[2026-05-08 17:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Summary of external news of North Korea this week

Snippet: SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of external news on North Korea this week.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260508004400315

[2026-05-08 16:57 UTC+10:00] [Volcanoes] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The New York Times

Title: 3 Hikers Dead and Several Missing After Volcano Erupts in Indonesia

Snippet: A volcanic eruption in Indonesia on Friday killed at least three hikers and left several others missing, setting off a search and rescue mission to evacuate climbers from the area, officials said.

Read full article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/08/world/asia/indonesia-volcano-eruption-dukono-hikers.html

[2026-05-08 16:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Special envoy visits Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq to discuss Mideast conflict, bilateral ties

Snippet: SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- A special envoy of South Korea's foreign minister has visited Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq and met with officials to discuss cooperation in energy, infrastructure and other sectors amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, Seoul's foreign ministry said Friday.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260508009100315

[2026-05-08 16:51 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Mindanao strengthens air links with Indonesia for enhanced trade

Snippet: LAPU-LAPU CITY — Mindanao moves to expand direct air links with Indonesia while government agencies strengthen efforts to prepare local enterprises for regional trade under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/08/regions/mindanao-strengthens-air-links-with-indonesia-for-enhanced-trade/2339269

[2026-05-08 16:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Paraguay and Taiwan reaffirm ties

Snippet: Paraguayan President Santiago Pena, left, accompanied by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, delivers a speech during a military welcome ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, May 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-paraguay-china-pena-president-cea85fcac12619d30cd42a58baebd163

[2026-05-08 16:38 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Top court upholds two-year prison term for Hankook & Co. chair

Snippet: South Korea’s Supreme Court on Friday has confirmed a two-year prison sentence for Cho Hyun-bum, chair of auto parts and tire-maker Hankook & Co., after finding him guilty of the embezzlement of company funds and breach of trust.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10733963

[2026-05-08 16:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Tesla China posts 36% sales rise, as local rivals’ new models nip at heels

Snippet: April sales rose on a year-on-year basis but dropped from the previous month, indicating fiercer competition from domestic brands

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3352856/tesla-china-posts-36-sales-rise-local-rivals-new-models-nip-heels?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-05-08 16:34 UTC+10:00] [Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Tesla China posts 36% sales rise, as local rivals’ new models nip at heels

Snippet: April sales rose on a year-on-year basis but dropped from the previous month, indicating fiercer competition from domestic brands

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3352856/tesla-china-posts-36-sales-rise-local-rivals-new-models-nip-heels

[2026-05-08 16:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: By Xiaoning Mo

Snippet: Xiaoning Mo is a journalist at the ABC's Asia Pacific Newsroom.

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/xiaoning-mo/9722552

[2026-05-08 16:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Japanese bus driver admits he ‘misjudged speed’ before crash that killed teenaged student

Snippet: Investigators also found that the former municipal bus driver did not hold the type of license required to drive passengers for hire

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3352858/japanese-bus-driver-admits-he-misjudged-speed-crash-killed-teenaged-student?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-05-08 16:25 UTC+10:00] [Kazuhiro Shigeno] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Japanese bus driver admits he ‘misjudged speed’ before crash that killed teenaged student

Snippet: Investigators also found that the former municipal bus driver did not hold the type of license required to drive passengers for hire

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3352858/japanese-bus-driver-admits-he-misjudged-speed-crash-killed-teenaged-student

[2026-05-08 16:25 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Half of grandparents taking care of grandchildren are reluctant: survey

Snippet: Many older people in Korea are sharing the child-rearing burden of their own children, but a survey showed Friday that a substantial portion of them would rather not help out so much.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10733942

[2026-05-08 16:24 UTC+10:00] [Opinion] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Asia Times

Title: Time to scrap constitutional constraints on Japan’s military

Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive

Read full article: https://asiatimes.com/2026/05/time-to-scrap-constitutional-constraints-on-japans-military/

[2026-05-08 16:23 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: The death toll from an explosion at a fireworks plant in China rises to 37

