Jae Sung Lee
Appearances
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
It's a grim picture on a nation that's already grappling with one of the highest suicide rates in the world. The data showed nearly half of South Koreans who had received emergency medical treatment from self-harm, including attempted suicide in 2023, were in their teens or 20s. One in 200 Koreans in their 20s were found to have engaged in self-harming behaviour.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's Zelensky meets US vice-president at Munich security conference
These figures come despite the authorities having tried to tackle the problem two decades ago by launching the first national suicide initiative back in 2004. More measures to curb rising suicide have followed since, but to limited success.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
These sentences are the highest punishment possible for poaching in Indonesia. These poachers who were found guilty were members of a criminal gang that was uncovered by authorities in 2023. Now, they've confessed to killing 26 rhinos over a five-year period of time. And in this ruling, the court sentenced the leader of the group to 12 years in prison and his five co-conspirators to 11 years.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
They're also found around $6,000 each. Now, as you mentioned briefly there, conservationists have praised this ruling, saying it sets a strong precedent and delivers a clear warning to those who threaten Indonesia's wildlife. They're hoping the long sentences will have a deterrent effect on other poachers trying to hunt these species down.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
But they said more need to be done to prevent poaching in Indonesia.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
Well, these Javan rhinos used to roam over the vast forests in Southeast Asia, but are now only found in Ujung Kulon National Park, which is in the westernmost tip of Indonesia's Java Island, the most populous island in Indonesia. And this is thought to be their last stronghold. Now, they're critically endangered with fewer than less than 100 thought to remain endangered.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
As poachers, many of whom are driven by economic hardship, hunt these species down for their lucrative horns, which are sold on to dealers in China. That's because for centuries, rhino horns have been used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat various illnesses and medical conditions such as fever, stop nosebleeds, and even, they say, prevent strokes.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
But scientists say, you know, these horns have no proven qualities, that it's all basically a myth. And conservationists say Javan rhinos also reproduce very slowly, making it even more challenging for authorities to preserve them. But they're determined to keep the species alive. As they say, Javan rhinos have been brought back from the brink of extinction before as well.