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91.6% of South Koreans Say, "The U.S.-Korea Alliance is Important!"
Credit: Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-Korea alliance, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism revealed a survey conducted by Gallup Korea. The results? 91.6% of Koreans believe that the alliance with the U.S. is crucial. Over half, 53.7%, feel that this partnership needs to be continuously strengthened. When asked about the top areas of U.S. influence on Korea, 57.5% said 'national defense/security', while Korea's most significant impact on the U.S. was identified as 'cultural stuff' by 27%.
Government Approves Amendments to Foreign Exchange Transaction Regulations
Credit: Ministry of Economy and Finance
On September 25th, the 40th Cabinet Meeting discussed and approved the amendments to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Regulations. Key highlights include setting up criteria for registering foreign financial institutions. Those that meet governmental standards like banking and financial soundness can now register and conduct stable Foreign Exchange(forex) trading in the country. Registered foreign banks can trade in the domestic forex market via forex brokers.
Digital Reform in Public Education... "Teachers Need A.I. Skills"
Credit: M Economy News
Experts have voiced that for successful digital transformation in public education. At a forum held on the 22nd, there was a strong pitch for educators to refine their skills. Professor Jeong Jeyoung emphasized that learning should be personalized and that education needs to focus not just on knowledge but also on practical implementation.
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Even During the Chuseok Holiday, "National Museums & Art Galleries will be open."
Credit: Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
The ministry announced a slew of activities for the upcoming Chuseok holiday at 18 national museums and art galleries. Highlights include a free exhibit at the National Museum and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage performances. Regional museums will also host folk games, traditional performances, movie screenings, and cultural events.
Nobel Laureates Visiting Korea Emphasize on "Investment in Education & Science Technology is Crucial for Future"
Five Nobel Prize winners visiting Korea stressed the significance of investing in basic science. Professor Michael Levitt highlighted the necessity of funding education and tech for the future, while Professor George Smoot pointed out the economic benefits of investing in foundational science.
Global COVID-19 Cases Near 200,000; Winter Outbreak Concerns Grow
The world's new COVID-19 cases are nearing 200,000, raising fears of a massive outbreak this winter. WHO urges nations to respond cautiously and recommends limited access to international events.
Police Launch Investigation into Harassment Claims Against a Top Idol
After allegations of harassment against a famous K-pop idol surfaced, the police began their investigation. Though details remain confidential, the case has drawn significant public attention.
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Korea Sees Three Consecutive Years of Below-OECD-Average Growth
South Korea's economy is heading towards its third straight year of growth below the OECD average. Korea might lag behind Japan in growth for the first time since the financial crisis. While significant countries are adjusting their growth forecasts upwards, Korea remains unchanged.
Low-wage Women Shoulder Parenting Alone... High-wage Women Get Help from Husbands, Domestic Workers
A study found that women with kids tend to earn less on average, but high-income-earning women with kids seem to earn even more. The disparity is believed to be due to assistance from spouses and domestic workers.
Korea University Research Team Develops New Nanoparticle with Hybrid Semiconductor-Metal Properties
A local research team has unveiled a groundbreaking nanoparticle between semiconductor and metal properties. The Korea University team tapped into silver selenide semiconductors to clarify the quantum plasmon resonance phenomenon. This study promises to deepen our understanding of material property changes.
Invasion of Invasive Species Threatening Our Ecosystem
The number of foreign species in the country is on the rise. By 2021, the count reached a staggering 2,653. The booming pet market and growing international animal trade are significant culprits. Calls are growing louder for pet owners to act more responsibly.
Daily Briefing on Fukushima Contaminated Water Discharge (Day 72)
South Korean government experts inspected the main facilities in Fukushima. On September 20th, they visited the Fukushima nuclear power plant and examined areas like the central monitoring control room and seawater piping headers following the first discharge. The control room oversees the entire discharge apparatus. The experts confirmed that radiation monitors in transfer equipment remain at regular levels.
E.U. and Japan Discuss Digital Economy Cooperation with the Competition Authorities
On September 4th and 5th, Han Ki-jung, the Chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, had extensive talks in Seoul with Olivier Guersent, the Director-General for Competition at the European Commission, and Kazuyuki Furuya, the Chairman of the Japan Fair Trade Commission. They exchanged views on digital economy challenges and potential collaboration between the authorities.
After a century, the Deoksu Palace 'Dondeokjeon' of the Korean Empire Reopens
Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration
On September 25th, a ceremony commemorated the reopening of Dondeokjeon at Deoksu Palace. It'll officially open to the public from September 26th. Constructed from 1902 to 1903, Dondeokjeon showcased Korea's modern face to Western powers. This Western-style guesthouse was sadly demolished between 1921 and 1926.
Photo by Shutterstock. Seoraksan.
Autumn's Here: Ready for Some Leaf Peeping?
Credit: Korea Forest Service
The peak fall foliage is projected to differ slightly across regions and tree types. Generally, it's expected from mid-October to early November. Based on tree species, the peak days are analyzed as October 26th for oak trees, October 28th for ginkgo trees, and so on. Compared to last year, the foliage is estimated to be a tad late, with places like Seoraksan in Gangwon province expected to peak around October 23rd.
Temporary Government Memorial Hall Presents a Special Exhibition on the Korean Provisional Government
Credit: Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
A special exhibition focusing on media depictions of the Korean Provisional Government's activities after liberation is set to open. It will showcase articles, movies, and publications. Starting from September 26th and running until February 18th next year, it will be held at the National Museum of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
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Koreans Can't Live Without 'Seaweed'... Now, They're Growing It On Land
Pulmuone is developing tech to cultivate seaweed on land. This means year-round production without marine pollution concerns, potentially boosting its stature as an export product.
The Future of A.I. and the Flow of Money
Credit: Kyunghyang Newspaper
Here's a snippet from a column by cartoonist Kim Tae-kwon: "A.I. is already personalizing our education. It curates questions tailored for me. Combining personal storytelling, education, and games through A.I. isn't a distant future. It's feasible now. But why aren't tailored storytelling services around? It doesn't make money. To use something like ChatGPT, you have to pay a pretty penny to a company named OpenAI. I tried making an educational chatbot once, but the costs were a deal-breaker."
Government Investment Makes Blockchain Service Market Jump
Credit: Electronic Times
From 2018 till now, about 95.2 billion won has been poured into blockchain pioneering technology application projects, with a budget of 22.4 billion won earmarked for next year. The aim is to spread high-impact public and private services using blockchain. The ministry is solely focused on nurturing blockchain technology, excluding cryptocurrency. They've backed 94 services, including electronic medical records, donation platforms, product authentication, and voting systems.
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