Hong Kong's 'Dimsum,' South Korea's 'Narae,' North Korea's 'Frog' among 9 new typhoon names added

The roster of names for typhoons forming in the Western Pacific and South China Sea has expanded with the addition of nine new terms, including 'Dimsum,' 'Narae,' and 'Frog.' Hong Kong's Meteorological Observatory announced in June that 'Dimsum,' proposed by Hong Kong, was officially added to the list. Alongside 'Dimsum,' 'Narae' from South Korea and 'Frog' from North Korea are among the new additions.

These new names replace nine existing ones, such as 'Doraji' (Bellflower), which caused six fatalities in the Philippines, and 'Tsubame' (Swallow), which was retired for sounding similar to a Croatian curse word. Other newly added names include 'Kokeu' (a type of tree) from Cambodia, 'Hebi' (Snake) from Japan, and 'Hoan' (a legume) from Vietnam.

The typhoon naming system operates under the World Meteorological Organization's Typhoon Committee, comprising 14 member nations. Each country contributes ten names, drawing from their languages and cultures, often featuring names of flora, fauna, and food. South Korea's submitted names include 'Ant,' 'Nari,' 'Rose,' 'Mirinae,' 'Walnut,' 'Narae,' 'Raccoon Dog,' 'Forsythia,' 'Bracken,' and 'Barley.' North Korea's list includes 'Wild Goose,' 'Frog,' 'Seagull,' 'Kite,' 'Echo,' 'Lark,' 'Willow,' 'Sunset,' 'Dandelion,' and 'Dragonfly.'

Historically, typhoons were named after women's names, a practice that began with U.S. military meteorologists during World War II. The system shifted in 2000 to incorporate names from Asian countries, with 'Damrey' (Elephant in Khmer) being the first such name used.