North Korean submarines taken down from public list: JCS

North Korean submarines have been removed from the public list of the International Maritime Organization only a day after they were listed, with South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff looking into circumstances surrounding the curious move. The South’s JCS said Friday that the previously listed North Korean submarines could no longer be found on the IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System. “North Korea has withdrawn its registration (of the submarines), and the

PoliticsAug. 30, 2024

Leaders of rival parties to meet over health services disruptions

INCHEON -- Leaders of the ruling and opposition parties will hold their first meeting on Sunday to discuss the doctors’ protest of the government’s reform initiatives and its toll on the country’s health care systems, both parties said Friday. The two main parties failed to reach an agreement over a bill to appoint a special counsel to investigate the on-duty death of a Marine in July last year, and another opposition-led bill for handing out cash to South Koreans to boost cons

PoliticsAug. 30, 2024

World-renowned singers unite for Puccini's 'Tosca' in Seoul

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s death, the Seoul Metropolitan Opera and Bucheon Philharmonic are presenting his most dramatic work, “Tosca.” The opera singers featured in this production, which will be performed four times from Thursday to Sept. 8, bring with them not only decades of experience, but also personal connections and unique stories with Puccini’s “Tosca." Renowned soprano Angela Gheorghiu, who has portrayed the role of Flor

CultureAug. 30, 2024

History textbook controversy reignites in Korea

Contention over Korean history textbooks with the political left and right divided over perspectives on the past has sparked again, as the Education Ministry on Friday announced the results of a review of new textbooks to be used in schools next year under the new curriculum. A total of 681 textbooks have been approved to be introduced to schools in March next year. Among the history books, seven middle school and nine high school publishers received the government's seal of approval. Every

Social AffairsAug. 30, 2024

HD Hyundai Oilbank ramps up R&D efforts for green growth

HD Hyundai Oilbank, one of the nation’s top refiners, is ramping up research and development efforts to spur growth as a sustainable energy company. Based on its business know-how accumulated in its core refinery and petrochemical businesses, the company is making a strategic shift to boost its new growth drivers, including eco-friendly chemicals, materials and energy infrastructure. Back in 2011, HD Hyundai Oilbank established a central technology institute by integrating R&D teams na

IndustryAug. 30, 2024

SM takes unanticipated swift action on NCT's Taeil

SM Entertainment, reputed for its often cautious approach to managing artist controversies, has drawn significant attention for its swift and uncompromising handling of the recent scandal involving Taeil, a member of NCT since 2016. On Wednesday, the company announced the K-pop star's involvement in a criminal case related to sexual misconduct and confirmed his immediate departure from the group, marking a notable shift in the agency's risk management strategy. "We recently confir

K-popAug. 30, 2024

[Photo News] Incheon Airport takes off with green fuel

Incheon International Airport Corporation held a commemorative event Friday to mark the commencement of commercial operations of sustainable aviation fuel at its second passenger terminal. The event, attended by government officials, aviation industry leaders and representatives from oil refineries, was led by the Trade Ministry and Transport Ministry. Lee Hag-jae (right), president and CEO of Incheon International Airport Corp., emphasized the company's commitment to demonstrating "ec

IndustryAug. 30, 2024

Samsung-TSMC foundry rivalry renewed in German market

The top two global semiconductor foundries -- Samsung Electronics and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. -- are competing in the automotive semiconductor market in Germany, where major car manufacturers are located. Despite the recent contraction of the automotive semiconductor market due to a decline in demand for electric vehicles, the two companies’ efforts to prepare for future market demand seem actively underway. Samsung’s foundry division is set to hold a forum in Munich,

IndustryAug. 30, 2024

Another road crack near sinkhole detected, road controls underway

Another road subsidence was found Friday morning near the area where a sinkhole in western Seoul had occurred the previous day, swallowing an entire car and injuring two people, with one in critical condition. The Seoul Metropolitan Government's road division and police have controlled two nearby lanes since 8:30 a.m. Friday in Seongsan-ro, which runs from Yonsei University to Sacheon Bridge, about 30 meters from the spot where the accident occurred. “We are working with experts to de

Social AffairsAug. 30, 2024

UAE highlights women's empowerment in Seoul

The UAE Embassy in Seoul marked Emirati Women's Day, underscoring the UAE's ongoing commitment to women's empowerment, Wednesday. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the "Mother of the UAE Nation," established Emirati Women's Day in 2015, to be celebrated annually on Aug. 28, as a testament to the United Arab Emirates' dedication to empowering women across all sectors. The occasion coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the General Women's Uni

