Here are some of the top stories from around Asia this week that you might have missed:
Record Turnout in South Korea’s Early Presidential Voting
Seoul, South Korea—South Koreans turned out in record numbers for early voting in the upcoming presidential election. An unprecedented 19.58% of voters cast their ballots on Thursday, marking the first day of early voting to choose the successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted following a failed martial law bid.
Early voting is taking place over two days at 3,568 polling stations nationwide, ahead of the official election scheduled for next Tuesday. Lee Jae-myung, the candidate from the liberal Democratic Party who leads in opinion polls, cast his ballot in Seoul and urged citizens to participate. “In order to overcome the current crisis and start again as a Korea of recovery and growth, please vote,” Lee said.
China Launches Tianwen-2 Asteroid Mission
Sichuan Province, China—China successfully launched its Tianwen-2 mission early Thursday, aiming to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3 and explore the main-belt comet 311P. A Long March-3B carrier rocket lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 1:31 a.m., sending the probe on a decade-long expedition to shed light on the formation and evolution of asteroids and the early solar system.
Monsoon Arrives Early in India
Kerala, India—Monsoon rains arrived in India’s southern state of Kerala on Saturday, a week earlier than usual. This marks the earliest arrival in 16 years, bringing hope for a bumper harvest and relief from a grueling heatwave. The monsoon, vital to the country’s economy, provides nearly 70% of the rainfall needed for agriculture and replenishing water sources.
Japanese Prime Minister’s Office to Accept Fukushima Soil
Tokyo, Japan—In a symbolic gesture to demonstrate safety, the Japanese premier’s office announced plans to accept soil from near the Fukushima nuclear plant. Officials said the soil would be used in flower beds, aiming to alleviate public concerns and encourage other locations to accept the material described as low risk.
Nepali Climber Sets New Record on Mt. Qomolangma
Kathmandu, Nepal—Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita scaled Mt. Qomolangma (known as Mt. Everest in the West) for a record 31st time on Tuesday. The 55-year-old reached the 8,849-meter peak—the highest in the world—via the traditional southeast ridge route while guiding a 22-member team. “He is a very passionate climber,” said Pasang Phurba, director of Seven Summit Treks. Kami Rita first climbed the mountain in 1994 and has done so almost every year since.
