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.