Entertainment

This 66-year-old “Golden Bachelorette” contestant is the internet’s new BF

Charles Ling, a Chinese American contestant on ABC’s “The Golden Bachelorette,” has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, with many dubbing him the internet’s newest boyfriend. A Britney Spears fan and avid basketball enthusiast, his youthful spirit has charmed viewers just as much as his emotional vulnerability.

About Ling: Ling, 66, is a retired data analyst from Philadelphia. A Chinese immigrant who moved to the U.S. with only $20 in his pocket, he has captivated viewers with his soft-spoken charm and touching reflections on grief following the loss of his wife of 36 years. In an interview with Bachelor Nation, he said it was one of his daughters who encouraged him to join the show. He recalled her saying, “Dad, I think this is a very fascinating program and I think you’d find it interesting, plus it’s really time for you to move on… You deserve it.” Speaking about the “Golden Bachelorette,” Ling described Joan Vassos as a good listener and communicator. “She really knows how to talk to other people when they have a little bit of trouble,” he said. Ling hopes that viewers, particularly seniors dealing with grief, will be inspired by his journey.

About the show: “The Golden Bachelorette,” which premiered on Sept. 18, is the inaugural season of the “Bachelor” spinoff focused on senior contestants. While Ling did not receive the coveted first impression rose, he has undeniably won over fans. From marveling at kitchen appliances in the bachelor mansion to heartwarming moments with his daughters, he has brought depth and levity to the show. Although spoilers suggest he may not make it to the final four, viewers continue to rally for him. “My friends all over the United States or maybe even back in China will be like, ‘Wow! Charles is on air program!’ That’s gotta be a shock — good or bad, I don’t know,” he shared.

News

Japan’s richest man donates $31 million to UCLA humanities program

Japanese executive and philanthropist Tadashi Yanai has donated $31 million to University of California, Los Angeles's College Division of Humanities, marking the largest gift in the program's history. 

About the donation: The donation will support the Yanai Initiative for Globalizing Japanese Humanities, which was created in 2014 through an earlier $2.5 million gift from Yanai and later boosted by a $25 million gift in 2020. The initiative, in partnership with Tokyo's Waseda University, promotes the study of Japanese literature, language and culture, with a focus on fostering global collaboration through the web-based project, Japan Past & Present. “Adding to his already considerable past support, Mr. Yanai’s new gift will substantially advance the study of Japanese humanities, solidify UCLA’s position as a leading center for such scholarship and contribute greatly to our global reach and impact,” said UCLA Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt.

About Yanai: Yanai is currently Japan's wealthiest individual with an estimated net worth of $47.6 billion. The billionaire inherited his father's men's tailoring business in the 1970s, and he expanded it into Fast Retailing, the parent company of global brands such as Uniqlo, Theory and Helmut Lang. "I am proud to support the study of Japanese humanities at UCLA and around the world because I believe in sharing and valuing the practices and artforms that shape our world. The humanities and arts make us who we are — they enable us as humans to relate to and care for one another. I look forward to seeing how Japan Past & Present will expand and enrich this critical work,” Yanai said in a statement.

Crime

Seattle police seek help in IDing suspect in racist assault on elderly Asian man

Seattle police are seeking help to identify a suspect involved in the assault of an elderly Asian man in South Seattle on June 22. 

What happened: The attack occurred around 8 p.m. near the 5300 block of South Henderson Street, where the suspect, described as a Black man, used a racial slur during the assault. When police arrived, the suspect fled into Be'er Sheva Park and later entered the Lake Washington Apartments at 9061 Seward Park Avenue South, where authorities believe he resides.

Ongoing investigation: The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has released images of the suspect, who was captured on surveillance camera fleeing the scene in a green hoodie and black pants. Authorities are also looking to identify three witnesses who were present during the assault. Anyone with information is urged to contact the SPD Violent Crimes Tipline at (206) 223-5000.

Entertainment

Popular mukbang YouTuber reveals monthly earnings

South Korean content creator Jwa Hee-jae, known online as Heebab, recently shared her impressive earnings from creating mukbang videos, a popular genre where hosts eat large amounts of food on camera. In the latest episode of "Saturday is Bap's Treat" on the YouTube channel E밥세끼, the 28-year-old influencer revealed she earned 35 million won ($26,000) in September alone.

Not the same each month: Heebab, who gained 1.6 million subscribers after starting her YouTube channel in 2020, noted that her earnings fluctuate significantly and she sometimes ends up with a net loss after taxes. She added that her monthly food expenses for content creation amount to around 15 million won ($11,100). 

Sharing the wealth: Heebab made headlines last year after sharing in an appearance on KBS2's “Boss in the Mirror” that her company’s executives earn around 12 million won ($9,000) per month before taxes, while even new producers receive over 5 million won ($3,780) monthly. According to the influencer, she compensates her team well due to their long-standing collaboration.

News

China’s youngsters are now “retiring” outside cities

Young workers in China are increasingly opting for early “retirement,” retreating to rural areas as they struggle to navigate the country’s employment landscape. This exodus, driven by rising unemployment and disillusionment with high-pressure urban jobs, reflects broader economic challenges that have left them unable to envision a path forward.

