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Korean Portal Naver Also Blocked amid Ongoing Hallyu Ban
Amid China's escalating control over its domestic and foreign internet activity, Naver, South Korea's largest portal site, has reportedly been blocked locally. This development follows the recent similar restrictions placed on another portal site, Daum. This situation intensifies the ongoing Hallyu Ban, unofficial restrictions by the Chinese government on the distribution of Korean cultural content, which has been in place since 2016. According to sources in Beijing and Shenyang, Liaoning Provi
2 min read
World Expo 2030: Advocacy Groups Urge Exclusion of Saudi Arabia Over Its Human Rights Record
As the choice of host for the World Expo 2030 draws near, a chorus of notable human rights organizations has lodged an appeal with the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), beseeching the Paris-based organization to exclude Saudi Arabia from the list of prospective hosts. They contend that Saudi Arabia's troubling record on human rights stands in stark contrast to the event's ethos, and runs the risk of besmirching the prestige of this globally recognized event. In a letter dispatched to
3 min read
President Yoon's Veto of the Nursing Act Sparks Controversy
In a controversial move that has stirred up a maelstrom of debate, President Yoon Suk Yeol exercised his veto power for the second time since assuming office, rejecting the Nursing Act that had been steamrolled through the legislative process by the Democratic Party of Korea last month. Amid vociferous protests from medical professionals, including doctors and nursing assistants, the president's action has been met with both criticism and support, accentuating the deeply divided views on the iss
2 min read
High Turnover and Job Dissatisfaction Among South Korean Nurses Call for Systemic Change
A study by the National Health and Medical Workers' Union (NHMWU) in South Korea has revealed a startling trend: a large proportion of the country's nurses, primarily in their 20s and 30s, are contemplating leaving the profession due to strenuous work conditions and inadequate compensation. This finding underscores a critical issue within the South Korean healthcare system that may lead to an alarming turnover rate among nursing professionals. The study included responses from 31,672 nurses nat
2 min read
Gaya Tumuli Recommended for UNESCO World Heritage List
In a significant development for Korea's cultural heritage, the Gaya Tumuli, a collection of seven tomb clusters from the ancient Gaya confederacy, has been recommended for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The announcement came from the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) on Thursday, following a meeting of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory organization for cultural heritage evaluations under UNESCO. A final decision on the Gaya Tumuli's inc
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Diverging Views on US-South Korea Summit: Strengthening Alliance or Empty Promises?
The US-South Korea summit has resulted in mixed assessments from Korean newspapers, with conservative and progressive press taking opposing stances. The joint announcement of the 'Washington Declaration' and the agreement on expanding deterrence measures against North Korea led conservative newspapers to view the summit as a positive step in reinforcing the "ironclad alliance." However, progressive newspapers criticized the lack of tangible outcomes and expressed concerns over heightening tensio
3 min read
Recognizing the Power of the Entertainment Industry Over Misguided Political Narratives
Netflix's recent announcement of a $2.5 billion investment in Korean content is a testament to the global appeal and success of the country's entertainment industry, which has captivated audiences worldwide through its innovative storytelling and high production quality. However, some Korean media outlets have inaccurately attributed this strategic decision to the influence of South Korea's President and First Lady, drawing a misleading connection to the U.S.-Korea alliance. It is essential to r
4 min read
Netflix Commits $2.5 Billion to South Korean Entertainment, Fueling the Korean Wave and Boosting Local Industry
Streaming giant's investment to boost cultural exports and strengthen South Korea's global influence in entertainment Netflix announced plans to invest $2.5 billion in South Korea over the next four years, doubling its investment in the country since 2016. The streaming giant's commitment aims to produce a range of Korean TV series, movies, and unscripted shows, capitalizing on the global success of the "Korean Wave" or Hallyu. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarand
2 min read
Uncovering the Underbelly of Korea's Housing Market
Jeonse Scams and Financially Compromised Homes Threaten Tenants The South Korean housing market has been in the spotlight due to skyrocketing prices and a growing demand for affordable housing. Amidst this challenging landscape, tenants seeking rental properties face two increasingly prevalent risks: Jeonse scams and financially compromised homes. These issues not only pose financial dangers but also highlight the urgent need for reforms to protect tenants' rights. Jeonse, a unique rental syst
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Daegu City and North Gyeongsang Province Face Population Decline, Rapid Aging, and Economic Struggles
Daegu City and North Gyeongsang Province (Gyeongsangbuk-do) in South Korea have experienced significant population decline in recent years, with both regions facing the challenges of an aging society, lower birth rates, and economic struggles. Daegu City's registered population has decreased by approximately 22,000, while North Gyeongsang Province has seen a reduction of around 26,000. These declines are attributed to a combination of social factors, such as migration and natural factors like l
4 min read
South Korea Needs to Strive for Independent Foreign Policies Amid Geopolitical Tensions
In the midst of escalating tensions in Taiwan and the ongoing US-China trade war, South Korea is seeking to diversify its export markets, while French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizes the importance of an independent foreign policy for the European Union (EU). South Korea has been experiencing a decline in exports to ASEAN countries, with its exports to the region decreasing for six consecutive months from October last year to March this year. Vietnam, which has emerged as the country's lar
2 min read
Rising Rents in Seoul's University Districts Underscore Need for Decentralization and Consideration of Mental Health
Seoul, South Korea – A recent study by the company behind the real estate information platform 'Dabang,' has found that the rent for one-room apartments (with a floor area of 33 square meters or less) in Seoul's major university districts has risen by over 15% in the past year. The data from Dabang showed that, as of last month, the average monthly rent for one-room apartments in these university districts, based on a deposit of 10 million KRW (approximately $8,300), was 596,000 KRW (about $500
2 min read