What Does It Mean When A North Korean Diplomat Defects?
Defections appear to be on the rise, but it's difficult to tell what that means about relations between North and South — or the stability of Kim Jong Un's regime.
Asia
Losing Steam In Smartphones, Chinese Firm Turns To Smart Rice Cookers
One of China's most valuable tech startups, smartphone maker Xiaomi, is getting into networked appliances, in a bid to innovate its way out of trouble, as its core business falls flat.
Bangladeshi Police Kill Alleged 'Mastermind' Of Cafe Attack That Left 22 Dead
Police say two other suspected militants were killed in the standoff. They say Tamim Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-born Canadian, returned to the country in 2013 and supplied guns and arms to militants.
How Art Transformed A Remote Japanese Island
The population of Naoshima has fallen to 3,000. But this year, its art will attract 800,000 tourists from around the world. "The level of our sophistication has gone up considerably," says a resident.
A Dying Japanese Village Brought Back To Life — By Scarecrows
A remote mountain village once was home to hundreds. Now it has just 30 residents. Tsukimi Ayano, 67, is one of the younger ones. She has repopulated the village by making scarecrow-like figures.
North Korea Reveals Netflix-Like Streaming Service
One official said it's "elevating the people's cultural life" by allowing its citizens to stream state-run TV. Which is to say binge watch propaganda in the comfort of their own home.
Under New Philippine President, Hundreds Have Died In Extrajudicial Killings
David Greene talks to Jose Luis Gascon, chairman of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, about the alleged extrajudicial killings that have happened since President Rodrigo Duterte took office.
A Happy Ending For An Australian Ultramarathoner And Chinese Stray Dog
"This day is one of the best days of my life," Dion Leonard said after being reunited with his beloved dog, Gobi, ending a frantic search for the pup he met during an ultramarathon.
What Happens When An Aid Group Sees Abuse, But Is Sworn To Secrecy?
Save the Children had to sign confidentiality agreements to work at a migrant detention camp run by Australia in Nauru. The group's Mat Tinkler discusses what they did and didn't say about abuses.
For Some Older Adults In Japan, A Chance To Stay In The Workforce
As Japan's population shrinks and ages, the government wants older adults to remain employed. The traditional retirement age is 60, but a few companies are welcoming those who want to keep working.