‘Parasite’ Symbolism Explained: Instant Noodles, Language, Basement
Bong Joon Ho's daunting observations of capitalism in "Parasite" are apparent. The Oscar-winning picture goes much further in exploring the depths of South Korean society.
Anxiety Heightens As Virus Spreads to Taiwan and the US
The mysterious new strain of the coronavirus has penetrated Taiwan and the United States. International health organisations urge caution.
South Korea Exports Pollution By Funding Overseas Coal Plants
South Korea is the third biggest public investor in overseas coal plants, virtually exporting pollution to Southeast Asian countries and reaping the financial rewards from the investments.
Internet Censorship is Part of South Korea’s Democracy Package
Democracy does not automatically lead to the absence of censorship. South Korea, for example, is tightening its internet freedom and censoring "harmful" content.
South Korea Lags Behind Taiwan on LGBT Rights
South Korea is unlikely to be the next in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
OPINION: Rocket Man in the Driving Seat on the Korean Peninsula
China's exclusion anxiety gives Kim the whip hand.
East Asia's Biggest Problem: Aging
All three countries at this week's Trilateral Summit are facing a demographic crunch, but China may have it the worst.
Trains, Planes and Nuclear Disarmament: Who Will Host the Trump-Kim Summit?
The host city for the summit will need to meet strict security and logistical requirements, and the choice will be highly symbolic.
Week in Focus: Journalists Killed in Afghanistan, Malaysia Vote Begins
A weekly roundup of the most important news from around the region.
Week in Focus: A New Era of Peace on the Korean Peninsula?
A weekly roundup of the most important news from around the region.
Week in Focus: South Korea Jails Park for 24 Years; Sumo Discrimination
A weekly roundup of the most important news from around the region in the week beginning April 1.
Week in Focus: China Begins a New Era; Scandal in Japan
A weekly roundup of the most important news from around the region.
South Korea's Slow Shift toward LGBT Tolerance
South Korean laws and attitudes towards LGBT rights are particularly conservative, but polls suggest attitudes are shifting.
President Moon's Wage Increases Pose Fiscal Risk to South Korea
The Moon administration's income-led growth strategy is not without fiscal risk.
Talk of a Northeast Asia Nuclear Arms Race Is Overdone and Unhelpful
Pyongyang is clearly in a hurry to develop its inter-continental ballistic missile capability, but responses in the region are measured and suggest an underlying culture of restraint.
Avoiding War with North Korea
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula continue to rise. Kim Jong-un has ramped North Korea’s missile and nuclear testing programs and US President Donald Trump has exacerbated the tensions with his tough talk.
Could Hong Kong’s Popular Culture Connect with the Global Market?
Whether Hong Kong has the same conditions, energy and vision to become the entertainment capital of Asia is debatable. Yet, it is worth noting that the popular cultures that are internationally successful all have very strong regional characteristics.
Get Ready for Unification: South Korea's Looming 'Berlin Wall' Moment
'The consequences of Korean unification, while important in economic terms, can also have far-reaching consequences for the political and strategic relationships among Asian nations as well as the international order.'