Korea Daily News (November 19, 2024)

Politics

  • North Korea Human Rights Act Amendment Proposal: The People’s Power Party is pushing for an amendment amid the opposition party’s delay in recommending directors for the North Korean Human Rights Foundation.
  • Han Dong-hoon’s Remarks: Emphasized that growth should serve as a tool for welfare improvement.
  • Yoon Suk Yeol’s Fiscal Policy: Highlights compliance with international law, AI principles, and climate change response.
  • Democratic Party Criticizes Fiscal Policy: Urges withdrawal of the government’s tax cuts for the ultra-rich and suggests measures to address polarization.

 

Economy

  • Costco Dividend Controversy: More than half of Korea’s net profit sent abroad as dividends.
  • Domestic Bank Interest Earnings Decline: Despite a decrease in Q3 interest earnings, cumulative net profit reached a record high.
  • Increase in Mortgage Loans: Household loans hit an all-time high due to rising home loans.
  • Samsung Electronics’ Share Buyback Announcement: Positive reception tempered by concerns over the need for competitiveness recovery.
  • Franchise Industry Performance Improvement: Increased sales, particularly in the dining sector.

 

Real Estate/Construction

  • KT Expands Litigation Against Builders: Claims for cost adjustment due to inflation lead to lawsuits with multiple construction firms.
  • Seoul Housing Supply Discussions: Seminar held to address practical solutions for housing supply.
  • Counseling Surge in Housing Cooperatives: Growing inquiries about withdrawals and refunding deposits.

 

Society

  • Emergency Helicopter Delivery for Pregnant Woman: A lack of hospitals forced a transfer from Cheonan to Jeonju.
  • Screen Golf Introduced in Senior Centers: Programs targeting the elderly launched in Seoul.
  • Traffic Disruption Expected: Large-scale farmer protests planned in central Seoul.

 

International

  • G20 Summit Issues: Criticism of Russia and support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity dominate discussions.
  • Kim Jong-un’s Economic Cooperation Talks: Engages with Russian ministers on economic and scientific collaboration.
  • China-Japan-Korea Tensions: Competition in the Indo-Pacific intensifies.
  • Joe Biden’s Waning Influence at APEC: Nearing retirement, Biden’s role at major international events diminishes.
  • Australia Opens ‘Bluey’s World’: A large-scale interactive space based on the hit animation debuts in Brisbane.

 

IT/Technology

  • Samsung XR Platform Potential: Apple’s MR headset announcement sparks XR competition interest.
  • AI Business Cards Introduced: Hana Securities unveils customized video-generating AI business cards.
  • Nexon’s Craft Exhibition: A fusion of gaming and traditional craftsmanship showcased.
  • Smilegate’s Epic Seven PC Client Preview: Highlights seamless data integration between PC and mobile versions.
  • NCSoft’s Download Record in North America and Europe: TL becomes the most downloaded PlayStation game in these regions.

 

Culture

  • Han Kang Syndrome Persists: Sales surge following her Nobel Prize in Literature win.
  • Swatch Launches Holiday Collection: Combines modern design with festive sensibilities.
  • Seventeen’s 10th Anniversary Medals Released: Korean Mint Corporation celebrates the K-POP group.
  • Design Contest for Daejeon Library: Announces excellent entries for the city’s third municipal library project.

 

Sports

  • New Spin-Off from Strongest Baseball: Retired athletes embark on new challenges.
  • Wemix Golf Championship Concludes Successfully: Record attendance and strong performances highlight the event.
  • Women’s Golf Season Finale: Fans and clubs turn out in large numbers to support athletes.
  • New Sports Reality Show by TVING: Features former professional baseball stars.

 

Games

  • Diablo 4 Black Friday Promotion: Discounts on the new expansion pack draw attention.
  • Pokémon Card Game Tops Google Play: Achieves No. 1 ranking on the store.
  • Nexon Introduces New Characters: Revives interest in “Blue Archive” with new updates.
  • Blizzard’s WoW Housing System Launch: Scheduled ahead of the next expansion pack.
  • Netmarble to Release King Arthur Game: Set to launch on November 27.

 

Environment

  • Seoul’s Postpaid Climate Companion Card: Enhances convenience for users.
  • Carbon Emission Reduction in Transportation: Proposals spotlighted as key climate action.
  • Global Plastic Reduction Efforts: Policies focus on AI and environmental strategies.

 

Health/Medical

  • Emergency Medical System Shortcomings: Growing cases of cross-regional hospital transfers.
  • Sugar-Free Product Research: Studies show no impact on blood sugar levels.
  • Increased Helicopter Use for Medical Emergencies: Highlights hospital shortages.