Bitcoin hits record in Korea, even without ‘kimchi premium’

The price of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency bitcoin has surpassed 120 million won ($85,500) at local exchanges for the first time, on the back of a recent rally sparked by Donald Trump’s return to the White House. As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, bitcoin traded at 127 million won on Upbit, the nation’s largest crypto exchange. The cryptocurrency fluctuated at a similar level on other major local exchanges, including Bithumb. The surge comes shortly after the crypto hit the 110 million

MarketNov. 12, 2024

Deaf K-pop trio Big Ocean reach out to global fans with first EP 'Follow'

Big Ocean, the world’s first K-pop idol group composed of members with hearing disabilities, launched international promotions for its first mini album. The group -- consisting Chanyeon, Hyunjin and Jiseok -- released the mini album "Follow" on Tuesday, inviting listeners to join them on a journey to find happiness. The new album includes the title track “Flow” along with previously released digital singles “Glow,” “Blow” and “Slow.&rdquo

K-popNov. 12, 2024

Leaked cables reveal Kim Jong-un’s orders to oppose human rights pressure at UN

South Korea's Unification Ministry on Tuesday released key details from 12 leaked diplomatic cables, revealing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's direct orders -- transmitted through the Foreign Ministry to overseas missions -- to counter increasing international scrutiny and pressure on human rights, especially at the United Nations. This marks the first public release of diplomatic telegrams -- confidential communications from North Korea’s Foreign Ministry to its embassies and

Foreign AffairsNov. 12, 2024

Toss Securities names new CEO for US subsidiary

Toss Securities said Tuesday it has named Richard Hagen, a digital finance veteran, as the new CEO of its US subsidiary, TSA Financial. Under Hagen’s leadership, the company said, TSA Financial will initiate the regulatory process to expand its presence in the US brokerage market. In August, Toss Securities established two US subsidiaries: Toss Securities Americas and TSA Financial. The latter, in particular, aims to manage the firm’s broker-dealer business operations. Hagen brings o

CompaniesNov. 12, 2024

[Photo News] Canada navy visits Hyundai shipyard

CANADA NAVY VISITS HYUNDAI SHIPYARD Canada’s top naval officer, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee (center), visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan headquarters Tuesday as Canada ramps up efforts to strengthen its submarine fleet. Canada’s new Canadian Patrol Submarine Project envisions acquiring up to a dozen 3,000-ton submarines, and Hyundai’s advanced shipyard facilities are being closely considered as a potential partner. During his visit, Topshee toured Hyundai’s pr

IndustryNov. 12, 2024

Education Minister apologizes for miscommunication with medical students

SEJONG -- Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Lee Ju-ho expressed regret on Monday for the government’s delayed communication with protesting medical students, who have been boycotting classes over the government’s plans to expand medical school enrollments. At a press conference in the city of Sejong, Lee acknowledged the government’s failure to close the gap with students who have not returned to school since March. "I apologize to the public for our delay in op

Social AffairsNov. 12, 2024

KEF chief, Japanese ambassador vow to bolster economic ties

Member companies of the Korea Enterprises Federation met with Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima on Tuesday to explore opportunities for deepening economic cooperation, as South Korea and Japan approach the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations next year. The business roundtable, held at the Westin Josun Seoul, brought together top Korean business figures and Japanese representatives to discuss future-oriented strategies for bilateral collaboration. In his opening remarks, KEF Ch

IndustryNov. 12, 2024

88% of Suneung supervisors concerned about their rights

An overwhelming majority of middle and high school teachers nationwide worry that their basic rights may be violated when supervising the Suneung college entrance exam, a survey showed Monday. The Korean Federation of Teachers Unions conducted the survey on 4,654 teachers across the country, in which 88 percent of the respondents said they have been concerned about potential human rights violations during Suneung duties. The Ministry of Education requires to middle and high schools across the co

Social AffairsNov. 12, 2024

When do singles feel like dating? When they 'need someone on my side,' Koreans say

A recent survey by a local dating app showed that single South Koreans feel the urge to look for a romantic relationship mostly when they want someone on their side. Dating app Noondate conducted the survey of 16,792 men and women across the country who are not romantically involved with anyone, asking them when they feel like starting a romantic relationship. The leading answer for both sexes was "when I feel like I want someone to take my side," chosen by 48 percent of women and 39 p

Social AffairsNov. 12, 2024

Korean study finds 'obese' BMI may actually be healthiest

In South Korea, a body mass index over 25 is considered "obese," but recent research suggests the healthiest range may actually be higher than that. Health experts are now urging that the threshold be raised to 27. Oh Sang-woo, a family medicine professor at Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, recommended raising Korea's obesity threshold to a BMI of 27, noting that the current classification may not currently be ideal. "Research conducted 20 years ago found that the lowest

