Asia reflects on a challenging 2024 marked by climate disasters and cultural achievements

In 2024, Asia faced significant challenges, particularly from climate-related disasters. Super Typhoon Yagi caused widespread destruction across Southeast Asia, resulting in hundreds of deaths and leaving millions affected by floods and droughts, marking a year of high climate casualties. East Asia experienced record-low fertility rates, raising concerns about shrinking populations and economic impacts. Countries like South Korea, China, and Japan saw declining birth rates due to changing social dynamics and high living costs, with South Korea officially becoming a "super-aged" society. Despite political turmoil, including martial law in South Korea and protests in Bangladesh, 2024 also saw positive developments. South Korea's cultural exports thrived, with K-pop and K-dramas gaining global popularity, while author Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature, highlighting the region's cultural influence.