The only group of people less welcome than sexual minorities are former convicts, a study shows, with 72% of South Koreans not wanting them in their neighborhood or workplace.
A knife attack on a South Korean opposition leader has drawn concern over the potential for more politically motivated violence in the run-up to a critical national election.
Rapidly warming Japan-South Korean relations felt a distinct chill at the end of 2023 as an emotive historical dispute between the two U.S. East Asian allies - compensation for World War II victims - reared up yet again.
Experts say many countries in the 'global south' are finding it more risky to have Pyongyang as a diplomatic partner. North Korea has also began concentrating on Russia for its diplomatic ties.