ASEAN News

Japan is known for its aging population, shrinking workforce, and strict immigration policies. But in recent years, the country has been opening its doors to more overseas workers, especially from Southeast Asia. As of October 2023, there were more than 2 million foreign workers in Japan, a record high and a 13.6% increase from the previous year. The New Visa …

Fried toothpicks are the latest craze among Korean netizens, who are posting videos of themselves eating the crunchy snacks on social media. The trend started as a challenge to see who can eat the most fried toothpicks without hurting their mouths or teeth. The challenge is inspired by a popular Korean street food called tteokbokki, which are spicy rice cakes …

Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expected to sign a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2024, after completing most of the negotiations.  The CEPA will be a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries, which have seen significant growth in trade and investment in recent years. The CEPA will also bring mutual …

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 …