South Korea: Virus Tanks Economy, Penguin Tops Charts

Seoul: South Korea's economy has taken its biggest hit in more than a decade due to the virus pandemic. And that's despite strict and early measures to bring the outbreak under control.

GDP shrank 1.4% year-on-year between January and March, its biggest decline since 2008 during the global financial crisis. Private consumption even saw its sharpest fall in two decades, down by 6.4%.

The pandemic has also hit the music industry with concerts and touring all off limits.

But one unlikely star has just got to the top of the country's music charts - Pengsoo, a giant taboo-busting penguin who dreams of fame and is arguably immune to the virus.

The song - This is Pengsoo - is a project to mark World Penguin Day on Saturday and all proceeds will go to charity. And of course, it offers some light relief.