James Oaten
@jamesoaten.bsky.social
North Asia correspondent for Australian Broadcasting Corporation, based in Tokyo, covering Japan 🇯🇵+ Koreas 🇰🇷🇰🇵. Previously India 🇮🇳 for Sth Asia. Opinions = my own, not ABC, retweets ≠ endorsements.
In 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. 👇
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. 👇
The Last Witnesses of Hiroshima and Japan's Destruction tell their Story | Foreign Correspondent
YouTube video by ABC News In-depth
youtu.be
August 9, 2025 at 1:58 AM
In 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. 👇
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. 👇
South 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...
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
March 24, 2025 at 1:14 AM
South 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...
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...
If 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?...
(Visuals have that deepfake sheen, but the audio is scarily spot on.)
How those suffering grief are turnjng to AI 👇
youtu.be/HnKw9WYTpkc?...
March 23, 2025 at 12:57 AM
If 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?...
(Visuals have that deepfake sheen, but the audio is scarily spot on.)
How those suffering grief are turnjng to AI 👇
youtu.be/HnKw9WYTpkc?...
“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...
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...
'My heart became lighter': AI gave this grieving mum a final farewell
As 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.
www.abc.net.au
March 22, 2025 at 2:23 AM
“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...
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...
With 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...
Here’s my latest on the MAGA tactics deployed by his most hardened followers 👇
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...
Young men are fuelling the rise of the 'White Skull Squad' in Korea
Wearing 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...
www.abc.net.au
March 11, 2025 at 8:11 AM
With 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...
Here’s my latest on the MAGA tactics deployed by his most hardened followers 👇
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...
Amid 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.be/lLtR03xjsko?...
How synchronised walking became a smash hit in Japan | ABC NEWS
YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)
youtu.be
February 11, 2025 at 6:07 AM
Amid 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.be/lLtR03xjsko?...
Reposted by James Oaten
New Gallup Korea numbers are out, with a few interesting pieces of data. Mini-thread incoming.
January 17, 2025 at 3:41 PM
New Gallup Korea numbers are out, with a few interesting pieces of data. Mini-thread incoming.
Australian satire takes on Korean politics
January 16, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Australian satire takes on Korean politics
There’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...
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...
After a game of hide and seek, South Korea's president emerges defiant
After 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.
www.abc.net.au
January 16, 2025 at 12:08 AM
There’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...
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...
Reposted by James Oaten
Just 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".
[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
v.daum.net
January 12, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Just 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".
Reposted by James Oaten
Update: 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.
January 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Update: 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.
Shamans, 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...
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...
The fortune teller who may be pulling the strings on Korea's wild political crisis
South 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.
www.abc.net.au
January 10, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Shamans, 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...
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...
"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...
“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...
Aviation expert says questions need answering after South Korea plane crash
The 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.
www.abc.net.au
December 29, 2024 at 10:49 PM
"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...
“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...
Firefighters EXPECT** all on board have died, except two rescued.
Firefighters 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...
The aircraft was landing at Muan International Airport.
Live blog here:
www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
Live: Plane carrying 181 crashes in South Korea, at least 85 dead
Authorities 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.
www.abc.net.au
December 29, 2024 at 4:18 AM
Firefighters EXPECT** all on board have died, except two rescued.
Firefighters 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...
The aircraft was landing at Muan International Airport.
Live blog here:
www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
Live: Plane carrying 181 crashes in South Korea, at least 85 dead
Authorities 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.
www.abc.net.au
December 29, 2024 at 4:11 AM
Firefighters 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...
The aircraft was landing at Muan International Airport.
Live blog here:
www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
December 29, 2024 at 3:19 AM
Horrible 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.
The Jeju aircraft, returning from Bangkok, was attempting a crash landing due to a malfunctioning landing gear, authorities say.
December 29, 2024 at 2:42 AM
Horrible 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.
The Jeju aircraft, returning from Bangkok, was attempting a crash landing due to a malfunctioning landing gear, authorities say.
Bit 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.
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.
South 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/view/AEN2024...
(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...
en.yna.co.kr
December 27, 2024 at 8:11 AM
Bit 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.
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.
South 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/view/AEN2024...
(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...
en.yna.co.kr
December 27, 2024 at 7:50 AM
South 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/view/AEN2024...
Extraordinary 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...
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...
Woman charged with attempted murder over Australian student's 2023 poisoning in Taiwan
A 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
www.abc.net.au
December 23, 2024 at 11:06 PM
Extraordinary 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...
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...
The 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...
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...
The rise and fall of Yoon Suk Yeol — South Korea's impeached president
South 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.
www.abc.net.au
December 14, 2024 at 11:32 PM
The 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...
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...
Reposted by James Oaten
Yoon'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.)
December 14, 2024 at 2:43 AM
Yoon'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.)
Reposted by James Oaten
Yoon's approval rating has sunk to an all-time low of 11%, according to Gallup Korea.
Yoon's approval rating sinks to all-time low of 11 pct: poll | Yonhap News Agency
SEOUL, Dec. 13 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating fell to a record...
en.yna.co.kr
December 13, 2024 at 10:57 AM
Yoon's approval rating has sunk to an all-time low of 11%, according to Gallup Korea.
Reposted by James Oaten
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.
December 11, 2024 at 9:00 PM
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.
This space is quickly evolving.
Great wrap below 👇
Great wrap below 👇
Good morning from Seoul. Still unclear who is running the country. The president is under investigation for treason and has been banned from leaving. But he still apparently remains in charge of the military. Here are the latest details:
December 11, 2024 at 3:47 AM
This space is quickly evolving.
Great wrap below 👇
Great wrap below 👇