K-wave, riding past China's "Big Ban" China’s internet, fortified by its “Great Firewall,” blocks the platforms through which much of the world consumes culture — YouTube, Netflix, Facebook, Instagram. Yet Korean dramas, music, and entertainment continue to find audiences there, slipping through the cracks via VPNs, unofficial downloads, and fan-run networks. This quiet persistence offers a window into China’s cultural ecosystem, and into the limits of state control. Korean pop December 5, 2025

OPINION: South Korean politics faces perpetual crisis as debate and compromise disappear SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) - South Korea's political system is currently severely dysfunctional. Politics is meant to be the art of discussion, negotiation, and compromise. However, this essential process is missing today. The country's two major parties have normalized the dangerous practices of "deciding without discussion" and "acting without debate," neglecting their role as representatives of the people. This procedural destruction undermines public tr December 4, 2025

North Korea-U.S. Summit without denuclearization: a 'Korea passing' When South Korea’s new Democratic Party president took office in June, his administration moved quickly to explore the possibility of a summit between North Korea and the United States. During his first meeting with the U.S. president, President Lee Jae Myung described himself as a “pace maker” and the American president as a “peace maker,” signaling his intention to shepherd the two sides toward dialogue. His approach echoes the Moon Jae-in government’s diplo December 4, 2025

South Korea should remember Dec. 3 as Democracy Memorial Day "A year has passed since the insurrection, yet darkness still lingers," said the ruling party leader, reflecting on the chaos following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law. This statement underscores the ongoing turmoil in society. Since last December, this column has frequently criticized the martial law, mentioning terms like 'impeachment,' 'presidential election,' 'special prosecutor,' and 'People Power Party.' Even when December 3, 2025

OPINION: Pope's 2027 visit a strategic moment for Korea and Italy SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - Korea and Italy may sit on opposite ends of the Eurasian landmass, yet the pulse of the two nations beats with a surprisingly similar rhythm. Both societies brim with passion; both celebrate life through food, drink, music and dance; and both possess an instinctive sensitivity to beauty that permeates daily life. From the c December 1, 2025

OPINION: Lessons from the fall of the western Roman empire for Trump's 'America First' policy SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Romulus Augustulus is known as the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, deposed in 476 AD by Germanic warrior Odoacer who became the first barbarian king of Italy. Historians do not hold him directly responsible for the empire's fall, as he was a puppet emperor placed by his father. Responsibility for the fall Germanic military leader Odoacer rose to power in Rome. His father Edeco was close to Attila the Hun. Odoacer's rise and Romulus&# November 28, 2025

North Korea highlights need for nuclear submarines North Korea's Korean Central News Agency criticized the recent U.S.-South Korea joint statement, claiming it reveals a hostile stance and could destabilize military security in the Asia-Pacific region. The agency argued that South Korea's pursuit of nuclear submarines could lead to a 'nuclear domino effect' and escalate an arms race. This response followed the joint fact sheet released on Nov. 14. North Korea's reaction is perplexing, given its own nuclear d November 27, 2025

OPINION: New Uzbekistan and the Search for Global Social Justice SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - The Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from November 4 to 6, brought the international community back to a question that has shaped global cooperation for thirty years: how to ensure that every person can live with dignity, opportunity, and security. The world has entered a period of inten November 26, 2025

OPINION: Workplace safety policies fail to address the most vulnerable SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - Workplace fatalities in South Korea are on the rise again. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor's third-quarter report, 457 people have died from industrial accidents this year, an increase from last year. Despite heightened safety measures and relevant regulations implemented over the past three years, deaths remain concentrated in small businesses and construction sites, where enforcement proves difficult. While large companies have improved safety m November 26, 2025

K-Food diplomacy: strengthening South Korea-Middle East ties The Middle East, historically a hub of the ancient Silk Road, is now witnessing a surge in K-food popularity, broadening cooperation between South Korea and the region. As of October, K-food exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose 23.2% from the previous year, reaching $275 million. The South Korean government views the Middle East as a strategic market for diversifying K-food exports. Efforts include easing halal certification burdens, supporting local store entries, November 26, 2025