Malaysia's Gravity-Defying Lion Dancers Brought Down to Earth by Pandemic

Members of Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association, demonstrate a traditional Chinese lion dance at a training center, during an interview with Reuters, in Muar, Malaysia February 5, 2021. (Reuters)
Members of Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association, demonstrate a traditional Chinese lion dance at a training center, during an interview with Reuters, in Muar, Malaysia February 5, 2021. (Reuters)
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Malaysia's Gravity-Defying Lion Dancers Brought Down to Earth by Pandemic

Members of Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association, demonstrate a traditional Chinese lion dance at a training center, during an interview with Reuters, in Muar, Malaysia February 5, 2021. (Reuters)
Members of Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association, demonstrate a traditional Chinese lion dance at a training center, during an interview with Reuters, in Muar, Malaysia February 5, 2021. (Reuters)

During normal Lunar New Year celebrations, one of Malaysia's leading lion dance troupes puts on gravity-defying performances by leaping in full costume between poles, to the beat of drums and crashing of cymbals and gongs.

The traditional Chinese lion dance has long been part of the festivities in the southeast Asian nation, but this year the Kun Seng Keng Lion & Dragon Dance Association has been brought down to earth with such public spectacles halted by the pandemic.

"We are badly affected because, as a lion dance troupe, our main income comes from Lunar New Year, which helps to cover our expenses for the year," the group's deputy, Lim Wei Khang, told Reuters.

"But, given the pandemic is bad and the government has banned the lion dance, we will heed its advice and hope for a better next year."

Malaysia managed to rein in the virus for much of last year, but recent months have seen a spike in cases, with more than 240,000 infections and 872 deaths.

Chinese are Malaysia's largest ethnic minority, making up just over a fifth of its 32 million people, and the Lunar New Year holidays are one of the country's biggest holidays.

But the government said on Sunday that only up to 15 family members within a radius of 10 km (6 miles) can gather for traditional reunion dinners.

"If the pandemic continues for another one or two years, I hope the government and private sectors will support the Chinese culture," said instructor and troupe head Tang Puay Sen.

"We need to stay optimistic because the movement control order is good for our family, our troupe members, and for everyone," added Tang, saying he hoped the troupe could still perform later this year.

"Once the pandemic is over, every day is New Year."



North Korea Holds First Pyongyang International Marathon in Six Years

Pyongyang citizens walk in a street of the Moranbong District in Pyongyang, North Korea Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP)
Pyongyang citizens walk in a street of the Moranbong District in Pyongyang, North Korea Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP)
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North Korea Holds First Pyongyang International Marathon in Six Years

Pyongyang citizens walk in a street of the Moranbong District in Pyongyang, North Korea Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP)
Pyongyang citizens walk in a street of the Moranbong District in Pyongyang, North Korea Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP)

North Korea on Sunday held its first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years, hosting foreign runners in the reclusive country that has largely closed its borders since the pandemic.

Athletes from China, Romania and other countries visited to participate in the event, state media KCNA news agency and Rodong Sinmun reported on Sunday.

About 200 foreigners arrived on Friday and Saturday in Pyongyang where those running practiced at a hotel for the Sunday race, said Simon Cockerell, general manager at Beijing-based Koryo Tours, in Instagram posts showing streets and a recreational area in Pyongyang.

The Koryo Tours is an official partner of the Pyongyang Marathon, aiding the sign-up process for international competitors.

The isolated state sealed its borders in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but has been slowly lifting restrictions since 2023.

It has allowed Russian tourist groups into the country, but its capital remains closed to regular tourism.

The marathon is a return course running through central Pyongyang, passing major landmarks and heading out into the countryside before coming back through the city to a stadium filled with 50,000 spectators, Koryo Tours said.

At the stadium, a crowd of North Koreans - some wearing masks - greeted the runners, and foreign participants took pictures of the spectators with mobile phones, pictures posted by Cockerell showed. Local media have yet to announce the victor.

The Pyongyang International Marathon is one of several events held to celebrate the April 15 birthday of Kim Il Sung, North Korea's founder and grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un.