Asia News Wrap: Wildfires kill at least 27 in South Korea, and more

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

Wildfires kill 27, destroy historic temples in South Korea

Wildfires in South Korea have killed at least 27 people and burnt down historic temples over the past week. The coverage of the fire doubled on Thursday from a day earlier, as authorities called the blazes the country's worst natural fire disaster.

More than 33,000 hectares have been charred or are still burning in the largest fires that began in central Uiseong county, making it the biggest single forest fire in South Korea's history. The previous record was 24,000 hectares in March 2000.

China launches new data relay satellite.

China launched a new data relay satellite, Tianlian II-04, into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Wednesday. 

China's second-generation geosynchronous orbit data-relay satellite will provide data relay and TT&C (telemetry, tracking and command) services for manned spacecraft such as spaceships and space stations.

 Indonesian volcano eruption causes evacuations 

An eruption of Indonesia's Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano spewed ash clouds more than 8 kilometers high, authorities said as they raised the alert status to the highest level, and an Australian airline canceled some flights into Bali on Friday. 

A disaster mitigation agency spokesperson told Reuters one person was injured during evacuations. Indonesia has close to 130 active volcanoes and sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area of high seismic activity atop various tectonic plates.

Thai Prime Minister survives no-confidence motion

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday in the first test of her premiership, reaffirming the stability of her coalition.

Thailand's youngest premier won the backing of 319 of 488 lawmakers present, despite a barrage of barbs during a censure debate that accused her of being unqualified, serving her wealthy family, and taking directions from her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

(Cover: Firefighters attempt to put out a wildfire that had spread to a village in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, March 25, 2025. /CFP)