Korean-born cheerleader’s foray into Mandopop: exclusive interview

Korean-born cheerleader’s foray into Mandopop: exclusive interview

2026-01-30

Taiwan has platformed many South Korean-born cheerleaders, so much so that they’re now emerging multi-hyphenates. Last year, four cheerleaders for different baseball teams made their debut as a K-pop girl group based in Taiwan. On Friday, Lee A-young, one of the most popular, released her second Mandopop single just weeks after her first. In an exclusive interview, Lee told us what she wishes to convey with her new song. Let’s find out now.

In the music video, Lee A-young is turned into a fairy, sparker in hand. Then, she sports an office siren look, and a Japanese fox spirit with a kitsune mask. This is the Korean-born cheerleader’s second single.

Lee A-young
Cheerleader
I’m diligently practicing singing and studying Mandarin. This is my present to everybody just before the Lunar New Year.

In less than a month, Lee has released two singles with very different themes.

The first is filled with familiar local Taiwanese elements, while the second takes on a more seductive note.

Lee A-young
Cheerleader
This song conveys the true self, free and authentic, and also very human. It’s not just me: many people have the experience of hitting rock-bottom in life. Sometimes, people wish they could escape the daily and mundane. In these moments, they can briefly escape and catch a breath, and in that moment, they can be who they truly are. I think what the song conveys is that it’s ok to just be yourself every now and then.

Lee isn’t the only Korean-born cheerleader building a multi-hyphenate portfolio. There’s also a girl group that debuted last year.

The four cheerleaders, An Ji-Hyun, Jo Yeon-Joo, Nam Min-Jeong and Park Min-Seo are 2S. They released a single last year. These young women are no longer just cheering on for others: they’re also becoming the main act.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#cheerleaders #kpop #mandopop #韓籍啦啦隊員 #李雅英

第二首單曲預告片公開李雅英化身"神祕狐狸"秀成熟美

2026-01-30

近年許多韓籍啦啦隊員來台，除了在球場應援外也開啟斜槓人生，像是去年來自不同球隊的，4位職棒韓籍成員升級女團出道。高人氣韓籍女神李雅英，繼第一首全中文單曲發行後，短短一個月，第二首歌曲也即將上線，更獨家接受民視訪問。

飄逸長裙玩起仙女棒，畫面一轉，戴起眼鏡化身OL，接著掛上面具變身魅惑小狐狸，韓籍啦啦隊女神李雅英，將再度推出新歌。

[[中職韓籍啦啦隊員李雅英]]
“最近也認真學習唱歌和中文，所以在過年之前，給大家過年的禮物”

打鐵趁熱，時隔一個月，第二首單曲即將上線，不過兩首風格卻大不同。

對比前一首台灣感性，李雅英本性大解放，這一次反而神祕感十足。

[[中職韓籍啦啦隊員李雅英]]
“這首歌表達的是一個，自由真誠的自我，一個更有人情味的自我，不只是我，很多人，都會經歷人生的低谷，有時他們想要逃離日常瑣事，在那些時刻，就像是短暫地逃離，喘口氣，然後在那一刻找到自我，活出真實的自己，我認為這首歌表達的是，偶爾做真實的自己也無妨”

近年不少來台應援的韓籍啦啦隊員開啟斜槓模式，唱歌跳舞樣樣來，甚至還有成員們組團出道。

4位職棒韓籍啦啦隊員，安芝儇、趙娟週、南珉真、朴旻曙，組成女團2S，去年發新歌，韓籍啦啦隊來台灣不只要應援，紛紛跨界展現歌喉。

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Ximen Metro Mall gets a trendy anime-themed makeover

Tourists visiting popular Ximending on the Taipei Metro would once typically head to Exit 6 to get out of its underground mall and deserted shops. Not anymore. Now a developer has transformed Ximen Metro Mall into a hub for anime and K-pop. There are also trendy cosmetic and accessory stores. Since it’s opening at the end of last year, foot traffic to this underground mall has increased by nearly 60%. Let’s find out more

The shop windows are replete with dolls and miniature models, while in another area there is the first-ever cosmetics vending machine in this underground mall, paired with a retro photo sticker booth, making the small shop packed with people.

Member of the public
Previously I had to go to many different places to find these kinds of shops, but now there’s a wide variety here, so it’s easier to find them all at once.

Member of the public
I imagined underground shopping malls probably wouldn’t be so clean or attractive, but I think it’s quite beautifully done up now, with a consistent theme. The kind of walkway that’s very Instagrammable and really draws people in.

