ASEAN News

Sending money to North Korea is a risky and illegal activity that many defectors and their families in South Korea engage in, despite the harsh penalties and consequences that they may face.  Sending money to North Korea involves a complex and covert network of brokers, couriers, and smugglers, who operate across the borders of China, North Korea, and South Korea. …

The political feud between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte has reached a new level of hostility, as they have been calling each other “drug lords” and accusing each other of being involved in the illegal drug trade. The exchange of insults and allegations has exposed the deep rift and animosity between the two leaders, who …

Japan has a long history of participating in international beauty pageants, but it has also faced controversies over the racial and ethnic identity of its representatives.  In recent years, some of the winners of Miss Japan have been bi-racial or naturalized citizens, sparking debates on what it means to be Japanese. However, in 2024, Japan has chosen a beauty queen …

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 …