South Korean military warns of countermeasures against North Korean drone threats

South Korea’s military on Monday warned of “corresponding measures” in response to North Korea threatening to fly an uncrewed aerial vehicle over Seoul. “If a North Korean UAV infiltration takes place, we will be taking corresponding measures to protect the safety and property of our people,” Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said. The JCS spokesperson dismissed accusations by North Korea that the UAVs that flew over Pyongyang earlier this month h

DefenseOct. 28, 2024

Citizens chase down jewelry thief, identify culprits

Multiple people in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, aided in bringing jewelry thieves to justice, according to local police, chasing one thief on foot and also identifying him and his accomplice. The National Police Agency on Friday posted a video of their recent arrest, in which two men who stole gold jewelry with an estimated value of 35.7 million won ($25,800) were arrested. In the video posted on the NPA's official YouTube page, a customer apparently took a gold necklace while pretending t

Social AffairsOct. 28, 2024

[Herald Interview] Shim Eun-kyung says 'The Killers' became turning point in career

Shim Eun-kyung was seen as a promising child actor in Korea for her portrayals of younger versions of characters in hit dramas, such as Lee Ji-ah's character in the MBC series "The Legend" and Ha Ji-won character in "Hwang Jini." Since then, she has established herself as a versatile actor, starring in films across genres from the coming-of-age film "Sunny" to the comedy hit "Miss Granny" and the crime thriller "Fabricated City." Shim also f

FilmOct. 28, 2024

Incheon Airport scraps 'celebrity' security lanes amid favoritism dispute

Incheon International Airport Corporation said Sunday it is retracting a much-disputed plan to provide designated security lanes for celebrities in order to prevent overcrowding by onlookers, after a backlash from the general public and lawmakers against preferential treatment for famous people. Officials at South Korea's main gateway said the airport will not be implementing the plan to permit celebrities to use security lanes such as those for flight crews, diplomats and disabled passen

Social AffairsOct. 28, 2024

South Korean ID card to get redesign

South Korea’s resident identification card is due to get a fresh look. On Monday, the government announced a nationwide design competition to revamp the card, which was last redesigned in 1999. The competition, which will run from Nov. 18-28, will involve both professional designers and the general public. "Through this competition, we aim to actively solicit public input and incorporate expert ideas to create a new ID card design that represents South Korea," the Ministry of the

Social AffairsOct. 28, 2024

[Bills in Focus] Aircraft tariffs exemption, national pension reform

Proposed Bill: Partial Amendment to the Customs Act Proposed by Rep. Park Soo-young (People Power Party) ● Proposed by Rep. Park, this bill aims to extend tariff exemptions on imported aircraft parts until the end of 2029 to alleviate costs in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, which rely heavily on global supply chains. Under the current law, import tariffs on aircraft parts are fully exempt until the end of this year. Starting next year, the exemption rate is set to decrease by 20 percent

PoliticsOct. 28, 2024

'1 million' Christians join anti-LGBTQ+ marriage rally

As many as 1.1 million Christians in South Korea participated in a mass rally in Seoul on Sunday to oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage and legislation of an antidiscrimination ordinance that has been floating around for over a decade. One of the largest religious gatherings in the country's history occurred across the country's capital in Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Station and Yeouido, with organizers claiming some 1.1 million participants, while police have estim

Social AffairsOct. 28, 2024

Subsidies for kimchi-making? Napa cabbage's importance in Korea

South Korea has unveiled a series of measures to stabilize the market for napa cabbage and daikon radishes, aiming to support preparations for "gimjang" -- the traditional process of preparing kimchi for winter -- as demand for these key ingredients is expected to rise during the peak gimjang season. This initiative includes expanding supplies of key gimjang ingredients through government-contracted cultivation and additional reserve stock distribution, as well as offering price subsid

IndustryOct. 28, 2024

Finance minister vows swift response to 'unwarranted' volatility amid global uncertainties

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok vowed Monday to enhance market monitoring and to swiftly respond to excessive volatility under contingency plans amid weaker growth data and global uncertainties, his office said. Choi made the remarks during an economy-related ministers' meeting in Seoul after the gross domestic product expanded 0.1 percent on-quarter in the July-September period, lower than market expectations. "The government will pay extra attention to signs of economic uncertainties

EconomyOct. 28, 2024

S. Korea to utilize up to W16t of state funds amid massive tax revenue shortfall

The finance ministry said Monday that the government will utilize foreign exchange equalization funds and other resources available while slashing local subsidies to deal with the expected massive tax revenue shortfall this year. The government is projected to collect 337.7 trillion won ($253.41 billion) in taxes in 2024, an 8.1 percent, or 29.6 trillion won, fall from its forecast made in the 2024 budget planning due mainly to weak corporate activities amid an economic slowdown last year, accor

