James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 30/01/2026What’s wrong with Narita? I just wish the NEX was more frequent 020
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 09/08/2025In the documentary we look at the Tokyo Firebombing, the Battle for Okinawa, and the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 80 years since end of WW2 there are few survivors old enough to remember the horrors. This is their story. There’s not much time left. An online writeup is here:abc.net.auA witness to one of Japan's lesser-known WWII horrors has this final wishEighty years after World War II, some of Japan's last survivors are still pushing for an apology and recognition. But time is running out. 001
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 09/08/2025In 1945, Japan could not win the war. But it fought on hoping to exhaust the Americans and secure a more favourable peace. In only led to more carnage. My latest documentary is through the eyes of Japanese civilian survivors, who want Japan to recognise and apologise for their suffering. 👇youtu.beThe Last Witnesses of Hiroshima and Japan's Destruction tell their Story | Foreign CorrespondentYouTube video by ABC News In-depth 120
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 24/03/2025South Korea's Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has had his impeachment overturned, meaning he'll get his job and powers back. Of course the main event is whether the Constitutional Court does the same for President Yoon Suk Yeol -- verdict expected to be any day now. en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2025...en.yna.co.kr 001
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 23/03/2025If you’re more of a visual person - here’s the television version, which includes an AI model of me. (Visuals have that deepfake sheen, but the audio is scarily spot on.) How those suffering grief are turnjng to AI 👇 youtu.be/HnKw9WYTpkc?...youtu.beIn South Korea, people use AI bots to 'chat' with dead loved ones | ABC NEWSYouTube video by ABC News (Australia) 020
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 22/03/2025“An unexpected healing of wounds.” Using VR or AI to reanimate the dead may sound like a Black Mirror episode, but it is becoming increasingly real and convincing. Can the tech help or hinder the grieving process? My latest on “grief bots” in South Korea 👇 www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...abc.net.au'My heart became lighter': AI gave this grieving mum a final farewellAs AI technology rapidly improves, some people in South Korea talk with computer-generated models of their dead loved ones to process grief and say goodbye. 030
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 11/03/2025With South Korea’s Constitutional Court soon to deliver impeachment verdict of President Yoon Suk Yeol, there are increasing concerns about possible unrest and violence. Here’s my latest on the MAGA tactics deployed by his most hardened followers 👇 www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...abc.net.auYoung men are fuelling the rise of the 'White Skull Squad' in KoreaWearing symbolic white helmets and waving "Stop the Steal" flags, the young men of the "white skull squad" are back on the streets of South Korea and wanting the US to intervene in their country's dem... 013
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 11/02/2025Amid this rather chaotic news cycle - here’s a nice little television yarn from me, showcasing Japan’s famous synchronised walking. Enjoy! youtu.be/lLtR03xjsko?...youtu.beHow synchronised walking became a smash hit in Japan | ABC NEWSYouTube video by ABC News (Australia) 000
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 26/01/2025I was just there today!! Steak and Shiraz - 10/10. 130
Reposted by James OatenKarl Friedhoff @kfriedhoff.bsky.social · 17/01/2025New Gallup Korea numbers are out, with a few interesting pieces of data. Mini-thread incoming. 3246
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 16/01/2025There’s a feeling among pro-Yoon supporters a communist sympathising deep state is out to get their leader. It’s a calling card that would typically unite his older supporters, but there was a notable presence of 20 and 30 somethings at the protest too. My latest 👇 www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01...abc.net.auAfter a game of hide and seek, South Korea's president emerges defiantAfter a weeks-long game of hide and seek, South Korea's president Yoon Suk Yeol has finally emerged from the shadows. The saga has exposed the nation's political division. 100
Reposted by James OatenRaphael Rashid @koryodynasty.bsky.social · 12/01/2025Just in: Yoon Suk Yeol's lawyer says he will be absent from the first hearing of his impeachment trial on Jan 14 out of "concerns about his personal safety".v.daum.net[속보] 尹, 14일 헌재 정식변론 불출석…“신변안전 등 우려”윤석열 대통령이 오는 14일 헌법재판소의 탄핵 심판 첫 변론기일에 출석하지 않을 것이라고 윤 대통령 측 변호인단이 12일 밝혔다. 변호인단은 “신변 문제 우려”를 거론하며 “경호 문제가 해결돼야 출석할 수 있다”는 입장을 재차 전했다. 앞서 윤 대통령 입장을 대신 전하고 있는 윤갑근 변호사는 8일 오후 기자들을 만나 “헌재 재판에 출석한다는 의사는 변함이 0126
Reposted by James OatenRaphael Rashid @koryodynasty.bsky.social · 11/01/2025Update: S. Korea's transport ministry has revealed that both black boxes from the Jeju Air plane crash stopped recording approximately 4 minutes before the aircraft collided with a concrete structure, potentially complicating efforts to determine exact cause of crash. Reason remains unknown. 2288
