East Asia

While 51 per cent of South Koreans claim no religious affiliation, the sacred is still present in many aspects of life. While Buddhism faces a crisis in a society, the social role of Confucianism persists amid the rise of new religious movements (along with the tensions they bring). Among the various religions, Christianity, all denominations included, now make up 31 per cent of the population.

While the overall population continues to decline, the Japanese capital saw a slight reversal. In 2025, 857 more births were reported than in the previous year. Initiatives under consideration include AI-powered matchmaking services and a programme that encourages couples to share their wedding pictures on social media.

A conference in Taipei marked the centenary of Pius XI’s historic decision in October 1926 to ordain the first six bishops born in China. This was a crucial step on a path of inculturation which, after 1949, however, had to contend with control from Beijing. The challenge of the Church’s identity in China remains as relevant as ever.

From reforestation in China to sustainable coffee in Indonesia, and free-diving fisherwomen in South Korea: the FAO has selected 100 women who are contributing to food security, environmental protection and the development of rural communities. However, the sector is still marked by significant gender inequalities.

The latest case was reported in late September, involving the Yikoufu walnut oil brand. Deceptive advertising and poor quality have failed to slow the boom in online sales. Producers, intermediaries, live streamers, and platforms all shift the blame onto one another. New laws are needed.

The Indian delegation, led by Father Joseph Thermadom, a deaf Catholic priest, shares its hopes. For him, we “must not let our Deaf brothers and sisters leave the Catholic Church because they did not understand.” The South Korean capital is home to the only church in Asia designed specifically for the deaf, a model to be emulated.

Ignatius Ding Zuyao, a priest born in 1986, was consecrated this morning in Jiangsu province under the terms of the agreement with the Holy See. This diocese saw Bishop Shen Bin moved (by the Communist Party) to Shanghai. Ding becomes the youngest bishop in the world, confirming a clear trend in episcopal appointments in China.

The International Monetary Fund projects a 10.7 per cent rise in the island's GDP for 2026, the highest rate in the world. While demand for hardware and data centre investments are bolstering various Asian economies, uncertainties regarding youth employment and the risk of less-prepared country falling behind remain.

About 1.55 million Japanese hold loans with at least three creditors, the greatest number in 12 years. The rising cost of living and wages that fail to keep pace are driving more and more people to go into debt for daily expenses. Online loans are making access to credit easier, while requests for assistance are also on the rise.

Bishop Ri Iong-Hoon, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, spoke to AsiaNews from Rome, where he is taking part in a gathering convened by Pope Leo XIV, about the challenges facing families in his country. In his view, “the Church should not simply tell young people to marry and have children. We must first listen to their hopes, fears,” while the family and children should be seen “as a subject of evangelization.”

Increasingly, the focus of new possibilities opened up by melting ice, polar routes have become a place of geopolitical confrontation. Although Russian officials continue to project an image of equal cooperation with China, Russia actually finds itself in a vulnerable position.

Retail sales are not growing as much as Beijing would like. Employees currently work an average of 48.2 hours a week, but without a significant increase in income. So, during the recent public holidays, a call not to use days off for shopping went viral on Weibo before being censored.