National News

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - After extended discussions, the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) of South Korea has decided on a 2.5% increase for the minimum wage in 2024, bringing it to KRW 9,860 per hour, up KRW 240 from this year's KRW 9,620. This growth rate is the second lowest in history, excluding the 1.5% increase in 2021. This means that the long-standing goal of labor circles to reach a KRW 10,000 minimum wage remains unfulfilled. The commission, composed of 26 members, including 8 worker represen

As Japan's TEPCO commences trial operations for the release of contaminated wastewater from the demolished Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, anxiety deepens among South Korean consumers and the local fishing industry. Reports from international media outlets such as Fukushima TV and KFB on June 12 stated that TEPCO plans to conduct test runs for around two weeks to check for potential system defects. The trial operation involves blending seawater with uncontaminated water and discharging i

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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