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South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo resigned from his post on Thursday. Photo: Yonhap/Reuters
South Korea

Han’s resignation sparks speculation as South Korea approaches snap election

Han Duck-soo’s resignation amid speculation about entering the presidential race complicates the contest, and coincides with a court ruling against rival Lee Jae-myung.

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Japan

Japan says its US$1 trillion in US Treasuries could be leverage in trade talks

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Japan

Japanese police arrest man for ploughing his car into children

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Japan

Fake Japanese police uniform, reportedly from China, sparks real-life concerns

Concerns have arisen over images of a man wearing a realistic Japanese police uniform, suggesting a risk of impersonating an officer, which is illegal in Japan.

A man has raised concerns online after posting images of himself in a realistic Japanese police uniform replica. Photo: Handout
A man has raised concerns online after posting images of himself in a realistic Japanese police uniform replica. Photo: Handout
South Korea

Front-runner Lee’s path to presidency hit by South Korea’s top court ruling

The ruling could sway moderate voters even if Lee stays on the ballot, experts say.

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Japan

Japan must ‘resolutely reject’ Trump’s military cost demand: ex-minister

‘Japan has already been paying more than enough for defence,’ Seiji Maehara says.

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Japan

Japan’s Southeast Asia diplomacy ramps up as Ishiba courts Hanoi and Manila

Ishiba’s visits follow Chinese President Xi Jinping’s own tour of the region, reflecting a broader competition for influence.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba walks past members of the Philippine coastguard during his visit to Manila on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba walks past members of the Philippine coastguard during his visit to Manila on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Can Japan reduce US reliance amid Trump policies, and embrace Global South?

Japanese business leaders are urging the country to diversify trade beyond the US to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on one economy.

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Japan

77% of Japanese doubt US support amid Trump’s ‘erratic’ first 100 days: poll

Japanese scepticism is growing as more than three-quarters of citizens doubt US military support under Trump, despite security assurances.

Japan

Naked man’s deadly rampage in Japan leaves public demanding answers from police

“I shouldn’t talk about it,” he said when arrested, leading people to speculate on the motive behind his bizarre behaviour.

A naked man went on a rampage stealing and crashing cars, and assaulting people in Japan. Photo: Shutterstock
South Korea

Quick-thinking South Korean police rescue woman after silent 112 call for help

The wordless phone call received a rapid police response thanks to Senior Patrol Officer Kim Hye-jin’s instincts and training.

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A screengrab from tthe National Police Agency’s ‘Knock Knock’ campaign. Photo: Youtube/Korean National Police Agency
A screengrab from tthe National Police Agency’s ‘Knock Knock’ campaign. Photo: Youtube/Korean National Police Agency
South Korea

South Korea conducts historic raid on ex-president Yoon’s home

Yoon Suk-yeol’s home was raided amid influence peddling allegations involving his wife and close aides.

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North Korea

North Korea test-fires missiles from its first-ever destroyer

The 5,000-tonne warship was launched off the country’s west coast last week. Experts say it was likely built with Russian help.

Japan

‘Panda politics’: sorrow and suspicion in Japan as China recalls 4 pandas

With the animals’ return in June before the expiry of a loan agreement, Japan will be left with just two pandas at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo.

Giant panda Fuhin and her mother Rauhin play at the Adventure World park in Shirahama in Japan in 2021. Photo: Kyodo
Japan

As tourist bookings plunge over earthquake prophecies, Japan shuts down rumours

The Chinese embassy in Tokyo inadvertently added to the fears by warning citizens to take precautions against natural disasters.

Foreign tourists gather on a platform at Kyoto station on April 16. Photo: AFP
Foreign tourists gather on a platform at Kyoto station on April 16. Photo: AFP
South Korea

Air Busan passenger detained by Chinese police after latest emergency door scare

South Korean airlines have been urged to enhance their security measures following a spate of mid-flight incidents.

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SCMP Highlights

Singapore elections, Thai park ranger sacked: 7 Asia highlights

From Singapore’s election to Southeast Asians being deported from the US, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

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South Korea

Student in South Korea injures 7 during stabbing rampage at Cheongju high school

Police are investigating the motive behind the shocking attack that injured educators, staff and a parent.

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Members of a South Korean Police Crime Scene Investigation team probe at a high school in Cheongju on April 28, 2025, after a knife attack by a student. Photo AFP
Members of a South Korean Police Crime Scene Investigation team probe at a high school in Cheongju on April 28, 2025, after a knife attack by a student. Photo AFP
Japan

Did Japan kill 30 million? US historian’s book ignites nationalist fury

Accusing US historian Bryan Rigg of ‘propaganda’, Japanese conservatives are actively working to discredit his account of WWII atrocities.

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North Korea

Casualties and a Kremlin call: North Korea’s Ukraine war admission unpacked

Until recently, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang had admitted to North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.

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Donald Trump

Trump’s Quad allies in Asia fret over tariffs as China factor complicates ties

Even as Japan, India, and Australia face US tariffs, they are also being pressured by Washington to rebalance their ties with China.

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Leaders from the US, Japan, India and Australia meet at a Quadrilateral summit in Delaware last year. Photo: AFP
Japan

Man’s rescue from Mount Fuji twice after bid to retrieve phone sparks anger

Many in Japan are demanding that the 27-year-old Chinese man, who lives in the country, pay for the costs of rescuing him twice.

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A man had to be rescued twice from Mount Fuji by Japanese authorities after he attempted to climb the mountain and felt ill. Photo: Getty Images
A man had to be rescued twice from Mount Fuji by Japanese authorities after he attempted to climb the mountain and felt ill. Photo: Getty Images
Japan

Japanese police warn of lethal Chinese-made toy guns sold online

Authorities say 16 models marketed as toys are capable of firing live ammunition with deadly force like real handguns.

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The Philippines

Defence pact tops Japan PM’s agenda during high-stakes Philippines trip

Shigeru Ishiba is expected to push for full ratification of a reciprocal access agreement, paving the way for expanded military cooperation.

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Japan

The world’s smallest park is in Japan and it only has space for 1 person

Loved locally for years, a tiny patch of grass and a lone stool in Nagaizumi town has scooped the title of world’s smallest park.

A still from a Guinness World Records social media video shows the world’s smallest park in Nagaizumi, Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture. Photo: X/GWR
Open Questions series

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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40
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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29
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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