National News

Seoul, South Korea – In 2024, South Korea faces an unprecedented surge in cabbage prices, driven by a combination of extreme weather and delayed government intervention. The price of a single cabbage has skyrocketed by 80% compared to the previous year, reaching upwards of 9,500 KRW, raising concerns as households prepare for kimchi-making season, a cultural tradition deeply tied to the Korean way of life. As the situation unfolds, experts are pointing to climate change as the principal driver

Seoul, South Kroea - As South Korea unveils its 2025 budget proposal, one key component stands out: the government's increased reliance on non-tax revenues, including fines, penalties, and administrative fees, to address its fiscal challenges. Set at 13 trillion KRW, this category has increased by 1.6 trillion KRW compared to 2024, marking the highest amount ever recorded. This shift towards non-tax revenues raises a question: is this an innovative fiscal strategy, or is it an indirect tax burde

Seoul, South Korea - As autumn sweeps across South Korea, the landscape transforms into a picturesque wonderland of red, orange, and gold. The season, often considered ideal for outdoor exploration, has become even more accessible thanks to new travel initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. In partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization, this campaign aims to attract both local and international travelers, offering discounted packages, celebrity-led tours, and t

The financial challenges faced by South Korea's youth are becoming increasingly evident, with delinquency rates on emergency loans surpassing ₩30 billion as of June 2024. The majority of this debt—66%—is held by individuals in their 20s and 30s, revealing the financial distress that younger generations are experiencing. While this issue is a pressing concern for South Korea, it also offers valuable insights when compared to other countries facing similar economic pressures. The South Korean eco

South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) emerged as the preferred bidder for the Dukovany nuclear power plant expansion project in July 2024. This marks a significant win for South Korea, positioning it as a strategic player in Europe’s nuclear power market. The project involves building two APR1000 reactors, each with a capacity of over 1,000 megawatts, and is part of the Czech Republic’s broader energy strategy to increase its reliance on nuclear energy to ensure energy security and re

Chuseok, traditionally celebrated under cool, crisp autumn skies, has seen a significant shift in weather patterns in recent years. Historically, this mid-autumn festival brought mild temperatures, with average daytime highs ranging between 20°C to 25°C, providing an ideal backdrop for outdoor family gatherings and ancestral rituals. However, this year’s Chuseok has been marked by an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures in Seoul hitting a record 35°C—levels unseen in September since 1939. T

Philadelphia — Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed fiercely in their first presidential debate, held in Philadelphia, which may significantly impact the trajectory of the 2024 election. The debate was a crucial moment for both candidates as they sought to win over voters in key swing states that could determine the outcome in November. Harris, who stepped into the race after President Joe Biden withdrew from re-election, has been rallying the Democratic base a

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea is facing an unprecedented healthcare crisis, driven by a controversial government decision that has thrown the medical community into turmoil and left the nation’s hospitals struggling to maintain essential services. At the heart of this crisis is the government’s poorly planned and hastily executed decision to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 students—a move that has been widely criticized as shortsighted and irresponsible. In an attempt to address

Seoul, South Korea - The South Korean government's recent decision to increase the medical school admissions quota by up to 2,000 students in 2025 has ignited a complex debate. While the policy aims to address the ongoing doctor shortage and improve healthcare access across the country, it has also raised concerns about its potential impact on the quality of medical education and the rise of repeat applicants (N수생). As public sentiment largely supports the expansion, driven by the need for more

Seoul, South Korea — As the global urban population continues to swell, now making up about 60% of the world’s total population, the role of cities in addressing climate change has never been more critical. In a landmark decision, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has approved two pivotal reports that lay out a comprehensive strategy for urban areas to combat the climate crisis. The Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, alongside the Methodology Report on Short-Lived Cl

Seoul, South Korea – In a significant step towards enhancing cultural exchange and providing opportunities for youth, Korea and Latvia have signed a Working Holiday Agreement, enabling young people from both countries to experience each other's cultures through travel, work, and study. The signing ceremony took place on July 31, 2024, with South Korea's Ambassador to Latvia, Lee Tong-q, and Latvia's Minister of Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, officiating the event. The newly signed agreement allo

Seoul, South Korea - A significant intelligence breach has rocked the South Korean military, involving the leakage of classified information to North Korean hackers. This incident, which compromised the identities and operations of undercover agents, has profound implications for South Korea's intelligence capabilities. The breach was uncovered in mid-June 2024 when South Korean cybersecurity experts infiltrated a North Korean server and discovered a list of South Korean intelligence operatives