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 10/01/2025The 'stop the steal' is interesting -- according to @koreanforeigner.bsky.social "Their hope is that Donald Trump will feel some sort of sympathy for Yoon and his supporters." "They're hoping that their... images will appear in Fox News, which will eventually filter into Donald Trump's TV." 020
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 10/01/2025Shamans, conspiracies, 'stop the steal'. No, this isn't the MAGA movement. These are the tactics of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. It may be at odds with the mainstream public, but it seems to be helping Yoon... at least a bit. My latest 👇 www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01...abc.net.auThe fortune teller who may be pulling the strings on Korea's wild political crisisSouth Koreans fearing the communist "wind from the north" back impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol, but he looks to shamans and mysticism to guide him into and through office. 120
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024“And why did the aircraft touch down so far down the runway that it had no chance of stopping before exited the runway? And why was there a brick wall at the end of the runway?" 2/2 000
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024"If they were going to make an emergency landing with the undercarriage up, why didn't the fire tenders lay foam on the runway?” “Why weren't they in attendance when the plane touched down?” Many questions from yesterday’s fatal Jeju plane crash in South Korea 1/2 www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...abc.net.auAviation expert says questions need answering after South Korea plane crashThe Jeju Air crash on Sunday afternoon is South Korea's worst airline disaster in more than 30 years, with 179 of the 181 people on board dying. 100
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024Firefighters EXPECT** all on board have died, except two rescued. 000
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024A failed landing gear is believed to be reason for crash. The aircraft abandoned its first landing attempt, and the second was a "belly landing" - so no landing gear. Bird strike suspected for fault. Footage shows it skidding off the runway and exploding. Fuselage destroyed. 000
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024Firefighters except all on board Jeju aircraft, except two rescued, have died. The aircraft was landing at Muan International Airport. Live blog here: www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...abc.net.auLive: Plane carrying 181 crashes in South Korea, at least 85 deadAuthorities say the plane was attempting a crash landing due to a malfunctioning landing gear, when it veered off the runway and collided with a fence at Muan Airport. Follow live. 102
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024Death toll now at 62. ABC running a live blog with all the latest: www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...abc.net.auLive: Plane carrying 181 crashes during landing in South Korea, at least 62 deadAuthorities say the plane was attempting a crash landing due to a malfunctioning landing gear, when it veered off the runway and collided with a fence at Muan Airport. Follow live. 021
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024Horrible news -- death toll from Muan International Airport plane crash now at 47, according to Yonhap. The Jeju aircraft, returning from Bangkok, was attempting a crash landing due to a malfunctioning landing gear, authorities say. 032
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 27/12/2024Opposition wants the full bench to effectively lower the bar for impeachment. When the PM and acting President refused to approve the extra three judges, he was impeached too. 030
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 27/12/2024Bit of extra detail.... There are six judges on Constitutional Court, which is hearing the matter of Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. There are meant to be nine. SO, the court would need a unanimous decision to uphold impeachment, instead of majority. 241
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 27/12/2024South Korea has now impeached the acting President Han Duck-soo less than two weeks after he took over for President Yoon Suk Yeol. en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2024...en.yna.co.kr(2nd LD) Nat'l Assembly votes to impeach acting President Han | Yonhap News Agency(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with impeachment vote; CHANGES headline, photos)By Lee Haye-ah a... 1161
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 23/12/2024The charge is attempted murder, prosecutors seeking eight years jail. 000
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 23/12/2024Prosecutors allege Yang Ping befriended Alex Shorey after her spouse died unexpectedly and was motivated by "a desire to satisfy her personal needs for control, jealousy, and revenge". "He was at constant risk of massive bleeding from various parts of his body and could have died at any moment.” 100
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 23/12/2024Extraordinary case from Taiwan: Woman allegedly gave rat poison to her Australian friend because he was leaving the country early. While in hospital, she allegedly continued to lace his food and drink with rat poison. Now charges laid. My latest. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...abc.net.auWoman charged with attempted murder over Australian student's 2023 poisoning in TaiwanA woman in Taiwan is facing eight years jail after being charged with attempted murder for allegedly poisoning Brisbane university student, Alex Shorey, with rat poison 1113
