News

Around 40,000 fans gathered in central Seoul on Saturday to watch K-pop group BTS return to the stage after a four-year hiatus, prompting authorities to enforce heightened security measures, Yonhap reports.

The seven-member group began their performance at 8 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square, with police estimating attendance between 40,000 and 42,000 people.

Large Crowds Fill City Centre

The venue included about 22,000 standing places stretching from Gwanghwamun Square to Seoul City Hall. Additional fans watched the concert on large outdoor screens mounted on nearby buildings, while others gathered around the area to catch a glimpse of the performance.

Thousands of residents have been evacuated across Hawaii after severe storms triggered the worst flooding the state has seen in two decades, officials said.

Governor Josh Green warned that a statewide flood watch remains in effect, with dangerous flash flooding threatening Oahu and parts of Maui County. The storm is the second to hit the islands in a week, leaving the ground heavily saturated and increasing the risk of further damage.

Some areas have recorded up to 50 inches (127 cm) of rain over the past 10 days, with more rainfall expected. Authorities say this has significantly raised...

Audi have confirmed that Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley has left the Formula 1 outfit with immediate effect, less than a year after joining the organisation.

Wheatley, a long-time Red Bull figure, took on the team boss role in April last year after moving to Kick Sauber, which transitioned into Audi’s works team for the 2026 season. He oversaw a strong period of progress, including multiple points finishes and Nico Hulkenberg’s first podium at Silverstone, helping lift the team from the bottom of the standings.

He also led the squad’s transformation into a full Audi works entry over the winter, marking...

Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has set a new professional record with a remarkable 153 break during his World Open match in China.

The historic moment came in the opening frame against Ryan Day, after O’Sullivan was awarded a free ball. He capitalised by potting the green, then compiling 15 reds with a mix of blacks and pinks before clearing the colours to surpass the traditional maximum break of 147.

The record-breaking performance helped O’Sullivan secure a dominant 5-0 victory, booking his place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

He is set to face Wu Yize next, as he...

The 2026 Formula 1 season is facing growing uncertainty after early cancellations and rising concerns over additional races later in the year.

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix have already been called off due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, leaving gaps in the early-season calendar. Organisers confirmed that no replacement races would be scheduled, with support series events also affected.

Attention is now turning to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which could be at risk given its proximity to regional conflict zones. While Baku has not been directly impacted, logistical and safety concerns are increasing.

The...

A Pakistan-flagged oil tanker has become the first non-Iranian vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz with its tracking system active since Iran asserted control over the vital shipping lane amid ongoing conflict.

The tanker, identified as the Karachi, was reportedly allowed safe passage along a northern route near Larak Island, suggesting coordination with Iranian authorities. The transit comes after weeks of disruption, during which multiple vessels were targeted in the region.

Analysts say the move reflects a selective strategy by Iran, allowing certain ships, particularly from friendly or strategically important partners, to pass while maintaining pressure...

Israel launched air strikes on Tehran as Iranians marked Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in a sharp escalation of tensions across the Middle East.

Iran responded by firing missiles toward Jerusalem, with interceptions reported over the city. The exchange comes amid a widening conflict involving multiple regional actors.

The crisis is spreading beyond Iran and Israel. Missile and drone attacks were reported in several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain. A drone strike on a Kuwaiti oil refinery triggered a fire, according to state media.

Diplomatic tensions have also intensified. Iran warned the...

A feature film based on the globally popular Labubu toys is officially in development, Chinese company Pop Mart and Sony Pictures have confirmed.

The project, which will combine live action and computer-generated animation, is in early development. It will be directed by Paul King, known for Paddington and Wonka, though no release date has been announced.

Labubu figures, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have become a global sensation, driving Pop Mart’s valuation to nearly $40bn and attracting a devoted fan base, including celebrities.

The character, a forest elf inspired by Nordic mythology, originates from Lung’s book...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed the completed construction of the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand, describing it as a major spiritual and cultural project for the country.

Rebuilt on the initiative of the head of state, the complex reflects the legacy of Imam Bukhari, one of the most revered hadith scholars in the Islamic world. Authorities said the site has been modernised to accommodate pilgrims while preserving its religious significance.

A new tourists center has been created on a 15-hectare area surrounding the complex, featuring hotels, guest houses and service facilities. The infrastructure now allows the site...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has congratulated the nation on the occasion of the Ramadan Hayit holiday.

«In these wonderful moments, we thank the Almighty for the peace and tranquility on our land. Following the tradition established in recent years, this year as well we, together with all our people, have carried out many good deeds to observe the holy month of Ramadan,» the head of state said.

Approximately 1 trillion Uzbek soums (UZS) were allocated to support low-income families and the sick. Of this amount, 450 bn soums were directed to assist...

K-pop titans BTS have officially launched their highly anticipated comeback, releasing a cinematic new music video, dropping their fifth studio album and preparing for a massive open-air concert in Seoul before embarking on an extensive world tour.

Cinematic Return With “SWIM”

The group kicked off their return on Friday at 1pm KST with the release of the music video for their lead single, “SWIM”. Filmed against the vast ocean backdrop of Lisbon, the visual masterpiece features real ships and intricate sets that create an overwhelming sense of scale.

Directed by world-renowned filmmaker Tanu Muino, the story-driven video stars...

BTS leader RM has sustained an ankle injury during rehearsals just days before the group’s highly anticipated full-group comeback concert in central Seoul, his agency said.

The rapper was injured on Thursday and taken to hospital for evaluation and treatment, according to BigHit Music. Medical staff diagnosed ligament damage and inflammation, advising him to wear a leg cast and avoid movement for at least two weeks.

The incident comes shortly before BTS is set to perform a free outdoor concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square, celebrating the release of their fifth studio album, «Arirang.»

