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Asia Life
Sports, culture and the arts are a passion for billions in the Asia-Pacific, and offer unique insights into what makes countries here tick. From the latest cricket match to prize-winning novels and the latest art exhibitions, The Diplomat's bloggers cover it all, giving you a fresh perspective on the region.
BTS and the Global Spread of Korean Soft Power
By Wantanee Suntikul
People-to-people cultural diplomacy fuels the band’s burgeoning global fame and influence.
Taiwan Inches Closer to Marriage Equality With New Draft Bill
By Nick Aspinwall
Advocates say the bill is a positive step, but contains major shortcomings that prevent it from truly enshrining equality.
The 228 Incident Still Haunts Taiwan
By James X. Morris
From memorials to vandalism, Taiwan continues to remember its history -- and debate its future.
Taiwan Suffers Yet Another Fatal Factory Fire, Igniting Familiar Labor Issues
By Nick Aspinwall
3 Vietnamese workers lost their lives in Taiwan’s third fatal factory fire in the past 14 months.
How ‘Three Billboards’ Inspired China’s Gay Rights Activists
By Kyle Mullin
Trucks painted with slogans – mobile billboards – are the center of a campaign against homosexual conversion therapy.
Digitizing the Chinese New Year
By Layne Vandenberg and Rex Simons
The traditions of the Chinese red envelope, known as a hongbao, continue through an unlikely avenue: mobile phone apps.
Defying Deification: Indian Politicians as Hindu Gods
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Don’t believe the hype; worshiping Indian leaders is not common.
All Eyes on the AFC Asian Cup
By Layne Vandenberg
As the 2019 AFC Asian Cup winds down, Asian football rises in importance.
How to Save Mumbai’s Public Transit
By Xiaochen Su
Upgrading the suburban rail system is a low-cost solution for Mumbai’s public transport problem.
How Taiwanese Think About Immigration
By Timothy S. Rich
A survey explores Taiwanese perceptions on immigration – especially from Southeast Asia.
South Korea’s 2 New Year Celebrations
By Layne Vandenberg
South Korea’s two New Years celebrations comes with an array of foods and rituals to celebrate with family.
Beats in the Himalayas: The Rise of Nepali Hip Hop
By StoriesAsia
Young Nepalis are discovering a new form of artistic self-expression.