Psychological warfare: Why North Korea keeps sending trash balloons to South Korea
North and South Korea have had a tumultuous history of conflicts spanning the decades since the Second World War. But divisions between the two countries don’t appear to be dissipating, especially as the North has now revived a military tactic that was last used during the Cold War: using balloons as psychological warfare. More specifically, trash-filled balloons! Since May 2024, it's estimated that North Korea has sent over 1,000 balloons across the border into South Korea. This move is reportedly retaliation for South Korean activists sending flying leaflets criticizing leader Kim Jong Un to North Korea. On Monday, June 24, the South Korean military detected a further 350 North Korean balloons, suspected to be filled with trash and waste as on previous occasions. The tension between the bordering nations has been escalating in recent days, as South Korea threatens to start playing anti-North Korean propaganda over loudspeakers at the border—a tactic they haven't resorted to in several years. They say whether or not this happens is “up to North Korea’s actions.” On the other side of the border, Kim Jong Un signed a defense agreement with Russia following a friendly visit from President Vladimir Putin last week. According to Reuters, "The treaty signed by Putin and Kim on Wednesday commits each side to provide immediate military assistance to the other in the event of armed aggression against either one of them." Kim has vowed to expand his nuclear arsenal and threatened to use it against South Korea. With so much at stake, why has North Korea stooped to sending trash over the border into the South? And are these balloons dangerous? What's more, why does this conflict have no end in sight? Click through the following gallery to find out.
2024-06-06T14:08:51Z
Everything you need to know about South Korea’s 4B movement
With the pendulum swinging from one decade to the next in favour of or against progress, the fight for equality for historically marginalized and underrepresented groups has not lost momentum. One of the most striking examples of how a movement can begin locally, pick up speed and gain recognition on a global scale is South Korea’s 4B movement. This feminist movement, like many others, including Time’s Up and #MeToo, addresses deeply rooted inequalities and injustices. With traditional gender roles, gender-based violence and the ongoing constraints of societal expectations, the 4B movement empowers women and gender-diverse folks to take control of their mental health, bodily autonomy and futures. If you’re curious about how this feminist movement is challenging societal norms, shifting the tide and causing a stir, here’s everything you need to know about South Korea’s 4B movement.
2024-06-26T10:08:57Z
The most intense heat waves in history
The yearly Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, known as the Hajj, has resulted in a shocking number of deaths due to extreme temperatures. The Saudi government estimated that 1.8 million people participated in the pilgrimage this year but many came unregistered, leaving them without access to facilities like transport and air-conditioned tents. These resources were particularly essential this year as temperatures hit 122F (50C). According to the Saudi news agency SPA, more than three-quarters of the 1,300 people who died didn't have permits for the Hajj and had walked in direct sunlight without adequate shelter. Some were elderly or suffering from chronic illnesses. Every year, Muslims from all over the world make their way to the holy city of Mecca to complete the Hajj—something all Muslims must do at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able. According to the BBC, "Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota system and distributed to individuals by lottery," but many tourism companies organized illegal, unregistered trips and are now losing their licenses and facing prosecution amidst the outcry over the deaths. The globe is warming up, with summers getting hotter every year. According to the World Meteorological Organization, climate change is to blame for the high temperatures which have a huge effect on humankind. The elderly die in greater numbers, natural disasters like wildfires kill hundreds and destroy homes, and food sources are wiped out by the heat. To find out more about the biggest heat waves, read up on the hottest days in history in this gallery.
2023-07-18T23:02:27Z
The amazing sunken forest that was created after an earthquake
Lake Kaindy, sunk deep within Kolsai Lakes National Park in Kazakhstan, is a natural landmark that was created out of a disaster. In 1911 an earthquake struck the Tian Shan Mountains in what was then Russian Turkestan. Known as the Kebin earthquake, the tremors triggered avalanches and landslides that killed over 450 people, flattened more than 700 buildings in Almaty, and forever altered the geography of the region. One particularly violent landslide sent limestone debris crashing into a gorge to form a natural dam. Over time the gorge was flooded by rainfall and mountain river water. The rising water levels created an attractive lake, subsequently named Lake Kaindy. But what makes this lake especially appealing is its incredible sunken forest, a collection of Schrenk’s spruce that was submerged as the gorge filled up. Only the needle-like tips of these once mighty trees remain visible, and stand like the masts of stricken ghost ships. Another draw is the lake's iridescent hues. The limestone deposits have left the water a bright palette of bluish-green, colors that positively glow in sunlight to leave Kaindy looking like a Caribbean lagoon rather than a lake set in a Central Asian mountain range. A year-round destination, Kolsai Lakes National Park is noted for its water features. Besides Kaindy, visitors are regaled with other lakes, all spectacular in their remote setting and scenic beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure tourists are drawn to this part of the world for its unspoiled splendor and relative accessibility (Lake Kaindy is only 129 km (80 miles) southeast of Almaty). Many choose to hike the region in summer, camping in traditional yurts set near some of the lakes. In winter, it's still possible to explore the area. This time of year sees Kaindy caked in ice, the sunken forest quiet and still in the watery gloom. Browse the gallery and find out more about this enchanting natural wonder.
2024-03-06T15:23:46Z
