Opinion: Chinese journalist who raised alarm over COVID is in hiding: is the world noticing?

SEOUL, June 10 (AJU PRESS) - China has finally "freed" citizen journalist Zhang Zhan who was jailed in 2020 for filming and writing about the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan. The charity Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which had campaigned for her release, said it continued to be concerned by her situation, as she remains under strict surveillance by the authorities. RSF added that "partial freedom is not freedom at all." It called for diplomatic intervention &q

June 10, 2024

PHOTOS: Last remaining shantytown in Seoul set for major redevelopment

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - In the shadows of Seoul's affluent Gangnam district sits Guryong Village, the last remaining shantytown in the Korean capital and a stark reminder of the economic inequalities that persist despite the city's wealth. The makeshift slum settlement at the foot of Mt. Daemo was formed by displaced residents forced from their homes during redevelopment projects for the 1986 Asian Games and 1988 Olympics. While luxury apartments tower just across the street, Gury

June 7, 2024

PHOTOS: Cheonggyecheon turns into outdoor library

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - The beloved Cheonggyecheon stream that winds through downtown Seoul is transformed into a huge outdoor library every Friday and Saturday from April 18 to Nov. 10 as part of the city's efforts to promote reading and foster a literary culture. During the Seoul Outdoor Library event organized by Seoul Metropolitan Library, visitors can enjoy reading while listening to the sound of water and music. It features around 2,000 diverse books, including picture books

June 7, 2024

LG Uplus, GIST to establish AI-powered metaverse platform

SEOUL, June 07 (AJU PRESS) - LG Uplus, a telecom operator, has partnered with the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) to establish an artificial intelligence-based metaverse platform for tech-savvy young students. The two sides recently signed a cooperation agreement designed to enhance the educational experience for students adept at remote learning by providing an immersive virtual world, the company said. The artificial intelligence capabilities of GIST, locate

June 7, 2024

PHOTOS: Faker Temple honors esports legend

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - Faker Temple, which honors esports legend Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, of T1, has been established at the HiKR Ground in central Seoul. Celebrating the first professional player inducted into the League of Legends Hall of Fame, the event will run from May 29 to June 16. Visitors can experience the Faker Exam, a Worship Faker zone, and various other programs, activities, and merchandise.

June 7, 2024

U.S. expert defends projection of huge oil, gas reserves off Korean coast

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - A U.S. geological expert on Friday reasserted his projection of potentially vast oil and gas reserves off Korea's eastern coast as the government strives to address doubts following this week's announcement of an exploratory drilling plan. President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday announced the discovery of the prospects based on U.S. geoscience consulting firm ACT-Geo's projection that as much as 14 billion barrels-equivalent of gas and oil may be bu

June 7, 2024

Doctors at top Korean hospital to strike over medical student increase

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - Doctors at Seoul National University Hospital, Korea's top medical institution, have decided to go on strike starting June 17, escalating their protest against the government's plan to sharply increase the enrollment of medical students. The SNUH professors' emergency committee said Friday that SNUH and three affiliated hospitals will indefinitely stop providing all medical services except for emergency rooms and intensive care units. The d

June 7, 2024

Unionized workers stage first strike at Samsung Electronics

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - Unionized workers at Samsung Electronics staged the first-ever strike at the tech giant on Wednesday, with the one-day action expected to have minimal impact on production. The National Samsung Electronics Labor Union had instructed its 28,000 members to use paid leave on the day after wage negotiations with the management fell apart early last week. The union, which represents 22 percent of the 125,000 employees of the world's largest maker of mem

June 7, 2024

Why young couples opt for unconventional weddings

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - Sharing wedding vows in front of hundreds of guests in a formal and sacred ceremony has long been the norm for most Koreans, something they might experience at least once in their lifetime, although it comes with extravagant bills. But amid economic downturn along with the erosion of traditional values, many cash-strapped young couples now turn to more intimate and casual weddings. These weddings usually come in the form of private parties or simple fes

June 7, 2024

Surge in online threats as anxiety grips more Koreans

SEOUL, June 7 (AJU PRESS) - "I'll kill 50 people at Seoul Station on May 24. I don't care whether they would be men or women." This eerily threat was the latest in a series of disturbing posts uploaded online, causing fear and anxiety among Koreans. Korea, a country long known for its relative public safety, has seen an alarming rise in online threats that spill into actual violent crimes. Similar distressing posts frequently surface on online forums like Dcinsi

June 7, 2024