A new “Avatar: The Last Airbender” animated sequel series is in the works!
Oct 10, 2026
Every weekday before 1997, death row inmates in Korea braced themselves between 6 and 9 a.m. — the hours when executions could happen. If 9 a.m. passed uneventfully, they felt relief. Then they went to sleep wondering if the next morning would be their last. No one has been executed since Dec. 30, 1997, but 56 people remain on death row — 52 in Ministry of Justice correctional facilities and four in military prisons. Kim Dae-keun, a research fellow at the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice, interviewed 42 of them. "Most of them were ashamed, distressed or regretful about what they did," Kim said in an interview with The Korea Times. "I imagine they were brutal and frightening when they committed their crimes. But many I met in prison now were older, frail men." Oct. 10 marks World Day Against the Death Penalty, an annual international observance calling for the abolition of executions as judicial punishment. In Korea, the day arrives with the death penalty still on the books but widely regarded as unenforceable. Most inmates now believe executions will not resume — a beli
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) on Saturday called for renewed efforts to abolish the death penalty, nearly 30 years after the country's last execution. In a statement marking the 24th World Day Against the Death Penalty, NHRCK Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho noted that Korea had not carried out an execution since Dec. 30, 1997. “The past 30 years have shown that society can maintain public safety and a stable criminal justice system without carrying out executions. This experience is a valuable asset that goes beyond simply suspending executions,” Ahn said. “Now is the time to advance discussions on whether the death penalty should remain in law, drawing on this experience.” Ahn also highlighted the global trend toward abolishing capital punishment. According to Amnesty International, 145 countries had abolished the death penalty in law or practice as of the end of last year, accounting for about three-quarters of countries worldwide. He said discussions on abolition should take into account the suffering of violent crime victims and their families, as well as publ
Hong Kong police have arrested 127 people in a six-month undercover operation against a Vietnamese-led crime syndicate accused of running loan-sharking rackets charging interest rates of up to 3,700 per cent, as well as illegal gambling and unlicensed bars in West Kowloon. The syndicate is also alleged to have helped illegal immigrants find shelter and work, with police raiding eight premises on October 8 and 9. Among those arrested were 10 alleged core members, including the suspected leader, a...
Senior public servants found accountable for last year’s deadly Tai Po fire could face disciplinary action if named in an investigation report that a government-appointed panel is expected to submit this month, Hong Kong’s civil service chief has said. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan also said on Saturday that a support unit was being set up to assist the Public Service Commission if investigations into officials’ “administrative responsibilities” were eventually...
MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said the city would expand its parks, playgrounds and open spaces as the local government inaugurated the redeveloped Buting Linear Park, a P24.8-million project. According to the mayor, Pasig lacked parks and playgrounds, stressing the importance of public spaces where residents, particularly children and the elderly, could
MANILA, Philippines—Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday said Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda has resigned from his post. “He resigned,” Remulla said when asked about Aguda during the ombudsman’s radio show over DZRH. “His resignation was already accepted,” Remulla added. Malacañang, however, has yet to confirm Aguda’s resignation. /apl (This is a developing story.)
Two men died and more than a dozen others were injured Saturday when floats overturned during annual festivals in Osaka Prefecture. In Izumisano, a 51-year-old man became trapped beneath a float that overturned while he was riding it with other participants, police said. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital, while seven others were injured. A float at a different event in Izumiotsu also toppled, killing a 48-year-old man who was among those trapped underneath, according to the prefectural...
MANILA, Philippines — Hidden beneath mountains, forests and watersheds, Philippine caves shelter wildlife, preserve geological formations and hold traces of the past. Yet these natural environments face threats from human activities, raising concerns over their long-term protection. Even in Metro Manila, a natural cave system survives amid the urban landscape. Apugan Cave, located within the
After its first rate review in 15 years, Meralco has won regulatory approval to raise its distribution charges even after already posting a record P51.13 billion in profits in 2025
At nearly 80, South Korean artist Kang Myonghi retains the creative energy of her youth. She remains active in her studio, with her commitment to international projects undiminished. In recent months, she has visited Hong Kong twice to prepare for “What Remains to be Seen”, her first solo exhibition at a gallery in two years. The only pause in her working routine came during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. Travel restrictions did little to stem her creative output, however. Being confined to Jeju...
Protesters opposed to sweeping revisions to India’s voter rolls are trying to rally in New Delhi. The police have come out in force.