EconomyOct. 28, 2024

Russia sending 'mercenaries' from N. Korea to frontline in trucks with civilian license plates: Ukraine

Russia is using civilian-plated trucks to transport "mercenaries" from North Korea to frontline areas, Ukraine's military intelligence service reported, amid concerns that North Korean troops might join combat in Russia's war on Ukraine. On Sunday, Russian police reportedly stopped a truck with civilian license plates carrying North Korean military personnel on the Kursk-Voronezh highway, noting that the driver lacked a combat order, according to Ukraine's Defense Intell

Foreign AffairsOct. 28, 2024

Seoul shares open higher on tech, battery gains

South Korean stocks started higher Monday on gains from semiconductor and battery shares. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 14.75 points, or 0.57 percent, to 2,598.02 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 1.61 percent, and its chipmaking rival SK hynix gained 0.75 percent. Leading EV battery maker LG Energy Solution increased 0.86 percent, while Posco Future M surged 3.74 percent. Top carmaker Hyundai Motor went up 0.67 percent, and it

MarketOct. 28, 2024

[Graphic News] Majority of postpartum centers in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province

More than half of South Korea’s postpartum care centers are concentrated in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. The cost of these services has surged, with the highest prices reaching up to 17 million won ($12,600) in areas like Gangnam, Seoul. The price gap between regions has widened significantly, with Gangnam’s costs being more than ten times higher than in other areas. In Korea, new mothers typically spend around two weeks at a care center receiving medical attention and nutrition to

Social AffairsOct. 28, 2024

[팟캐스트] (631) 헤밍웨이 단편 모티프 한국 영화 탄생?

진행자: 김혜연, Kevin Selzer Hemingway's 'The Killers' interpreted by 4 directors in 1 film 기사 내용: 헤밍웨이가 쓴 단편소설 "살인자들," 4인 4색 감독의 시선으로 연출한 살인극에 대하여 [1] A set of creative interpretations of Ernest Hemingway’s short story “The Killers” is set to hit Korean cinemas, captivating audiences with stunning cinematography and an innovative approach. *to hit 개봉하다 *stunning 굉장히 아름다운[멋진] [2] The Korean film "The Killers" is an anthology comprising four short

PodcastOct. 28, 2024

[Yoo Choon-sik] Monetary policy confined by apartment prices

South Korea’s economy posted surprisingly weak growth in the third quarter, as exports declined due to cooling demand from major markets like China, while construction investment plummeted amid a persistent slump in the domestic real estate market, according to official estimates from the central bank. Disappointing growth and slowing inflation typically point to a need for loosening in monetary policy to support the economy. However, most analysts predict the Bank of Korea will not lower

ViewpointsOct. 28, 2024

[Allison Schrager] Populism bad for economic growth

The degrowth movement, which had a moment a few years ago, is over -- and not a moment too soon. As nations in Europe and North America face mounting debt and aging populations, politicians are again talking about how to increase economic growth. There’s only one problem: No one is advocating policies that will actually work. Doing that would require embracing change, which is the last thing any politician beholden to populism wants to do. The best recent illustration is former President D

ViewpointsOct. 28, 2024

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 22, officials say, while truck ramming near Tel Aviv hurts dozens

RAMAT HASHARON, Israel (AP) — Israeli strikes on northern Gaza have killed at least 22 people, mostly women and children, Palestinian officials said Sunday, as the Israeli offensive in the hard-hit and isolated north entered a third week and aid groups described a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel said it targeted militants. In a separate development, a truck rammed into a bus stop near the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, wounding 35 people, according to first responders. Israeli police described

World NewsOct. 27, 2024

An Byeong-hun triumphs after all-Korean playoff at Genesis Championship

An Byeong-hun beat fellow South Korean Tom Kim in a play-off at the Genesis Championship on Sunday to win his second DP World Tour title and first for almost 10 years. The home pair thrilled large crowds at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon, near Seoul, as they both carded final-round 67s to finish level on 17-under. They went back down the 18th where Kim found trouble in the shape of the hospitality stands surrounding the green and could only make a bogey, leaving An a tap-in for victory.

GolfOct. 27, 2024

Ticketing system error disrupts bus terminals across nation

A massive ticketing delay occurred at bus terminals across the nation Sunday due to malfunctioning of the T-money ticketing system, causing inconvenience for travelers. At 1:06 p.m., the system error occurred at the T-money smart ticketing network and lasted for about two hours, according to T-money, the operator of smart transportation cards. The malfunctioning caused halts in online ticketing at around 140 bus terminals across the nation, including the Seoul Express Bus Terminal in southern Se

Social AffairsOct. 27, 2024