2024 has been an eventful year for Asia, with moments of intense challenges and heartwarming stories. From the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Yagi to the viral rise of a baby hippo named Moo Deng, the region saw both triumphs and tragedies. In this review, we’ll dive into the most significant events of 2024, ranking them from the worst to the best, and analysing their impact on Asia and beyond.
Worst Year: Climate Casualties Across Asia
Super Typhoon Yagi: A Devastating Storm
Asia’s climate struggles have only intensified in 2024, with the worst hit being Super Typhoon Yagi, which struck Ha Long, Vietnam on September 8. Yagi was one of the strongest storms to hit Southeast Asia in recent years, leaving destruction in its wake from the Philippines to southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. The storm’s aftermath saw hundreds of casualties and widespread destruction, making it one of the most devastating weather events in 2024.
But the climate casualties don’t end there. Monsoon floods displaced millions across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Nepal, killing hundreds and causing unprecedented damage. Droughts and heatwaves also took a toll, worsening the situation with months of water shortages and scorching temperatures.
These extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, have taken the lives of many across the region. Despite their scale, such tragedies have often been overlooked by global media, leading to a sense of climate fatigue among both victims and observers. The “worst year” title goes to these invisible victims of climate change, whose struggles are often forgotten.
Bad Year: East Asia’s Shrinking Population
The Baby Crisis in East Asia
2024 saw East Asia continue to grapple with an aging population and falling fertility rates, particularly in South Korea, China, and Japan. The fertility rate in South Korea reached record lows, with dog strollers even outselling baby carriages in online stores like Gmarket, highlighting the shift in societal priorities.
- Factors contributing to the baby crisis include:
- Changing gender roles and expectations.
- Long working hours, which leave little time for family life.
- High cost of housing, education, and childcare, making raising children increasingly unaffordable.
In countries like South Korea, where the elderly now represent 20% of the population, this demographic crisis is particularly urgent. If fertility rates continue to plummet, nations will face significant long-term economic consequences, including labour shortages and increased healthcare costs for an aging population.
The baby crisis in East Asia represents a generational challenge that may take decades to resolve.
Mixed Year: A Year of Democracy and Incumbency
Elections and Democracy in Asia
2024 was a year of elections, with India, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, and other countries holding crucial polls. However, the results painted a mixed picture for democracy and leadership across Asia.
- Bangladesh began the year with Sheikh Hasina winning reelection, but only after an election boycotted by the opposition, raising questions about the fairness of the process.
- In South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law in December after his party’s crushing defeat in the general election. This sparked protests and, ultimately, the impeachment of the president, further fuelling political instability.
- On the positive side, Taiwan solidified its democracy with successful elections, while India’s President Narendra Modi faced the challenges of leading a coalition government, and Indonesia saw a peaceful transition of power to Prabowo Subianto.
These developments show that democracy in Asia remains vibrant but faces significant challenges, particularly with leaders who cling to power in controversial ways. It’s a year of democracy in flux.
Good Year: The Rise of the Korean Wave (Hallyu)
K-Pop and Korean Culture Conquer the World
2024 marked another banner year for the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, with South Korea’s cultural exports gaining more global attention than ever before. The global fascination with K-pop, K-dramas, and K-food continued to grow, with Squid Game Season 2 and other shows dominating Netflix worldwide.
Key highlights from Korea’s cultural impact in 2024:
- Korean music: From BTS to Blackpink, the global popularity of K-pop bands shows no signs of slowing down.
- K-dramas: “Queen of Tears”, starring Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won, amassed over 690 million viewing hours on Netflix.
- K-literature: Korean author Han Kang became the first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, adding to the global recognition of Korean art and literature.
The Korean Wave has become a major driver of soft diplomacy, elevating South Korea’s global presence and contributing to the economic boost from entertainment exports. In fact, the economic benefit of Hallyu is expected to reach $198 billion by 2030.
Best Year: Moo Deng, Thailand’s Viral Star
Moo Deng Takes the Spotlight
In a surprising twist, the Best Year in Asia title goes to Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand’s Khao Chew Open Zoo. Born in July 2024, Moo Deng quickly became an internet sensation. With her cute appearance and playful personality, she was the subject of memes, videos, and fan accounts across X, TikTok, and Facebook.
What made Moo Deng’s rise to fame even more extraordinary was her ability to predict the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential race, picking a plate with Trump’s name over Kamala Harris’s. This bizarre prediction added to her viral status, even catching the attention of Saturday Night Live.
Moo Deng’s global fame provided a much-needed dose of joy in a year full of challenges, offering a moment of lightheartedness to millions. Her success shows the power of social media in shaping global trends, even in the animal kingdom.
Conclusion: A Year of Contrasts
As we look back on 2024, Asia’s year has been a complex mix of devastation, demographic challenges, political turmoil, cultural triumphs, and unexpected joys. From the climate casualties of Super Typhoon Yagi to the viral sensation of Moo Deng, the year was marked by both struggle and celebration. Looking ahead, Asia will continue to face tough challenges, but the spirit of resilience shown throughout the region provides hope for a brighter future.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Super Typhoon Yagi Impact on Vietnam and Southeast Asia
- Climate Change and Its Effects on Asia
- Korean Wave: K-Pop, K-Drama, and K-Culture
- Global Economy and Soft Diplomacy through Hallyu
- Moo Deng and the Rise of Viral Animal Celebrities
Photo credit: MSN
