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1,209 published stories

Economy

Bank of Korea Holds Base Rate Steady Amid Slowing Inflation and Economic Uncertainty

With inflation appearing to slow down and the economy remaining sluggish, the Bank of Korea keeps the base rate unchanged for the second consecutive time. The Bank of Korea (BOK) has opted to maintain the base rate at 3.5 percent for a second consecutive time, as recent data suggests that inflation is slowing down while the economy continues to struggle. This decision aligns with market expectations, indicating that the BOK's 1.5-year rate hike cycle may have come to a halt. BOK Governor Rhee

Busan

Busan's Regional Deprivation Index: A Growing Socioeconomic Gap in Half of the City's Districts

Busan, South Korea - A recent study has revealed that eight out of sixteen districts and counties in Busan have a regional deprivation index higher than the national average. The regional deprivation index, an indicator used to assess socioeconomic deficiencies within specific geographical areas, suggests that half of Busan's local governments exhibit high levels of deprivation. Moreover, the number of districts with an above-average regional deprivation index has doubled in the past decade, spa

Wellness

The Dark Side of Manipulation: The Disturbing Trend of Indirect Murder and Its Impact on Society

In recent years, a disturbing criminal trend has emerged, where hitmen are not physically killing their targets but, instead, psychologically manipulating them into taking their own lives. These sinister acts, often referred to as "indirect murder" or "assisted suicide," highlight the dark side of manipulation and showcase the profound consequences of psychological pressure on individuals and society as a whole. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes employ various methods to push their victi

Opinion

Korea Navigates Delicate Balance Amid Escalating US-China Tensions

In the 30 years since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, South Korea and China have seen their trade volume increase 47-fold, symbolizing the significant growth of their economic cooperation. While the two nations have faced political and diplomatic challenges, their economic relationship has continuously advanced through complementary cooperation. However, Korea's relationship with China is facing new challenges due to the intensifying strategic competition and decoupling between the U

Korea

South Korea Boosts Global Presence of Domestic Alcoholic Beverages with 'K-Liquor' Brand

South Korea is taking steps to create a unique brand for its domestically-produced alcoholic beverages by introducing the 'K-Liquor' brand for products exported overseas. This initiative aims to make it easier for global consumers to recognize and enjoy Korean alcoholic drinks. To enhance the global competitiveness of traditional and small-scale alcoholic beverage manufacturers, the National Tax Service (NTS) has launched the K-Liquor Export Support Council in collaboration with industry stakeh

Politics

US Courts' Conflicting Mifepristone Rulings Reflect Ongoing Abortion Law Struggle in South Korea

The Biden administration has requested clarification from a judge regarding how the federal government should comply with two conflicting court orders on the abortion pill mifepristone. The rulings, issued on Friday by judges in Amarillo, Texas, and Spokane, Washington, have created legal uncertainty over the drug's status. Mifepristone is used in over half of all abortions nationwide and is also employed in managing miscarriages. Meanwhile, legal abortion in South Korea remains a controversial

Korea

Saemaul Geumgo Bank's Real Estate Loans Raise Concerns Over Asset Safety

Saemaul Geumgo Bank, also known as Saemaul Mutual Savings Bank or Saemaul Savings Bank, is facing scrutiny over its real estate project financing (PF) program due to the potential for non-performing loans. Established in 1973 as part of the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement), the bank has provided large-scale loans totaling 56 trillion won, but the delinquency rate in the 9% range is causing concern for asset safety. According to information provided to a Democratic Party lawmaker's office b

Korea

Korean Independence Fighter Hwang Ki-hwan Laid to Rest After Century-Long Wait

Korean independence fighter Hwang Ki-hwan, who inspired the hit South Korean TV series "Mr. Sunshine," has finally returned to his homeland after a century-long wait. Hwang, who died alone in New York in 1923, had been buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, and his remains were repatriated to South Korea after a 15-hour flight. Honor guards carried Hwang’s casket, draped with the South Korean national flag, during the repatriation ceremony at Incheon Airport. The patriot was interred in the national c