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The Koreas

Despite Political Tensions, Japan’s ‘Demon Slayer’ Tops South Korean Book Market and Box Office
By Seoho Lee
While relations have soured, pop culture exchanges are going strong – in both directions.

Defying Government Ban, Activist Says He Sent Leaflets to North Korea
By Mitch Shin
If his claim is confirmed, Park Sang-hak would be the first known person to violate a new law banning people from sending leaflets to North Korea.

Why Isn’t South Korea Buying Chinese Vaccines?
By Jin Kai
Like many Asian countries, Seoul is having troubling sourcing vaccines. But unlike its neighbors, South Korea has so far refused to turn to a ready supplier: China.

As Vaccine Rollout Lags, South Koreans Sour on Government’s COVID-19 Response
By Mitch Shin
The slow rate of vaccinations amid the looming threat of a new wave has many Koreans on edge.

The US Needs China’s Support to Denuclearize North Korea
By Chan Young Bang
The shared strategic objective of the denuclearization of North Korea is a rare moment for two adversaries to align on a common endeavor to forge truly lasting peace.

As Approval Rating Declines, Moon Reshuffles Cabinet Ministers
By Mitch Shin
Following setbacks at the polls, President Moon is hoping to stave off lame-duck status by shaking up his cabinet.

What Does South Korea Think of the China-US COVID Blame Game?
By Arpit Raswant and Jiye Kim
South Korean discourses are notably critical of both the Chinese and U.S. positions amid the ongoing pandemic.

7 Years After Sewol Ferry Disaster, Bereaved Families Still Urge Government to Reveal the Truth
By Mitch Shin
Four years into a new presidential administration that promised transparency, families say key questions still remain shrouded in mystery.

Is North Korea Returning to Diplomacy?
By ISOZAKI Atsuhito
Signs are emerging of a resumption of a diplomatic activity by Kim Jong Un.

How South Korean Soldiers and YouTube Catapulted a K-Pop Girl Group to Fame
By Jenna Gibson
Brave Girls hit it big after a viral video popularized a four-year-old song.

Global Trade Is Recovering From the Pandemic. North Korea’s Economy Isn’t.
By Troy Stangarone
With its borders still locked down, North Korea isn’t benefiting from China’s return to growth. That’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

Why Did Young South Koreans Ditch the Democratic Party and President Moon?
By Seoho Lee
In the crucial by-elections, young voters turned away from the ruling party they once supported. What happened?