Ximen Metro Mall has had a makeover. It opened at the end of last year, and now attracts at least 10,000 visitors daily. Compare this with earlier footage. In 2002, the Taipei City Government invested over NT$1.67 billion to renovate this underground mall, but subsequent attempts to attract investment all did not amount to much. In 2017, then-Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je spent over NT$50 million in renovations, with a grand plan for transforming it into an anime and cultural and creative hub, but ultimately a row of 16 shops remained unused and abandoned. That is, until a savior arrived.

Chou Shang-min
Ximen Metro Mall Manager
We’ve combined pop culture, trend-driven concepts, and fandom-related businesses. About 90% of the shops have now been leased.

Taiwan’s underground shopping malls often give an impression of being dimly lit and chaotic. The Ximen Metro Mall has moved beyond the traditional model of simply leasing space. Instead, all businesses are organized around a unique theme. By featuring the most popular anime and K-Pop themes, it targets Ximending’s young and diverse visitors.

Wang Li-mei
Guangfu Borough chief, Taipei
Now the foot traffic has increased by 40% to 50%, almost 60%, because before there were very few people, and I was quite worried. Hardly anyone was going into the shops. If there are more young people, it will naturally energize the entire commercial area, turning this place into a popular destination.

Visitors can experience all the latest trends in one place, a place that truly turns people flows into cash flows.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Taiwantourism #Ximending #Anime #Kpop #urbanplanning

2026-01-30

Graduation challenge encourages middle schoolers to conquer 15m climbing wall

American climber Alex Honnold’s ascent of Taipei 101 has sparked interest in climbing in Taiwan. But Ershui Junior High in Changhua is ahead of the curve. The school boasts the county’s largest climbing facility, where students are required to take six classes every semester. Students who climb 15 meters to the top even get a special certificate at graduation.

Wearing full protective equipment under the careful observation of their teachers and parents, students take on this extreme adventure park. There’s also this...

A 15-meter climbing wall. Ershui Junior High School in Changhua has the county’s largest climbing wall, as well as other facilities like a giant ladder and zipline.

Member of public
It’s pretty good. They get a chance to experience different kinds of activities than students at other schools.

Wu Chien-chung
Ershui Junior High principal
We’re making good use of these facilities. At the moment, every student has about six classes here every semester where they climb or do other adventuring activities. If they can conquer the climbing wall, then they’ll get a signed certificate as a keepsake. It’s unique for a graduation.

American climber Alex Honnold’s successful free solo of Taipei 101 has sparked interest in climbing across Taiwan, and brought attention to the school. Since students take six climbing classes every semester, if they’re able to reach the top of the 15-meter-high wall, they’ll get a special diploma declaring them as the most accomplished climbers in Changhua.

Wu Chien-chung
Ershui Junior High principal
We do our best to encourage the students to try it out. Like rock climbing, not everyone will make it to the top, but the point is to try. To challenge yourself.

Exposure to extreme sports from a young age challenges these students’ physical strength, mental agility, and endurance, teaching them how to grow from adversity.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#extremesports #climbing #AlexHonnold #freesolo #Taipei101 #Changhua #rockclimbing #students #challenge #adventurepark

2026-01-30

Using big pots on portable stoves may cause gas explosion

With the recent cold weather, many people have been enjoying hot pot in the comfort of their own homes using portable gas stoves. But first responders said they have recently seen patients with injuries from these stoves exploding. Wanting to cook more food faster, they used a pot too big for the stove, heating up the gas canister on the side and causing it to explode.

Taiwanese actor Ming Dao warns of the dangers of using portable gas stoves. Many people use small stoves like this to cook hot pot at home, but it’s important not to heat up the gas canister on the side.

Firefighters described these portable stoves as “grenades on the table.” They said people had recently been injured with metal shrapnel from one of them. Wanting to cook more food at once, a group of young people used a pot too big for the small stove, causing the gas canister on the side to heat up and explode.

Kao Shih-feng
Taiwan Fireproof Society honorary chairman
If the temperature exceeds 100°C, it will trigger a valve that shuts off the gas supply. But if the temperature rises too quickly and the pressure exceeds 15 kilograms per square centimeter, the safety valve will activate and start releasing gas. But if the heated surface is too large and quickly surpasses 100°C with high pressure, it doesn’t have time to relieve the pressure or shut off, and will explode.

