News outlets embrace freemium models to enhance readers' engagement and revenue

The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) issued its annual report "Innovation in News Media World Report 2024-25" in late May, highlighting major challenges faced by the global news industry. The following is the third in a four-part series summarizing key insights from the report. This third installment focuses on freemium models. – Ed. SEOUL, June 18 (AJU PRESS) - The news industry is transitioning from metered paywalls to freemium models, which offer a

June 18, 2024

PHOTOS: Exhibition features works of British street artist Banksy

SEOUL, June 18 (AJU PRESS) - The exhibition "Real Banksy: Banksy Is Nowhere" is underway at Ground Seoul in central Seoul. Running from May 10 to Oct. 20, it is the largest Banksy exhibition ever held in South Korea. It includes 29 works officially certified by Pest Control, the authentication body established by the British street artist, as well as approximately 130 paintings, videos and photographs. Banksy's works are typically spray-painted murals, some of which are repro

June 18, 2024

Medical service disruptions set to worsen as more doctors join strike

SEOUL, June 18 (AJU PRESS) - Doctors at private clinics went on a full-scale strike on Tuesday, joining the ongoing protest by trainee doctors at university hospitals. This worsening situation, sparked by the government's radical reform plans to increase admission quotas at medical schools, could lead to disruptions for patients, resulting in an unprecedented medical service vacuum in Korea. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Tuesday, only 4.02 percent of docto

June 18, 2024

PHOTOS: Exhibition immerses fans in horror of manga artist Junji Ito

SEOUL, June 18 (AJU PRESS) - An immersive exhibition featuring the world-renowned horror manga artist Junji Ito opened in Seoul on Saturday for a three-month run. The exhibition, titled "Junji Ito Horror House," runs from June 15 to Sept. 8 at Duex in Hongdae, a popular youth hotspot in Seoul. Ito’s horror manga works have captivated readers globally. Many of his stories have been adapted into films and animations, including the anime "Junji Ito Maniac," released

June 18, 2024

Opinion: TikTok star Munya Chawawa takes on N. Korea in new documentary – it follows a long tradition of western media poking fun at Kim family's regime

SEOUL, June 18 (AJU PRESS) - Munya Chawawa, who is best known for his satirical comedy sketches aimed at educating and entertaining a Gen Z audience, has made a new documentary about Kim Jong-un's North Korea. "How to Survive a Dictator" premiered at Sheffield's DocFest on June 13, and will be broadcast on Channel 4 later this year. The documentary attempts a fresh take on North Korea. It includes serious interviews with experts, activists and escapees from the c

June 18, 2024

Putin heads to Pyongyang amid deepening military ties

SEOUL, June 18 (AJU PRESS) - Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting North Korea this week. Putin is set to "visit North Korea from June 18 to 19 at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un," Pyongyang's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Monday. Putin's two-day visit starting Tuesday follows his summit with Kim in Vladivostok in September last year. This reciprocal visit to Pyongyang comes more than two decades after his last visit to t

June 18, 2024

Korea, China to hold diplomatic and security dialogue in Seoul

SEOUL, June 17 (AJU PRESS) - Korea and China are scheduled to hold their first round of diplomatic and security dialogue on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Monday. The high-level meeting between Korean and Chinese government officials follows their agreement at a trilateral summit held in Seoul late last month, attended by President Yoon Suk-yeol, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The Foreign Ministry here said that Korean offici

June 17, 2024

SK chief to appeal record divorce settlement, claiming 'critical error' in ruling

SEOUL, June 17 (AJU PRESS) - SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won said Monday he will appeal a recent court ruling in his divorce lawsuit, claiming a "critical error" in the court’s decision on property division between him and his estranged wife. On May 28, the Seoul High Court ordered Chey to pay 1.38 trillion won ($1 billion) in property division and 2 billion won in alimony to his wife, Roh Soh-yeong, in the nation’s largest-ever divorce settlement. "An o

June 17, 2024

Korea to streamline entry procedures for tourists to revitalize tourism

SEOUL, June 17 (AJU PRESS) - In a bid to attract more tourists and boost revenue, the government Monday announced a series of plans to simplify entry procedures and enhance travel conveniences for foreign travelers. Korea's tourism industry was severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with the number of foreign visitors plummeting from 17.5 million in 2019 to 970,000 in 2021. Thanks to the increasing popularity of K-pop and Korean dramas in the global market, tourism is

June 17, 2024

Opinion: Unemployment and economic travails loom large over Modi's third term

SEOUL, June 17 (AJU PRESS) - After a year-long spectacle of grand roadshows spanning the nation and heated debates with rival parties, Narendra Modi, leading the coalition of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured victory in national elections, ensuring the way for his historic third consecutive term as India's Prime Minister. However, his victory falls short of expectations. The NDA alliance won 292 seats combined, far behind his bullish target of 400 seats. Modi&rsqu

June 17, 2024