Foreign AffairsAug. 30, 2024

[Herald Interview] Paraguay eyes nuclear power for future energy: minister

Paraguay is committed to diversifying energy and one sector that the country is looking into in the near future is nuclear energy, said Javier Gimenez, Paraguay's minister of industry and commerce, in an interview with The Korea Herald in Seoul, stressing that the Latin American country is seeking investments from South Korean companies in its energy sector. “Korea is a specialist in nuclear energy,” said Gimenez, pointing to nuclear energy as a promising area for South Korea th

Foreign AffairsAug. 30, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] Kang Daniel to return next month with 5th EP

Kang Daniel announced new music to come in September via his agency Ara on Friday. A trailer for EP “Act” was uploaded the same day, giving fans an up-close look at the performer, along with several mysterious scenes, including an old television with static and an empty chair. The video clip only included the release month of the mini album with a date. The upcoming release comes about 15 months since his fourth EP, “Realiez.” The former member of boy band Wanna One marke

K-popAug. 30, 2024

Hankook Tire makes cultural push to connect with younger customers

Hankook Tire has launched a series of cultural projects to connect with younger consumers and communicate the brand's value in a fresh way. This summer, the tire maker launched a 10-day pop-up event at Surfyy Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, where visitors enjoyed tire-themed attractions like water activities with inflatable tubes as well as interactive photo zones and game areas. Hankook Tire also collaborated with brands like Pro-Specs to create unique products, including sneakers in

MobilityAug. 30, 2024

HDC stocks rally on credit rating upgrade, upbeat earnings

South Korean real estate developer and builder Hyundai Development Company said Friday that it has seen an almost 90 percent surge in its share prices on upbeat earnings and positive credit ratings this year. As of Aug. 26, the stock price closed at 26,700 won ($20), an 87.9 percent growth from the beginning of this year. During the same period, the benchmark Kospi fell 5.44 percent. Among the nation’s top 10 construction companies, the growth rate was the highest. Amid the recent rally of

IndustryAug. 30, 2024

HiteJinro sponsors leading UK music fest, boosts soju presence in Europe

South Korea's top soju maker HiteJinro is intensifying its efforts to penetrate the European market, where soju is rapidly gaining popularity and increasingly integrated into local cultural activities. The company announced on Friday that it served as an official sponsor for this year's All Points East, a prominent music festival in the UK held at London's Victoria Park, from Aug. 16 to 25. First held in 2018, APE features world-class musicians and attracts over 200,000 attendees

IndustryAug. 30, 2024

Mercedes-Benz Korea to lend free E-Class sedans for Incheon fire victims

Mercedes-Benz Korea will loan new E-Class sedans free of charge to residents of the apartment complex in Cheongna, Incheon, who lost their vehicles in an electric vehicle fire on Aug. 1. The fire, which occurred in the underground parking lot of the complex, destroyed approximately 70 vehicles. Mercedes-Benz Korea communicated details of the support program through the management office of the Cheongna apartment complex on Thursday. The company will provide one vehicle per affected household, sp

MobilityAug. 30, 2024

Seoul shares close higher on bargain hunting

South Korean shares finished higher Friday as investors picked up tech, energy and other blue chip bargains following losses the previous session. The local currency fell against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 12.03 points, or 0.45 percent, to close at 2,674.31. Trade volume was moderate at 266.9 million shares worth 9.71 trillion won ($7.27 billion), with winners outnumbering losers 580 to 292. Institutions bought a net 47.8 billion won worth of shares, wh

MarketAug. 30, 2024

Former Ador CEO Min rejects producing NewJeans, Hybe keeps door open

Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Hybe-owned label Ador, has rejected the company’s offer to continue as the producer of NewJeans during the remaining two months of her contract. On Friday, Min, through her public relations agency Macoll Consulting Group, released a statement saying, “Hybe’s announcement that Min would continue to work with NewJeans, as reported on Tuesday, was never agreed upon.” Min was offered a business delegation agreement to produce NewJeans from Aug.

K-popAug. 30, 2024

Korean American astronaut to launch to space station next year

Jonny Kim, the first Korean American to become a NASA astronaut, will head to the International Space Station in March 2025, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced Thursday. On his first mission to the ISS, Kim will serve as a flight engineer and crew member for the Expedition 72/73. “I’m incredibly honored to represent NASA in our continued commitment to international collaboration and scientific discovery,” Kim wrote via Instagram. Kim will board the Rosc

Social AffairsAug. 30, 2024

KFCC puts aside W1.4tr for risk management in H1

The Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives, the nation's primary mutual financial institution, also known as Saemaul Geumgo, announced Friday it has set aside 1.4 trillion won ($1.05 billion) in reserve in the first half of 2024 to ensure the financial stability of the credit union. The allowance for bad debts, also called a bad debt reserve, is a provision made in a company’s accounts in recognition of debts that cannot be collected. Allocating the reserve leads to a loss

IndustryAug. 30, 2024