China’s moon mission: The Chang’e 5, a robotic spacecraft launched by China, landed on the moon Tuesday. It landed in the Mons Rümker region, which has not been previously explored. This part of the moon is around two billion years younger than where previous missions studied. Its mission was to collect lunar soil and rock samples from the area. Research of the samples will determine their exact age. The spacecraft began the trip back to Earth on Thursday after spending two days on the moon. 

Significance: This makes China the third country besides the United States, and the Soviet Union, to bring lunar samples back to Earth. The previous missions took place over 40 years ago. While China is somewhat new to space exploration, they are still making new discoveries and have successfully completed the last three missions to the moon since the 1970s.

“BTS Law”: The South Korean Parliament passed a law on Tuesday that allows certain K-pop members to postpone the required two year military enlistment. They have received a government medal for promoting Korean culture around the world. Dubbed the “BTS Law,” it allows the group to stay together for a few more years due to them getting the Order of Cultural Merit in 2018. The bill was passed in time for the oldest member, Kim Seokjin to have the option of deferment before his birthday on Dec. 4 which would have placed him at the maximum age to enlist. 

Significance: Previously, only top athletes and classical musicians could have their conscription waived. As K-pop has spread over the world in the past few years, fans have pushed for the privilege to be extended to others. This bill does not excuse their service, though, it delays it. This allows BTS to stay together longer and continue to generate billions of dollars to the country’s economy.