News

[NEWs GEN] No More Hustle: Why younger generations are embracing a slower life

2025/08/04 12:33

NEWs GEN] No More Hustle: Why younger generations are embracing a slower life '아주 보통의 하루 원해요...' 디지털 자극 속 평범함을 추구하는 MZ들

World News 2: Pope Leo addresses crowd of million young Catholics at Jubilee of Youth

2025/08/04 11:36

Pope Leo XIV presided over a closing mass for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome on Sunday attended by more than one million young Catholics, marking the largest public event of his papacy. The Mass at Tor Vergata field brought together young people from approximately 150 countries, alongside 7,000 priests and 450 bishops, marking the close of a week of spiritual and cultural programs. Pope Leo urged the gathering to be "the sign that a different world is possible," advocating for peace, fraternity, and resolution through dialogue, rather than violence. He expressed solidarity with young people suffering from the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. The Pope encouraged participants to return home and "spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith." He also said that the next destination for the World Youth Day would be Seoul in 2027.

[NEWs GEN] Garbage Gamechanger: How Korea's waste management is going global

2025/08/01 13:33

종량제 도입 30년, 경제적 가치 45조.. 선진화된 한국의 쓰레기 관리 시스템 #쓰레기 #종량제 #봉투 #처리 #폐기 #환경 #엠제코 #trash #payasyouthrow #bags #disposal #waste #environment #mzeco <div><br></div>

POWER OF KOREAN PASSPORT, POPULARITY OF ITS APARTMENTS

2025/07/31 19:44

Welcome to yet another edition of Press Perspective. It's Thursday July 31st here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. It's time for our talk on issues of social interest here that made international headlines as well. For more I have Hanna with French weekly paper La Tribune Dimanche. Hanna welcome back. I also have writer Colin with the pundit's take on the day's discussion. Colin it's good to have you here. Colin, the peak summer holiday period for Korea is late July to early August. You've been here for a while now, do share with us one memorable way of indulging in the season here in the country. Hanna, quite a number of Koreans also seek to spend their summer overseas and findings show the South Korean passport ranks second in terms of global power. What is the significance of this ranking? Colin, let's now talk about another headline related to South Korea by the foreign media. The LA Times carried an interesting piece about the popularity of apartments here in the country as opposed to individual houses as is the case in the U.S. What are your thoughts on this discrepancy? Hanna, this article also touches upon the reason behind the popularity of apartments in Korea. Do share this reason with us as well as your own thoughts. Hanna, what was your first impression regarding Korea's preferred style of residence? Colin, what has been the impact of such similar residence style on the Korean society? Hanna, speaking about the society here. A new study by Statistics Korea shows South Koreans are sleeping less and spending more time on screens. Do tell us a bit more about this study, and what are your observations with regard to the daily impact of smartphones on South Koreans? Colin, staying with this study by Statistics Korea. We are also spending less time on meals and more of us are dining alone. What are your takeaways with regard to this reality? All right.

[NEWs GEN] Young but Unwell: Why are more young people battling illnesses?

2025/07/31 12:33

[NEWs GEN] Young but Unwell: Why are more young people battling illnesses? 2030 당뇨병, 탈모에서 자유롭지 못하다.. MZ들의 질병과 건강관리는?

[NEWs GEN] Multicultural Marriages: How international couples are reshaping Korea

2025/07/30 12:34

Multicultural Marriages: How international couples are reshaping Korea 한남일녀 커플, 10년 새 최대... 늘어나는 국제결혼에 대한 MZ들의 인식

Pope Leo meets Catholic influencers and 'digital missionaries'

2025/07/30 11:38

Pope Leo XIV met over 1,000 Catholic influencers and digital missionaries from more than 140 countries at a Jubilee Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Tuesday. The Pope addressed the young people in Spanish, English, and Italian, reiterating his call for an end to violence and the need to proclaim peace. He emphasized that digital missionaries are more essential than ever in spreading the message of peace. He also cautioned that while technology has become increasingly influential, creativity should not be used to undermine human dignity.

