Noah Snyder, East Asia bureau chief for The Economist, provides crucial insights into the political turmoil in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol's dramatic arrest on insurrection charges. He discusses the unrest and its implications for governance. Ana Lankas, Brazil correspondent, explores the burgeoning global obsession with cosmetic procedures, revealing surprising areas of interest and the societal pressures driving this trend. They also touch on Japan's disciplined education system, blending academics with moral integrity.
President Yoon Suk Yeol's historic detention has sparked a political crisis in South Korea, revealing deep dissatisfaction and polarization among citizens.
The booming cosmetic surgery industry, especially among young people, is largely driven by social media influences, significantly altering beauty standards in society.
Deep dives
Trends in Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger demographics and in emerging markets. The industry is worth approximately $82 billion, anticipated to double in size over the next five years, with non-invasive procedures like Botox and fillers leading the charge. Social media and influencers are major drivers of this boom, as individuals seek to enhance their appearance in a world where online visibility is paramount. The normalization of cosmetic enhancements is illustrated by the fact that, in South Korea, about one-quarter of women in their 20s have undergone surgery, indicating a dramatic shift in attitudes toward beauty standards.
Political Turmoil in South Korea
The arrest of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol marked a historic moment as he became the first sitting president to be detained, igniting a political crisis. Investigators have launched a criminal case against him, stemming from his controversial martial law declaration in December that many citizens viewed as a threat to democracy. His arrest occurred amid backlash from opposition lawmakers and a previously loyal presidential security team, and the situation is further complicated by his ongoing impeachment process. The political turmoil has led to rising public dissatisfaction, with fluctuating support ratings for Yoon's party and increased polarization within the country.
Japanese Education and Societal Order
Japan's education system emphasizes a holistic approach that integrates academic skills, physical health, and moral integrity, leading to disciplined and responsible behavior among children. From a young age, students engage in activities such as cleaning their classrooms and serving lunch, fostering a sense of community and responsibility. While this system effectively promotes social harmony, it also cultivates excessive conformity and pressure among students to fit into societal norms. As interest in the Japanese education model grows internationally, especially in countries like Egypt, there are ongoing discussions about finding a balance between societal conformity and individual expression.
After dramatic scenes in South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol has been detained on insurrection charges, stemming from his attempt to impose martial law in December. But, says our correspondent, the political and economic fallout is not over. The craze for plastic surgery reaches some surprising body parts (7:46). And a visit to the world’s most disciplined primary schools – in Japan (16:40).