Lifestyle & Belief

South Korea says it sent babies abroad for adoption ‘like luggage’

Lifestyle & Belief

Since the end of the Korean War in the 1950s, South Korea provided an estimated 200,000 children for international adoptions. That’s believed to be more than any other country. But the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Korea now says the system was plagued with abuse and falsified information, and that it was driven by profits. The new report has been a long time coming for adoptees who have been pushing for more transparency.

Crimean Tatars mark Ramadan while in exile from the Crimean Peninsula

Ukraine

More Italians are raising chickens

DW

Japan moves to shut down the Unification Church 

Japan in Focus

Construction underway on the world’s longest tunnel immersed underwater

Transportation

30 years since Japan’s worst domestic terrorist attack, the cult group behind it is ‘ongoing problem,’ officials say

Japan in Focus

The worst terrorist attack in Japan’s modern history happened 30 years ago, on March 20, 1995, during the morning rush hour on the Tokyo subway system. Members of a violent cult called Aum Shinrikyo released packages of deadly sarin gas on several subway cars, ultimately killing 14 people and injuring nearly six thousand more. Japanese authorities say the group remains an “ongoing problem.”

Skepticism in Ukraine over potential ceasefire deal 

Ukraine

In a highly anticipated phone call on Tuesday, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the potential of a ceasefire in Ukraine. During a meeting last week with US officials in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine supported a proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. However, many Ukrainians, both military and civilian, are skeptical that Russia is at all interested in ending the war.

In wartime Ukraine, Jews embrace their Ukrainian-Jewish identity

Ukraine

Last week, Jewish communities worldwide celebrated Purim, a joyous holiday that includes dressing up in costume, giving charity, and exchanging gifts. In Ukraine, this was the third Purim Jews have celebrated since Russia’s full-scale invasion. With each year, the Jewish community feels more pride in their Ukrainian identity. 

Island nation fights the sea to keep its land

DW

Rising sea levels are a threat to coastal regions everywhere, but especially for islands. No example stands out more than the South Pacific nation of Tuvalu.

Many Argentine Catholics pray for long-awaited papal visit 

Sacred Nation

On this day 12 years ago, Pope Francis became the first pope from Latin America. Since then, in all of his travels around the world, he has never gone back to visit his home country, Argentina. Now, Pope Francis is facing health issues and has been hospitalized since Feb. 14. His followers in Argentina are praying for his recovery — and hoping that he will finally come back on a papal visit.