Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network-Heavy snow disrupts flights in the UK and Germany

For those seeking K-pop stardom, the path can be long and grueling

Seven young women sit anxiously in a room, awaiting their fate. Aged between 14 and 20, they embody the polished perfection associated with K-pop: slim figures, flawless skin, and impeccable grooming. For these trainees, the moment is pivotal—they're about to learn who will debut in MZMC’s first-ever girl group.This coveted opportunity comes after years of grueling preparation. The trainees have sacrificed formal education, family proximity, and personal freedoms to perfect their singing, dancing, and performing skills. For many, it’s their one and only shot. “In the idol world, 18 is considered old,” says Ah-In Lee, 18, one of the final seven trainees.MZMC founder Paul Thompson, a prominent K-pop producer, explains that thousands of auditions led to the selection of 30 trainees, now narrowed to seven after months of cuts and evaluations. This intense elimination process is standard in the K-pop industry, which operates on rigorous artist development programs unlike any other global music industry.Girl group Aespa - featuring K-pop singer Karina, center - perform in Seoul, in May last year. Han Myung-Gu/WireImage/Getty ImagesThe pressures don’t stop with training. The girls must meet rigid beauty standards and maintain strict diets, often eating only boiled eggs and chicken. “The word is ‘idol,’” Thompson explains. “People want to idolize someone perfect.”The stakes are high for the final lineup. Less than 1% of debuting K-pop groups achieve global fame like BTS or Blackpink. Despite the odds, five trainees—Lee, Koga, Jang, Kim, and Moon—made the cut, forming the new girl group VVS, expected to debut in 2025. For those left behind, the journey is far from over, as they seek alternative paths in the fiercely competitive world of K-pop.

2025-01-10 09:00

Heavy snow disrupts flights in the UK and Germany

Heavy snowfall caused significant disruption across parts of Europe on Sunday, particularly impacting air travel in the UK and Germany.Several UK airports were forced to temporarily close runways due to snow and ice. The UK’s Met Office issued widespread snow and ice warnings for Northern Ireland, most of Scotland, and large parts of central and northern England. Wales also faced yellow rain warnings.Manchester Airport, the UK’s third busiest, shut its runways Sunday morning to clear heavy snow, reopening around 9:45 a.m. Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport followed suit, reopening its runway at 10:15 a.m. Newcastle International Airport reported “heavy and continuous snowfall,” causing flight disruptions. Birmingham Airport also faced overnight closures but reopened Sunday after resilient efforts from its staff. Bristol Airport, closed Saturday evening due to challenging weather, reopened later that night but warned of ongoing delays.The UK’s National Rail said snow and ice had disrupted train services in England, Scotland, and Wales. Speed restrictions and line closures were implemented to ensure safety. National Highways issued severe weather alerts, advising road users to take extra care over the weekend.Newcastle International Airport said it was experiencing "heavy and continuous snowfall," adding that "teams are working across the site to keep passengers and colleagues safe." Newcastle International Airport/XIn Germany, Frankfurt Airport canceled 120 flights out of 1,090 scheduled due to snow, black ice, and poor visibility. Munich Airport operated with only one runway open. Germany’s meteorological office warned of continued freezing rain and advised against unnecessary travel.As Europe grappled with severe winter weather, authorities worked tirelessly to minimize disruptions and ensure passenger safety.

2025-01-10 09:00

‘Mystery volcano’ that erupted and cooled Earth in 1831 has finally been identified

In 1831, a massive volcanic eruption cooled Earth’s climate by ejecting sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, but the volcano's identity remained unknown—until now. Scientists have identified the source as Zavaritskii volcano on Simushir Island in the Kuril archipelago. The eruption, one of the largest of the 19th century, dropped Northern Hemisphere temperatures by 1°C (1.8°F) during the Little Ice Age, contributing to widespread famine.Using ice cores from Greenland, researchers matched volcanic ash and sulfur isotopes to Zavaritskii, whose last known eruption was around 800 BC. The caldera created by the 1831 explosion spans 1.87 miles, and the event significantly disrupted global climate. Other major eruptions during this period, such as Mount Tambora in 1815, also marked the waning of the Little Ice Age.The examination of ice cores in Greenland provided clues about the "mystery volcano" that erupted in 1831. Michael SiglThe study highlights the climatic impact of volcanoes in remote areas, which are poorly monitored, making future eruptions hard to predict. The researchers urge the scientific community to better prepare for potential global consequences of volcanic activity, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to address these challenges.

2025-01-09 09:00

Heavy snow disrupts flights in the UK and Germany

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For those seeking K-pop stardom, the path can be long and grueling

Heavy snow disrupts flights in the UK and Germany

‘Mystery volcano’ that erupted and cooled Earth in 1831 has finally been identified