Alessandra Tamponi

The South Korean government has called on China not to expel defectors. China's foreign ministry rejects the claim, saying that it maintains a "responsible" attitude. The UN rapporteur on human rights in North Korea says at least 2,000 North Koreans are held in mainland China.

South Korean President Yoon slams the "indiscriminate attack” from Gaza on Israeli territory, which has reawakened fears about his own country’s national security. Similar to Israel’s flawed Iron Dome, South Korea’s own US$ 2.6 billion interceptor system could become operational as early as 2026. South Korea might suspend the Comprehensive Military Agreement signed in 2018 with North Korea; Seoul accuses Pyongyang of violating it 17 times.

Other countries will also be able to take part in the Chang'e 8 mission that will lay the foundations for the Chinese lunar station in 2026. Meanwhile, Beijing's space station modules will be doubled from three to six. Moves that aim to build alliances to have more say on the hot topic of international regulations on activities in space.

After demonstrations by teachers suffocated by pressures of the job, the Korean government has amended the law against abuse that was used to blackmail them in an education system where competitiveness starts as early as primary schools. Union leader Hyunsu Hwang to AsiaNews: 'This is only the first step. The government must now give them the chance to defend their rights by recognising the right to strike'.

China has drawn up a 21-point strategic blueprint to encourage greater interaction with the rebellious island. The plan includes a "demonstration zone" in Fujian to act as a bridge with Taiwan and attract investments and Taiwanese. The tenth point calls for greater technological integration. Released a few days ago, it is meant to influence Taiwanese elections in January 2024. For Taiwanese leaders, it is bound to fail.

The long-anticipated summit is held in Vostochny, while North Korea tests more rockets. Moscow needs ammunition for its war in Ukraine, while Pyongyang wants satellite technology. But the real urgency is food for a hungry country. For Kim, it is vital that Moscow resume its wheat exports after he closed the borders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Johnny and Associates - one of the biggest agencies of J-pop singers - has been overwhelmed by allegations against its founder (who passed away in 2019) that over decades he allegedly molested hundreds of young artists. An affair that was kept hidden for a long time despite the fact that the first allegations surfaced in 1999. The inadequacy of victim protection measures in Japan.

After years of harsh lockdown due to the covid-19, the country is now trying to give industry a new boost. It is focusing on domestic tourism, to expand international tourism at the same time (with an eye on the environment). This is also an opportunity for propaganda, to improve the consideration of a nation 'closed' to the outside world.

Taipei's Environmental Protection Agency becomes a ministry. The challenge of pollution: concern over the effects of microplastics on the seas and wildlife. New measures to promote recycling of packaging in electronics.

So far, at least 30 people have died while a million and a half have been displaced. Hebei province was badly hit because of control zones that allow water to be diverted from the most populated cities. Catholic parishes bring direct aid.

Seventy years after the armistice that wounded the division, the general secretary of PSCORE, Bada Nam, recounts the commitment of his organization to help those fleeing Pyongyang to integrate into South Korean society. "Today it is increasingly difficult to escape: our task is to continue to remember the human rights violations perpetrated by the regime. The cause of unification is not made up only of political relations: it needs people's stories".

Just as those in favor of reunification are descending among the younger generation, South Korean TV series also disseminated through streaming platforms are also playing a cultural role at the opposite end of the spectrum that goes beyond entertainment: they break down certain stereotypes about North Korea and nurture a feeling of closeness between North and South.