Current Events

Today marks the birthday of North Korea's late founder Kim Il Sung, and North Koreans are celebrating in huge numbers. Most living in North Korea are unaware of, or are unconcerned about the looming threat of nuclear war posed by the North Korean government. While the world waits to see which line North Korea will take, the United States urges the isolated country to end its nuclear threats and get serious about peace negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry recently reiterated that the conditions for entering into talks with North Korea have not changed.

            “All I want is an education, and I’m afraid of no one.” Malala Yousavzai, a 15—year old from Pakistan, has boldly fought for the rights of girls to go to school. Her activism has made her a target of the Taliban, who attempted to assassinate her last fall. Malala’s strong convictions come from her family background, and her resolve to stand up for what’s right has brought attention to her cause and earned her a lot of recognition – including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

                Next month, South Korea’s first female president is expected to take office. Park Geun-hye is no stranger to politics, since her father was the leader of South Korea in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Looking back on South Korea’s history and her father’s rule, some are concerned that her father’s legacy might overshadow her work. Now that Park Geun-hye is preparing to take office in 2013, others are hopeful that a female president would improve gender equality in this conservative country.