Latest news with #Koreans
The Star
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Sze Fei-Izzuddin face stern final test against Korea's in-form duo
PETALING JAYA: Competing in Japan seems to bring out the best in men's doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani. The pair have struggled to maintain their form this year after a breakthrough 2024 but have shown glimpses of their brilliance by reaching their second consecutive Japan Open final. After capturing the title last year, Sze Fei-Izzuddin went on a superb run that eventually saw them become world No. 1 this year. Despite a dip in form following their Indian Open title win in January, they appear to have rediscovered their best form in the same tournament that first launched their rise. On Friday (July 18), the independent duo overcame Taiwan's world No. 24 Liu Kuang-heng and Yang Po-han 21-19, 21-11 in the semi-finals at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Although they faced difficulties, trailing 4-9 and 7-11 in the first game, the defending champions remained composed, using their experience to claw back and clinch the game. The narrow win bolstered their confidence, leading to a comfortable victory in the second game and setting up a title showdown against South Korea's world No. 3 pair, Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho. The Koreans ended hopes of an all-Malaysian final by defeating Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi 21-14, 21-15. The match between Sze Fei-Izzuddin and Seung-jae-Won-ho will be a rematch of the Indian Open final, where the Malaysians triumphed in three games. However, the Korean duo claimed victory over Sze Fei-Izzuddin in the All-England second round, going on to win the title in Birmingham. Seung-jae and Won-ho, the undisputed best men's doubles pair this year, have also secured the Malaysian Open, German Open, and Indonesian Open titles, finishing as runners-up in the Singapore Open. Sze Fei-Izzuddin will attempt to become the first Malaysians to claim the men's doubles title in the Japan Open more than once. Meanwhile, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei's journey in the mixed doubles ended after a 12-21, 16-21 defeat to China's world No. 2 Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin. Tang Jie-Ee Wei were aiming for their first final this year but struggled against the Chinese pair, losing in just 38 minutes.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The rise of K-Beauty in India: Embracing Korean skincare trends
From Crash Landing on You to glass skin obsession, how Korean beauty brands are reshaping Indian youth's skincare routines and challenging desi beauty standards. Picture this: Your college bestie who once swore by her grandmother's besan-turmeric face pack is now explaining the difference between first and second cleansers like she's defending her thesis. Welcome to the K-beauty revolution in India, where the land of Ayurveda is embracing the 10-step Korean skincare routine with the same enthusiasm we reserve for cricket matches. The numbers don't lie - K-beauty's market value in India jumped from ₹3,200 crore in 2021 to a projected ₹8,500 crore by 2032. That's more growth than most startups dream of! But here's where it gets interesting: the brands killing it globally aren't necessarily the ones Indians are actually buying. Laneige might be selling one Water Sleeping Mask every 12 seconds worldwide, but in India, it's the emerging brands like Torriden and COSRX that are truly winning hearts. Why? Because while the world falls for K-beauty's Instagram-worthy packaging, Indian consumers are doing what they do best - digging deep into ingredients, comparing prices, and making informed choices. When East Meets West - The Great Beauty Philosophy Clash Here's something that would make your sociology professor proud: Indian and Korean beauty philosophies are like distant cousins who grew up in different households. We Indians have always been the "matte finish, bold lipstick" crowd - think of how we apply kajal thick enough to survive monsoons, or how red lipstick is our go-to for every festival. Meanwhile, Koreans perfected the art of "glass skin" - that dewy, almost-wet look that makes you wonder if they've been blessed by some skincare deity. The contrast is fascinating. While Indians traditionally focus on bold, statement makeup, Koreans master the art of looking naturally flawless. We're talking about cultures where Indian women would overdraw their lips to make them appear fuller, while Korean beauty celebrates the "bitten lips" look that's subtle enough to pass for natural. But here's the plot twist - Indian Gen Z and millennials are saying "why not both?" They're mixing their grandmother's neem face packs with snail mucin serums, creating hybrid routines that would make both beauty cultures proud. It's like fusion cuisine, but for your face. The Real Winners - Brands That Actually Get the Market Let's talk about the elephants in the room - or should we say, the brands actually flying off shelves. While