Mon Feb 24 12:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Global Roundup: K-Culture’s Rise, Trump’s Economics, and a Major Pedophile Case

**International News:** The global spread of Korean culture (“Korean Wave”) continues its ascent, while Gulf nations are aggressively pursuing cultural influence through mega-projects and sporting events. The German legislative elections resulted in a triple shockwave, impacting the political landscape. A debate continues on whether US tech-monarchists and libertarians genuinely want to dismantle democracy. Finally, the Berlinale 2025 awarded the Golden Bear to Dag Johan Haugerud’s “Dreams (Sex Love).”

**US Politics and Economics:** Warren Buffett criticized Donald Trump’s economic policies, specifically his handling of the dollar’s stability. Questions persist regarding Trump’s self-proclaimed status as a “dealmaker.”

**France:** An editorial in *Le Monde* advocates for France to accelerate its deployment of wind and solar energy. A special program on France 5 explores the complexities of life in Mayotte, highlighting the challenges faced by those choosing to remain French citizens. A detailed article focuses on the upcoming four-month trial of Dr. Joël Le Scouarnec, a surgeon accused of sexually assaulting nearly 300 children. The case underscores systemic failures in child protection within French institutions. The average age of victims at the time of the crimes was 11.

**Other:** Articles also cover the unique experience of audiophile bars, the culinary delights of the Aubrac region, and a profile of comic book author Liv Strömquist. The unusual height of basketball players like Victor Wembanyama is also discussed, as is Violette Dorange’s account of her first Vendée Globe race. The 80th anniversary of the opening of Auschwitz prompts reflection on why the Allies, aware of the Holocaust, didn’t intervene sooner.

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