South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned on Monday (Nov 24) that tensions between North and South Korea are “very dangerous,” with the risk of an accidental clash looming, and stressed the importance of dialogue with Pyongyang, Yonhap News reported. Lee noted that North Korea has ignored Seoul’s attempts at communication and is installing barbed wire along the military border—a move not seen since the 1950–53 Korean War. “Inter-Korean relations have become highly hostile and confrontational, and with no basic trust, the North is acting in extreme ways,” he said, according to Yonhap.

Speaking to reporters during a flight from South Africa, where he attended the G20 summit, to Turkey, Lee highlighted that South Korea had proposed military talks on November 17 to establish a clear boundary along the Military Demarcation Line to prevent armed clashes that could escalate into a larger conflict. North Korea has yet to respond.

This year, North Korean soldiers have crossed the border more than 10 times, sometimes prompting South Korean forces to fire warning shots. Lee emphasized that achieving lasting peace with North Korea will be a long-term process. Once a stable peace regime is in place, he suggested it might be preferable for South Korea and the US to halt joint military exercises, which Pyongyang has condemned as rehearsals for nuclear war. Currently, about 28,500 US troops and associated weapons systems are stationed in South Korea.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) held coordinated protests across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Karachi against the 27th Constitutional Amendment and the alleged mistreatment of PTI founder Imran Khan’s sisters near Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, according to Dawn. In Karachi, police detained around six people to prevent them from reaching the protest site.

Rallies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were organized under PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar after TTAP announced its march. District-level demonstrations featured PTI workers holding Imran Khan’s portraits and chanting slogans. In Peshawar, a protest at the Press Club was addressed by Local Government Minister Meena Khan Afridi, MNA Sher Ali Arbab, and PTI district president Irfan Saleem. Afridi said Imran Khan had offered TTAP two options: negotiations with authorities or peaceful nationwide protests, criticizing the 27th Amendment as “un-Islamic, unethical, and unconstitutional.”

Saleem emphasized PTI’s campaign for constitutional supremacy, rule of law, and human rights, while condemning security agencies for detaining PTM workers. Protests were also held in KP districts, including Swabi, Mohmand, and Battagram, with participants accusing the federal government of siding with the establishment and undermining the judiciary. Demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of the 27th Amendment, alleging it was aimed at blocking PTI from elections and consolidating government power. In Punjab, PTI Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza called on party members to join the protests wearing black bands and carrying placards. By evening, demonstrations were scattered but remained peaceful, according to Hamza, who posted updates on X.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Japanese media reported that a senior diplomat will travel to China on Monday (Nov 17) as Tokyo seeks to ease rising tensions over Taiwan that are straining relations between the two countries. The dispute began after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival and might require a military response — a stance Japanese officials usually avoid stating publicly to prevent provoking Beijing.

Masaaki Kanai, head of the foreign ministry’s Asia and Oceania bureau, is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Liu Jinsong. Reports say Kanai will clarify that Takaichi’s remarks do not reflect a change in Japan’s security policy and will urge China to avoid actions that could further damage bilateral ties. Japan’s foreign ministry said it could not yet confirm Kanai’s trip.

On Friday, Beijing warned Japan it would suffer a “crushing” defeat if it used force over Taiwan, summoned Japan’s ambassador in protest, and advised Chinese citizens not to travel to Japan — raising concerns about a potential hit to Japan’s tourism sector. In New Taipei, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said China was mounting a “multifaceted attack” on Japan, harming regional peace. He urged the international community to stay alert and called on Beijing to act responsibly and return to a rules-based order instead of destabilizing the region. Lai rejects China’s sovereignty claims.

Chinese state-affiliated media continued to criticize Takaichi, with the People’s Daily calling her comments reckless and provocative. Economist Takahide Kiuchi of Nomura Research Institute warned that a drop in Chinese tourists like the 25% decline during a 2012 dispute could cause significant economic damage, reducing more than half of Japan’s annual growth.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Reports of suspected enforced disappearances have resurfaced across multiple districts in Balochistan, leading families to hold protests and urge authorities to bring back their missing loved ones, according to The Balochistan Post. The outlet reported that Pakistani security forces allegedly conducted a midnight raid in the Menaz area of Tehsil Buleda, district Kech, detaining two brothers who have not been seen since. The men, identified as Zaheer and Waseem, sons of Rahim Jan, were described by relatives as farmers with no political ties. Their family has demanded their immediate release.

In another incident, Brahui-language poet Ata Anjum was reportedly taken from his home in Mastung by Pakistani personnel, after which his location remains unknown. The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) condemned the incident as a violation of constitutional rights and called for government action.

A separate case emerged in Turbat, where Changaiz Imam, a warder at Central Jail Turbat, has been missing for three days. His family said he left home on November 11 around 1 pm to report for duty but never reached the facility. His motorcycle has also not been found, and the family has appealed to the public for help.

Protests also intensified in Khuzdar. Relatives of Huzayfa Ghaffar—reportedly taken from Naal on November 5—blocked the Naal CPEC road for several hours, causing major traffic disruptions. Demonstrators called for his safe return, while the Baloch Yakjehti Committee expressed solidarity, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

Another disappearance was reported in Buleda, where Pazeer Nasir Plizai, Vice Chairman of Union Council Killi Kocha Buleda, went missing for the second time on November 8 after dropping his son at a madrassa. He had previously been detained on February 4 and released months later following widespread protests, including a sit-in by the Haq Do Tehreek Balochistan. Families across the province continue to call on authorities to investigate these cases, locate the missing individuals, and ensure their safe return, The Balochistan Post added.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A recent study reveals that maintaining a sense of control is crucial for ageing well. Seniors who retain independence and the ability to make their own decisions tend to be healthier and happier. Post-retirement, men often face more challenges, whereas women’s social networks help them stay resilient. The research underscores the significance of purpose, social connections, and dignity in later life. Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo discuss the study with A/P Justina Tan, Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Engagement at SUSS.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

On November 11, Thailand’s government announced it would suspend the implementation of an enhanced ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, which had been signed in October in the presence of US President Donald Trump. The government also stated it would brief Washington on its decision. The move comes after a landmine explosion the previous day injured four Thai soldiers. Andrea Heng and Hairianto discuss the potential impact of this suspension on the ongoing conflict with Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn, an independent expert on international relations and security affairs and former chairman of the Prime Minister's Security Advisory Committee.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Utt, one of MTV Asia’s most beloved VJs during the 1990s and 2000s, hosted Mediacorp’s cult-classic horror docuseries Incredible Tales for eight seasons between 2004 and 2017. Now 51, he has returned to Singapore to join the video podcast series Tales From Incredible Tales, currently in its third season. The vodcast revisits some of the most iconic episodes from the original show. Hairianto Diman speaks with Utt Panichkul about his experience as host and how the show’s success has influenced his career.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Sanae Takaichi has become Japan's first female prime minister, yet she immediately faces significant challenges. Taking office amid a slow-growing economy and rising living costs, she must address public frustration over inflation and the burden of daily expenses. Genevieve Woo talks with CNA’s Michiyo Ishida to explore the implications of Takaichi’s victory for Japan’s future, as she manages both domestic pressures and complex international relations.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.