Driving the news: China’s urban youth unemployment rate reached 18.8% in August, the highest since the data series was released in January. This year, over 11.8 million college graduates entered the country’s labor market, where credentials are reportedly devalued and opportunities in high-growth sectors such as finance and real estate have sharply contracted. Disillusioned by job scarcity and intense competition, many young Chinese have decided to move to rural areas like Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan, where the cost of living is lower. They document their lifestyle changes on social media, embracing simpler lives that contrast with high-pressure work environments in cities. “Life is not just about the prosperity of the city,” said “Wenzi Dada,” a self-proclaimed 22-year-old retiree, as per CNBC. Many of such “retirees” have turned to gig economy work or social media influencer roles to sustain their minimalist rural lifestyles. While some view this retreat as “lying flat,” others see it as necessary self-care in the face of mounting economic and social pressure.

The big picture: China’s economic slowdown, paired with a rapidly aging population, poses significant challenges for its future workforce. As President Xi Jinping pushes job creation, structural issues persist, including underinvestment in vocational training and ongoing layoffs even in government sectors once considered stable. To address the strain on the pension system, China is raising its retirement age starting in 2025, incrementally increasing it to 63 for men, 58 for white-collar women and 55 for blue-collar women. Critics argue that while the move may alleviate pension shortfalls, it could exacerbate youth unemployment by keeping older workers in the job market longer. “It's like deferring a ticking time bomb,” demographer Yi Fuxian told Young Post. Moreover, delaying retirements could reduce the availability of grandparents for child-rearing, further discouraging young families from having children — a key concern as China’s birth rate hits record lows.

News

Travelers crown Japan best country in the world for 2nd straight year

Condé Nast Traveler named Japan the best country in the world for the second year in a row in its 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. The annual survey, which asks travelers to rate their experiences across various destinations, saw Japan secure the top spot with a score of 95.32, edging out Switzerland (94.62) and Thailand (92.29).

A mix of old and new: Condé Nast Traveler attributes Japan's continued popularity to a number of factors, including the country's diverse attractions, rich culture and friendly locals. "Now, tourism is booming, and you’ll still find incredible restaurants, ultra-relaxing onsens, Shinto temples, cherry blossoms and impeccably clean and efficient high-speed trains, which run along some of the most scenic rail routes in the world," the magazine notes. The country also scored highly in the "Friendliest Countries" category, securing sixth place, with Tokyo mirroring this achievement in the "Friendliest Cities" list. Last month, Japan was listed second place in the 2024 Best Countries index, a separate ranking compiled by the U.S. News & World Report and the Wharton School.

Other top Asian destinations: Several Asian countries also made the Condé Nast Traveler list, underscoring the region's growing appeal to global travelers. Thailand, which secured the No. 3 spot this year, earned praise for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Sri Lanka secured a noteworthy 10th place with a score of 89.75, while Vietnam and India landed at 15th (89.11) and 17th (90.38) respectively.

Final Bites

🎤Katseye to perform at Minnesota’s Mall of America: Global girl group Katseye announced a surprise performance at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, on Oct. 19. The Los Angeles-based, six-member group, which debuted in June and has since gained a global fan base, will perform in the Huntington Bank Rotunda, followed by a limited meet-and-greet. Wristbands for floor access will reportedly be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Formed through a collaboration between Geffen Records and Hybe Labels, Katseye is promoted as the first global girl group trained under the K-pop model. 

👑“Crazy Rich Asians” writer to direct "The Princess Diaries 3": Disney has announced that Adele Lim, known for her work on "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Raya and the Last Dragon," will direct "The Princess Diaries 3." “As a diehard fan of the original Princess Diaries, I’m beyond excited to be a part of bringing the third iteration of this beloved franchise to life,” Lim told Deadline. “We look forward to celebrating its core tenants of female power, joy and mentorship with audiences worldwide.” Anne Hathaway will reprise her role as Mia Thermopolis, Queen of Genovia, in the film, which continues the story from the previous installments. The original "Princess Diaries" movies, released in 2001 and 2004, grossed a combined $300 million worldwide.

📺Karyn Kusama to helm "Yellowface" series for Lionsgate TV: Karyn Kusama, known for her Emmy-nominated work on Showtime's "Yellowjackets," is set to helm the television adaptation of R.F. Kuang's novel "Yellowface" for Lionsgate TV. The novel tells the story of June Hayward, who steals her deceased friend's manuscript and publishes the experimental novel about Chinese laborers during World War I under the pen name "Juniper Song." Constance Wu and Justine Suzanne Jones are producing the series through their Tempo Wubato Productions, along with Captivate Entertainment, the company behind the "Jason Bourne" franchise. "Yellowface" was a New York Times bestseller for seven weeks and received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award in best fiction.

📱Vietnamese monk captivates Gen Z with insights on love and life: Vietnamese monk Giac Minh Luat has become a TikTok sensation, amassing over 3.1 million followers by sharing relatable insights on life and relationships using Gen Z slang. His short, engaging videos resonate with young people struggling with loneliness and anxiety. In one video posted in May, Luat says, “If you put too much milk in your coffee, it turns into bạc xỉu [a sweet Vietnamese coffee drink]. In love, if one person gives too much, it’s no longer love. Sacrifice is not a responsibility.” Unlike traditional Buddhist teachings on YouTube, which often fail to capture young audiences, Luat's concise, trendy messages have made him a popular speaker at temples and universities. In addition to his social media presence, Luat leads a charity club, writes books and is pursuing a PhD in Psychology.