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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.
70 Years Later, Families of Koreans Forced Into Labor Are Desperate for Answers
By Associated Press
Thousands of conscripted Korean men vanished on Sakhalin Island, victims of first Japan’s brutal rule and then the harsh geopolitics of the Cold War.
The Disparate Reality and Reputation of Chinese Museums
By Layne Vandenberg
China has a poor international reputation when it comes to accessibility for foreign visitors, but what about its museums?
Usha Rajak’s Journey in the Nepali Film Industry
By StoriesAsia
The Nepali actress discusses the evolution in Nepal’s film industry and the challenges still to be overcome.
India’s New Education Policy: Streams Merge Into a River
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The merging of the arts, commerce, and science streams in Indian schools is a good decision.
Larung Gar: The World’s Largest Monastery – and Highest Slum
By Shivaji Das
A rare glimpse of life in the Tibetan monastery, now closed to foreign visitors.
Afghanistan’s Higher Education System Has a Stark Geographic Divide
By Laiq Zirack
Data from Kankor, the national university entrance exam, sheds light on disparities in Afghanistan’s higher education system.
The Political Activism of K-pop Stans
By Layne Vandenberg
K-pop fans are making waves with activism both within the K-pop music industry and in global politics.
Taiwan Legislators Brawl Twice in 2 Weeks Over Government Watchdog Nomination
By Nick Aspinwall
KMT legislators stormed parliament Tuesday to block confirmation proceedings for Chen Chu, the nominee to head Taiwan’s government ombudsman body.
K-pop Leads With ‘Contactless’ Concerts
By Layne Vandenberg
K-pop groups are proving that the art of the performance can have a virtual future, even beyond COVID-19 restrictions.
How COVID-19 Is Impacting Asia’s Film Industries
By Alexander Ayertey Odonkor and Hiu Man Chan
From Southeast Asia to India, China, and Japan, cinemas are bleeding while online steaming booms.
COVID-19 Takes a Toll on Pakistan’s Transgender Community
By Ebad Ahmed
Transgender people in Pakistan were already marginalized. Now the pandemic is adding to their plight.
New Film Tells Tale of North Korean Orphans Sent to Europe
By Associated Press
Some 5,000 orphans were sent to live in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and East Germany in the 1950s.