If the pot covers the lid of the gas canister, it’s like putting the canister in the fire. When the canister’s internal pressure exceeds its limit, the gas will vaporize and expand.

Voice of Huang Chien-hua
Fire Safety Museum director
When cooking, try not to use any pots that extend beyond the stove’s grate, as this can overheat the gas canister. Second, ensure proper ventilation. The canister has a ring-shaped notch that must be secured with an audible click to prevent gas from leaking.

It’s important to not use pots larger than the stove grate, not use portable stoves side by side, and stop using them immediately if the gas canister starts to warm up. Don’t let the simple joy of cooking a warm meal on a cold day turn into a disaster.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#cooking #gasstove #portablestove #explosion #stoveexplosion #gasexplosion #hotpot #warning #PSA

2026-01-30

Lai visits Hualien troops ahead of Lunar New Year

With just a few weeks to go until the Lunar New Year, President Lai Ching-te on Friday visited the Hualien Navy Base, the Hualien Army Coastal Defense Unit, and the Hualien Air Force Base. Besides inspecting the troops, Lai offered words of encouragement to personnel, and presented them with additional bonuses. He also delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude to the soldiers who participated in last year’s disaster relief efforts during the Guangfu flood. He emphasized the high-quality performance of the Coastal Defense Unit during Taiwan’s own Han Kuang exercises, as well as its responsiveness during China’s military drills near the area. The president also took the opportunity to call on opposition parties to put aside political differences to secure more funding for the troops. Let’s hear from him.

Lai Ching-te
President
During the Han Kuang exercises, readiness drills, base missions, and disaster relief during the Guangfu operation, our troops demonstrated outstanding performance, which I want to fully recognize. Last year, when China conducted military exercises around Taiwan, the Second Operational Command responded quickly, showing deterrent strength and demonstrating to our people the solid combat capabilities of our officers and soldiers. The government will continue to make every effort to give our military troops maximum support. I hope that all political parties can put aside differences on matters of national defense and security, and work to secure more budget and resources for our own troops so that we can protect our sovereignty.

President Lai personally visited the tactical center to hear reports from the troops, and inspected the mobile vertical launchers of the Tien Kung III missiles and the radar vehicles. He also watched a retrospective video with the soldiers showing last year’s Guangfu flood and the Coastal Defense Unit’s involvement in the disaster relief efforts. He thanked the troops for holding their posts and safeguarding the safety of the Taiwanese people.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#lai #military #defense #lny #賴清德

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22 amusement rides for free at Kaohsiung Winter Wonderland

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Taiwan’s defense submarine completes first submerged tests

Taiwan’s first domestically built submarine prototype, the Narwhal, successfully completed its first deep-water dive on Thursday, marking a major milestone in the Navy’s shipbuilding history. Building on that momentum, the Navy wasted no time in pressing ahead with further trials. On Friday, the submarine put to sea once again, departing the harbor an hour earlier than during the previous two sea trials earlier this week. Military experts interpret the accelerated schedule as a strong indication that Thursday’s deep-water submerged test was highly successful. As a result, the Narwhal is expected to proceed to even deeper waters in the next phase of testing, where more advanced submerged operations will be conducted. These ongoing trials are seen as a crucial step toward its planned delivery to the Navy in June.

Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine prototype, the Narwhal, is at Kaohsiung Harbor, escorted by Marine Corps assault boats and CSBC workboats. It’s heading out again after successfully completing its first submerged tests.

Military enthusiasts raised red banners and waved flags to celebrate the milestone and cheer the testing team on. The Narwhal is to complete a third round of tests this week. One military enthusiast from Tainan has followed the Narwhal’s activities in person every day.

Military enthusiast
I’m so happy. It looks like everything’s going well. It’s especially apparent when it’s navigating, its turns are so slick, so smooth.

The Narwhal completed the first submerged tests at 10 nautical miles off the coast of Zuoying, diving to a depth of 50m for tests on sonar, propulsion and other systems. To follow up on this success, the Navy is conducting more tests at 100m below sea level, including the submarine’s quietness and water pressure resistance.

Chi Tung-yun
Military expert
As things currently stand, it seems that yesterday’s tests were all very successful, so today more, relevant tests will be done at a greater depth, to see how the submarine’s soldering works will fare under all the stress and pressure under water, whether it will produce sounds and how the submarine will react.

In the five years since construction began on the Narwhal, the project has received technical support from many countries, including the US, the UK and South Korea. The military expert says that submerged tests at deep waters will determine whether the prototype has a successfully integrated system.

