Korea Daily News (November 21, 2024)

Politics

  • Controversy over Commercial Law Amendment: The ruling party opposes the amendment, reviewing ways to balance the rights of managers and shareholders.
  • South Korea-US Cooperation: Former National Assembly Secretary-General Lee Kwang-jae highlights the need for cooperation in data centers and energy sectors.
  • G20 Summit Controversy: Apologies issued following a scuffle between Korean interpreters and Brazilian security during President Yoon’s visit to the G20 summit in Brazil.
  • Corporate Regulation Easing: Despite central government efforts to relax regulations, local government restrictions remain a hurdle.
  • Proposed Japan Cooperation: Advocating collaboration in small modular reactors (SMRs) and telecommunications for a stronger global partnership.

 

Economy

  • Increase in Seoul Apartment Listings: Housing listings surged in areas like Mapo and Seodaemun due to reduced transactions.
  • Samsung Biologics: Reached annual orders exceeding 5 trillion KRW, securing global pharmaceutical clients.
  • Surge in Foreign Direct Investment: Increased by $10 billion, while domestic inflow of funds decreased.
  • CJ CheilJedang Investment Expansion: Invested 800 billion KRW in Hungary and the US to boost K-Food globally.
  • Rising Gold Prices: Gold prices on the Korea Exchange reached 119,910 KRW per gram, sparking a gold investment boom.

 

Society

  • Improved Accessibility for Disabled Travelers: Jeju Air simplifies discount procedures for eligible passengers.
  • Massive Protest in Gwanghwamun: Anti-government demonstrations caused roadblocks, escalating public inconvenience.
  • Amnesty for Library Overdue Penalties: Seoul City offers amnesty for overdue library books to commemorate Nobel Prize-winning author Han Kang.
  • Expansion of Charitable Events: Nationwide charity events planned for the holiday season.
  • Support for Single-Parent Families: Increased welfare budgets for single-parent households at local government levels.
  • Safety Concerns in Old Buildings: Calls for enhanced safety inspections following recent apartment wall collapses.

 

International

  • Sale of Youngchinwang’s Residence: Japan’s Tokyo estate of Korea’s last crown prince may be sold to US-based Blackstone.
  • China’s Harbin Ice Festival: The world’s largest ice festival to celebrate its 41st anniversary.
  • France’s Vehicle Restriction Policy: Paris introduces new measures to limit vehicle use in urban areas.
  • K-Food Popularity in India: Korean dishes like tteokbokki and kimchi gain increasing popularity in India.

 

Technology/IT

  • IBM Quantum System Introduction: Yonsei University operates South Korea’s first commercial quantum computer.
  • Increased AI Chatbot Usage: Coxwave releases solutions to enhance quantum physics research efficiency.
  • Samsung and LG’s TV Market Growth: Global market share stands at 28.7% for Samsung and 16.5% for LG.
  • Rising AppTech Popularity: Incentive-based apps drive user engagement with quiz and reward systems.
  • Web3 Asset Tokenization: Indonesia’s tokenized asset market expected to grow to $88 billion by 2030.

 

Gaming

  • Nexon’s “Baram’s Legacy” Update: New content such as the “12 Zodiac Relic” and “Dragon Weapons” introduced.
  • NCSoft’s “Aion” Update: Unveiled the new field “Tiamaranta Mesa” along with special events.
  • Netmarble’s “Raven 2”: Launched the global server “Noah” with exciting events.
  • Kakao Games’ “ArcheAge War”: Added a new region “Land of Songs” with additional bosses and items.
  • Lineage M Update: “OASIS 4” content and first-anniversary reservation campaign begins.

 

Culture

  • Busan Children’s Book Fair: The inaugural event will be held from November 28 at BEXCO.
  • Potential of K-Dance: Blending traditional dance with K-Pop gains significant attention.
  • European Christmas Sweets: Sofitel Ambassador Seoul offers French traditional desserts for the festive season.
  • “Squid Game Season 2” Anticipation: Netflix announces high expectations for the upcoming season.
  • Modern Art Exhibits Expand: Galleries nationwide showcase modern artworks for the holiday season.

 

Sports

  • Trump and Sports Donations: Korean-American Michelle Kang donates $30 million to US women’s soccer.
  • Korean Table Tennis Legend Interview: Hyun Jung-hwa shares honest insights on sports and life.
  • Winter Sports Destinations: Sapporo and Harbin recommended as prime winter tourist spots.
  • Locker Auctions: Real Madrid player lockers auctioned at high starting bids.

 

Environment

  • Development of Mulching Paper: Ace Mulch succeeds in producing biodegradable mulching paper after 13 years of research.
  • EV Fire Safety Technology: Introduction of mobile water tanks to address EV battery thermal runaway.
  • Global Warming Warning: Rising global average temperatures threaten ecological balance.

 

Construction/Real Estate

  • Distressed Sales in Seoul’s Outskirts: Diminished transactions amid rising property fatigue and loan regulations.
  • Utilization of Vacant Buildings: Booyoung Group plans to convert vacant commercial spaces into senior welfare facilities.
  • Call for Construction Regulation Reform: Large projects like semiconductor factories urge regulatory relaxation.

 

Finance

  • Cryptocurrency Taxation Debate: Ruling party proposes a two-year delay, while opposition insists on immediate implementation.
  • Samurai Bond Issuance: Korea Eximbank issues bonds in Japan for the first time in six years.
  • Samsung Securities’ Downgrade: Lotte Chemical’s target stock price lowered.

 

Industry

  • CJ CheilJedang Expands Globally: Invests in new plants in Hungary and the US, advancing the K-Food market.
  • Digital Innovation in Floriculture: Flora Lounge pioneers advanced distribution models in the flower industry.
  • China’s Market Aggression: Korean industries face pressure from China’s expanding influence in key sectors.

 

Health

  • Increase in Sleep Apnea Cases: Rising risks of heart conditions and decreased sleep quality.
  • Advances in Gene Therapy: Expanding genetic research paves the way for groundbreaking drug development.
  • Enhanced Disease Prevention: Major hospitals strengthen infection control measures.

 

Travel/Leisure

  • Winter Vacation Packages: PIC Guam and charter flight packages to Ube, Japan, offer exclusive discounts.
  • Unique Winter Getaways: Harbin and Sapporo promoted as top winter destinations.
  • Tourism Souvenir Exhibition: DDP hosts an exhibition of Korea’s finest tourism souvenirs.

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