global lists might crown Glow Recipe as the K-beauty queen with 412.2K monthly searches, the real action is happening with brands that understand the psyche. COSRX has become the poster child for this success story. Their Snail Mucin Essence at ₹1,650 and Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser at ₹800 hit the sweet spot between "effective Korean innovation" and "won't break the bank". Compare that to a fancy dinner at a 5-star hotel, and suddenly Korean skincare seems like a steal. Missha deserves a special mention for playing the long game. Their Time Revolution First Treatment Essence sells one every 10 seconds because they cracked the code - give premium ingredients at prices that don't require EMIs. It's like getting a business class experience at economy prices. Meanwhile, Sulwhasoo remains the luxury exception, appealing to those who appreciate the brand's ginseng-based traditional approach - something that resonates with our own Ayurvedic heritage. When a Korean brand uses ancient Asian wisdom, it feels familiar rather than foreign. From Boroline to 10-Step Routines - The Cultural Shift Remember when Boroline and Nivea cold cream were the ultimate skincare arsenal for most families? Those days feel like a different era now. The Hallyu wave didn't just bring us crash-landing heartthrobs and addictive K-dramas - it completely rewired how young Indians think about skincare. Research shows that 39% of women now incorporate at least 25% K-beauty products in their routines. That's a massive shift from the traditional CTM (Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize) approach our mothers swore by. Suddenly, ingredients like snail mucin, propolis, and bamboo extract - once exotic enough to raise eyebrows - are as common as rice in beauty conversations. The cultural bridge makes perfect sense when you think about it. Both traditions emphasize natural ingredients and holistic wellness. While we've been using turmeric and neem for centuries, Koreans perfected volcanic ash and rice water. It's like two ancient beauty philosophies finally having a conversation. The Price Reality Check - When K-Beauty Meets Budgets Let's address the elephant in the room - money, honey. The average consumer is price-conscious in ways that would make Korean chaebols sweat. But here's what's brilliant about the K-beauty invasion: it's not just about premium pricing. A Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Serum at ₹1,450 costs less than a weekend movie date with snacks. ROUNDLAB's 1025 Dokdo Toner at ₹1,000 is cheaper than a decent pair of earphones. These brands understood that consumers want efficacy without the luxury tax. The really expensive stuff? YSL's Rouge Pur Couture lipstick at ₹3,000 might be tempting, but it's competing with an entire month's mobile recharge. That's why mid-range Korean brands are absolutely crushing it - they offer the innovation and quality people crave at prices that don't require financial planning. Beyond the Hype - What This Means for Beauty Culture Here's where it gets really interesting from a cultural perspective. The K-beauty boom isn't just about skincare - it's about changing beauty ideals. For a country that's historically struggled with colorism and rigid beauty standards, the Korean emphasis on "healthy skin over perfect skin" is quietly revolutionary. Youth are moving away from the fairness cream obsession that dominated previous generations. Instead, they're embracing the Korean philosophy of skin health, hydration, and natural glow - regardless of skin tone. It's like a gentle rebellion against decades of problematic beauty messaging. The ripple effects are everywhere. Dedicated K-beauty stores are opening in areas like Humayunpur, Delhi - right next to Korean restaurants and fashion stores. Korean beauty clinics are offering treatments like snail mucin facials that would have sounded like science fiction just five years ago. Looking Forward - The Future of Beauty Diplomacy As we look ahead, the K-beauty phenomenon represents something bigger than skincare trends. It's about cultural exchange, about young people feeling confident enough to adopt global practices while maintaining their roots. The market is expected to grow at 9.4% annually through 2026, driven by Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers who see skincare as self-care rather than vanity. These aren't just consumers - they're cultural ambassadors who are redefining what it means to be beautiful in contemporary times. The real winners will be brands that understand this nuanced landscape - those that respect price sensitivity while delivering on the innovation promise. Brands that can bridge the gap between Seoul's glass skin perfection and Mumbai's practical beauty needs. In the end, the K-beauty revolution isn't about choosing between turmeric and snail mucin. It's about creating a beauty culture that celebrates both - where ancient wisdom meets modern innovation, and where healthy skin is the ultimate goal, regardless of which continent inspired your routine.
