ASEAN News

North Korea, one of the most isolated and repressive countries in the world, has imposed harsh punishments on its citizens who watch or distribute South Korean shows, which are banned by the regime.  A rare video footage, obtained by a South Korean research group, shows two teenage boys being sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for watching K-dramas, or …

The first lady of South Korea, Kim Keon Hee, has been embroiled in a controversy over a Dior bag that she allegedly received as a gift from a Korean American pastor, who secretly filmed her with a hidden camera.  The scandal, which has been dubbed as the “Dior bag scandal” by the local media, has damaged the image and reputation …

Osaka, Japan‘s second-largest city and the host of the World Expo 2025, is famous for its vibrant and diverse street food culture.  From savory pancakes to fried skewers, from grilled octopus balls to steamed buns, Osaka offers a mouthwatering array of dishes that reflect its history, identity, and spirit. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the best of …

Russia and Korea have a long history of bilateral relations, dating back to the late 19th century, when they established diplomatic ties and cooperated against Japanese imperialism.  In the 21st century, the two countries have maintained a strategic partnership, based on mutual interests and respect, despite the challenges posed by the changing regional and global environment. What are the reasons …

Japan has made history by becoming the fifth nation to land a spacecraft on the moon, and the first to do so with pinpoint accuracy. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) touched down on the lunar surface on Friday, January 19, 2024, after a four-month journey from Earth. What is SLIM and why is it important? SLIM is a …

Submarine-launched nuclear weapons are missiles that can carry nuclear warheads and can be fired from underwater by submarines. They are considered one of the most potent and survivable weapons in a nuclear arsenal, as they can evade detection and interception, and can strike targets from long distances and various directions. Why does North Korea want submarine-launched nuclear weapons? North Korea …

Taiwan is a self-ruled island that has its own government, military, and currency, but is claimed by China as part of its territory.  China considers Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. China has never renounced the use of military force to achieve this goal, and has repeatedly warned other countries …

Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, is facing a series of domestic troubles and challenges that threaten his grip on power and his legitimacy. Some of these troubles and challenges include: The economic crisis and the food shortage, caused by the international sanctions, the Covid-19 pandemic, the natural disasters, and the mismanagement of the regime. According to …

Japan is known for its culinary excellence and diversity, with more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo alone. However, in recent years, many Japanese consumers, especially office workers, have been opting for ultra-cheap lunches that cost less than 500 yen ($4.30) as food prices continue to rise due to various factors, such as the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, …

Kim Ju-ae is the daughter of North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol-ju. She is believed to be about 10 years old and has two siblings, an older brother and a younger one of unknown sex. She is the granddaughter of Kim Jong Il and the great-granddaughter of Kim Il Sung, the founder of North …