Category: International

International

Stray Kids and Le Sserafim to Lead Star-Studded Launch of Korea’s Presidential Pop Culture Committee

Tanisha Cardozo

South Korea will officially launch its Presidential Committee for Popular Culture Exchange on October 1, with performances by Stray Kids and Le Sserafim scheduled as part of the inaugural event.

The committee is co-chaired by Park Jin-young, founder of JYP Entertainment, and Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young. It is described as a new body aimed at supporting the international growth of Korean popular culture across sectors such as K-pop, dramas, films, and games.

According to media reports, approximately 270 citizens will be invited to attend the launch ceremony, which President Lee Jae-myung has referred to as being prepared like a festival. He has also stated that the committee will “firmly support the global leap and growth of our popular culture.”

The Presidential Committee for Popular Culture Exchange was announced in September 2025, and its official role includes facilitating collaboration between the government and the private sector within Korea’s cultural industries.

Stray Kids and Le Sserafim, two of the country’s leading K-pop acts, are expected to perform at the launch event, underscoring the government’s recognition of pop culture as a significant part of its international image and economic influence.

International

Trump and Epstein Sculpture at National Mall Sparks Controversy

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Washington, D.C. — A provocative new artwork at the National Mall has sparked nationwide debate by highlighting the controversial relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump and financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The sculpture, part of the Secret Handshake Project, depicts the two men in a symbolic handshake — a gesture meant to evoke questions about power, secrecy, and accountability. Installed earlier this week, the piece has attracted large crowds, split between those praising the bold commentary and others condemning it as distasteful.

“The goal of public art is to challenge perceptions and spark conversation,” said a spokesperson for the project. “This work isn’t about glorification — it’s about asking tough questions society still struggles to confront.”

The installation coincides with renewed media revelations about Epstein’s network and Trump’s past associations with him. Critics argue that the artwork risks sensationalizing sensitive issues, while supporters say it forces the public to confront uncomfortable truths.

Goa’s art and politics watchers have also noted the global trend of artists engaging in socially charged narratives.

The sculpture will remain on display at the National Mall until Sunday.

📖 Stay tuned to Allycaral for updates on art, politics, and culture.

International

Lionel Messi Sends Signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup Jersey to PM Narendra Modi on His Birthday

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September 17, 2025 | Allycaral Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s 75th birthday received a special touch of sports diplomacy when football legend Lionel Messi gifted him a signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup jersey.

The jersey, carrying Messi’s autograph, represents not just footballing glory but also a gesture of admiration and friendship across borders.

Messi, who led Argentina to their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup win in Qatar, remains one of the most celebrated athletes globally. His gift to Prime Minister Modi highlights how sport can serve as a bridge of goodwill between cultures, nations, and leaders.

The news of Messi’s gesture has taken the internet by storm, with fans of both the football icon and the Prime Minister applauding the exchange. Many see it as a symbol of India’s growing global influence and the universal power of sport to inspire unity.

As India celebrates PM Modi’s milestone birthday through Sewa Pakhwada 2025, Messi’s heartfelt tribute has added an international highlight to the occasion.

📖 Stay tuned on allycaral.com for more updates on this story and other global highlights.

International

Prince Harry Meets King Charles for First Time in More Than a Year

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Prince Harry and King Charles have met in London for their first face-to-face meeting in over a year, in what is being seen as a small but significant step toward reconciliation within the British Royal Family.

The meeting took place on Wednesday afternoon at Clarence House, the King’s London residence, after His Majesty travelled down from Scotland. According to Buckingham Palace, the father and son shared a private tea lasting about 50 minutes.

Speaking briefly afterwards, Prince Harry responded to reporters with, “Yes, he’s great,” when asked about the King’s health and spirits.

This marks the pair’s first personal meeting since February 2024, shortly after King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, when Harry flew to the UK for a short visit. Despite several visits to the UK since then — including for charity events and court appearances — the Duke of Sussex had not met his father, underscoring the ongoing strain in their relationship.

Prince Harry has spoken in the past about his wish for reconciliation. In a May interview with the BBC, he said, “I would love a reconciliation with my family.”

The King’s private meeting with Harry will likely fuel speculation about whether relations are beginning to thaw. Palace officials have declined to comment further, citing the personal nature of the visit.

Harry, who has been based in California since 2020 with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, has been in the UK this week for a series of charity events in London and Nottingham. Meghan and their children did not accompany him on this trip.

For many royal watchers, this long-awaited reunion may represent the first steps toward repairing fractured family bonds.

International

Japan Offers Indians Permanent Residencyat Just ₹5,500

Tanisha Cardozo

Japan has opened its doors wider to Indian nationals, offering the dream of permanent residency for a surprisingly low application cost of just ₹5,500 (8,000 Japanese Yen). Known for its stunning cherry blossoms, rich traditions, and high-tech lifestyle, Japan has long been a destination of aspiration. Now, with its updated immigration policies, it’s within closer reach than ever for Indians looking to build a life in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Permanent Residency (PR) in Japan allows foreign nationals to live, work, and remain in the country indefinitely without needing to renew their visa. Indians who have lived in Japan for at least ten years can apply, provided they meet financial requirements and have no criminal or immigration violations. However, there are faster tracks available too. If you’re married to a Japanese citizen or permanent resident, you can apply after just one year of residence. Children of Japanese nationals or PR holders are also eligible after one year.

Japan also employs a points-based system for highly skilled professionals. Those who score 70 points can apply after three years of continuous residency. Even better, applicants who score 80 or more points can apply after just one year.

The documentation process is rigorous but straightforward. Applicants must submit an application form, a valid passport, residence card, financial records, tax payment and social security certificates, and in some cases, marriage or family registration documents. All materials must be either in Japanese or accompanied by certified translations.

The application must be submitted to the local Immigration Bureau before the applicant’s current visa expires. The cost is just 8,000 Yen (approximately ₹5,500), paid using revenue stamps. After submission, processing typically takes between four to eight months. If approved, the applicant will receive a new residence card, which must be collected from the local municipal or ward office.

To maintain permanent residency, individuals must be physically present in Japan for more than six months in each 12-month period both before and after receiving PR. This opportunity marks a significant moment for Indians dreaming of a stable, long-term future in one of the world’s most culturally rich and technologically advanced nations.

Whether you’re already in Japan or planning your journey, now is the time to consider making your stay permanent.