Asia News Wrap: ROK halts propaganda broadcasts to DPRK, and more

Here are a few stories from around Asia you may have missed this week.

ROK halts anti-DPRK loudspeaker broadcasts

The Republic of Korea (ROK) has halted propaganda broadcasts through loudspeakers in the border area with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Seoul's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. The ministry stated that the move was part of President Lee Jae-myung's efforts to restore trust in inter-Korean relations and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. The anti-DPRK broadcasts were suspended on Wednesday afternoon. Lee, who took office on June 4, had pledged during his campaign to end the loudspeaker broadcasts, which were resumed last June in retaliation for balloons filled with trash and manure sent by the DPRK.

Japan's private lunar lander crashes in latest moon setback

A private lunar lander from Japan crashed during its attempted touchdown Friday, marking the latest setback in the commercial race to the moon. Tokyo-based company ispace declared the mission a failure several hours after losing communication with the lander. Flight controllers tried to reestablish contact but were met with silence and announced they were ending the mission. Communications stopped less than two minutes before the spacecraft's scheduled lunar landing with a mini rover. Until then, the descent from lunar orbit appeared to be going smoothly. CEO and founder Takeshi Hakamada apologized to everyone involved, marking ispace's second failed lunar landing attempt.

Popular K-pop band members discharged after military service

Popular K-pop band BTS members Jimin and Jungkook were discharged from the South Korean military on Tuesday after completing their mandatory service, as fans counted down to the band's comeback with more members finishing their national duty later this month.

Cheered by dozens of fans near the military base, the two members, dressed in their army uniforms, saluted the crowd and announced they would soon return to perform.

"To all the fans who have waited for us, I want to say I am truly, truly grateful. Please wait just a little longer and we will come back with a really cool performance," Jimin said in front of fans and media. Two other bandmates, Jin and J-Hope, were discharged earlier and have been performing solo and appearing on variety shows.

Jetstar Asia to shut down amid rising costs, competition

Singapore-based budget airline Jetstar Asia will shut down on July 31, citing rising supplier costs, high airport fees and strong regional competition. More than 500 employees in Singapore will lose their jobs. Jetstar Asia, a subsidiary of Australia's Qantas Airways, operated intra-Asia routes from Singapore's Changi Airport but struggled to deliver strong returns in recent years.

Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully said the airline faced "really high cost increases" at its Singapore base, including double-digit rises in fuel, airport fees, ground handling and security charges. The airline has reported profits in only six of its 20 years of operation and is expected to post a loss of $22.76 million.

Bangladesh to hold national election in April 2026, says chief advisor

Bangladesh will hold a national election in the first half of April 2026, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said on Friday, following a period of interim unelected government after then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country last August.

Hasina, credited with transforming the economy, won a fourth consecutive term in 2024. However, the vote was boycotted by the main opposition, whose top leaders were jailed or in exile.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has led the country since August. His administration has faced growing unrest recently, with protests over wages and other issues.

"After reviewing ongoing reform activities ... I am announcing that the next national election will be held on any day in the first half of April 2026," Yunus said in a national address on Friday. Yunus is unaffiliated with any political party and has stated he will not run in the election.

(Cover: Republic of Korea soldiers dismantle loudspeakers set up for propaganda broadcasts near the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, ROK, June 11, 2025. /CFP)