• Central Asia

    Major news in Russia on May 15

    Top news in <Moscow Times>: Russia Tries to Turn Tables on Human Rights   news@theasian.asia

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  • East Asia

    Major news in Japan on May 15

    Top news in <NHK>: Okinawa marks 40th anniversary of return from US news@theasian.asia

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  • East Asia

    Major news in China on May 15: China to adopt new drinking water standards in July

    Top news in <CNTV>: China to adopt new drinking water standards in July news@theasian.asia

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  • Smartphone users make up 50% of mobile subscriptions

    It is no longer news that smartphones are the current trend among mobile phone consumers but new statistics now back this up. According to data released by the three domestic mobile carriers smartphone users now account for over half of handset subscriptions in Korea. As one of the world’s most-wired…

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  • Society

    Korea pursues ‘hallyu’ initiatives

    30 language institutes will be set up around world every year As part of efforts to boost the staying power of “hallyu” or the Korean wave, the government plans to set up language institutes around the world — 30 or more every year. Plus, the current Romanization system, already 10…

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  • Politics

    President makes historic visit to Myanmar

    The leaders of South Korea and Myanmar agreed to strengthen bilateral ties Monday, amid signs that the Southeast Asian country seeks democratic and economic reform. During a summit with President Thein Sein, President Lee Myung-bak noted positive progress made in bilateral relations over the past months and that a new…

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  • Politics

    Mubarak Faking Bad Health at Court Appearances

    Egypt’s former leader Hosni Mubarak has been exaggerating the extent of his medical problems at recent court appearances on charges of complicity in the killings of hundreds of protesters during the popular uprising that ousted him from power, Egyptian media said on Monday. “He sits in his chair and watches…

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  • Society

    Power struggle hits Jogye Order

    The largest Buddhist order, Jogye, is in turmoil following last week’s release of a video clip showing eight monks gambling with hundreds of millions of won at a hotel room in late April. Jogye Order President Ven. Jaseung is under growing pressure to resign amid rumors that his opponents are…

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  • Leftist party splitting up

    The strife-ridden Unified Progressive Party (UPP) seemed to be on course for a break-up Monday after moderates passed a proposal to make Rep. Kang Ki-kab as the leftist party’s emergency leader. The decision came in a vote of 536-9 during an online meeting of the party’s highest decision making central…

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  • New NK badge elevates power of late Kim

    A new badge spotted in North Korea featuring late leader Kim Jong-il alongside his father Kim Il-sung is garnering attention as it appears to hoist the son to a similar level as the worshipped country founder. Websites following movements in the North have recently posted photographs of the new badges…

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