Gunman Kills 4, Including Police Officer, in Midtown Manhattan Shooting

2025/07/30 11:38

In the United States, after 4 people died in a deadly shooting in Midtown Manhattan on Monday, investigators have been sent to Las Vegas, where the gunman, who also shot himself, lived, to learn more about the possible motive. Investigators, who recovered a handwritten note, say there were no links to terrorism or criminal organizations found. The note, found on the body of 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura, said, "Study my brain. I'm sorry." It also claimed he suffered from CTE, a brain disease triggered by head injuries, and blamed the NFL for his condition, despite having never played football professionally. Tamura, who had driven from Las Vegas, entered the lobby of a building housing the National Football League headquarters and major financial firms at around 6.30 PM on Monday with an assault-style rifle. The victims included an off-duty New York City police officer, who was described as a "New York Hero." The incident marks the city's deadliest mass shooting in over two decades.

Junior doctors apologize to patients for prolonged conflict over medical reform

2025/07/28 22:38

The Korea Intern Resident Association apologized on Monday to patient groups and the public for the suffering caused by its prolonged conflict with the government over medical reform. The association's emergency committee chair, Han Sung-jon, "apologized to the people who must have been suffering and anxious due to the conflict that has been prolonged for more than a year and five months." Regarding a controversy over alleged privileges for returning medical students, the Ministry of Education said on Monday, "It is time to decide on how to embrace the wounds of the students rather than talk about privileges."

Medical standoff loosens with gov't plans including med. school students return unveiled

2025/07/25 21:36

Thousands of medical students who boycotted classes over the government's medical school admission plans will be allowed to be back in school in the fall semester. Park Kun-woo has the details. A year-and-a-half-long standoff between the South Korean government and the medical community is now showing signs of a breakthrough. On Friday, the Education Ministry unveiled a plan allowing roughly 8,000 medical students, who faced failing their courses after boycotting classes, to return in the second semester. The students had protested the previous administration's push to expand medical school admissions. The new plan follows a proposal put forward by the Council of Medical School Presidents, which has been under discussion. Key elements of the government's plan include shifting from a year-based academic system to a semester-based one, allowing students to make up missed credits during breaks and continue their studies. Graduation timelines for third-year students will now vary by school, with options in either February or August of 2027. As the duration of clinical training varies by university, those graduating in February will be able to graduate one semester earlier. Additional national medical licensing exams will also be scheduled to accommodate returning students that graduate this August. The government on Friday also held the first disaster response meeting on the collective resignations by doctors since President Lee Jae Myung took office. Second Vice Health Minister Lee Hyung-hoon expressed deep regret over the prolonged disruption to healthcare services. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to a "people-centered" medical reform, built on dialogue and trust with the medical community. The minister added that both the new administration and the medical sector are beginning to take steps toward rebuilding trust, emphasizing efforts to listen to feedback directly from the field. With these developments, a once tightly knotted standoff now appears to be slowly unravelling. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Lost Joseon-era building returns home from Japan after nearly 100 years

2025/07/25 18:40

An ancient Korean building believed to be a royal shrine from the Joseon Dynasty has made the long journey back home from Japan. Our Choi Soo-hyung shares its story. Roof tiles, wooden pillars, and planks all carefully wrapped one by one. A lost Joseon-era building that had been hidden behind a Japanese Buddha statue for nearly 100 years has finally come home, piece by piece with nearly 5,000 wooden parts. This building, called Gwanwoldang, is now being kept in the Traditional Architecture Elements Conservation Center in Paju, Gyeonggi-do Province. It is the first time that a full wooden Korean structure like this has been returned home. It used to be located at the very back of a famous Japanese temple called Kotoku-in in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is believed that in 1924, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, the building was given to a Japanese businessman by the Joseon Industrial Bank, and from there, it was moved to Japan. Later, the building was donated to the temple and used as a prayer room until it was first revealed in the 1990s by a Korean professor Kim Jeong-dong. Though Korea tried several times to bring it back, those efforts failed, until last year. However, thanks to the support and strong will of Takao Sato, the chief priest of the temple, the return was made possible ensuring the shrine could be preserved in its original home, Korea. Experts say the building may be related to royal architecture, based on the unique and colorful roof tile designs, including dragons and butterflies. "This feature has a striking appearance. It is usually found in palace buildings, and at Gwanwoldang, 10 pillar patterns like this were installed. This shows that Gwanwoldang is linked to royal architecture." "There are five known remaining, Joseon royal shrines. We think this one was also royal, but likely outside in a small palace near Gyeongbokgung. It's probably a prince's shrine, smaller than those for royal concubines." Park also noted that, even though the building stayed in Japan for a long time, there are clear signs that any attempts at restoration followed traditional Joseon architectural styles. "The roof tiles taken from Joseon were only the original ones installed at Gwanwoldang. So, if those tiles were damaged, they would have had made new ones in Japan. But they copied the original Joseon's designs exactly, even though the dragon pattern is very complex to produce." Administrator of Korea Heritage Service, Huh Min, also expressed a strong commitment to continue bringing back cultural heritage items that were taken out of the country. "Currently, about 247,000 national heritage items have been taken abroad. Of these, only about 5 percent have been returned by repatriation or donation. We are determined to recover all items that were stolen or illegally taken." Once research are complete, the plan is to restore Gwanwoldang by preserving its key parts and recreating the damaged sections using traditional methods as much as possible. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, BEAUTY PRODUCTS AND AI IMAGES