Social AffairsNov. 12, 2024

Hyundai to launch AI-powered EV in China next year

Hyundai Motor, in collaboration with Chinese partner Haomo, will launch its first Chinese-market-dedicated electric vehicle equipped with generative artificial intelligence technology next year. “We are working to load the software of Haomo, a local autonomous driving software firm, onto the EV, which will be released in the Chinese market next year,” said a Hyundai Motor official. “The level of autonomous driving is somewhere between 2 and 2.5.” With a scale of autonomou

MobilityNov. 12, 2024

An invitation to Jinchan, a royal banquet of the Joseon era

Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Theater, located in central Seoul, will host a specially curated performance on Friday, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This event offers audiences a glimpse into the grandeur of Jinchan, or the royal banquets of the Joseon era (1392–1910). These feasts, held to commemorate special occasions for the king, queen and other members of the royal family, were lavish affairs featuring music, dance and exquisite cuisine. For the first time, the venue is presenting a

PerformanceNov. 12, 2024

Boston Dynamics robot dog joins Trump’s security detail

Spot, the four-legged robotics dog developed by Boston Dynamics, a subsidiary under Hyundai Motor Group, has reportedly joined the security detail for US President-elect Donald Trump. The $75,000 mechanical canine, bearing a cautionary tag that reads “Do not pet,” was seen patrolling the grounds of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. News reports said that the remote-controlled dog is with the US Secret Service. “We do not have specific details on Boston

MobilityNov. 12, 2024

Hyundai’s Atlas robot takes the spotlight as Tesla's Optimus stumbles

Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics has been making headlines with the latest developments in its humanoid robot, Atlas. In recent promotional videos, the all-electric version of Atlas is shown performing complex tasks in a simulated factory environment, suggesting that the company may be closer than ever to deploying humanoid robots in industrial settings. This unveiling comes about a month after Tesla demonstrated its own humanoid robot, Optimus, at the company's "We, Robot" event, wh

MobilityNov. 12, 2024

Violinist Sarah Chang to embark on recital tour

Violinist Sarah Chang will come to Korea in December, making her long-awaited return to the recital stage after five years. Now approaching her 35th debut anniversary, Chang will tour 13 cities across Korea -- Seoul, Seongnam, Ulsan, Goyang, Iksan, Cheongju, Incheon, Daegu, Gyeongju, Pyeongtaek, Busan, Gwangju and Gangneung. The tour will kick off on Dec. 10 in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and wrap up Dec. 29 in Seoul. The tour program is centered on works by Brahms and Prokofiev. She will perfo

CultureNov. 12, 2024

LG, Tenstorrent to bolster AI chip partnership

LG Electronics Chief Executive Officer Cho Joo-wan recently met with Jim Keller, CEO of US-based AI chip startup Tenstorrent, to discuss expanding their partnership in the AI chip sector, the Korean tech giant said Tuesday. During their meeting in Seoul earlier this month, the two top executives explored potential collaborations in next-generation AI semiconductors and applications for home appliances, smart home solutions, mobility and server processors. Chiplet technology, or small and modular

TechnologyNov. 12, 2024

Navy medical officers save unconscious woman from choking

Two medical officers of the Navy recently resuscitated an older woman who had lost consciousness after choking on tteok (rice cake), according to the Republic of Korea Navy. Lt. Lee Jin-ho and Petty Officer Choi Hwan-yeong, were visiting a phone repair center in Seogwipo City in Jeju Island last Wednesday when they found a woman in her 70s lying unconscious across the street. The two men had gotten off their ship to repair their phones after the salvage and rescue vessel Gwangyang of the Navy

Social AffairsNov. 12, 2024

Dogs gifted by Turkmenistan's president move into zoo

Two dogs that President Yoon Suk Yeol received from Turkmenistan settled into their new home at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, South of Seoul, the presidential office said Tuesday. A pair of Turkmen shepherd puppies known as “Alabai” were gifted to Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee from the Central Asian country’s president Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov during their meeting in the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat in June. The Alabai puppies, Happy and Joy, have been living at the presid

Social AffairsNov. 12, 2024

Murder suspect claims victim 'stabbed herself'

A 26-year-old man is being tried for the murder of his girlfriend, in another case drawing attention to the issue of dating violence in South Korea. The suspect surnamed Kim is believed to have killed a 27-year-old woman surnamed Im, his girlfriend of two weeks, by stabbing her in the heart at his home in August. Kim, who turned himself in by calling the 119 emergency line, claims self defense. He told police that Im had attacked him with a knife, and unintentionally stabbed herself in the che

Social AffairsNov. 12, 2024

Babymonster enters Billboard 200 just 8 months after debut

Rising K-pop girl group Babymonster has made an impressive debut on the US Billboard's main albums chart, establishing its popularity on the global stage with its first full-length album. The septet's album, "Drip," debuted at No. 149 on the Billboard 200, according to Billboard on social media platform X on Monday. The Billboard 200 is widely regarded as a key indicator of an artist's popularity in the US music market, particularly reflecting the size and impact of thei

K-popNov. 12, 2024