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1,210 published stories

Economy

From Clothing to Transport: Where Koreans Cut Back Most

South Korea's economy is sending troubling signals as middle-aged households, a vital backbone of the nation's economic activity, face unprecedented financial strain. The third quarter of 2024 saw a historic decline in business income for households led by those in their 40s, a demographic traditionally considered economically stable and robust. According to Statistics Korea’s latest report, the average household income rose by 4.4% year-on-year to 5.26 million KRW. However, a deeper analysis r

Busan

Busan Strengthens Economic Strategies Ahead of Trump’s Second Term

Busan, South Korea - With Donald Trump set to return to the White House for a second term, the global economic landscape faces renewed uncertainty. In response, Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city and a vital hub of trade and industry, is taking proactive measures to shield its economy from potential turbulence. On December 2, Mayor Park Heong-joon hosted a meeting of public and private sector leaders to assess potential impacts and discuss strategies to navigate the shifting international

Opinion

Chips, Challenges, and Choices: South Korea’s Fight for Semiconductor Dominance

South Korea’s semiconductor industry, once heralded as the crown jewel of its economy, now faces a crossroads. The chips that power everything from smartphones to advanced AI systems have become more than a symbol of technological prowess—they are now the frontline of a global geopolitical showdown. As countries race to secure their place in this critical industry, South Korea must grapple with growing pressures from all directions. The stakes are undeniable. With its dominance in memory semico

Busan

Air Busan’s Future in Question After Korean Air-Asiana Merger

Busan, South Korea - The recent final approval of the Korean Air-Asiana Airlines merger by the European Commission (EC) marks a pivotal moment for the South Korean aviation industry. However, the merger has sparked significant regional concerns, particularly in Busan, where local stakeholders fear the potential loss of a regional hub airline could undermine economic and strategic interests. Korean Air’s announcement to acquire Asiana Airlines in November 2020 set in motion a complex merger proc

Busan

BTS's Jimin Donates ₩30 Million to Improve Elderly Housing in Busan

Busan, South Korea — Global superstar and BTS member Jimin has donated ₩30 million to support the "Busan Habitat Challenge," an initiative aimed at improving housing conditions for elderly residents in need. The donation ceremony was held on November 29 at Busan City Hall, with Jimin’s father attending on his behalf due to Jimin’s current military service. The "Busan Habitat Challenge" is a community-driven project designed to remodel homes for vulnerable elderly individuals, ensuring they have

Busan

MOCA Busan Hosts Largest Ever Nam June Paik Retrospective

Busan, South Korea - The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Busan has unveiled a landmark retrospective of Nam June Paik, the trailblazing pioneer of media art. Titled "Nam June Paik, Nam June Paik, and Nam June Paik," the exhibition runs from November 30, 2024, to March 16, 2025. This expansive showcase, the largest of its kind in South Korea, features over 160 works, including rare early pieces, multimedia installations, and archival materials that span the entirety of Paik’s groundbreaking car

Psychology

The Psychology Behind Our Unease with AI-Created Images

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies revolutionize creative fields, the emergence of AI-generated images and videos has captivated audiences worldwide. At first, these hyper-realistic creations amazed viewers with their technical prowess. Yet, over time, a subtle unease and detachment have arisen among viewers, leading to questions about the psychological and scientific underpinnings of this phenomenon. Why do AI-generated visuals, despite their technical sophistication, often feel less

Politics

The Jones Act, South Korean Shipyards, and U.S. Naval Ambitions: What’s at Stake?

South Korea, a global leader in shipbuilding technology and innovation, stands at the crossroads of opportunity and risk as the United States increasingly looks to its trusted ally to bolster its naval capabilities. With China's rapid naval expansion threatening to eclipse U.S. maritime dominance, and America's shipbuilding industry grappling with decades of decline, the stage is set for an unprecedented collaboration. However, this partnership carries complex challenges: how can South Korea pre