-
East Asia
North Korea phases out ‘strong and prosperous’ claim
North Korea is not known to shy away from hyperbole. The impoverished country, after all, boasts that the late despot Kim Jong-il scored 11 hole-in-ones during his first round of golf. It appears to be taking a more measured tone, however, on its long-held claim that it will emerge a…
Read More » -
Depression hits 1 in 3 female NK defectors
Life in South Korea is not easy for North Korean defectors and their difficult situation is reflected in numbers. A study showed Tuesday that 30 percent of 140 female North Korean defectors settled here suffered from depression. The depression was a comprehensive result of their weakened physical condition and psychological…
Read More » -
East Asia
Japan’s Justice Minister Resigns Over His Alleged Connection With Yakuza
In this Oct. 12, 2012 photo, Japan’s Justice Minister Keishu Tanaka speaks during a press conference at justice ministry in Tokyo. Japanese media reported that Tanaka submitted his resignation on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 over health issues and allegations that he took questionable contributions and attended a gangster’s wedding. <AP…
Read More » -
Seoul to boost claim in E. China Sea
The government plans to submit official documents calling for a U.N. body to recognize the continental shelf in the East China Sea near the southernmost island of Marado as its territory. According to a foreign ministry official, Seoul will claim in the official documents to be submitted to the U.N.…
Read More » -
President-elect to set new records
The president-elect will set new records, regardless of whether it is the Saenuri Party’s Park Geun-hye, the Democratic United Party’s (DUP) Moon Jae-in or independent Ahn Cheol-soo. If Park wins in the December poll, she will be the nation’s first female president. America has still to elect a female president…
Read More » -
East Asia
‘Spicy kimchi kept me warm in winter’
Peace Corps volunteers recount their discovery of Korea in late 1960s The first group of American Peace Corps volunteers to come to Korea in the mid-1960s had their own way of keeping warm during the icy winter weather, despite the poor heating systems. Some wore several layers of clothes, while…
Read More » -
East Asia
Bid to send anti-NK leaflets blocked
The government blocked activists from sending anti-regime pamphlets into North Korea, Monday, in a bid to avoid a military clash over the activity. Dozens of activists including North Korean defectors had planned to send 200,000 pamphlets across the border in giant balloons from the Imjingak Park near Paju. But soldiers…
Read More » -
West Asia
Kuwaiti Opposition Supporters Rally Against Electoral Law Change In Kuwait City
Opposition supporters hold a rally in Kuwait City on Oct. 22, 2012 to protest against a decision to change the electoral law. Opposition supporters clash with riot police during a rally in Kuwait City Oct. 22, 2012. Kuwaiti opposition supporters on Monday held a rally to protest against a decision…
Read More » -
West Asia
Palestinian President Abbas Talks With UN Envoy Tony Blair In Ramallah, West Bank
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (R) meets with the UN envoy for the international Quartet Committee for peace in the Middle East Tony Blair in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Oct. 21, 2012. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (4th R) meets with the UN envoy for the international Quartet Committee…
Read More » -
East Asia
Diplomacy at its best & worst
Diplomatic protocol officers play a role in getting things going without a hitch, often working behind the scenes and ensuring they don’t steal the show from the main characters. For an impeccable summit or beautiful state dinner, they are the hidden champions. They must have a lot to gossip about…
Read More »