China
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Watch SCMP’s most watched viral videos of 2025
Watch SCMP’s most viewed viral videos of 2025.
30 Dec 2025 - 4:33PM
Hong Kong
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Hikers scale steep slope in Hong Kong’s Ocean Park
Video apparently taken from a cable car at the attraction and shows hikers climbing down giant seahorse carved into Brick Hill.
29 Dec 2025 - 4:30PM
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Japan
‘I am dead’: Japan man posts posthumous social media message; many admire strength
Optimistic post appears 2 days after man dies following battle with rare cancer; death reveals new side of his personality to farmer father.
28 Dec 2025 - 9:00AM
Japan
Japan stabbing rampage leaves 15 injured at Yokohama rubber factory
Authorities confirm injuries after a weapon and ‘spray-like liquid’ attack. Local media report one man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
27 Dec 2025 - 1:47PM
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Thailand
Thailand rediscovers ‘extinct’ flat-headed cat after three decades
Elusive feline spotted with cub, offering hope for endangered species’ survival.
26 Dec 2025 - 6:08PM
Singapore
Gaffes, breaches and sinkhole stars: Singapore’s 2025 social storms
Passionate online discussions have revealed concerns about power, accountability and how the country sees itself.
25 Dec 2025 - 11:30AM
India
Indian doctor suspended, charged after allegedly assaulting patient
Dr Raghav Narula is accused of speaking disrespectfully to a patient at a hospital in Shimla, but has denied wrongdoing in the confrontation.
24 Dec 2025 - 7:35PM
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World of performing arts
Meet the Korean viral ‘dancing conductor’ who says he’s not actually dancing
Some conductors are visibly moved by the music, but Korean maestro Baek Yoon-hak takes that concept a step or two further.
24 Dec 2025 - 4:15PM
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Trending in China
Japanese tourist in China gets extreme kindness after car crash, changes perceptions
Amid Sino-Japanese tensions, woman describes treatment she received as ‘incredibly warm, genuine and professional’.
24 Dec 2025 - 2:00PM
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