Chi Tung-yun
Military expert
When a submarine is at sea and undertaking combat patrols, it detects the enemy through its sonar system. Its combat system then processes the data and applies the necessary parameters, which are then transmitted to the torpedo tubes. The Mark 48 heavyweight wire-guided torpedo will only be launched after this process is completed, and so system integration is a very important hurdle to pass.

After the Narwhal completes deep-water submerged tests, it will get even closer to the target of delivery by June. The CSBC says it will run the tests progressively until then.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwan #military #nationaldefense #navy #submarine #海鯤號

2026-01-30

Hsinchu City God gets clear views of opera shows thanks to new tech

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones. A temple in Hsinchu faced a dilemma in recent years due to the Taiwanese opera shows it regularly hosted. The stage was right in the temple, in an area packed with food stands. And though it’s great to watch a show with a snack in your hand, the signs on the stands barely let anyone get a good view of the stage, including the statue of the Hsinchu City God. After complaints from the public and negotiations between the temple and the food vendors, they found a solution: raise the signs to the ceiling when a show is on. At the beginning the mechanism to hoist the signboards was hand-cranked, but now, a technological solution clears the view without anyone breaking a sweat.

A Taiwanese opera show is on at the Hsinchu City God Temple, which is packed with food stalls. It’s crowded every day, and worshippers have found there is more than meets the eye.

The food stall signs get hoisted in the air, revealing the opera performance behind them to oohs and aahs from the crowd.

Member of public
Surprised by the setup
It was so special. All the food stalls at the temple create a very traditional environment. But they have modern equipment to raise the signboards up! It’s the first time I see anything like it, it’s so unique.

Member of public
Surprised by the setup
It’s really innovative. It feels like a blend of tradition and modernity. The stalls have been doing business for a long time. If the stands are set in place, having the automatic system to lift up the signboards lets the deities watch the show. This unique tech application is a key draw at the Hsinchu City God Temple.

Views of the stage are now unobstructed. The temple and the vendors worked together on this tech-forward solution after locals complained about the signs blocking the show.

Wu Cheng-lung
Hsinchu City God Temple
People complained that the City God wasn’t able to enjoy the show, as the views were blocked by the signs. We asked the vendors to make some changes, like perhaps raising their signboards or something so that the City God would have a clearer view.

Chung Ming-ta
Shopkeeper
At first we had to pull them up by hand whenever there was a performance. But during the City God’s birthday celebrations, there were so many performances, so we had to pull them up almost every day.

This clever solution allowed vendors to stay in their spots, deities to enjoy the show, and visitors to look up in awe.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#temple #innovation #clever #technology #opera #taiwan #hsinchu

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says second Taiwan HQ ‘a possibility’

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang headed to Nangang on the second day of his trip to Taiwan. He paid a visit to his company’s new office in the Taipei district in the morning, where he also took questions from employees. Reports have emerged that the tech giant is planning to build a second headquarters in Taiwan. Reporters asked Huang about the prospect. Though he didn’t provide any concrete details, he said a second HQ could be possible. He said that, as the number of Taiwanese employees continues to grow, the company will inevitably need more office space in the country. Let’s hear more from the tech tycoon.

Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
They give me a lot of questions. Many more questions than you have. Many, many more. It’s related to our products, sometimes it’s related to culture, sometimes related to business. So I explained everything to them, whatever they want to know. So company meetings are a lot of fun. That sounds good, I like it. We should have as many as possible, because we have many employees here, and we have many, many supply chain partners here, and many customers here. And so the amount of work that we do here in Taiwan is growing very fast. So I’m very happy to build here.

Reporter
There is a possibility?

Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
Possibility and maybe even probability. You know? Who knows?

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
“At the moment, there is no related information, but if Nvidia submits a request, the city government will provide assistance.”

Nvidia is set to build new headquarters on plots T17 and T18 at the Beitou Shilin Technology Park. Though the project hasn’t been finished, already the company could be considering a second HQ, possibly located at the site that was originally planned to build the Zhoumei Elementary School. This second plot of land is just about a 5-minute drive from the key base at plots T17 and T18. Though everything is still up in the air, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has approved an additional investment from Nvidia in Taiwan totaling NT$3.3 billion. That investment is destined for building, construction and land acquisition for the future office campuses.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#nvidia #tech #taiwan #business #shilin #nangang

2026-01-30