Society
- Animal Protection Law Sentencing Standards: Killing or severely abusing animals, resulting in death, could lead to a maximum prison sentence of three years.
- Working Conditions of Deceased Special Education Teacher: Following the death of a special education teacher in Incheon who had voiced concerns about excessive workload, calls for improved labor conditions in special education are growing.
- Increase in Major Traffic Accidents in Gyeonggi Province: The high rate of traffic accidents in the region has led to calls for urgent safety measures.
- ‘Police Line for You’ Campaign in Seoul: Seoul police have launched a nighttime safety campaign to enhance public security, adding ‘In Operation’ signs to CCTV poles.
- Arrest of MZ Generation Gangs: Gyeonggi Northern Police arrested numerous young gang members in their 20s and 30s for violent acts and extortion, intensifying the response to youth gang crime.
Economy
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE Sold Out: Samsung’s new model sold out within 5 minutes on its website, highlighting high demand.
- KB Securities On-Site Inspection: The Financial Supervisory Service deployed inspection personnel to KB Securities, emphasizing internal management.
- Shift in Real Estate Investment Patterns: Rising interest rates have altered commercial real estate investment methods, leading to increased alternative investments.
- Savings Product Popularity Rises: Time deposits and savings products have seen significant increases in balances as they gain popularity at major banks.
- Samsung Securities Total Return Product Launch: Samsung Securities launched a total return product aimed at attracting long-term investors by reinvesting all dividends.
Technology/IT
- Successful EdTech Questbook Seminar: Educators and industry experts attended the seminar to share achievements in AI-based learning platforms.
- Low AI Usage Among SMEs: A survey shows that 95% of small and medium enterprises do not use AI, highlighting the need for adoption.
- SK Hynix Releases HBM3E Memory: SK Hynix plans to release HBM3E 16-layer memory samples to key customers in early next year.
- Customized High-Voltage Transformer Supply: Hyosung Heavy Industries secured multiple contracts to supply customized power devices in the European market.
- Hyundai Motor’s IT Talent Recruitment: Hyundai Motor Company launched a specialized training program for electrical, electronic, and IT fields, with regular hiring expected in April.
International
- New York Tourism Sales Mission in Seoul: New York Tourism hosted an event in Seoul, strengthening cooperation with Korea’s tourism industry.
- China’s Declining Marriage Rate: Marriage numbers have dropped significantly in China this year, worsening the country’s demographic crisis.
- K-Food Expansion in North America and Europe: Lotte Wellfood promoted Pepero in Times Square, New York, as part of its global expansion strategy.
- Korean Economic Association Prepares for U.S. Administration Change: A meeting was held with Korea’s former trade representatives to discuss the economic implications of the new U.S. administration.
- Visa-Free Entry for Koreans to China: China announced visa-free entry for Korean nationals until the end of next year, boosting travel between the two countries.
Culture/Arts
- Upcoming Performance of Changgeuk ‘Eun Naichi’: A changgeuk based on the life of late Joseon-period singer Eun Naichi will be performed at the National Theater.
- Blackpink Rosé-Bruno Mars Duet: Their duet ranked 2nd on the UK Official Singles Chart, reflecting significant global popularity.
- Actor Park Sung-hoon in ‘Squid Game Season 2’: Park Sung-hoon joins ‘Squid Game Season 2’ with a new role, exciting fans.
- Musical ‘Marlock Holmes’ Gains Popularity: Unique storytelling and strong performances have boosted ticket reservations for this year-end musical.
Sports
- T1 Wins LoL World Championship: T1 defeated Bilibili Gaming, securing their second consecutive win in the League of Legends World Championship.
- Tekken 8 Pro Gamer Im Soo-hoon Wins Championship: Im Soo-hoon won the SOOP TEKKEN League, solidifying his status as Korea’s top Tekken player.
- Nationwide Marathon Boom: Marathons are becoming increasingly popular across all age groups in Korea.
- Korean Golfer Wins Overseas Tournament: A Korean golfer won a major international tournament, drawing attention from golf fans.
Real Estate/Construction
- Increase in Corporate Office Leasing Demand: The demand for commercial real estate investment and office space leasing has risen amid low-interest rates.
- Active Trading of High-End Apartments in Seongsu-dong: A 20-something buyer acquired an expensive apartment in Seongsu-dong’s Galleria Fore complex.
- Supply of Rental Housing for the Middle Class: The supply of rental housing with options for later purchase is increasing for middle-class households in Seoul.
- Library Construction in Park Setting: Seoul plans to build an automated library with a book retrieval system, funded by MBK Chairman Kim Byung-joo.
Finance/Securities
- KB Securities On-Site Inspection Initiated: The Financial Supervisory Service deployed inspection personnel to KB Securities to enhance management oversight.
- Expanded Inspections of Securities Firms: Major securities firms, including Mirae Asset and KB Securities, are undergoing enhanced on-site inspections.
- Samsung Securities Total Return Product: Samsung Securities launched a total return product that reinvests dividends, targeting long-term investors.
- Visa-Free Travel to China: Stock prices of Korean travel companies have surged following the announcement of visa-free entry to China.
- Increased Popularity of Time Deposits and Savings Accounts: Major banks report a rise in balances of time deposits and savings accounts.
Environment/Climate
- Cold Weather Concrete Development: New concrete that does not require heating for curing in sub-zero temperatures has been developed for winter construction.
- Coal Briquette Support for Vulnerable Households: Woori Financial Group provided 116,000 coal briquettes for winter support to energy-vulnerable households.
- Research on Sustainable Building Materials Increases: Demand for eco-friendly building materials is rising in the construction industry.
Health/Medical
- Collaborative Respiratory Virus Research Agreement: Cesco and Korea University signed an agreement to jointly research respiratory virus care solutions.
- High-Performance Running Shoes Sales Increase: Running shoes sales rose by 65%, reflecting the popularity of running across all age groups.
- Expansion of Expert Counseling Programs: Health counseling programs for youth and middle-aged individuals are expanding.
- Rehabilitation Center Expansion: Major rehabilitation hospitals in Korea are expanding facilities to meet growing demand.
Games
- Pokemon Card Game Pocket Gains Global Popularity: The game surpassed 10 million downloads within four days, demonstrating its widespread appeal.
- T1 Wins League of Legends World Championship: T1 solidified their position as a top team with their second consecutive championship.
- Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Gains Popularity: The open beta achieved 460,000 concurrent users, underscoring high anticipation.
- AppTech Popularity Rises: Services where users watch ads or complete activities to earn rewards are experiencing rapid growth.
- Blue Archive-Papa John’s Collaboration: The popular collaboration with a pizza brand received an enthusiastic response from users.