Despite...

Former U.S. president Donald Trump is confronting a growing web of legal risks that could shape his post-presidency, with challenges emerging both domestically and internationally.

A landmark 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision has significantly altered the legal landscape. In Trump v. United States, the court ruled that former presidents enjoy absolute immunity for core constitutional actions and presumptive immunity for other official acts, while unofficial conduct remains prosecutable. This distinction has made it more difficult for prosecutors to pursue cases, as courts must now determine which actions fall within official duties.

Legal analysts warn that Trump’s exposure may...

FIFA has approved new rules requiring women’s national teams to include female coaches on their benches, as part of efforts to boost representation in football.

Under the regulation, each team competing in FIFA women’s tournaments must have at least two female staff members, including at least one in a key role such as head coach or assistant coach. The measure was approved at a FIFA Council meeting and will come into force at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland in September.

The rule will also apply to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and FIFA’s...

Canadian energy company Condor Energies said its gas production in Uzbekistan continued to grow in 2025, as the firm also advanced LNG and critical minerals projects in Kazakhstan.

According to the company’s year-end results, average production in Uzbekistan reached 10,484 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in 2025, including 10,202 boe/d of natural gas and 282 barrels per day of condensate. Annual gas and condensate sales in the country totaled CAD 80.66 mln.

In the fourth quarter, output in Uzbekistan rose 5.6% from the previous quarter to 10,534 boe/d. Condor added that production in March 2026 has...

The Philippines defeated Uzbekistan 2–0 in a crucial AFC Women’s Asian Cup play-off match, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup alive.

The match, played in Australia as part of the tournament’s play-in stage, saw the Filipinas deliver a composed performance to secure victory and eliminate Uzbekistan from contention.

The play-off fixtures involve teams that lost in the quarter-finals, with winners earning a direct place at the World Cup, underlining the high stakes of the encounter.

Despite a competitive showing, Uzbekistan failed to convert chances and were ultimately undone by two goals from the...

Uzbekistan is often described as one of the happiest countries in Central Asia, but a closer look suggests the picture is more complex than global rankings imply. Are Uzbeks really happy asks The Diplomat Media.

According to recent international surveys, Uzbekistan ranks relatively high in measures of life satisfaction compared to its regional peers. The country placed around the middle of global rankings and emerged as one of the happiest in Eurasia, reflecting strong social ties and a culture of mutual support.

Analysts note that such rankings rely heavily on subjective perceptions, how people feel about their...

Several Central European countries are advancing stricter migration and border policies, with Austria opening talks with Uzbekistan while Germany, Poland and others move to tighten asylum and security measures.

Austria has approved the start of negotiations with Uzbekistan on a migration agreement aimed at facilitating deportations of rejected asylum seekers, including third-country nationals transiting through the Central Asian state. The deal is also expected to include schemes for skilled workers, students and researchers. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said the move would help enforce «orderly migration» and uphold the rule of law.

In the Czech Republic, the government is...

Uzbekistan is moving forward with plans to modernise its water management system in partnership with China’s LEO Group, following high-level talks in Tashkent.

The discussions took place between Deputy Minister Ilzat Kasimov and LEO Group Chairman Wang Xianjun, focusing on investment projects to produce modern pumping equipment and upgrade water infrastructure across the country.

Both sides explored the construction of new pumping stations under public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms, as well as the creation of a specialized technopark dedicated to advanced engineering and technological solutions.

Officials said the projects aim to boost efficiency in water resource management and support...

The European Union has honoured its Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Toivo Klaar, for two decades of service in European public administration.

The award was presented during the annual EU Ambassadors Conference in Brussels by Kaja Kallas, who serves as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The recognition highlights Klaar’s long-standing contribution to the EU’s external action, including his role in strengthening ties with Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.

On the same occasion, EU official Diego Escalona Paturel also received a medal marking 20 years of service.

In a statement, the EU Delegation to...

U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy on March 19 after drawing a comparison between recent American strikes on Iran and Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, during a White House meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump defended the element of surprise in military operations when asked why allies had not been informed in advance of the strikes on Tehran.

«We wanted surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan?» he said, referencing the historic attack.

Trump went on to question Japan’s decision-making during Pearl Harbor...

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is injecting up to $15.4 mln into UzCarlsberg to facilitate the major brewer’s growth.

As the sole producer of international Carlsberg Group brands in Uzbekistan, the company will use this equity investment to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and promote sustainability within the regional food industry.

UzCarlsberg, which has partnered with the EBRD since 2022, plans to direct the funds toward constructing a new brewing plant alongside its current operations. The financial boost will also enable the brewer to upgrade its warehouse facilities and procure cutting-edge bottling and brewing machinery. Ultimately, these upgrades...

Actor Val Kilmer will appear on screen after his death in what producers describe as a groundbreaking performance created using generative artificial intelligence in the upcoming film «As Deep as the Grave.»

Kilmer, known for roles in «Top Gun,» «The Doors» and «Batman Forever,» had been cast as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest with ties to Native American spirituality. However, he was unable to take part in filming due to health complications linked to throat cancer. He died last April at the age of 65.

Filmmakers said they worked closely with Kilmer’s estate and his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, to...

U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel had «violently lashed out» at Iran’s major South Pars gas field in a significant escalation of the U.S.-Israeli conflict, but added Israel would not carry out further strikes unless Iran retaliated, Reuters reports.

Wednesday’s attack on the giant gas facility drove up oil prices and prompted Iran to threaten strikes on oil and gas targets across the Gulf, while firing missiles at Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The escalation further disrupts global energy supplies and increases political stakes for Trump, who joined Israel in targeting Iran nearly four weeks ago.

QatarEnergy reported «extensive damage...