Korea Daily News (December 23, 2024)

Politics

  • The People Power Party demanded the Democratic Party withdraw its recommendations for Constitutional Court judge candidates.
  • Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon urged the acting president to immediately initiate a special investigation into rebellion-related issues.
  • U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg met with ruling and opposition party leaders to discuss strengthening Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation and economic exchanges.
  • People Power Party lawmakers Kim Dae-sik and Jo Jung-hoon were invited to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration ball on January 20, 2025.
  • The Catholic Church was the first religious group to issue an apology and demand accountability over the December 3 martial law incident.

 

Economy

  • Shinsegae Centum City Department Store in Busan became the first non-metropolitan department store to surpass annual sales of 2 trillion KRW.
  • The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported an 86% employment rate for semiconductor training graduates, with plans to expand programs next year.
  • Kakao Bank extended the exemption period for mortgage prepayment fees until June 2025.
  • Gold and silver ETFs showed recent declines amid a strong dollar, following significant growth earlier this year.
  • Asiana Airlines announced the supply of 9,000 mileage seats for the Gimpo-Jeju route in early 2025.

 

Society

  • A woman in her 40s saved three lives through organ donation and provided hope to over 100 others.
  • Government officials were caught embezzling public funds by falsifying documents for office supply purchases.
  • Kim Na-young donated 100 million KRW of YouTube revenue to support single mothers.
  • KT Hope Sharing Foundation awarded its Hope Sharing Award to a couple who practiced giving by repairing shoes.
  • A multicultural child, Felicia, received heart surgery in Korea and aspires to become a doctor to help others.

 

Technology/IT

  • NH Investment & Securities partnered with leading AI graduate schools to establish an AI-industry collaboration center.
  • Nexon Games donated 10 million KRW for pediatric cancer treatment and conducted a blood donation campaign.
  • Kakao Games’ “Path of Exile 2” ranked 11th in PC cafe popularity.
  • Netmarble launched a new server, “Erzebet,” for Lineage 2 Revolution with substantial benefits for new players.
  • Smilegate offered winter discounts for its open-world survival RPG, “If Sunset.”

 

Culture

  • Stray Kids achieved their sixth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
  • Media N Art hosted an exhibition of Gustav Klimt’s artwork.
  • Actress Kim Bu-seon sparked controversy with political remarks on her YouTube channel.
  • Seoul National University Dental Hospital announced plans to globalize its specialized dental services for people with disabilities.
  • Band DAY6 sold out their concert at Gocheok Sky Dome.

 

International

  • Vietnam resumed construction on Ho Chi Minh City’s first subway line with funding support from Japan.
  • A trend of single Chinese women wearing “fake baby bumps” for photoshoots gained attention.
  • Turkish Airlines set a Guinness World Record as the airline serving the most countries worldwide.
  • Reports emerged about the potential sale of The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos.
  • Donald Trump secured a $100 billion investment promise from Masayoshi Son.

 

Environment

  • Hyundai Department Store collaborated with the fashion industry to tackle climate-change-induced challenges.
  • NetEase Games addressed environmental pollution in its new game scenario, “Code: Purify.”
  • Gangwon Province’s Yeongwol County launched “Solo Dining” certified restaurants for single travelers.
  • Daeyeol Boiler worked to overcome European environmental regulations through innovation.
  • The government introduced measures to adjust construction costs following failed bids for major national projects.

 

Real Estate/Construction

  • Construction cost adjustments announced for major national projects, including Gadeokdo Airport.
  • Jungheung Group held an awards ceremony for its outstanding partner companies.
  • Lotte donated 7 billion KRW to support underprivileged youth and small business owners.
  • Re-bidding commenced for large-scale infrastructure projects like Seoul’s underground drainage tunnels.
  • New public rental housing projects set to break ground in the first half of next year.

 

Health/Medical

  • SK Bioscience signed a joint development agreement with Sanofi for a next-generation pneumococcal vaccine.
  • Kyobo Life Insurance launched a health insurance product that provides lifetime coverage for dementia and caregiving.
  • Ceragem introduced the “Pause M8” full-body massage chair.
  • Seoul National University Dental Hospital aims to globalize its disability-focused dental services.
  • Nine-year-old Felicia shared her dream of becoming a doctor after receiving life-saving heart surgery in Korea.

 

Gaming

  • Nexon hosted various game events to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
  • Com2uS launched global pre-registration for its new title, “Summoners War: Rush.”
  • Kakao Games’ “Path of Exile 2” gained popularity in PC cafes.
  • Nexon Games supported pediatric cancer patients with donations and blood donation campaigns.
  • “Mabinogi” introduced new storylines and NPCs with its winter update.

 

Travel/Leisure

  • Japan’s Hoshino Resorts launched winter promotions targeting tourists.
  • Hanwha Resorts offered up to 56% discounts on winter packages.
  • Air Seoul held special promotions to attract budget travelers to Japan.
  • Lahan Hotel partnered with Mokpo youth for local travel packages.
  • Mode Tour promoted Southeast Asia and Japan travel deals for the Lunar New Year holiday.

 

Finance

  • NH Amundi Asset Management reported a 90% annual return for its generative AI ETF.
  • Kakao Bank extended its mortgage prepayment fee exemption.
  • Gold and silver ETFs experienced a downturn due to a strong dollar.
  • NH Investment & Securities partnered with Seoul National University and KAIST for AI research.
  • Korea Investment Trust Management announced a 37% three-month return on its K-pop ETF.