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National Geographic's Tom O'Neill documented three defectors' escapes along the Asian "underground railroad." He tells NPR about their terrifying journeys, and how the defectors continued to hide even when they made it to South Korea.

Thailand's political unrest is hurting its tourism industry. After protesters seized the country's two main airports, tourists started canceling their holiday plans. The airports are open, but Thailand's image has been tarnished.

As questions swirl over Kim Jong Il's health, there is no sign he has relinquished control over the secluded North Korea. Experts say that whoever succeeds Kim may feel compelled to demonstrate control through military means.

Today in Seoul, right-wing veterans of the Korean War staged a counter-demonstration, claiming that the tens of thousands of Koreans who have been protesting plans to import U.S. beef are being used by North Korea's communists. Meanwhile, protesters observed the sixth anniversary today of the deaths of two South Korean girls who were run over by a U.S. military vehicle.

After an estimated 80,000 people demonstrated Tuesday against South Korea's plan to resume importing U.S. beef, the president promised that his government would make a fresh start — and his entire Cabinet offered to resign.

A week ago, South Korea's president said the country would resume full imports of American beef. Now, he says he won't allow in beef from older cattle — those more than 30 months old. The backpedaling came after widespread public protest. But the decision could threaten a broader free trade deal.

A steady trickle of refugees and defectors continues to leave North Korea. And after often harrowing escapes, refugees face daunting challenges fitting into South Korea. Young defectors face many challenges.

South Korea's recently inaugurated president has suggested he might take a harder line against North Korea, which could mark the end of South Korea's "Sunshine Policy" of rapprochement with its northern neighbor. However, Lee Myung-bak's position has moderated since the election.

Protesting Chinese policies in Darfur, movie mogul Steven Spielberg quits his gig as artistic director to the Beijing Olympic Games. David Wallechinsky, author of The Complete Book of the Olympics, looks at a history of dissent.

South Korea's national treasure, the Great South Gate in Seoul, was burned down by an arsonist this week. The wooden gate was built in 1389. Evans Revere, past deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, discusses whether the historic gate will be restored.