Chris Infotainment

Bao Ngoc once spent VND850,000 (US$30) to acquire a rare “liquid eyes” Baby Three, a collectible plush toy. However, she now finds herself unable to sell it for more than VND100,000. The 24-year-old office worker in Thu Duc Ward, HCMC, recalls the disappointment she felt when collectors told her the model was out of style and only suitable for display. “I was devastated,” she said. In late 2024, Ngoc invested over VND7 million to build a collection of more than 10 Baby Three figures. Initially, she intended to purchase a few as keepsakes, but after spending daily browsing online collector groups, she found herself caught in a shopping spiral driven by the fear of missing out. She described the thrill of unboxing and owning rare models priced between VND250,000 and VND900,000. By early 2025, the frenzy around Labubu and Baby Three figures began to fade. Official products became widely available, reducing their scarcity. As the novelty wore off, Ngoc lost interest in acquiring new fig...

Thailand's Tourism Outlook for 2025 Thailand, the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, is preparing for a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals next year. The country expects to welcome approximately 34.9 million international visitors, representing a 4% rise compared to the previous year. This surge is anticipated to generate around 1.63 trillion baht (approximately $51.7 billion) in revenue, marking an 8% year-on-year growth. In addition to foreign tourism, domestic travel is also expected to contribute substantially to the economy. Total tourism revenue, including both domestic and international sectors, is forecasted to reach 2.79 trillion baht ($88 billion). This figure highlights the importance of tourism as a key driver of economic growth in the region. Challenges in 2024 Despite the positive outlook for 2025, the tourism industry in Thailand is currently facing some challenges. Authorities predict that the number of foreign arrivals this year will decre...

Jamie Dimon's Warning on AI and the Future of Work Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has issued a cautionary message about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce. However, his advice to workers is not one of panic but rather a call for adaptability and the development of uniquely human skills. In an interview on Fox News, Dimon acknowledged that AI will eliminate certain jobs. Yet, he emphasized that this does not mean people will be left without employment. Instead, he urged individuals to focus on critical thinking, learning new skills, and improving communication abilities. "You'll have plenty of jobs," he said, highlighting the importance of these competencies in an AI-driven world. Dimon’s comments come as AI transitions from science fiction to a tangible reality for millions of workers. Across corporate America, executives are increasingly open about the disruptions AI is causing, particularly among younger and white-collar employees. S...

On the 5th, at Hsinchu High-Speed Rail Station in Taiwan. Exiting the station, located northeast of Hsinchu—a city symbolizing Taiwan’s semiconductor industry—construction sites were visible among high-rise buildings and apartments. The Zhubei area north of Hsinchu, especially near the high-speed rail station, is emerging as a new affluent neighborhood. Luxury apartment complexes are springing up like bamboo shoots after rain, and high-income engineers from the Hsinchu Science Park are flocking here due to the 30–40-minute high-speed rail ride to the capital, Taipei. Liu Jianhong, who runs Taiching Real Estate, said, “The area near the high-speed rail station was barren just 10 years ago, but now it’s the most expensive land in Hsinchu. Over the past three years, housing prices have nearly doubled, with the average market price reaching approximately 38 million Korean won per pyeong, and the highest-priced apartments hitting around 4.5 billion Korean won, nearing the levels of Taipei’...

The sole perfect scorer on the 2026 academic year college entrance exam in Gwangju Metropolitan City has become a topic of interest after it was revealed that the individual had previously demonstrated remarkable math skills on a YouTube channel. This revelation has sparked curiosity about the student's background and approach to education. According to the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, Choi Jang-woo, a third-year humanities student at Gwangju Seoseok High School, achieved a perfect score on this year’s exam. Among the five perfect scorers, one is a current student from Gwangju, two from Seoul, and one from Jeollabuk-do, while the remaining individual is a retaker from Seoul. Choi has applied to the Department of Economics at Seoul National University through the non-regular admissions general track and is currently waiting for the final result. His journey to success has not gone unnoticed, especially due to his previous appearance on a YouTube channel where he show...

