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Russian President Vladimir Putin made an animated appearance in a popular children’s television show to deliver a New Year greeting alongside a talking cat and dog. In the episode set in the fictional village of Prostokvashino, residents are surprised when the cartoon version of the Russian leader appears with the show’s well-known animal characters.

Reactions from parents visiting a Prostokvashino-themed park in Moscow were generally cautious but accepting. Some said cartoons allow creative freedom, while others felt that children are already familiar with Putin and may find his animated presence engaging. One visitor suggested the cameo could also attract attention from international audiences.

The appearance had been hinted at previously by the head of Soyuzmultfilm, the studio behind the show, which has been expanding the global reach of its animated content. The studio views the president’s cameo as a form of cultural promotion aimed at strengthening Russia’s influence abroad through entertainment.

Walt Disney Pictures announced the love action adaptation of Tangled will cast Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim as the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Tangled–released in 2010 featured the voice of Mandy Zachary Levi which grossed more than $590m worldwide. The live action Tangle will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for “The Greatest Showman,” with a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. The release date has not been announced

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.