China: Man Narrowly Escapes Lightning Strike in Shanghai

A man filming farmland under darkening skies in Shanghai on July 9, 2026, captured the moment a bolt of lightning struck the ground directly in front of him. The flash lit up the scene in a startling close call just before an incoming storm.

South Korea: People Protest Outside Parliament, Calling For President Yoon’s Resignation

South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeo declared martial law late on Tuesday, December 3, accusing the opposition of anti-national activities. However, he lifted the order early Wednesday after the National Assembly passed a resolution calling for its removal. After the emergency order was lifted, protesters gathered around the parliament in Yeouido, calling for Yoon's resignation.

Japanese prefectural delegation visits N. Korea

Japanese prefectural delegation visits N. Korea

PYONGYANG, North Korea - A delegation from the prefectural assembly of Fukuoka, southwest Japan, met with members of the (North) Korea-Japan Friendship Association at a Pyongyang hotel on Aug. 26. The Koreans expressed dissatisfaction over Japan's reaction to North Korea's missile launch last summer. The photo shows an exchange of greetings by the two sides' chief delegates -- Mamoru Kitahara (R, standing) from Japan and Song Ho Gyong, head of the North Korean association.

N. Korean official, U.S. envoy watch Seoul basketball game

N. Korean official, U.S. envoy watch Seoul basketball game

SEOUL, South Korea - Song Ho Gyong, vice chairman of the (North) Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee (C), and U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Stephen Bosworth (R) sit together to watch an inter-Korea friendly basketball game in Seoul on Dec. 24.

North and South Korean cagers hold friendly match

North and South Korean cagers hold friendly match

SEOUL, South Korea - Members of the South and North Korean basketball teams pose for photographers before they played a friendly match in Seoul on Dec. 23. A 62-member North Korean delegation, headed by Song Ho Gyong, vice chairman of North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, arrived in Seoul on Dec. 22 for the series of basketball games Dec. 23-24.

Japanese prefectural delegation visits N. Korea

Japanese prefectural delegation visits N. Korea

PYONGYANG, North Korea - A delegation from the prefectural assembly of Fukuoka, southwest Japan, met with members of the (North) Korea-Japan Friendship Association at a Pyongyang hotel on Aug. 26. The Koreans expressed dissatisfaction over Japan's reaction to North Korea's missile launch last summer. The photo shows an exchange of greetings by the two sides' chief delegates -- Mamoru Kitahara (R, standing) from Japan and Song Ho Gyong, head of the North Korean association.