Japan voices regret over S. Korea's non-attendance of Sado memorial

This July 28, 2024, file photo shows an exit of the Sado mine complex on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. (Yonhap) The Japanese government on Sunday expressed regret over South Korea's decision not to attend a memorial ceremony in Japan honoring forced labor victims, including Koreans, at an old Japanese mine complex. The Japanese Embassy in Seoul made the remarks in response to a question by Yonhap News Agency, a day after South Korea decided not to attend the ceremony on Japan�

Diplomatic CircuitNov. 24, 2024

S. Korea not to attend Sado mine memorial: foreign ministry

  South Korea will not be attending a memorial ceremony scheduled to take place in Japan to honor wartime forced labor victims, including many Koreans, from an old Japanese mine complex, the foreign ministry said Saturday. The decision, made only a day before the planned ceremony, came after Tokyo announced that a Japanese vice foreign minister with an apparent hard-line political stance on past history will be attending the ceremony as its government representative. "We have decided n

PoliticsNov. 23, 2024

Gyeongju blends old with new

Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC–935 AD) in today's North Gyeongsang Province in the southeastern Korean Peninsula, is sometimes called a “roofless museum” for its centuries-old temples, palaces, royal tombs and treasures scattered around different areas of the city. With great accessibility to Silla’s legacy along with a blend of nature, history and culture, the city enjoys a reputation among Koreans as a must-visit tourist destination. The

TravelNov. 23, 2024

[What to Play] Cozy songs to warm you up

As winter's chill sets in, cozy up with the soothing sounds of Zion. T's "Snow," a smooth and soulful track that perfectly captures the serene beauty of the season. For a more upbeat yet equally cozy vibe, NewJeans' "Ditto" brings a warm, dreamy atmosphere that pairs wonderfully with a hot drink by the fireplace. Lee Mujin’s "When It Snows" offers a soft, heartfelt melody that perfectly complements the peacefulness of a snowy day. These songs wi

weekenderNov. 23, 2024

[Weekender] Korea's traditional sauce culture gains global recognition

South Korea's traditional culture of making "jang," a culinary practice encompassing knowledge and techniques related to the production of fermented soybean condiments, is poised to gain global recognition, as UNESCO considers adding it to the list of intangible cultural assets. On Nov. 5, an evaluation body under UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage recommended Korea’s “Knowledge, beliefs, and practices relate

weekenderNov. 23, 2024

Toxins at 622 times legal limit found in kids' clothes from Chinese platforms

Toxic substances up to 622 times Korea’s permitted levels were found in children’s winter clothing sold on Chinese e-commerce platforms, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday. In the latest safety inspection conducted by the city government on 26 items of winter clothing for children and infants from Temu, Shein and AliExpress, toxic chemicals were found on seven products. One children’s jacket sold on Temu contained phthalate plasticizers -- toxic chemicals that can di

Social AffairsNov. 23, 2024

At Gwangcheonok, try North Korean-style sundae gukbap

Nestled in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Gwangcheonok is known for its authentic North Korean-style soups and traditional flavors. It is a hidden gem for those seeking to explore the subtle yet comforting taste of North Korean cuisine, known for more restrained seasoning compared to its South Korean counterpart. One of Gwangcheonok’s signature offerings is the sundae gukbap, a hearty soup featuring slices of Korean blood sausage — sundae — served with rice. While many Koreans are familiar

FoodNov. 23, 2024

Over 80,000 malicious calls made to Seoul call center since 2020

There have been 80,368 calls made with possibly malicious intent to the 120 Dasan Seoul Call Center from 2020 to October this year, the state-run foundation for the city's official information service said during a conference on Wednesday. The 120 Dasan Call Foundation hosted a seminar on the emotional labor of call center workers at the Seoul City Hall, during which it revealed the statistics related to problematic complaints or calls made to the call center. It defined malicious petitio

Social AffairsNov. 23, 2024

Trump picks ex-N. Korea policy official as his principal deputy national security adviser

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump named Alex Wong, who was engaged in working-level nuclear talks with North Korea during his first term, as his principal deputy national security adviser amid expectations he could seek to reengage with Pyongyang after returning to office. Trump issued a statement on his decision to appoint Wong, who served as the deputy special representative for North Korea and the deputy assistant secretary for North Korea in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at th

Foreign AffairsNov. 23, 2024

BLACKPINK's Rose stays at No. 3 on British Official Singles chart with 'APT.'