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Esther conquers fear, claims triathlon title on home soil
KUALA LUMPUR: : National triathlete Esther Joy stole the show at the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup on Saturday, delivering a dramatic comeback to clinch the women's title on home soil — her second international triumph in just two months. Racing in front of a supportive local crowd at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in Kampar, the 22-year-old overcame her biggest fear — the swim — before powering through the bike and producing a storming final surge on the run to snatch a memorable victory. "I'm quite happy. My fear has always been the swim, so I've been training a lot on it," said Esther, who clocked 1:07:18s to beat Indonesia's Renata Berliana Aditya (1:07:36) and Singapore's Herlene Natasha Yu (1:08:01). "Although we don't have many open-water places to train in Malaysia, I've just been swimming a lot in general. The bike was as good as it could get — four of us on the bike trying to drop each other — and I just tried my best to hold the gap. "I really didn't expect to catch anybody on the run. I was just happy to catch the first person. Then the crowd kept shouting 'one more!' and I had the shock of my life when I came back and was first!" Saturday's win added to her recent gold at the Southeast Asia Triathlon Federation Championships in Lumut last month, and marked her final international outing before the SEA Games in December, where she hopes to earn national selection. In the men's race, Isaac Tan reinforced his status as Malaysia's top male triathlete by emerging as the fastest home finisher, placing 12th overall in 1:01:29. However, the 20-year-old admitted to feeling disappointed after falling short of expectations, especially after his victory at the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup in Tam Chuc, Vietnam in April. "I feel it's a five out of ten," said Isaac. "Particularly didn't do well on the bike. The swim and the run were good. Timing-wise, I'm not sure if I'm happy or not, but the effort is important. Anyway, we're going to continue to buckle up strong. "It was a lot different than in Vietnam. There were a lot of strong competitors here, especially the Koreans. I'm still not sure what will be my next race, but I'm going to prepare well for the SEA Games." Indeed, South Korea were a dominant force in Kampar, sweeping the men's podium through Kim Seong-sik (58:09), Choi Gyu-seo (58:15) and Jeong Woo Sik (58:22), while also topping the junior women's race through Park Seo-eun (1:06:11). "We decided to bring a large team this time because many of our junior athletes are already familiar with this event — some of them raced here last year as well," said South Korea manager Mok Lee. "Our focus is on giving our athletes as many opportunities as possible to compete in international events like this. The more experience they gain, the better their performances will become. "Korea last qualified a triathlete for the Olympics in 2012. Since then, we've been working hard to grow our talent pool so that we can return to the Olympic stage." RESULTS World Triathlon Development Regional Cup Men: 1. Kim Seong-sik (Kor) 58:09s, 2. Choi Gyu-seo (Kor) 58:15, Jeong Woo Sik (Kor) 58:22; Best Malaysian: 12. Isaac Tan 1:01:29. Women: 1. Esther Joy (Mas) 1:07:18, 2. Renata Berliana Aditya (Ina) 1:07:36, 3. Herlene Natasha Yu (Sgp) 1:08:01. Asia Triathlon Junior Cup Men: 1. Ramazan Ainegov (Kaz) 58:46, 2. Seymur Anthony Caglayan (Tur) 58:56, 3. Yelmurat Kanay (Kaz) 59:02; Best Malaysian: 19. Yap Qi Yi 1:01:37. Women: 1. Park Seo-eun (Kor) 1:06:11, 2. Kayla Nadia Shafa (Ina) 1:06:22, 3. Diana Biktimirova (Uzb) 1:07:16; Best Malaysian: 21. Koh Pao Yee 1:21:03.
The Star
16 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Sze Fei-Izzuddin smash into Japan Open final
PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani powered into their second consecutive Japan Open final after beating Taiwan's Liu Kuang-heng-Yang Po-han. World No. 1 Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who went on to capture the title last year, held their nerves to survive a close opening game to come away with a 21-19, 21-11 win over the world No. 24 Taiwanese duo at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Saturday (July 19). The independent pair have set up a mouthwatering showdown against South Korea's world No. 3 Seo Seung-jae-Kim Won-ho in the title decider on Sunday (July 20). ALSO READ: Badminton: Sze Fei-Izzuddin dig deep to secure spot in Japan Open quarters Seung-jae-Won-ho prevented an all-Malaysian final by coming out on top over Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi 21-14, 21-15. Based on the head-to-head records, both Sze Fei-Izzuddin and the Koreans are evenly matched, with one win each.
The Mainichi
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Osaka group protests Sanseito leader's use of anti-Korean slur in election speech
OSAKA -- A nonprofit Korean organization here has sent a letter of protest to minor opposition party Sanseito after its leader Sohei Kamiya used a slur against Koreans during a stump speech for the House of Councillors election. The Korea NGO Center, an Osaka-based incorporated nonprofit organization working to ensure the rights of foreign nationals in Japan and bring about an inclusive society, filed the protest July 18 following Kamiya's use of "chon," a pejorative term for people from the Korean Peninsula. The center is demanding that the party announce how it perceives the case and issue an apology. During a street speech in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, on July 18, Kamiya refuted criticism against Sanseito's proposal for a new Constitution, saying, "We are being derided, being called idiots, stupid and chon." Immediately afterward, he said, "You can cut that," and stated, "I'm sorry. I amend that." In its letter of protest, the center pointed out, "It is obvious that (Kamiya) made the remark while understanding that it is a discriminatory word." The letter denounced Sanseito for repeatedly "making clearly factually inaccurate claims that foreigners are treated more favorably than Japanese," adding, "It has been campaigning in a way that leads voters who harbor a sense of anxiety about society today to support Sanseito while inciting public opinion that discriminates against and excludes foreigners as a consequence." Regarding Kamiya's remark that he was amending what he said shortly afterward, the letter stated, "Words spoken by a politician representing a political party bear significant influence and cannot be easily dismissed as if they were never uttered."