Snippet: This photo released by Xinhua News Agency, this aerial drone photo taken May 5, 2026 shows rescuers working on site after an explosion at a fireworks plant in Guandu Town of Liuyang, central China’s Hunan Province. (Chen Sihan/Xinhua via AP)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/china-fireworks-explosion-hunan-changsha-855af57e6c81f050294d15b22623a3d6

[2026-05-08 16:11 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Top convenience chains boost profit on leaner tactics

Snippet: South Korea's two largest convenience store chains notched record quarterly revenue in the first quarter, prioritizing profitability over expansion amid high inflation.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10733928

[2026-05-08 16:07 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: S. Korea holds evacuation drill simulating political unrest in Georgia

Snippet: SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Friday it has conducted a simulation drill in Georgia for the evacuation of South Koreans in the event of political unrest as part of efforts to strengthen overseas crisis response capabilities.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260508007300315

[2026-05-08 16:05 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Chinese EV makers’ aggressive Korea push challenges Hyundai, Kia

Snippet: Chinese electric vehicle makers are rapidly expanding into Korea, with premium EV brand Zeekr emerging as a new challenger to Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq lineup in the premium mainstream segment, while BYD intensifies price competition against mass-market models from Kia.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10733922

[2026-05-08 16:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China scenic spot entertainer sparks debate for giving ‘lollipop kiss’ to female visitors

Snippet: Sensory-driven interactions are a big hit with some women tourists but critics deride ‘morally’ questionable performances

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3352581/china-scenic-spot-entertainer-sparks-debate-giving-lollipop-kiss-female-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-05-08 16:00 UTC+10:00] [China] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China scenic spot entertainer sparks debate for giving ‘lollipop kiss’ to female visitors

Snippet: Sensory-driven interactions are a big hit with some women tourists but critics deride ‘morally’ questionable performances

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3352581/china-scenic-spot-entertainer-sparks-debate-giving-lollipop-kiss-female-visitors

[2026-05-08 15:49 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Marcos highlights Asean unity amid Middle East instability at Summit

Snippet: LAPU-LAPU CITY — Welcoming heads of state and delegates from all Asean member states, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Meetings on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/08/regions/marcos-highlights-asean-unity-amid-middle-east-instability-at-summit/2339247

[2026-05-08 15:48 UTC+10:00] [South Korea] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Guardian Australia

Title: I, robe-ot: the android monk working to reboot the faith of South Korea’s Buddhists

Snippet: Jogyesa temple in South Korea initiated Gabi, a humanoid robot into its order this week, as it combats falling participation and interest

Read full article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/08/jogyesa-temple-south-korea-humanoid-ai-robot-gabi

[2026-05-08 15:41 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Al Jazeera

Title: ‘A calamity’: Why is a record heatwave sweeping South Asia?

Snippet: A record-breaking, deadly heatwave sweeping South Asia has pushed temperatures to dangerous highs, disrupting daily life for hundreds of millions and raising new concerns about the vulnerability of one of the world’s most densely populated regions.

Read full article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/8/a-calamity-why-is-a-record-heatwave-sweeping-south-asia

[2026-05-08 15:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: Volcanic eruption triggers mission to rescue 20 trapped hikers in Indonesia

Snippet: Topic:Volcanic Eruptions

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-08/indonesian-volcano-mount-dukono-eruption-forces-hiker-rescue/106659404

[2026-05-08 15:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: HD KSOE wins 2.1 tln won worth of orders to build 8 vessels

Snippet: SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. (KSOE) said Friday it has secured orders worth a combined 2.1 trillion won (US$1.4 billion) to build six container ships and two gas carriers.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260508006800320

[2026-05-08 15:33 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Lee, Carney discuss ties ahead of S. Korea's submarine bid in Canada

Snippet: President Lee Jae Myung held talks via phone with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss ways to deepen strategic ties between the two countries, according to Cheong Wa Dae on Friday.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10733890

[2026-05-08 15:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: 9 Singaporeans among hikers trapped by Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcanic eruption

Snippet: The volcano in North Maluku province erupted on Friday morning, spewing volcanic ash as high as 10km ⁠into the sky