Growing Resilience in the Lifestyle Retail Market Despite the challenges that the economy is expected to face in 2026, the lifestyle retail market continues to show signs of growth. According to Achira Boonsongkor, director and executive committee member of Moshi Moshi Retail Corporation Plc, this segment remains resilient even during economic slowdowns. People continue to spend on impulse purchases, driven by factors such as attractive product displays, store ambiance, and emotional connections. Emotions play a significant role in shaping consumer behavior within this sector, Mr. Achira noted. The atmosphere of the stores and the products themselves create an experience that resonates with customers, encouraging repeat visits and brand loyalty. This emotional appeal is a key factor in maintaining demand, even when financial conditions are less favorable. The market is also evolving as more new operators enter the space, increasing competition. In September 2025, Index Living Mall P...

Key Attractions for Tourists in Indonesia Indonesian Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, has emphasized the significance of shopping activities as a major draw for tourists visiting the country. During a press conference held in Jakarta on November 21, she highlighted the need to promote shopping tourism not only within neighboring countries but also across ASEAN and other international markets. According to Widiyanti, the growing interest in shopping among tourists is evident from the trends observed in 2024. Foreign visitors to Indonesia spent an average of US$1,391 during their visits, with 11.4% of this amount allocated to souvenirs and gifts. This data underscores the potential of the retail sector in attracting and retaining tourists. Initiatives to Boost Shopping Tourism To capitalize on this opportunity, the Ministry of Tourism has introduced several initiatives aimed at enhancing the promotion of shopping tourism. These efforts are particularly focused on prepa...

During graduate school, low wages often made survival a key concern. Many colleagues from modest backgrounds faced similar challenges. The belief that "becoming a professor would bring stability and prestige" began to fade as more individuals opted for corporate jobs. At a recent reunion, a friend who completed postdoctoral studies abroad and was appointed as an assistant professor at a prestigious private university shared a starting salary of 70 million Korean won. The reaction was one of shock. Even more surprising was the revelation that Seoul National University assistant professors had seen their starting salaries remain stagnant in the 60 million range for over a decade. Top talent does not stay where compensation is cut. As highlighted by KBS’s “War on Talent,” elite professionals are increasingly moving toward medical schools. Current researchers admit, “I’m considering discouraging my child from pursuing engineering.” They understand better than anyone that dedica...

Rising Demand for Winter Wear in China China's down jacket and coat manufacturers are experiencing a surge in sales, driven by strong demand for high-end winter wear. This trend is expected to continue for the next three months as colder weather sets in. Retailers like Bosideng, one of the country's leading brands, are benefiting from this increased interest in premium products. According to a recent research report by Shanghai-based securities firm Shenwan Hongyuan Group, garment makers that offer winter-specific clothing have seen a significant boost due to the cold temperatures this year. The late arrival of the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 17, 2026, is also contributing to the prolonged high season for down jacket sales. A buoyant winter clothing market could help cushion against deflation, especially given the weak consumer demand for daily essentials and big-ticket items. In the first nine months of the year, retail sales on the mainland increased by 4.5% c...

Market Trends and Consumer Goods Resilience In a market characterized by bearish sentiment, the KOSPI has experienced a decline of over 6% this month. Despite this downturn, consumer goods-related indices and stocks have shown an upward trend. This contrast is notable, as large tech stocks—previously buoyed by concerns over an artificial intelligence (AI) "bubble"—have seen their momentum stall. Analysts suggest that expectations surrounding potential benefits for Korean consumer goods companies from the ongoing conflict between China and Japan are influencing the current market dynamics. From June to October this year, the KOSPI saw a significant rally of 52.3%, primarily driven by the semiconductor sector. However, during this period, the KRX Essential Consumer Goods Index and the KRX Cyclical Consumer Goods Index only managed to rise by 8.5% and 4.6%, respectively. This indicates that the consumer goods sector was largely excluded from the broader market rally. Expecta...

