Now You Know

South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world. While factors like the economy, government policies, and culture play a role, these challenges exist globally. So what makes South Korea so unique?

Now You Know talks to Anna Kook, an AJ+ reporter who covers South Korean society and news. She explains why people in South Korea are not having enough babies.

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When the Assad regime fell in December 2024, opposition forces opened prison doors across Syria. For many, Assad’s demise was both a shock and a moment of long-awaited freedom. Yet for those who had endured years of torture, the scars – both physical and emotional – remain. How did they survive the unimaginable?

On this week’s episode of Now You Know, we talk to Maysaa Al Hassan. She was freed after 11 years in prison. She shares her experience of survival, and why she’s speaking out now: to seek justice for herself and for the countless women who endured Syria’s brutal prison system.

In this episode:

• Maysaa Al Hassan, Former Syrian Prisoner 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson. 

Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement.

Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan. 

Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

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Israel has resumed its assault on Gaza, shattering the ceasefire with Hamas. Hundreds of people were killed in the first week of renewed attacks and Palestinians have once again been given evacuation orders. As destruction mounts the hope of rebuilding Gaza is fading fast. 

This week on Now You Know, we talk to Ms. Paula Gaviria, UN Special Rapporteur for the human rights of internally displaced people. We talk about the challenges involved in planning for the rebuilding of Gaza and ask, Will it ever become a reality?

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In India, a woman or girl is raped every 16 minutes, according to India's National Crime Records Bureau. “To Kill a Tiger”  tells the powerful story of a 13-year-old survivor and her father’s fight to get justice for his daughter – a fight that ultimately led to the three accused being sentenced to 25 years in prison each. 

On this week’s episode of Now You Know, we speak to director Nisha Pahuja who captures this battle in her Oscar-nominated documentary. We also speak to a sexual violence expert about the justice system in India, and how the lack of implementation of the law coupled with systemic barriers makes justice hard to attain.

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Ibtihaj Muhammad made history as the first American-Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab. This achievement holds immense significance, especially given the ongoing controversy surrounding the hijab in sports. 

This week on Now You Know, we chat with Ibtihaj about staying true to her identity, pushing back against discrimination, and competing at the highest level. 

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