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3352852/9-singaporeans-among-20-hikers-trapped-indonesias-mount-dukono-volcanic-eruption?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-05-08 15:32 UTC+10:00] [Lana Saria] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: 9 Singaporeans among hikers trapped by Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcanic eruption

Snippet: The volcano in North Maluku province erupted on Friday morning, spewing volcanic ash as high as 10km ⁠into the sky

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3352852/9-singaporeans-among-20-hikers-trapped-indonesias-mount-dukono-volcanic-eruption

[2026-05-08 15:27 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Sony reports falling profit but forecasts a rebound for this year

Snippet: A logo of Sony is seen at the headquarters of Sony Corp. on May 10, 2022, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/sony-earnings-japan-music-movies-games-a8b3569c1ea61bc6235ee228cb9aa5a6

[2026-05-08 15:25 UTC+10:00] [Asia Pacific] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Cebuano performers shine as 48th ASEAN Summit opens

Snippet: CEBU, Philippines – Award-winning Cebuano performers took the stage for the opening ceremony of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu on Friday, May 8.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/video-lumad-basakanon-choirs-opening-ceremony-48th-asean-summit-cebu-may-2026/

[2026-05-08 15:18 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: BIMP-EAGA sets new 10-year direction for regional cooperation

Snippet: LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Leaders of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines approved the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 during a meeting in Cebu, setting a new 10-year direction for regional cooperation focused on underserved areas such as Mindanao and Palawan.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/08/regions/bimp-eaga-sets-new-10-year-direction-for-regional-cooperation/2339237

[2026-05-08 15:17 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Energy crisis dominates Asean summit, forcing long-standing issues to back burner

Snippet: Southeast Asia is one of the worst affected by the global fuel crisis due to its high imports of oil and gas coming from the Gulf

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3352850/energy-crisis-dominates-asean-summit-forcing-long-standing-issues-back-burner?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-05-08 15:17 UTC+10:00] [Ferdinand Marcos Jnr] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Energy crisis dominates Asean summit, forcing long-standing issues to back burner

Snippet: Southeast Asia is one of the worst affected by the global fuel crisis due to its high imports of oil and gas coming from the Gulf

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3352850/energy-crisis-dominates-asean-summit-forcing-long-standing-issues-back-burner

[2026-05-08 15:16 UTC+10:00] [Editors' Pick] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: DOST chief Solidum is highest paid Cabinet official in 2025

Snippet: Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/dost-secretary-solidum-highest-paid-marcos-cabinet-official-2025/

[2026-05-08 15:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: Toyota forecasts decrease in net profit for FY26 amid Middle East tensions

Snippet: Toyota marked record-high global sales for the fiscal year ended March 2026 even with U.S. tariffs on imported cars. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/toyota-forecasts-decrease-in-net-profit-for-fy26-amid-middle-east-tensions

[2026-05-08 15:08 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: North Korea unveils new long-range artillery system capable of striking Seoul

Snippet: I’m a staff reporter for The Korea Herald, covering national security and foreign policy across the Defense, Foreign and Unification Ministries, as well as the National Assembly. Before entering journalism, I served as an Air Force lieutenant, working as an interpreter and junior planner at the ROK–US Combined Forces Command.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10733868

[2026-05-08 15:04 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: CNBC

Title: Toyota fourth-quarter profit misses by wide margin as U.S. tariffs drive 49% slump

Snippet: Japan's Toyota Motor on Friday reported a 49% on-year decline in its fourth quarter operating profit ended March, weighed by the impact of U.S. tariffs.