Rising Interest Rates in Savings Banks In recent months, savings banks have been gradually increasing their deposit rates. This trend follows the actions of commercial banks, which raised their deposit rates to attract funds that were flowing into the stock market. As a result, savings banks have also started to follow suit, adjusting their rates to remain competitive. According to the Korea Federation of Savings Banks, on the 24th, the average interest rate for one-year fixed deposit products at 79 savings banks was 2.71% annually. This represents an increase of 0.02 percentage points from the previous day's rate of 2.69%. This marks the first time in four weeks that the average interest rate for savings bank fixed deposits has reached the 2.7% range. The last time this occurred was on the 29th of last month, when the rate stood at 2.7%. The number of deposit products with interest rates exceeding 3% annually remained at two until the previous day. However, on the 24th, this n...

The Collapse of Stablecoins and the Risks They Pose The virtual currency market has experienced significant instability in recent times, with stablecoins—designed to maintain a stable value tied to fiat currencies—facing a series of depegging events. These incidents have resulted in substantial losses for investors, raising concerns about the reliability of these digital assets. Stablecoins are marketed as maintaining a consistent value, such as "1 coin = 1 dollar." However, when their value deviates from this peg, it is referred to as depegging. This phenomenon has prompted calls for increased caution among investors. While some stablecoins, like Tether (USDT) and USDC (issued by Circle), have managed to maintain relatively stable values by holding significant portions of their reserves in cash or U.S. short-term Treasury bonds, others have faced severe challenges. The problematic stablecoins are those that claim to maintain value through undisclosed algorithms or comple...

Political Criticism of Economic Policies Jang Dong-hyeok, the leader of the People Power Party, made a strong statement on the 24th regarding the current economic situation in the country. He described the challenges faced by citizens due to high exchange rates and inflation as an “incompetence tax” caused by the government's inefficiency. This comment was made during a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Jang pointed out that President Lee Jae-myung is too focused on avoiding legal consequences to address the economic issues effectively. He mentioned that the current economic opportunities are being missed, which could have helped stabilize the economy. The exchange rate has been rising significantly, approaching the 1,500 Korean won range. Jang warned that if annual investments of 20 billion dollars to the U.S. continue, the foreign exchange crisis will worsen. Additionally, he noted that prices are increasing, leading to frustration among ...

The Won-to-Dollar Exchange Rate Reaches New Heights On the 24th, the won-to-dollar exchange rate opened at 1,472 Korean won in the Seoul foreign exchange market. This is a higher level than the opening rate on the 14th (1,471.9 Korean won), when Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol made a verbal intervention, stating, “We will actively utilize available measures.” This indicates that the central bank is closely monitoring the situation as the exchange rate continues to rise. Experts note that the recent high exchange rate is showing a different pattern compared to previous instances. This is because the correlation between stock prices and the current account balance has collapsed. So far this year, the KOSPI has risen by 60%. The current account balance has been in surplus for 29 consecutive months. Typically, when the KOSPI rises, the exchange rate falls. This is because converting won into foreign currency to invest in the Korean stock market in...

Key Developments in Corporate-Led Venture Capital (CVC) Systems Hwawoo Law Firm is set to host a significant seminar on the 3rd of next month, in collaboration with the Federation of Korean Industries. The event aims to explore government policy directions and corporate strategies related to corporate-led venture capital (CVC) systems. As ongoing discussions continue between the government and industry about potential changes to the separation of financial and industrial capital principle and the CVC framework, officials, industry representatives, and legal experts will come together to share insights and discuss operational directions for the system. The 2021 revision of the Fair Trade Act marked a turning point by allowing the establishment of CVCs under holding companies. This move positioned CVCs as crucial platforms for large corporations to identify new business opportunities and expand their investments in startups. Recently, the government has been considering several adjust...