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 14/12/2024The elation in Seoul last night when President Yoon was impeached was comparable to a victorious penalty shootout in the FIFA World Cup. A dramatic rise and fall for Yoon, from anti corruption crusader to… this mess. My feature - feat. @joelatkinson.bsky.social www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...abc.net.auThe rise and fall of Yoon Suk Yeol — South Korea's impeached presidentSouth Korea's president Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached in a historic vote, marking the end of a tremulous week since his desperate attempt to impose martial law spectacularly failed. 0303
Reposted by James OatenMichelle Ye Hee Lee @myhlee.bsky.social · 14/12/2024Yoon's impeachment proceeding to begin at 4pm local today. If it passes, it goes to the Constitutional Court, which must decide within 180 days whether to support or reject it. (The court plays the role of the U.S. Senate in the American presidential impeachment process.) 313441
Reposted by James OatenWilliam Gallo @williamgallo.bsky.social · 13/12/2024Yoon's approval rating has sunk to an all-time low of 11%, according to Gallup Korea.en.yna.co.krYoon's approval rating sinks to all-time low of 11 pct: poll | Yonhap News AgencySEOUL, Dec. 13 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating fell to a record... 2326
Reposted by James OatenSangsin Lee @sslee.bsky.social · 11/12/2024 I wrote a thread about the insurrection in South Korea, which received significant attention. However, with so much news pouring in and the situation changing by the minute, I decided to stop updating that thread. Instead, I am starting new threads on a few specific topics. 11556188
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 11/12/2024This space is quickly evolving. Great wrap below 👇 010
Reposted by James OatenTobias Harris @tobiasharris.bsky.social · 09/12/2024Ishiba has shelved a January trip to South Korea in light of, well, ::waves hands:: www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...nikkei.com石破茂首相、韓国訪問を断念へ 「非常戒厳」後の混乱受け - 日本経済新聞石破茂首相は2025年1月に予定していた韓国訪問を断念する方針だ。尹錫悦(ユン・ソンニョル)大統領の「非常戒厳」に端を発する韓国の混乱が当面続くと判断した。代わりに東南アジア訪問の検討に入った。通常国会召集前の1月前半に訪韓し、尹氏と会談する調整を進めていた 04815
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 09/12/2024Well, that’s quite embarrassing: a nation’s President banned from international travel. www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...reuters.comSouth Korea's President Yoon banned from foreign travel, official saysSouth Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from foreign travel, a justice ministry official told a parliament committee hearing on Monday. 040
Reposted by James OatenWilliam Gallo @williamgallo.bsky.social · 06/12/2024The head of South Korea's ruling conservative party appears to have just abandoned Yoon Suk Yeol. He now seemingly will support Yoon's impeachment. 629867
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 05/12/2024Japanese court admitted Australian grandmother cought with 2kg of meth in suitcase was the victim of a love scam. But - it concluded - she ignored the red flags that what she was getting cought up in was possibly illegal. Therefore, six years prison. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...abc.net.auAustralian who said she was tricked into smuggling drugs into Japan jailed for six yearsA court in Japan finds Australian grandmother Donna Nelson guilty of importing two kilograms of methamphetamine into the country. 120
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 04/12/2024What on earth was South Korea’s President thinking in imposing martial law?! Well, no one can be completely sure except the President himself - BUT here’s my wrap of how Yoon Suk Yeol was backed into a corner, thanks to a luxury handbag and a spring onion. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...abc.net.auThe Dior handbag, tax scandal, and furore over the price of spring onions that triggered Yoon’s downfallSouth Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol opted for the nuclear option when he declared martial law. But it followed months of scandals, low approval ratings, and a stand-off with a hostile parliament. 031
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 25/11/2024(For my interests, that is. Now it’s a very strange place of people complaining about their Japanese workplace or finding a partner in Japan?!?) 010
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 22/11/2024Aussie grandmother blaming love scammer for her being caught in Japan with 2kg meth: Final day of evidence heard she shared an article warning of romance scammers, and the parallels between those examples and her own online BF. Her response: he didn’t ask for money. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11...abc.net.auPerth grandmother tells trial she was tricked into carrying suitcase of drugs into JapanA Perth grandmother alleging a romance scammer tricked her into trafficking drugs to Japan tells her criminal trial she did not suspect she was being tricked because she was never asked for money. 000
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 20/11/2024If you’re interested in Australian foreign policy, particularly regarding the Indo Pacific, this is the journo to follow 👇 010
James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 19/11/2024Good work! And don’t worry, I’m applying the pressure on @stephendziedzic.bsky.social to start posting 120