Read full article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/08/toyota-1q-2026-earnings.html

[2026-05-08 15:03 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: Southeast Asian banks check Iran war strain on corporate lending

Snippet: Singaporean banks are actively scrutinizing their loan books amid the Middle East uncertainty. © Reuters

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/business/finance/southeast-asian-banks-check-iran-war-strain-on-corporate-lending

[2026-05-08 15:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Today in Korean history

Snippet: 1928 -- Japanese colonial authorities suspend publication of the Chosun Ilbo newspaper for running an editorial critical of Japan's military advancement into the Chinese province of Shandong. The move, which marked the fourth suspension of a Korean newspaper by Japanese authorities, lasted 133 days.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260508001600315

[2026-05-08 14:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: Oil tanker reaches South Korea after passing Hormuz blockade

Snippet: An oil tanker that passed through the Strait of Hormuz arrived in South Korea on Friday, the first such vessel to reach the Asian nation by that route since Iran declared the critical waterway closed.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/oil-tanker-reaches-south-korea-after-passing-hormuz-blockade

[2026-05-08 14:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Triple-A Pacific Coast League Glance

Snippet: Oklahoma City 12, Salt Lake 5

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/general-news-salt-lake-city-a2ede1dfbf0d9162710ed8af3cdebf7b

[2026-05-08 14:54 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Oil tanker that passed through Hormuz arrives in South Korea

Snippet: A Malta-flagged oil tanker was seen near Daesan Port on Friday. The Odessa is the first crude oil tanker that has passed through the Strait of Hormuz and arrived in South Korea since the outbreak of Iran war.

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-oil-tanker-iran-hormuz-03228f42ac32c0bfce3bab744a77d199

[2026-05-08 14:53 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Asian stocks retreat as attacks threaten the shaky Iran ceasefire

Snippet: A dealer watches computer monitors at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, May 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-iran-trump-28e493ba47e80517a743ecd54fb6acbc

[2026-05-08 14:37 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: ASEAN must stay 'agile' to address global headwinds, Marcos urges bloc

Snippet: ASEAN leaders pose during the opening ceremony of their summit in Cebu, the Philippines, on May 8. © Reuters

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/international-relations/asean-must-stay-agile-to-address-global-headwinds-marcos-urges-bloc

[2026-05-08 14:36 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: MBK counters China influence concerns after hiring additional US lobbyist

Snippet: MBK Partners, the South Korean private equity firm engaged in a prolonged control battle over Korea Zinc, has pushed back against concerns over potential Chinese influence following its decision to hire an additional US lobbyist to handle matters related to the US watchdog for foreign investment.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10733840

[2026-05-08 14:29 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Alarmed ASEAN leaders discuss crisis plan to mitigate backlash from Middle East war

Snippet: From left, Myanmar’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Hau Khan Sum, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone hold hands for a group photo during the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/asean-philippines-middle-east-war-50aa18310ef0f2476161880469d645bb

[2026-05-08 14:26 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: Sony forecasts double digit profit growth despite chip supply concerns

Snippet: The scrapped Afeela project was aimed at boosting the consumption of Sony content and use of its technology. (Photo by Keiichi Furukawa)

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/business/companies/sony-forecasts-double-digit-profit-growth-despite-chip-supply-concerns

[2026-05-08 14:19 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: China's Huayou to buy Africa-focused Australian miner in lithium rush

Snippet: China's Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt previously acquired this lithium mine in Zimbabwe. Now it is moving to secure interests in Ghana and Ivory Coast. © Getty Images

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/business/materials/china-s-huayou-to-buy-africa-focused-australian-miner-in-lithium-rush

[2026-05-08 14:13 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Marcos pushes Asean maritime cooperation amid global tensions

Snippet: LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called for stronger maritime cooperation among Southeast Asian nations amid rising geopolitical tensions and increasing disruptions to global trade routes.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/08/news/marcos-pushes-asean-maritime-cooperation-amid-global-tensions/2339218

[2026-05-08 14:12 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Shanghai’s changing expats, Hong Kong trail sign fallout: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Snippet: From the South Korean judge’s death to China debuting naval drone tech, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3352826/shanghais-changing-expats-hong-kong-trail-sign-fallout-scmps-7-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-05-08 14:12 UTC+10:00] [Shandong province] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Shanghai’s changing expats, Hong Kong trail sign fallout: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Snippet: From the South Korean judge’s death to China debuting naval drone tech, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3352826/shanghais-changing-expats-hong-kong-trail-sign-fallout-scmps-7-highlights