Aerial picture shows flooded streets and buildings in Thai Nguyen on September 10, 2024, a few days after Super Typhoon Yagi hit northern Vietnam.
2024 was a year of mixed fortunes in Asia and the Pacific region, with some countries facing natural disasters, economic uncertainty, and demographic challenges, while others experienced a surge in popularity of their cultural exports and found success in their political processes.
The region was hit by thousands of “climate casualties” across Asia, with Super Typhoon Yagi being one of the strongest storms to hit the region in years, leaving a path of death and devastation in several countries. Floods from the yearly monsoon rains also left millions stranded and hundreds dead in several countries.
On the other hand, some of the best things that happened in 2024 include the continued growth and export of Korean popular culture, or “Hallyu”, which saw over 300 Korean movies and series available on Netflix, with some reaching millions of viewers worldwide. The global economic benefit of Hallyu is projected to hit $198 billion by 2030.
In terms of politics, 2024 saw a mixed year for democracy, with some countries experiencing successful transitions of power, while others faced challenges to their democratic systems. In China, Prime Minister Yoon Suk-Yeol was impeached and replaced, while in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party lost an election and had to form a coalition government.
It was also a challenging year for fertility rates in East Asia, with record-low rates continuing to be a major concern in many countries, including South Korea, China, and Japan. This trend is expected to have long-term economic consequences as countries struggle with shrinking workforces and aging populations.
Finally, a bright spot in 2024 was the rise to fame of Moo Deng, a female baby pygmy hippopotamus in Thailand, who became a global sensation, with her memes, photos, and videos spreading worldwide. She even predicted the winner of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
As the region looks to 2025, there is hope and joy to be found in the resilience of its people and the continued growth of its cultures.