This week, San from ATEEZ performed a viral chest-beating dance on the field during a friendly football match in Seoul, sparking fierce online debate. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands for the first time, triggering strong protests from Japan. The islands have been disputed territory between the two countries since World War II.
Across several European countries, millions flocked to witness a rare solar eclipse, energizing local retail and tourism sectors.
In Latin America, Colombian rescue teams urgently searched for survivors following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake, while the government faced criticism for rejecting aid offers from many countries and permitting only four nations to send rescue teams.
In a major Middle East development, a Syrian court sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad and associates to death for crimes against humanity, marking the first such verdict against the Assad regime since its fall.
Poland is preparing to unveil Europe’s tallest Virgin Mary statue, despite criticism over the large budget in a country becoming increasingly secular.
In Denmark, Greenlanders organized a colorful kayak parade celebrating International Indigenous Peoples’ Day, expressing opposition to U.S. efforts under President Donald Trump to take control of Greenland.
South Korea
San from ATEEZ performs chest-beating dance at Manchester City-Atletico Madrid opener, sparking social media divide
San from ATEEZ appeared as a special guest to open the Coupang Play Series friendly match between Manchester City and Atletico Madrid at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Wearing an Atletico Madrid jersey to support Lee Kang-in, he performed the viral chest-beating dance from the song BAD on the field, exciting the stadium audience but igniting heated online debate. Some traditional football fans and K-pop followers criticized him for appearing "embarrassing" and losing "charisma" in this appearance. A video clip posted by Manchester City’s sports news website was later removed due to copyright issues.
Russia-Japan
Japan protests Putin’s visit to Kuril Islands, disputed territory since World War II
The Japanese government strongly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first visit to the Kuril Islands. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi denounced the visit as "completely unacceptable," as the islands have been claimed by both countries since Soviet occupation near the end of World War II. Putin’s visit intensified tensions following Japan’s sanctions on Russia over the 2022 Ukraine invasion, despite Russia’s assertion of sovereignty over the islands under international documents.
Solar Eclipse
First total solar eclipse in 27 years draws millions across Europe to watch simultaneously
Millions across Europe witnessed a solar eclipse caused by the moon moving in front of the sun. Some areas of Greenland, northern Spain, and Iceland experienced a total eclipse, while countries like the UK and France saw a partial eclipse. This was the first total solar eclipse in the region since 1999. Beyond excitement, it boosted retail and tourism, with some hotels in Iceland and northern Spain charging over $1,000 per night. Many people queued to buy eclipse glasses.
Colombia
Race to find survivors after 7.4 earthquake as government rejects aid from many countries
Colombian rescue teams raced against time to find nearly 380 missing people after a devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake that killed at least 281. President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government faced criticism for limiting international aid, requesting rescue teams from only four countries: the U.S., El Salvador, Ecuador, and Israel, citing internationally certified safety standards. Renowned rescue group Topos from Mexico was denied, raising concerns about the critical 72-hour rescue window.
Syria
Syrian court sentences Assad to death for crimes against humanity after regime toppled
A Syrian court sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and six former senior officials to death for murder, torture, and crimes against humanity during the 14-year civil war that caused over half a million deaths. Although symbolic—since the Assad brothers fled to Russia after the government fell in December 2024—it marks the first verdict against the Assad network. Atef Najib, a cousin and former official in custody, was the only one sentenced in person.
Poland
Europe’s tallest Virgin Mary statue unveiled amid criticism over huge budget
Poland is set to unveil Europe’s tallest Virgin Mary statue, standing 55 meters tall and costing over 100 million zlotys (approximately 889 million baht). Funded by billionaire Roman Karkosik, the statue attracts many pilgrims but faces criticism over the massive spending, with some arguing funds should support hospitals or orphanages, especially as the Catholic population has declined from 88% to 71% over the past decade.
Denmark
Colorful kayak parade celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day, supports Greenland’s stance against U.S.
Hundreds of kayakers gathered in Copenhagen Bay to parade in celebration of International Indigenous Peoples’ Day, waving Greenland’s national flag. The event highlighted identity and territorial rights. Julie Rademager, president of the Greenlanders’ Association in Denmark, said this year is challenging due to threats following U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to acquire Greenland, a mineral-rich, self-governing Danish territory.
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