Recovery in Seoul and Bundang Office Markets The office markets in Seoul and Bundang are showing signs of recovery, breaking free from a prolonged period of price stagnation. This positive trend is particularly notable as it contrasts with the ongoing challenges faced by knowledge industry centers, which continue to struggle with oversupply and weak demand. According to the "Third Quarter 2025 Office and Knowledge Industry Center Sales Index Report" released by Al Square Research Center, a commercial real estate service company, the Seoul-Bundang office sales index reached 504.3 points in the third quarter, marking a 1.5% increase from the previous quarter. This represents an approximately fivefold rise compared to the first quarter of 2001, when the index stood at 100 points. The data suggests that the market has entered a recovery phase, moving away from the price stagnation that followed the peak in 2022. Cumulative office transaction amounts from the beginning of this...

U.S. Dollar Gains Against Vietnamese Dong Amid Global Trends The U.S. dollar saw a notable rise against the Vietnamese dong on Friday morning, setting the stage for its strongest weekly performance in over a month when compared to major global currencies. This movement reflects broader trends in the foreign exchange market, where the greenback has been gaining strength amid shifting expectations about monetary policy. Vietcombank, one of Vietnam’s leading commercial banks, sold the U.S. dollar at VND26,392, marking a slight increase of 0.02% from the previous day. On the black market, the currency reached approximately VND27,645, reflecting a 0.38% rise. Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam adjusted its reference rate upward by 0.02%, setting it at VND25,136. Globally, the U.S. dollar was positioned for its best week in over a month, driven by investor sentiment that the Federal Reserve may not be inclined to cut interest rates in the near future. This expectation has contributed t...

Life Satisfaction in Australia Reaches a Low Point A recent report from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre highlights a concerning trend: life satisfaction among Australians is at its lowest between the ages of 40 and 44. This decline is particularly pronounced among women, who face increasing challenges due to unpaid care and housework that significantly impact their wellbeing. The report warns that middle-aged Australians are at the highest risk of burnout. They are caught between work pressures, family responsibilities, and rising financial strain. According to Dr Daniel Kiely, the lead author, women in their 40s and 50s bear a disproportionate burden. They spend approximately 12 more hours per week on unpaid care and household tasks compared to men, and they experience 13% more time-stress. By the age of 48, one in ten women is caring for both children and aging parents, a rate that is double that of men. Many are part of the "sandwich generation," balancing the need...

Japan's New Economic Package to Address Rising Costs Tokyo has unveiled a significant economic package, valued at approximately 21.3 trillion yen ($135 billion), aimed at addressing the rising cost of living. This initiative marks the first major stimulus under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office just a month ago. The overall impact of this package is expected to reach 42.8 trillion yen when considering spending by local governments and the private sector. This exceeds the previous year’s measures, which totaled 39 trillion yen. The package includes several strategies designed to support the world's fourth-largest economy. These measures are particularly important as concerns grow over potential negative impacts from higher U.S. tariffs on businesses and households. In addition to immediate inflation relief, the government plans to increase investments in critical areas such as shipbuilding and artificial intelligence. These sectors are seen as essential for crisi...

Sudan's Inflation Rate Shows Continued Decline in October 2025 Sudan’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported on Wednesday that the inflation rate continued its downward trend, reaching 77.40% in October 2025, compared to 83.47% in September. This marks a significant reduction in the pace of price increases, although the rate remains extremely high. The annual inflation rate is calculated by comparing the general price level for the current month with the same month in the previous year. This measure reflects the overall change in prices over a full year. According to the CBS, the inflation rate in October 2025 increased by 77.40% compared to the same period in 2024. Regional Variations in Inflation Rates In urban areas, the inflation rate dropped to 83.37% in October, down from 87.64% in September. Meanwhile, rural areas saw an inflation rate of 74.76%, a decrease from 81.91% in the previous month. These regional differences highlight the varying economic conditions and a...