2025/07/24 19:34

Hello. You're watching Press Perspective for this Thursday July 24th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. It's time for our weekly session on various social issues related to South Korea that made international headlines as well. For this I have Ruy Valdes with Spanish news agency EFE Spain. Ruy welcome back. I also have writer Colin Marshall with the pundit's take on the day's discussion. Colin it's good to have you here. Colin, South Korea celebrated Constitution Day last Thursday, that is July 17th, and the president has spoken about reinstating the day as a public holiday. First, do tell us why the day was removed from the list of public holidays back in 2008, and what does its reinstatement imply? Ruy, the importance of Constitution Day this year has also been linked to last December's short-lived martial law. What did President Lee Jae Myung say with regard to this relation? Also Ruy, while South Korea is looking to reinstate a public holiday, over in France, a proposition to abolish two public holidays has paved the path to much public outrage. Do tell us more. Colin, in other news. Tweakment tourism has reportedly been rising here in South Korea. For the sake of our viewers who may not be familiar with this term, could you explain it for us, and then, do tell us a bit about the growing interest in Korea's aesthetic treatments among those in the U.K. Ruy, consumers in the U.S. are reportedly stocking up on Korean beauty products ahead of the looming 25% tariffs. What are the prospects with of these product exports as shared by pundits? Colin, while recovery efforts continue here in the country from last week's torrential rain, another concern is the spread of disinformation about the tragedy through images generated by AI. Do tell us more. Ruy, what countermeasures have been proposed to address the presence of such false images generated by AI? Colin, finally, let's touch upon news of South Korea seeking to end the practice of outsourcing adoptions to private agencies. Do give us some context and also, your takeaway. All right.

WFP food aid to 1.3 million in Nigeria at risk as stocks run out

2025/07/24 12:39

The UN World Food Programme announced on Wednesday that food and nutrition supplies in north-eastern Nigeria have been completely depleted, putting 1.3 million people at risk by the end of July. The depletion is primarily due to significant funding shortfalls, largely resulting from major donor cuts, particularly from the U.S. Agency for International Development, which previously contributed approximately 45% of the region's budget. Over 150 nutrition clinics in Borno and Yobe states are also being closed, halting treatment for more than 300,000 malnourished children. The aid agency needs 131 million U.S. dollars to restart operations in the region this year.

More than 100,000 babies born in S. Korea through May 2025

2025/07/23 22:38

The number of newborns continues to climb here in the country. That's not it a record number of couples also tied the knot in May. Our Kim Do-yeon reports. South Korea recorded an increase in births for the 11th consecutive month in May, amid a nationwide policy push and delayed marriages during the pandemic, leading to births. According to Statistics Korea on Wednesday the number of babies born in May rose 3-point-8 percent on-year to 20-thousand-309, marking the fastest growth for that month in 14 years — but the pace of increase has started to narrow. Looking at the year up to May, the total number of babies stands at 106-thousand-048, up 6-point-9 percent compared to the same period last year. This is the fastest growth rate recorded since 1981, when data started being collected. Statistics Korea is showing cautious optimism amid the country's struggle with a demographic crisis. "The rise in marriages has played a role, along with an increase in the number of women entering their early 30s — a key childbearing age group. There's also been a gradual shift toward a more positive perception of childbirth." In fact, for 14 straight months marriages have been going up. May this year had 6-point-7 percent more marriages than last year. On the other hand, there are concerns that this is only because of the low point from the COVID era and delayed marriages especially considering that the rising rate has been getting smaller. "So while the number of births is rising, what's important to note is that this doesn't necessarily signal a rebound in the fertility rate. It's not driven by structural or fundamental changes — and that's reflected in the fact that the year-on-year growth is gradually slowing." The fertility rate right now stands at point-75, meaning the population is still shrinking. Some experts do believe the rate will go up with this trend, but a more long-term plan is necessary to bring the rate up to a healthy level with policies to push marriages and births through financial support having limited impact. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

More than 100,000 babies born in S. Korea through May 2025

2025/07/23 19:37

Also on the local front. More babies were born and more marriages were noted in May both extending months of consecutive rises. Kim Do-yeon has details. South Korea recorded an increase in births for the 11th consecutive month in May, amid a nationwide policy push and delayed marriages during the pandemic, leading to births. According to Statistics Korea on Wednesday the number of babies born in May rose 3-point-8 percent on-year to 20-thousand-309, marking the fastest growth for that month in 14 years — but the pace of increase has started to narrow. Looking at the year up to May, the total number of babies stands at 106-thousand-048, up 6-point-9 percent compared to the same period last year. This is the fastest growth rate recorded since 1981, when data started being collected. Statistics Korea is showing cautious optimism amid the country's struggle with a demographic crisis. "The rise in marriages has played a role, along with an increase in the number of women entering their early 30s — a key childbearing age group. There's also been a gradual shift toward a more positive perception of childbirth." In fact, for 14 straight months marriages have been going up. May this year had 6-point-7 percent more marriages than last year. On the other hand, there are concerns that this is only because of the low point from the COVID era and delayed marriages especially considering that the rising rate has been getting smaller. "So while the number of births is rising, what's important to note is that this doesn't necessarily signal a rebound in the fertility rate. It's not driven by structural or fundamental changes — and that's reflected in the fact that the year-on-year growth is gradually slowing." The fertility rate right now stands at point-75, meaning the population is still shrinking. Some experts do believe the rate will go up with this trend, but a more long-term plan is necessary to bring the rate up to a healthy level with policies to push marriages and births through financial support having limited impact. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

Annual World Korean Educator Conference 2025 kicks off

2025/07/22 19:38

Seoul is currently hosting an annual forum that has brought Korean-language teachers here and those overseas together to share their thoughts and techniques on enhancing the education of the country's native tongue. Ahn Sung-jin was there. "Korean meets the world, and educators open the future." Under this theme, hundreds of Korean language educators gathered for the 17th World Korean Educator Conference. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and organized by the King Sejong Institute, the conference brings together teachers working at the latter's institutes across the globe. This year's event welcomes around 160 Korean-teaching professionals from more than 100 such institutes in 49 countries. The recipient of this year's top teaching award was acknowledged for introducing a unique lesson plan integrating writing courses through social media, and a cultural and language exchange program with Korean students studying abroad. "Rather than exposing Korean just as a language, I hope to teach it as a bridge to communicate with the world." The conference offers a range of programs designed to share the latest teaching methods and strengthen the expertise of Korean instructors, including practical workshops and curriculum discussions, and showcase innovative classroom techniques. "The demand for Korean culture is only going to increase, so we plan on expanding content that can be used in Korean-teaching classes. We are also seeking to establish an online platform and network, to share ideas and communicate, to firmly ground Korean-learning education." The 4-day-long conference will continue through the end of the week with professional development sessions aimed at building global connections and advancing Korean language education worldwide. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Annual World Korean Educator Conference 2025 kicks off

2025/07/22 17:35

From K-pop to Korean content, as the country's culture spreads, learning Korean has also become a byproduct. As more people seek to learn the language, the efforts of countless Korean educators at home and abroad are becoming crucial. To learn more about this our News Features reporter Ahn Sung-jin went to this year's World Korean Educator Conference. "Korean meets the world, and educators open the future." Under this theme, hundreds of Korean language educators gathered for the 17th World Korean Educator Conference. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and organized by the King Sejong Institute, the conference brings together teachers working at the latter's institutes across the globe. This year's event welcomes around 160 Korean-teaching professionals from more than 100 such institutes in 49 countries. The recipient of this year's top teaching award was acknowledged for introducing a unique lesson plan integrating writing courses through social media, and a cultural and language exchange program with Korean students studying abroad. "Rather than exposing Korean just as a language, I hope to teach it as a bridge to communicate with the world." The conference offers a range of programs designed to share the latest teaching methods and strengthen the expertise of Korean instructors, including practical workshops and curriculum discussions, and showcase innovative classroom techniques. "The demand for Korean culture is only going to increase, so we plan on expanding content that can be used in Korean-teaching classes. We are also seeking to establish an online platform and network, to share ideas and communicate, to firmly ground Korean-learning education." The 4-day-long conference will continue through the end of the week with professional development sessions aimed at building global connections and advancing Korean language education worldwide. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Annual World Korean Educator Conference 2025 kicks off

2025/07/21 22:39

From K-pop to Korean content, as the country's culture spreads, learning Korean has also become a byproduct. As more people seek to learn the language, the efforts of countless Korean educators at home and abroad are becoming crucial. Ahn Sung-jin went to this year's World Korean Educator Conference to learn more about this. "Korean meets the world, and educators open the future." Under this theme, hundreds of Korean language educators gathered for the 17th World Korean Educator Conference. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and organized by the King Sejong Institute, the conference brings together teachers working at the latter's institutes across the globe. This year's event welcomes around 160 Korean-teaching professionals from more than 100 such institutes in 49 countries. The recipient of this year's top teaching award was acknowledged for introducing a unique lesson plan integrating writing courses through social media, and a cultural and language exchange program with Korean students studying abroad. "Rather than exposing Korean just as a language, I hope to teach it as a bridge to communicate with the world." The conference offers a range of programs designed to share the latest teaching methods and strengthen the expertise of Korean instructors, including practical workshops and curriculum discussions, and showcase innovative classroom techniques. "The demand for Korean culture is only going to increase, so we plan on expanding content that can be used in Korean-teaching classes. We are also seeking to establish an online platform and network, to share ideas and communicate, to firmly ground Korean-learning education." The 4-day-long conference will continue through the end of the week with professional development sessions aimed at building global connections and advancing Korean language education worldwide. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

At least 30 injured as vehicle drives into crowd outside Los Angeles music venue

2025/07/21 13:37

In the United States, 30 people were injured, seven critically, when a vehicle drove into a crowd outside a music venue in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, in the early hours of Saturday. The driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, was reportedly kicked out of the nightclub minutes before he drove his car into the crowd. Surveillance footage shows him mounting the sidewalk around 2 AM, first hitting a taco stand, then a valet podium, and finally the waiting crowd. Ramirez was dragged from the wrecked vehicle, assaulted, and shot before being hospitalized. Authorities found no evidence indicating that the incident was linked to terrorism or driven by any criminal intentions beyond the driver's intoxicated state. Police are also searching for the man who shot Ramirez and fled the scene.

FUN FACTS AND FINDINGS THIS FRIDAY

2025/07/18 18:34

Hello and welcome. You're watching Press Perspective for this Friday July 18th here in Seoul. Today we touch upon a number of fun facts from history in society and on style. For this I have Thomas Maresca with American news agency UPI. Thomas welcome back. I also have writer Colin Marshall with the pundit's take on the day's discussion. Colin it's good to have you here. Thomas, a while back, we talked about your news agency UPI being the first foreign media to report about the Korean War. Well, it was also among the first to report Korea's March First Movement. Do tell us more. Colin, what are some of your takeaways regarding the foreign media coverage of turbulent events on the peninsula including the March First Movement and the Korean War? How significant were they in shaping Korea's path to democracy? Thomas, on the social front, findings as of 2024 show there has been a significant surge in the number of marriages between Korean men and Japanese women over the past decade. What more can you add? Colin, what do you believe is the public perception about international marriages here in Korea, and do you suppose the Korean Wave has played a part in boosting their rates? Thomas, moving forward, one recent article claims there is a visible way of pinpointing Koreans on holiday: they all appear to wear rash guards. What are your thoughts? I mean, how does this tendency differ from that in the West? And Colin, what's your take on this tendency and perhaps, the Korean mentality? Thomas, also on the local front. The Blue House is poised to close its doors to the public come August First. Do tell us a bit about this reality and its implications. Colin, what has been the meaning of the past opening and the planned closing of the Blue House for South Korea? All right.