Rose of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK has maintained her third position on the British Official Singles Chart Top 100 for the third consecutive week with "APT.," her collaboration with global pop icon Bruno Mars. It marks the fifth consecutive week that the song has stayed in the top 10. The single's position remained unchanged from last week at No. 3, behind U.S. singer-songwriters Gracie Abrams' "That's So True" and Gigi Perez's "Sailor Song," acc

K-popNov. 23, 2024

What you need to know about Adani's US bribery indictment

BENGALURU (Reuters) -- Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has been indicted by US prosecutors for his alleged role in a $265 million scheme to bribe Indian officials, sending shockwaves across his eponymous $142 billion ports-to-soybeans business conglomerate. Here is what you need to know about the US indictment. THE MAJOR US INDICTMENT Gautam Adani, one of world's richest people, faces his biggest challenge after being charged with seven others for alleged bribery related to power supply dea

World NewsNov. 22, 2024

Hyundai Motor’s Genesis US push challenged by Trump’s tariff hike: sources

The US sales expansion of Hyundai Motor Company’s luxury brand, Genesis, may face setbacks with President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariff hikes, according to industry sources Friday. The incoming Trump administration, set to begin its term on Jan. 20 next year, reportedly plans to implement up to 20 percent tariffs on most goods from other countries in line with its campaign pledges. Currently, Genesis exports most of its vehicles manufactured in Korea to the US. Hyundai Motor&r

MobilityNov. 22, 2024

Oasis confirms first Korean concert in 16 years

Legendary Britpop group Oasis confirmed it would perform in South Korea next year, marking the band's first concert here in 16 years. Event organizer Live Nation Korea announced on Friday that Oasis will hold a concert on Oct. 21 next year at the Goyang Sports Complex. Tickets for the event will go on sale exclusively through Interpark Ticket from Nov. 29 at noon. Oasis confirmed the news via the band's official social media, posting, "South Korea, Our new best friends. Hold on. O

PerformanceNov. 22, 2024

North Korean leader ‘convinced’ dialogue won’t change US hostility

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his previous efforts for dialogue and diplomacy could not change US hostility toward his country. “We had explored every path we can with the US through dialogue. The only outcome that can come from it, I am convinced, is the superpower’s implacable logic of force and unchanging policy of hostility toward our country,” Kim was quoted saying in the Workers’ Party of Korea-affiliated newspaper Rodong Simun on Friday. Kim has yet to offic

North KoreaNov. 22, 2024

Russia sent 'anti-air' missiles to Pyongyang, Yoon's aide says

President Yoon Suk Yeol's national security adviser said Friday that Russia had already provided North Korea with military equipment and "anti-air" weapons in return for North Korea's recent troop dispatch to the Ukraine war. Shin Won-sik, director of the presidential National Security Office, said in a televised interview with SBS Friday that these weapons were sent to Pyongyang, which would "allow North Korea to address vulnerabilities in its anti-air defense capability." T

PoliticsNov. 22, 2024

Naver Webtoon promises creative freedom, responsible webtoon platform

Naver Webtoon, South Korean tech giant Naver’s online platform for comics, manga and webtoons, announced Friday that it will improve policies to create an appropriate environment for its creators and readers, while apologizing for the recent controversy involving webtoon series “Pong Pong Man From Another World.” The series follows the story of a 39-year-old man and his wife, who married a financially stable man purely for economic gain. It came under fire for misogyny in Sep

CultureNov. 22, 2024