Korea Daily News (October 21, 2024)

Society

  • Aging rural areas issue: 71.1% of rice farmers are aged 65 and older, highlighting the severe aging problem in rural areas, coupled with a continued decline in rice consumption.
  • Foreign pension recipients: The number of foreign pension recipients surpassed 10,000 for the first time, with more than half being Chinese nationals.
  • Job provision for people with disabilities: Nexen Tire continues its social responsibility efforts by providing jobs to disabled workers and supporting welfare organizations through tire donation programs.
  • Health insurance premium delinquency: An increasing number of high-income, multi-property owners are delinquent on large health insurance premiums, raising concerns about moral hazard.

 

Economy

  • Samsung C&T participates in Turkey’s highway project: Samsung C&T announced its participation in Turkey’s highway construction project, further expanding its global developer presence.
  • Jeju Samdasoo’s 26-year dominance: Jeju Samdasoo has maintained its position as the top-selling bottled water for 26 consecutive years, with high trust in its quality due to over 20,000 annual water quality tests.
  • Recovery of Seoul’s Myeongdong shopping district: Myeongdong, once again bustling with foreign tourists, has regained its reputation as the top shopping destination in South Korea.

 

Politics

  • Uncertainty over Japan’s LDP securing a majority: There is growing political uncertainty as Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is expected to struggle in securing a solo majority in the upcoming general election.
  • US election finance controversy: Elon Musk’s support for a constitutional petition has sparked a controversy over election finance just weeks before the US presidential election.
  • North Korea criticized for aiding Russia: South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense condemned North Korea for sending special forces to support Russia, labeling it a violation of UN resolutions.
  • Seoul’s bid for the 2036 Olympics: Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is actively pushing to host the 2036 Olympics, emphasizing the possibility of a profitable event.

 

IT/Tech

  • Enhanced safety in EV chargers: LG Electronics has added double overcharge protection to its EV chargers, enhancing safety and alleviating customer concerns.
  • Growth of the e-book market: While the e-book market has grown fourfold over the past eight years, physical bookstores still maintain a unique appeal.
  • Electron software vulnerability: A study revealed that ‘Electron,’ commonly used in app development, is vulnerable to hacking attacks.
  • Expansion of app-tech services: App-tech services that offer rewards for watching ads or completing tasks are rapidly expanding, with quiz-based events being a popular method to engage users.

 

Gaming

  • ‘Dungeon & Fighter’ 19th anniversary event: Nexon is celebrating the 19th anniversary of ‘Dungeon & Fighter’ with various events and items, generating high expectations.
  • ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ PS5 physical edition launch: The PS5 physical edition of ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ has been launched, garnering excitement from fans.
  • League of Legends World Championship semifinals: Korean teams T1 and Gen.G both advanced to the semifinals and will face each other in an upcoming match.
  • PUBG Mobile Korea-Japan Rivals Cup: Korea’s MiraeN Sejong team won the PUBG Mobile Rivals Cup 2024 Season 2, defeating Japanese teams.

 

Sports

  • T1 vs. Gen.G in LoL World Championship semifinals: Korean esports teams T1 and Gen.G advanced through the quarterfinals and will face each other in the semifinals.
  • Hyundai wins TCR racing: Hyundai’s team secured first place in the TCR International Racing Series, placing first in the overall team standings.
  • Com2uS predicts KIA Tigers’ Korean Series victory: In a Com2uS user survey, 72% predicted that the KIA Tigers would win the 2024 Korean Series.

 

Environment

  • Opening of Hantan River trail: The Hantan River trail in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, has opened and will remain accessible until December, becoming a new trekking hotspot.
  • Global warming causes frost and cold spells: As temperatures drop in Korea, frost warnings and cold advisories have been issued, highlighting the ongoing effects of climate change.

 

International

  • Impact of Russia-Ukraine war and US election: The 2025 international landscape is expected to shift dramatically depending on the outcome of the US presidential election, compounded by the Russia-Ukraine war and US-China tensions.
  • Continued US protectionism: Regardless of whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins the US presidential election, it is predicted that US protectionist policies will persist.
  • Hyundai’s expected listing in India: Hyundai Motor Company is set to be listed on the Indian stock exchange, with expectations of growth despite a global slump in the automotive market.
  • North Korea’s military support to Russia criticized: North Korea’s deployment of special forces to aid Russia has sparked controversy in the international community, with South Korea voicing strong opposition.