World News and International Headlines : NPR

• Travelers are highlighting several top destinations in Asia, specifically recommending Singapore, China, Thailand, and Sri Lanka for their unique cultural appeal. • Singapore is praised for its accessibility, high-quality shopping malls, and diverse culinary scene, specifically noting the prevalence of hawker centers over traditional night markets.

• The 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards (ASEA) began its two-day celebration on Saturday, May 16, at the Belluna Dome in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. • Hosted by MONSTA X’s Hyungwon and IVE’s Rei, the first day featured red carpet appearances and the announcement of the Hot Icon and Hot Trend awards.

• India and South Korea have officially exchanged agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the critical field of Defence Cyber. • The deal includes a specific partnership to facilitate training and academic exchange between India's National Defence College and the Korea National Defence University.

• Yáng Shuāng-zǐ’s novel *Taiwan Travelogue*, translated by Lin King, has won the International Booker Prize, marking the first time a work originally written in Mandarin Chinese has received the honor. • The novel is described as a "double feat" for successfully blending elements of a romance with an incisive postcolonial critique.

• ATEEZ secured the prestigious Daesang (Grand Prize) during the second day of the 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards held in Japan. • Stray Kids were crowned Best Group, highlighting a night dominated by top K-pop acts and electrifying live performances.

• Meta has initiated a new round of layoff notifications, with employees based in Singapore among the first to be informed early in the morning. • The company is reducing its workforce across various international sectors, though the total number of affected employees has not yet been specified.

• Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited (APE) is expanding its casino tourism services across Asia to revitalize the gaming and entertainment markets in Macau and Hong Kong. • APE has partnered with Germany-based CountR GmbH to implement "smart CountR" casino payment technology, moving beyond the supply of traditional gaming equipment.

• The European Broadcasting Union has announced the launch of Eurovision Asia, a new branch of the iconic international song contest. • While the specific host country and presenters have been confirmed, the announcement aims to expand the competition's global reach beyond its traditional European roots.

• A 2026 Nielsen report indicates that Asian-led content and sports stars, such as Shohei Ohtani, are driving record-breaking viewership levels across U.S. television and streaming platforms. • The data highlights a broader cultural shift where Asian influence is significantly reshaping the landscape of American pop culture and professional sports.

• CNN has launched a new four-part Original Series titled “K-Everything,” hosted and executive produced by Daniel Dae Kim, which premiered on May 9 via CNN International and HBO Max. • The series explores South Korea's rapid cultural ascent across four key pillars—music, film, food, and beauty—examining how the industry evolved from strict censorship to global acclaim.

• The 24th Director's Cut Awards recently honored outstanding contributions across the Korean film and drama industries, featuring a historic first with three directors hosting the live ceremony. • Key winners include TVXQ's Yunho, who earned Best New Actor (Series) for his role in *Low Life*, and Park Jihoon, both recognized as successful idol-turned-actors.

• Zee Entertainment reported a decline in ad revenues for Q4 FY26, citing the geopolitical conflict in West Asia and rising operational costs as primary drivers. • While the company noted that losses for its streaming platform, ZEE5, are narrowing, the overall financial outlook led to a nearly 6% drop in its stock price.