ASEAN News

Imagine any quirky thing you’ve ever wanted that’s functional at the same time. Now, picture this: they’re all incredibly, mind-bogglingly cheap. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Temu, a Chinese shopping app that’s not just turning heads but also raising questions about where, how, and why we shop. Temu made its grand entrance in the US in 2022 …

Amid the glitz and glamor of the Busan International Film Festival’s opening night, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon’s words resonated deeply: “I hope we can communicate and reconcile again.” Little did he know that this sentiment would encapsulate the festival’s own journey. This year’s festival, marked by the thought-provoking film “Because I Hate Korea,” dove into the complexities of Korean society …

In the bustling streets of Asia’s vibrant cities, a transformation is unfolding, one that goes beyond technology and algorithms. It’s a story of AI’s quiet ascent into the realm of journalism, but it’s also a story of the human spirit, innovation, and adaptation. Our journey begins in South Korea, a nation renowned for its technological prowess and the global phenomenon …

In the shadows of Hong Kong’s dissent crackdown, Edmund Wan, known as “Giggs” in his radio days, found himself facing an unexpected offer. During a recent interview with Radio Free Asia, he unveiled the startling encounter with Chinese state security officers who approached him after his 32-month prison stint for “sedition” and “money-laundering.” Their proposition? Return to broadcasting, but this …

Amidst the serene embrace of the boundless, azure Pacific Ocean, a saga unfolds that transcends the ordinary tapestry of geopolitics—a narrative where Taiwan, a resolute island nation, unveils an engineering marvel, one that resonates through the ages like an echo from the annals of human achievement. This revelation isn’t just the christening of a submarine; it’s the symphony of indomitable …

In the ever-expanding tapestry of international intrigue, the Philippines emerges as a steadfast guardian of its maritime realm. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s resolute stance on defending territorial waters in the South China Sea adds a new thread to the complex fabric of geopolitics. Against a backdrop of geopolitical jockeying, the Philippines stands at the forefront, seeking not conflict but the …

Is the Philippines, under the stewardship of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a true virtuoso of diplomacy, managing to be the elusive “friend to all and enemy to none?” This intricate diplomatic ballet has drawn the world’s gaze, as Manila elegantly pirouettes through the delicate pas de deux of international relations with two global titans: the United States and China. Rappler’s …

In a seismic upheaval within Japan’s entertainment landscape, some of the nation’s most prominent companies are cutting ties with Johnny & Associates, a powerful talent agency rocked by accusations of sexual assault involving hundreds of teenage boys. The scandal has sent shockwaves through the country’s entertainment industry, prompting both public and commercial responses. NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, announced this week …

In the quiet corners of Taiwan, where the modern world meets ancient traditions, a clandestine battle unfolds. Shadows dance across the digital landscape, concealing a narrative known only as “yi mei lun,” the cryptic “us scepticism.” This covert operation weaves a tapestry of deception, blurring lines between truth and treachery. It all began with whispers, a story in the United …

In a cryptic twist, North Korea has seemingly cracked open the door to its isolated kingdom, allowing the cautious return of foreigners after nearly four years of shuttered borders. This enigmatic move, announced without fanfare or elaboration, poses intriguing questions about the secretive nation’s intentions and vulnerabilities. Reports from China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, confirm that North Korea will permit foreigners …