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Netflix has removed a Chinese series from its Vietnam platform after Hanoi objected to an episode that featured a map showing disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea. The 27-episode romance drama “Sign on Me” includes photos of the alleged “nine-dash line,” which Vietnam has condemned as “incorrect” and a “violation of national sovereignty.”

China uses the line on its map to demarcate its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam is one of several countries to oppose these claims. Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture gave Netflix 24 hours to remove the series on January 3. The series has now been removed from Netflix’s Vietnam platform.

The controversial map appeared several times in episode 25 of “Sign on Me,” which featured a presentation about China’s solar energy potential. The show’s main characters appear during a speech where a map of China showing part of the nine-dash line is projected onto an auditorium screen.

‘Sign on Me’ is popular in China and other regions. Before the series was removed, it was one of Netflix’s top 10 shows in Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Beijing has not officially commented on the ban, although its state-run Global Times newspaper published an article on Tuesday urging Hanoi to “keep cultural exchanges separate from the South China Sea issue.” China has been asserting sovereignty over many territories and adjacent waters in the South China Sea in recent years, despite protests from Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

In 2023, Vietnam also ordered Netflix to remove another Chinese series, “Flight to You,” from a similar map. These are not the only Chinese series that Vietnam has banned for featuring the nine-dash line. Authorities also banned Warner Bros.’ Hollywood blockbuster “Barbie” in 2023 and DreamWorks’ animated film “Abominable” in 2016.

Little-known South Korean filmmaker Yoon Ga-eun has found unexpected national recognition after her latest film, The World of Love, became a surprise box-office success. Speaking to BBC Korean in Seoul in late November, Yoon said the film’s impact had yet to fully register. She described feeling grateful but also overwhelmed by the sudden attention.

The film, widely praised by local media as the “movie of the year,” focuses on the life of a teenage survivor of sexual violence, centring not on the crime itself but on the challenges and small victories of everyday life after trauma. Its sensitive portrayal of school, family, friendships and young romance has struck a chord with audiences.

Since its October release, the film has earned more than $1.1m at the box office and received a 9 out of 10 rating on major search platform Naver. Acclaimed director Bong Jun-ho has also publicly praised the work, calling it a “masterpiece.”

Observers say the film’s success reflects a broader shift in South Korea, where conversations about sexual violence and the treatment of survivors are increasingly entering the public space.

TV doctor and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Punam Krishan has disclosed that she has undergone treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 42-year-old Glasgow-born GP, who appears as a resident doctor on BBC’s Morning Live and competed on Strictly in 2024, said she received the diagnosis five months ago. She shared on Instagram that she has now completed treatment and is recovering, though the experience has left her shaken.

Posting a photo from a hospital bed, Krishan reflected on the contrast between her professional life and personal reality, saying that despite nearly two decades as a doctor, nothing prepared her for becoming a patient herself.

Krishan praised the NHS staff who treated her, calling them an “extraordinary” team, and acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the journey. She explained that she kept her illness private to protect her children, relying on support from her husband, family and close friends.

Married to Scottish Conservative MSP and health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Krishan said completing treatment has brought mixed emotions, including gratitude and relief alongside lingering shock. She said she decided to speak publicly to be honest about her experience and to highlight that cancer can affect anyone, noting she had no family history and was otherwise healthy.

James Cameron’s science fiction fantasy film Avatar: Fire and Ash has crossed the $1bn mark at the global box office, becoming the director’s fourth movie to reach the milestone. According to Walt Disney Studios, the visually striking film has earned $1.03bn in worldwide ticket sales.

The film is the third installment in the Avatar franchise, which has now generated a combined global revenue of $6.35bn. Fire and Ash continues the story from Avatar: The Way of Water, focusing on Jake and Neytiri as they grieve the death of their son.

Industry analysts say the Avatar films continue to attract audiences to theaters due to their immersive visuals. Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends at Comscore, noted that the franchise’s 3D experience is especially suited for the big screen.

The original Avatar, released in 2009, earned $2.9bn worldwide and remains the highest-grossing film of all time in unadjusted figures. Its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, released in 2022, collected over $2.3bn globally and won an Academy Award for best visual effects.