Jason Strother
Baengnyeong Island and North Korean Threats
Pyongyang is warning that the two Koreas are inching closer to nuclear war. It’s a threat that many South Koreans have been hearing over the years. But this time, residents of the south Korean island of Baengnyeong are taking these threats more seriously.
Manila’s New Taxi Trikes: Greener, but Not Green Enough?
Manila’s notoriously loud and dirty taxi-trikes are going green. But not everyone’s getting on board.
New Contraception Law in the Philippines Shows Catholic Church’s Diminished Influence
The Roman Catholic Church is a powerhouse in the Philippines. But the recent passage of a controversial law that provides free contraception has called into question the Church’s social and political influence. It’s also put the spotlight on activists who have been challenging the Church’s power there.
Koreans Celebrate Christmas with Mass Blind Dating Flash Mob
In South Korea, Christmas is more of a couples holiday than a family or religious celebration. Jason Strother went to a Christmas eve “mass blind date” event in Seoul and sent this story.
‘Comrade Kim Goes Flying’: A North Korean Rom-Com
South Korean movie goers got a rare look at a North Korean romantic comedy at the Busan International Film Festival.
Bridge Signs Used in South Korea Anti-Suicide Efforts
The South Korean government has put up motivational signs on a bridge that attracts would-be jumpers to address the issue of high suicide rate in the country.
Growing Debt Worries for South Korea
People in South Korea are taking out loans for education and housing, racking up personal debt, and prompting worries that Korea could have its own debt crisis.
Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s Overtures Toward North Korea
Rev. Sun Myung Moon, whose followers are known as “Moonies,” was a controversial religious leader who proclaimed to be the Messiah. He met with many world leaders during his life, including North Korea’s Kim Il-Sung.
North Korea Debuts at the Paralympic Games
North Korea has sent one swimmer to London for the Paralympics, but critics say the country does not treat disabled people well and should not be allowed at the games.
From North Korean Propagandist to Satirist in Exile: The Work of Song Byeok
Song Byeok does satirical art critical of the North Korean regime, including a painting of Marilyn Monroe’s body, with the head of Kim Jong Il.
Park Geun-hye Announces Bid to Become South Korea’s First Female President
The daughter of a former South Korean dictator formally launched her bid Tuesday to become the country’s next president.
Crossed Eyes: Myth of Good Luck is Bad News for Visually Impaired in India
Treatment for cross-eyed children is widely available, but many families don’t pursue it because many believe that such a child brings good luck.
Single Mothers in South Korea
It’s “Single Mothers’” day in South Korea. It’s a day that’s getting support from Korean adoptees who’ve moved back to Korea. They’d like to see single motherhood become more acceptable there so that unwed mothers feel less pressure to put their babies up for adoption.
North Korea’s ‘Legendary’ and Ficitional Punk Rock Band
What would punk rock in North Korea sound like? One way to find out is listening to Ri Seong-woong, North Korea’s most famous punk rock star. Or is he? We find out from reporter Jason Strother.
South Korea Opens Multicultural High School
South Korea has traditionally been a homogeneous society, but now there is a growing population of culturally mixed families. It can be hard for these children to fit in, so the country has just opened its first “multicultural” high school.
Additional funding for PRI's The World is provided by:
