News

Relief efforts continue in Myanmar as international organizations rush to deliver basic supplies

2025/04/02 17:00

International relief agencies are ramping up their efforts to aid Myanmar after a devastating earthquake that has left the country striving to come to terms with the extent of the damage and loss. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports. Homes are destroyed and lives are lost in Myanmar after the country was hit by its largest earthquake in more than a century. The death toll has already exceeded 2,700, despite the efforts of rescuers desperately searching for survivors. International organizations are rushing to help, as residents in hardest-hit regions are in urgent need of shelter and essential items such as clean water, food, and hygiene kits. The representative of the UN Refugee Agency in Myanmar, based in Yangon said the latest earthquake is a "crisis on top of a crisis," as the country already had more than three million people displaced from the ongoing armed conflict, even before the earthquake. "This area particular area of north and central and northwestern part of Myanmar it was already the home of 1.6 million IDPs, internally displaced people. On top of that, we do think that the almost 15 million people have been affected by this earthquake, and among which 3.8 million which is quite a devastating number, 3.8 million people are considered to be living in the area that was hardest hit by the earthquake. So the impact you can imagine is quite enormous." The Country director for Solidarites International, a France-based NGO, who's also in Yangon, said local responders are starting to get exhausted and that they're running out of resources. He highlighted that the situation is at a "turning point," adding that efficient collaboration between local teams and international organizations is crucial, in order to gather all available resources. "Mostly we are going to support local responders, when it comes to displacement sites for people that have been evacuating the city of Mandalay, because of fear of building continuing to collapse and being affected. We know already that quite a lot of people have now been spending three nights out in the streets with no shelter with no immediate protection." With hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure now destroyed, there are concerns not only with regard to basic needs, but also health care and the educational system. The Vice President of the International Rescue Committee said teams have been sent to a town near the epicenter of the earthquake, where 80% of the buildings have been compromised, and explained that the impact of an earthquake can last years. "It's been heartening to see the response that's been mounted so far, but we know this is going to be an effort that's going to take not weeks but months, possibly years to fully recover from a crisis like this." As the devastated country struggles to cope with the aftermath of the powerful earthquake, local communities are still awaiting international aid and support. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

Relief efforts continue in Myanmar as international organizations rush to deliver basic supplies

2025/04/02 10:00

Over 27-hundred people have been confirmed dead as of Tuesday due to the deadly earthquake that shook Myanmar last Friday. Despite the 72-hour golden time being over now, relief efforts are still in full swing. Our Bae Eun-ji tells us more. Homes are destroyed and lives are lost in Myanmar after the country was hit by its largest earthquake in more than a century. The death toll has already exceeded 2,700, despite the efforts of rescuers desperately searching for survivors. International organizations are rushing to help, as residents in hardest-hit regions are in urgent need of shelter and essential items such as clean water, food, and hygiene kits. The representative of the UN Refugee Agency in Myanmar, based in Yangon said the latest earthquake is a "crisis on top of a crisis," as the country already had more than three million people displaced from the ongoing armed conflict, even before the earthquake. "This area particular area of north and central and northwestern part of Myanmar it was already the home of 1.6 million IDPs, internally displaced people. On top of that, we do think that the almost 15 million people have been affected by this earthquake, and among which 3.8 million which is quite a devastating number, 3.8 million people are considered to be living in the area that was hardest hit by the earthquake. So the impact you can imagine is quite enormous." The Country director for Solidarites International, a France-based NGO, who's also in Yangon, said local responders are starting to get exhausted and that they're running out of resources. He highlighted that the situation is at a "turning point," adding that efficient collaboration between local teams and international organizations is crucial, in order to gather all available resources. "Mostly we are going to support local responders, when it comes to displacement sites for people that have been evacuating the city of Mandalay, because of fear of building continuing to collapse and being affected. We know already that quite a lot of people have now been spending three nights out in the streets with no shelter with no immediate protection." With hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure now destroyed, there are concerns not only with regard to basic needs, but also health care and the educational system. The Vice President of the International Rescue Committee said teams have been sent to a town near the epicenter of the earthquake, where 80% of the buildings have been compromised, and explained that the impact of an earthquake can last years. "It's been heartening to see the response that's been mounted so far, but we know this is going to be an effort that's going to take not weeks but months, possibly years to fully recover from a crisis like this." As the devastated country struggles to cope with the aftermath of the powerful earthquake, local communities are still awaiting international aid and support. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

Rescue efforts continue following Myanmar earthquake; national mourning period declared

2025/04/01 17:00

Myanmar has declared a period of national mourning this week as the frantic search for survivors of its devastating earthquake continues. Park Kun-woo has more. The landscape in Myanmar is marked by devastation with toppled temples and buildings. Rescue teams have been working around the clock for more than three days, desperately searching for more survivors beneath the rubble, hoping to save at least one more. The 7-point-7 magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay -Myanmar's second largest city - last Friday, has already claimed over 2-thousand lives, with nearly four thousand injured according to the country's military government. But the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the final death toll could exceed 10-thousand. In response to a rare plea for help from Myanmar's military junta, international rescue teams from neighboring countries, including China and several Southeast Asian countries, have arrived on the scene. But as the first 72 hours -the "golden" period for rescue - have passed, and with scorching temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, the chances of survival are diminishing rapidly. "The survival ability of the trapped people is getting weaker and weaker. The temperature is very high, making our rescue more and more difficult." The U.S. also promised both monetary and rescue support for Myanmar on Monday. "The United States will provide up to $2 million through Burma-based humanitarian assistance organizations. A U.S. aid team of humanitarian experts based in the region are traveling to Burma now to identify the people's most pressing needs." Other countries, including South Korea, the UK, and Australia have also announced millions of dollars in aid. Amid the rescue efforts, the military junta declared a week-long national mourning period until Sunday with flags flown at half-mast. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Students at 38 of 40 medical schools apply to return before reinstatement deadline

2025/04/01 17:00

Most medical schools across the country are witnessing a significant return of their student body after more than a year of protests against government plans to expand the medical school admission quota. Lee Seung-jae reports. Out of 40 medical schools nationwide, students from 38 of the schools have decided to return to class before the Monday deadline imposed by the government. According to sources familiar with the matter, 38 of the medical schools saw almost all of their students, who had been on leave of absence, complete their registration to return to school. Among the schools that saw their students register for classes before the deadline were Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, and Pusan National University. The two medical schools where students hadn't registered before the deadline were Inje University and Hallym University. The government last month set a March 31st deadline after it announced a conditional decision to set the medical school admissions quota at 3-thousand-58 for the 2026 academic year. That is similar to the figure before the current administration decided to increase admissions by 2-thousand a year ago. In order to transition into the delayed school semester, most medical schools will begin with a few weeks of online classes. Seoul National University announced last week that online classes will be held for the first one to two weeks starting Monday. Ulsan University and Korea University have started online classes as well. Yonsei University, which was among the first medical schools to announce a "full return" of students, will conduct both online and offline classes. Based on data on the number of medical school students returning, the Ministry of Education will finalize the enrollment quota for next year's admissions by the end of the month. While the government expects the medical admissions quota to return to 3-thousand-58, it warned that the quota could return to 5-thousand-58 if students take a leave of absence or boycott classes after returning. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/01 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The number of foreign tourists visiting Korea last month exceeded 1.1 million, reaching 94% of pre-COVID-19 levels. This represents an increase of roughly 10% compared to the same month last year. The largest group of tourists came from China, followed by Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. Chinese tourists numbered around 341,000, or about 75% of the 2019 level, while Japanese visitors surpassed pre-pandemic figures, reaching 224,000. Tourists from Africa and the Middle East recovered to 111% of the 2019 level, and visitors from Europe and the U.S. reached 106%. Masterpieces of Jeong Seon, the founder of "true-view landscape painting" during the Joseon era, will be showcased at the Hoam Art Museum in Yongin from Wednesday. The exhibition, the largest ever dedicated to the artist, brings together a comprehensive collection of Jeong Seon's famous works, including his renowned "Geumgangjeondo" and "Inwang Jesaekdo," both designated as national treasures. His works vividly capture the beauty of Korea's landscapes, standing as invaluable assets in the history of Korean art. Under the rare collaboration by Hoam and Kansong Art Museum, the exhibition features over 160 pieces of Jeong Seon's diverse range of works gathered from various institutions and private collections. They'll be on display at the Hoam Art Museum until June 26 and move to the Daegu Kansong Art Museum next year, marking the 350th anniversary of Jeong Seon's birth. Chuncheon will host a city tour program for foreign students attending local universities in the city from April 4 to 17. The program includes visits to popular tourist attractions such as the Gangchon Rail Park and Nami Island and also provides other opportunities to explore the city's unique urban culture and natural surroundings. The tour, designed for around 200 participants, is part of government efforts to encourage students to remain in Chuncheon after graduation, find employment, and grow into key talents for the region. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] Korea’s Unique Study Culture

2025/04/01 14:00

Discover Korea’s distinctive study culture shaped by the country’s notoriously fiercely competitive and intense academic environment.

Police launch first on-site joint probe into ignition point of Gyeongsangbuk-do wildfire

2025/04/01 10:00

With the deadly wildfires contained, South Korean authorities are now looking into what caused the crisis. A man tending a family grave is suspected of sparking one of the fires. Lee Soo-jin reports. South Korean police, along with the National Forensic Service and firefighting authorities, have launched their first joint investigation into the country's worst-ever wildfire. Police in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province on Monday morning, using drones, began conducting on-site inspections in Uiseong-gun County, the ignition site of the wildfire in the province, to determine what caused it and the direction in which the fire spread. The fires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province saw about 480 square kilometers of woodland affected, equivalent to 80 percent of the size of Seoul, and left 26 people dead. The police plan to examine traces of flames left on the trees around a tomb and the surrounding areas to determine the direction that the fire spread, and search the area around the site of the ignition to find any evidence of materials that may have caused the fire. Analysis of the evidence found from the on-site inspections is expected to take at least three weeks. The police revealed on Sunday that they booked a 56-year-old man on Friday without detention on charges of starting the fire on March 22nd while tending to the grave of his grandparents. The man denies the charges. On Saturday, the police found a lighter that was found at the scene and has requested an analysis from the National Forensic Service for fingerprints or DNA evidence. With the main fires in both Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do Provinces now contained, the government is also focusing on helping those affected. This includes providing temporary housing and livelihood support for those who have been displaced. More than three thousand houses were completely burned down, and significant damage was also inflicted on 30 national heritage sites and 2-thousand agricultural facilities. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Rescue efforts continue in Myanmar past 'golden time'

2025/04/01 10:00

Rescue efforts continue in Myanmar, with the 72-hour "golden time" period since the magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the southeast Asian nation last week now passed. According to AFP on Monday, rescue teams and citizens in the city of Mandalay continue to search for survivors in sweltering heat above 40 degrees Celsius. Rescue personnel are also struggling to search through rubble due to a lack of manpower and equipment. Myanmar's military government says over 2-thousand are dead and more than 39-hundred injured. It also announced it would observe a week-long national mourning period. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the final death toll could surpass 10-thousand.

Police launch first on-site joint probe into ignition point of Gyeongsangbuk-do wildfire

2025/03/31 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. With the main fires in the country contained after a long, uphill battle, authorities now turn their eyes to figure out what caused the disaster. Lee Soo-jin has more. South Korean police, along with the National Forensic Service and firefighting authorities, have launched their first joint investigation into the country's worst-ever wildfire. Police in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province on Monday morning, using drones, began conducting on-site inspections in Uiseong-gun County, the ignition site of the wildfire in the province, to determine what caused it and the direction in which the fire spread. The fires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province saw about 480 square kilometers of woodland affected, equivalent to 80 percent of the size of Seoul, and left 26 people dead. The police plan to examine traces of flames left on the trees around a tomb and the surrounding areas to determine the direction that the fire spread, and search the area around the site of the ignition to find any evidence of materials that may have caused the fire. Analysis of the evidence found from the on-site inspections is expected to take at least three weeks. The police revealed on Sunday that they booked a 56-year-old man on Friday without detention on charges of starting the fire on March 22nd while tending to the grave of his grandparents. The man denies the charges. On Saturday, the police found a lighter that was found at the scene and has requested an analysis from the National Forensic Service for fingerprints or DNA evidence. With the main fires in both Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do Provinces now contained, the government is also focusing on helping those affected. This includes providing temporary housing and livelihood support for those who have been displaced. More than three thousand houses were completely burned down, and significant damage was also inflicted on 30 national heritage sites and 2-thousand agricultural facilities. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Wildfires in southeast S. Korea fully contained, leaving massive damage, casualties

2025/03/31 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues around the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. South Korea has been shaken by one of its most devastating wildfires on record — with more than 480 square kilometers of forest affected and the flames even breaching national parks last week. Thankfully, the main fires had been largely contained, as better visibility and cooler temperatures helped extinguishing efforts. The wildfires killed at least 30 people, injuring 45 and forcing some 3,600 people to flee. From the rugged ridges of Juwangsan to the protected slopes of Jirisan , even areas known for their biodiversity and cultural heritage weren't spared. In Part 1 of Within The Frame tonight, we invite Yoon Hong-geun of the Sobaeksan National Park Nature Center to talk about the scale of destruction, the challenges in containing fires inside protected areas, and what measures are needed to prevent future disasters. Welcome Mr. Yoon. 1. So Mr. Yoon, the recent wildfires affected an unprecedented forest area of approximately 480 square kilometers, the largest on record. The fires even spread into some national parks. What is the current damage situation and scale within the national parks? 2. The spread of wildfires into national parks is concerning not only for the ecological damage but also for the destruction of cultural and historical heritage. In particular, the affected Jirisan and Juwangsan national parks. What significance do these parks hold? 3. Despite efforts by the National Park Service and local governments to prevent the fires from crossing into park boundaries, the flames eventually spread inside. What are the main challenges in containing the fires within the national parks? 4. Then while taking lessons from these recent wildfires, what kind of support do you think the government should provide in the future for wildfires and other disasters? 5. National parks implement various preventive measures against disasters like wildfires. Especially in spring, there are trail closures in place to reduce fire risks. How effective have these measures been in preventing wildfires? And what does this imply? Preventive measures are already in place — but their real-world effectiveness will now be key to prepare for future disasters of this kind.. Mr. Yoon, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us tonight. Wildfires are not only a challenge for South Korea. From Japan to California, massive blazes are tearing through forests at alarming speeds, and experts are pointing to climate change, forest composition, and delayed response systems as key drivers. In Part 2 of Within The Frame, we turn to David Bowman, wildfire expert and professor at the University of Tasmania, in Australia to break down why these fires are spreading faster, burning hotter, and becoming harder to stop. Thank you for joining us Professor Bowman. 1. Recently, wildfires have been occurring not only in Korea but also in Japan and California. Professor, what is the cause of this global trend? Do you agree with some climate experts who believe global warming is a major factor? 2. According to firefighting authorities, the wildfire in Uiseong spread at a speed of 8.2 km per hour. For most of us who are unfamiliar, how fast is that? And what contributed to such a rapid spread? 3. Could the topography of Korea's steep mountains and the predominance of pine trees over hardwoods be contributing factors to the wildfires' rapid spread? 4. Though the main fire of this wildfire has been contained, concerns about the re-ignition of the fire remain high. What are the methods for extinguishing the remaining embers to completely put out the fire? 5. Some of the reasons cited for the wildfires' spread include a lack of centralized command, an aging firefighting workforce, and a shortage of helicopters and other firefighting equipment. How does Australia prepare for and respond to wildfires? 6. The latest wildfire not only caused forest damage but also led to injuries and deaths. What are the proper evacuation guidelines in the event of a wildfire?

Main blaze in massive wildfire in Sancheong contained after nearly 10 days

2025/03/31 17:00

South Korea lost at least 30 lives amid its worst wildfire on record that lasted over a week. Lee Seung-jae starts us off. The massive wildfire that began in Sancheong County in Gyeongsangnam-do Province and spread through nearby regions, causing the worst wildfires in South Korea's history has been fully contained. According to forestry officials, the main fires were contained as of 1 PM Sunday, nearly 10 days after the initial blaze broke out on March 21. "There were dangerous situations due to falling rocks and rocky terrain, but it seems they overcame it well and prevented further spread of fires." The wildfires in regions of the Gyeongsangnam-do Province, saw an estimated 1-thousand-858 hectares of woodland burnt, equivalent to around 26-hundred football fields. The fires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province saw about 48-thousand hectares of woodland affected, equivalent to 80 percent of the size of Seoul. At least 30 people died, including 26 in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. More than three thousand houses were completely burned down, and significant damage was also reported to 30 national heritage sites and 2-thousand agricultural facilities. In order to extinguish the remaining fires, the military deployed 600 soldiers and 49 helicopters on Sunday, and is also providing medical and other assistance. The government will now focus on helping those that have been affected by the massive wildfires. This includes providing temporary housing and other assistance for those who have been displaced. Also, the government will provide livelihood support, including lowering fees for health insurance premiums, and costs for cell phone and internet and medical aid. Since the outbreak of the wildfires, approximately 10-thousand volunteers have participated in recovery and support for the displaced. The government also announced on Sunday that it will push for a supplementary budget worth ten trillion won, or 6-point-8 billion U.S. dollars, which would also include budget for wildfire recovery. Some 37 million dollars were also donated to disaster relief organizations in the hope that victims and the areas affected by the wildfires can recover quickly. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/03/31 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Multiple wildfires that broke out across Korea last week have damaged 30 national cultural heritage items, including thousand-year-old treasures. According to a preliminary tally by the National Heritage Service, 11 national heritage sites were burned, including the treasured Gaunru Pavilion and Yeonsujeon Hall at Gounsa Temple in Uiseong. Several folk cultural heritage items and three natural monuments were also destroyed. Partial damage was reported to 19 heritage items designated by cities and provinces, including the Manjangsa Stone Seated Buddha in Uiseong. To prevent further losses, the cultural agency has strengthened coordination with fire authorities. The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangje opened with a significantly reduced program due to the massive wildfires across the Gyeongsang region, but that didn't stop visitors from flocking to Korea's most iconic cherry blossom festival. Despite chilly weather over the weekend, Jinhae in Changwon was bustling with visitors, including many from overseas. In response to the wildfires, Changwon City scaled back the festival and canceled events such as the Black Eagles airshow. The festival will run until April 6, with peak bloom expected next weekend. "Comic," the first production of the year by the Seoul Metropolitan Theater, is drawing attention with its blend of humor and satire. Described as a "comedic acting gift set," the play reimagines several short works by German playwright Karl Valentin. Directed, adapted, and composed by Lim Do-wan, known for his witty productions such as "Scapin" and "Human Comedy," the performance features 10 episodes in an omnibus format, entertaining audiences for a full 100 minutes. The show runs through April 20 at the M Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Features-reporter] Korea Heritage Service to designate "temple food" as intangible national heritage

2025/03/31 14:00

Monastic meals in temple cuisine, widely known as "temple food" embody Buddhist philosophy by preserving the natural flavors of ingredients. This unique food culture may receive more recognition as the Korea Heritage Service has announced its plan to designate "temple food" as a new intangible national heritage. Lee Eun-jin tells us more. Each temple has its own variation of dishes for what makes up "temple food." But one common foundation across all temples is that they share a vegetarian foundation that not only excludes meat and fish, but also five pungent vegetables: garlic, green onions, chives, leeks, and asafetida. Buddhist culinary traditions not only include food but also the balwoogongyang, a formal way of eating in Buddhist practice. Adhering to the Buddhist principle of non-violence and respect for life, hence not killing any living being, Korean temple food is particularly distinguished for using unique fermented ingredients, which perhaps sets it apart from similar temple food traditions in other countries. "Temple food has the natural clean and original flavors." "It's traditional food. It's light and easier to digest. I think that's why it's loved. And since it is traditional Korean food, wouldn't people want to experience it?" This healthy and natural well-being cuisine is being designated as an intangible national heritage. The Korea Heritage Service nominated the great value of temple food that contributes to cultural diversity by adding creativity to traditional meal preparation methods. However, because the recipes that have been passed down vary from temple to temple, and because it is a tradition that is collectively transmitted rather than through specific individuals or organizations, there won't be an official holder of the tradition. The designation will be finalized after a 30-day review period and deliberation by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee. After its recognition as a national intangible heritage, the Buddhist community plans to promote temple food onto the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage list. And for this, there will be a temple food festival held in June, and temple food will be prepared for participants of the APEC Summit to experience in October, in Gyeongju. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

Slow-aging diet: How young people in S. Korea eat to stay "young"

2025/03/28 17:00

Aging is a natural process that cannot be defied but some believe it can be delayed by eating light and right as a growing number of young Koreans are choosing to do. Our Park Kun-woo files this report. At around midday, people rush to grab their lunch from their favorite spots. What's catching a lot of attention is how many young people are opting for healthier choices. One of their go-to picks? Fresh salads packed with a variety of vegetables and nuts. "I used to eat a lot of high-calorie junk food which made digestion difficult and affected my studies. Since cutting back, I feel less bloated in the mornings and don't get as tired after meals." Healthy eating is no longer just a concern for older generations. "I think that your health starts on the inside and it doesn't matter if your skin looks good. It should be a little bit more active starting younger and also focus on what you're eating." The "slow-aging" trend, which focuses on eating certain foods to slow down physical aging, became a boom in South Korea after it went viral on social media last year. And more and more people from the younger generation are joining in. "Many young people began seeing others on social media embrace a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle that slows down aging, which seemed beneficial and inspiring enough to follow." As the trend grows, young people are even taking charge of their health by preparing "slow-aging diet" meals themselves. These meals they prepare involve cutting out simple sugars, refined grains, and unhealthy fats, while focusing on slow-digesting carbs like whole grains and veggies that can also prevent blood sugar spikes. "So today I tried making a meal, packed with vegetables and fruits like carrots and apples, as part of a slow-aging diet. As it tasted so good, I've also decided to eat like this more often and track my meals as part of a healthy routine." Many are even sharing their slow-aging meals and recipes online, inspiring others to follow suit. However, an expert warns against extreme eating habits. "Health is maintained through a balanced diet. While slow-aging meals are beneficial, they can also become too one-sided. And you need to maintain a balanced diet in long term, not just for a year or two before going off track." She added that occasional cheat days can be necessary for satisfaction and that she expects the slow-aging trend will evolve through a balanced approach, where combining the slow-aging diet with cheat days creates a harmonious lifestyle. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Majority of medical students from Seoul, Yonsei, Korea Uni. to register for this semester

2025/03/28 17:00

Medical students at some of Korea's top universities are looking to end their boycott of classes that had been fueled by government plans to raise medical school admission quotas. According to a task force at Seoul National University on Thursday medical students had been asked to register for classes by 5 p.m. on the same day as over 65 percent voted against prolonging the boycott. Meanwhile students at Yonsei University and Korea University have until today that is Friday to register for classes or face expulsion. It's been said over 80 percent had voiced intentions to return to classes. Separately acting President Han Duck-soo sent a letter to protesting medical students urging their return.

[Features reporter] Slow-aging diet: How young people in S. Korea eat to stay "young"

2025/03/28 14:00

Kun-woo, I hear you've recently developed an interest in a special diet these days. Could you tell us more about it? Of course. So, these days I've been following a diet called the "slow-aging" diet, literally meaning a diet that helps delay physical aging. It's been popular in South Korea, especially among the younger generation, since last year. And although I haven't been on it for long, I really recommend it. But before I tell you more, let's take a look at how others are embracing this trend too. At around midday, people rush to grab their lunch from their favorite spots. What's catching a lot of attention is how many young people are opting for healthier choices. One of their go-to picks? Fresh salads packed with a variety of vegetables and nuts. "I used to eat a lot of high-calorie junk food which made digestion difficult and affected my studies. Since cutting back, I feel less bloated in the mornings and don't get as tired after meals." Healthy eating is no longer just a concern for older generations. "I think that your health starts on the inside and it doesn't matter if your skin looks good. It should be a little bit more active starting younger and also focus on what you're eating." The "slow-aging" trend, which focuses on eating certain foods to slow down physical aging, became a boom in South Korea after it went viral on social media last year. And more and more people from the younger generation are joining in. "Many young people began seeing others on social media embrace a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle that slows down aging, which seemed beneficial and inspiring enough to follow." As the trend grows, young people are even taking charge of their health by preparing "slow-aging diet" meals themselves. These meals they prepare involve cutting out simple sugars, refined grains, and unhealthy fats, while focusing on slow-digesting carbs like whole grains and veggies that can also prevent blood sugar spikes. "So today I tried making a meal, packed with vegetables and fruits like carrots and apples, as part of a slow-aging diet. As it tasted so good, I've also decided to eat like this more often and track my meals as part of a healthy routine." Many are even sharing their slow-aging meals and recipes online, inspiring others to follow suit. However, an expert warns against extreme eating habits. "Health is maintained through a balanced diet. While slow-aging meals are beneficial, they can also become too one-sided. And you need to maintain a balanced diet in the long term, not just for a year or two before going off track." She added that occasional cheat days can be necessary for satisfaction and that she expects the slow-aging trend will evolve through a balanced approach, where combining the slow-aging diet with cheat days creates a harmonious lifestyle. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News. After seeing your coverage, it really makes me want to try those slow-aging foods. So can you share some recommendations with us? Sure, let me share some details about the dishes I tried as you saw in my coverage. They're carrot rémoulade sandwiches that I made from scratch, one with peanut butter and apples, and the other with wholegrain mustard, vegan mayo, and vegan meat. The carrot rémoulade really gave it the "kick," with its crunchy texture that immediately grabbed my taste buds. I recommend them not just because they're healthy, obviously, but also as they're delicious and easy to make. The most challenging part I think was marinating the carrots after slicing them thinly. But that wasn't too difficult thanks to a peeling machine that made the process so much easier. I like healthy food, but I prefer not going through much hassle so, I heard retail industries are also releasing products targeted at slow aging? That's true. A lot of major bread and snack franchises in South Korea are now introducing new products made with healthier ingredients such as whole grains instead of the refined carbs commonly used in many items. Convenience stores are also creating lunch boxes tailored to the slow-aging trend. On the other hand, major soda companies saw a decline in operating profits last year, reflecting the shift in consumer preferences. Delivery application companies have responded by adding a "health and diet management" category on their main screens, featuring items like chicken breast and zero-sugar products. Additionally, restaurant reservation platforms which are quite popular here in Korea, have started creating sections within their apps that highlight places offering "slow-aging" diet foods. Thank you for the healthy advice Kun-woo. We'll see you next time. Thank you, Kun-woo.

Golden Window Today: Uiseong wildfires hit crucial turning point with 85% containment

2025/03/28 10:00

Our top story this morning. The wildfires in the southern Gyeongsang-do provinces are still spreading, with reports now indicating this could be the worst wildfire disaster on record. We turn to our Kim Jung-sil on the line. Jung-sil, can you give us a breakdown of the situation? How severe is the damage at this point? Dami. It's devastating wildfires that began simultaneously from last weekend have already claimed dozens of lives. As of this morning, the confirmed death toll stands at 28, with at least 37 others injured. The latest confirmed death was reported yesterday afternoon in Cheongsong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, where an 80-year-old woman who had been missing was found dead in a collapsed house caused by the fire. Many of the victims were elderly, aged between 60 and 80. Unfortunately, these individuals either couldn't escape the rapidly spreading flames in time or died while attempting to evacuate from their homes or nursing homes. The Korea Forest Service said just about an hour ago that it is aiming to completely extinguish the main fire in 6 cities and counties in the region within the day. Minister Lim Sang-seop stated that an astonishing 45,000 hectares are affected by the wildfire an area larger than 70% of Seoul making it potentially the largest wildfire disaster in the country’s history. Over 2,600 structures, including homes, temples, and cultural heritage sites, have been reported damaged. Around 37,000 people have been evacuated, and 8,500 of them still cannot return home. That's truly devastating. Now, let's shift focus to the firefighting efforts. I'm afraid to say the rainfall in the area last night didn't do much in containing the fire? Dami, you're right some rain did fall, and it was a blessing for the firefighters. Take a look at this map: Uiseong-gun and neighboring regions, where the fire spread with the prevailing winds, along with Sancheong-gun in Gyeongsangnam-do, are still battling the flames. The average containment rate of the Uiseong wildfires is around 85%, with Uiseong itself at 95%. Officials are aiming for full extinguishment by the end of the day. It's a crucial moment, with progress made overnight, and authorities hopeful for full containment due to calmer winds and yesterday's rain. Due to the severity of the damage, the government has recently designated these affected areas as Special Disaster Zones. This designation ensures that significant resources will be allocated for relief and recovery efforts. Now, let's look at the areas where fires have been fully contained. Thanks to yesterday's much-needed rain, large fires in Ulsan, Muju, as well as Gimhae and Okcheon were successfully put out as of late last night. Thanks to yesterday's humidity and progress in containment efforts, this could mark a critical window to fully control the fires, with authorities focused on achieving complete containment by the end of the day. Thank you Jung-sil, for that update.

Six killed off Egypt's Red Sea after tourist submarine sinks

2025/03/28 10:00

Over in Egypt, six Russian tourists died on Thursday when a sightseeing submarine sank off the coast of the city of Hurghada. Others have been successfully saved, with some sustaining injuries. The vessel, named Sindbad, was carrying 45 tourists from various countries, including India and Sweden, along with five Egyptian crew members. The incident occurred approximately 1,000 meters offshore during a routine underwater tour of the Red Sea's coral reefs, where the recreational submarine dived to depths of 20 to 25 meters to showcase the marine life. The cause of the sinking is still under investigation.

Wildfire spreads to Jirisan Mountain, national treasures evacuated

2025/03/27 20:00

And the devastating wildfires are putting the nation's cultural assets at risk, too, having destroyed an ancient temple dating back over 13-hundred years. Lee Seung-jae takes a look. The wildfires raging in Sancheong-gun, and Hadong-gun counties have now spread to the Jirisan National Park. Jirisan National Park is considered a sacred mountain to the people of Korea, and was the first national park in the country. Forestry officials have made every effort to prevent the further spreading of the wildfire at the national park by spraying fire retardants and mobilizing helicopters. Residents and livestock are being evacuated from the area, and major cultural heritage items, including national treasures, are also being moved to safety. By Wednesday, the Korea Heritage Service said it had moved 15 historic pieces to safety from areas affected by wildfires. Among them are 10 national treasures, including a seated stone Buddha statue from the now-destroyed Gounsa Temple in Uiseong. 15 national heritage items have been destroyed by wildfires, including 11 designated as national heritage and 4 as provincial heritage. While items can be moved to safety more freely, sites such as temples are impossible to move. This has led to historically important temples like Gounsa Temple being damaged. "This temple is an important and historic temple where many masters and believers have been practicing and receiving comfort for over 1,300 years. It is a place of comfort for many people, but I am very afraid that it may disappear." The Korea Heritage Service, on Tuesday, issued the highest national heritage disaster alert level. In the four-tier alert system, the KHS issued the "serious" level for the first time ever. The KHS explained that the highest alert level was issued due to the very high risk of damage to the national heritage items and sites due to the rapidly spreading wildfires. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Wildfire spreads to Jirisan Mountain, national treasures evacuated

2025/03/27 17:00

In related news. Efforts are also underway to ensure the safety of Korea's cultural heritage from the raging fires. Lee Seung-jae has details. The wildfires raging in Sancheong-gun, and Hadong-gun counties have now spread to the Jirisan National Park. Jirisan National Park is considered a sacred mountain to the people of Korea, and was the first national park in the country. Forestry officials have made every effort to prevent the further spreading of the wildfire at the national park by spraying fire retardants and mobilizing helicopters. Residents and livestock are being evacuated from the area, and major cultural heritage items, including national treasures, are also being moved to safety. By Wednesday, the Korea Heritage Service said it had moved 15 historic pieces to safety from areas affected by wildfires. Among them are 10 national treasures, including a seated stone Buddha statue from the now-destroyed Gounsa Temple in Uiseong. 15 national heritage items have been destroyed by wildfires, including 11 designated as national heritage and 4 as provincial heritage. While items can be moved to safety more freely, sites such as temples are impossible to move. This has led to historically important temples like Gounsa Temple being damaged. "This temple is an important and historic temple where many masters and believers have been practicing and receiving comfort for over 1,300 years. It is a place of comfort for many people, but I am very afraid that it may disappear." The Korea Heritage Service, on Tuesday, issued the highest national heritage disaster alert level. In the four-tier alert system, the KHS issued the "serious" level for the first time ever. The KHS explained that the highest alert level was issued due to the very high risk of damage to the national heritage items and sites due to the rapidly spreading wildfires. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.