Korea toughens stance against Japanese pressure on Naver

SEOUL, May 14 (AJU PRESS) - The Korean government on Tuesday hardened its rhetoric against Tokyo's pressure on the top internet portal Naver to sell down its stake in the operator of Japan's popular chat app Line. Sung Tae-yoon, director of national policy at the presidential office, said Japan should not take unfair measures on Naver while promising full support for the company in the escalating dispute. Following a massive data breach from Line late last year, Japanes

May 14, 2024

PHOTOS: Medical care stalled in doctor-government dispute

SEOUL, May 14 (AJU PRESS) - The months-long standoff between doctors and the government over a plan to increase medical school enrollments is disrupting operations at large hospitals nationwide. The crisis is impacting health and medical workers. Members of the Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union rallied Tuesday, urging a swift resolution and a return to normal medical care.

May 14, 2024

Mid-sized companies seek government support amid trade challenges

SEOUL, May 14 (AJU PRESS) -- The association of mid-sized companies in Korea has called for government support to enhance corporate competitiveness in light of the growing trade protectionism worldwide. At a forum on Monday, Choi Jin-shik, chair of the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea (FOMEK), urged the government to ease the environmental and labor regulations and improve corporate taxes. “We should not overlook the reality that all countries including a

May 14, 2024

Cuban diplomat visits Seoul for discussions on establishing embassy

SEOUL, May 14 (AJU PRESS) - South Korea is seeking to open a Cuban embassy here after agreeing to normalize diplomatic relations with the Caribbean country earlier this year. Discussions about the establishment of the embassy in Seoul are in progress as a Cuban diplomat arrived in Seoul over the weekend, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday. Mario Alzugaray Rodriguez, the deputy head of mission of the Embassy of Cuba in China, met his South Korean counterparts to discuss

May 14, 2024

Emart24, Bithumb partner in Bitcoin lunch box campaign

SEOUL, May 14 (AJU PRESS) - Emart24, a leading convenience store chain in Korea, is selling Bitcoin-themed lunch boxes in partnership with Bithumb, a cryptocurrency exchange, in a campaign to promote digital currencies. The Bitcoin Lunch Box, launched on May 7, contains a coupon that can be exchanged for 10,000 won worth of Bitcoin. Customers need to access the Bithumb app via a QR code on the coupon and enter the coupon number. Users can receive an additional 20,000 won worth of

May 14, 2024

Enhyphen's new album tops iTunes charts in nine countries one day after release

SEOUL, May 14 (AJU PRESS) -- "Memorabilia," the latest album by K-pop boy band Enhyphen, topped iTunes album charts in nine countries Tuesday, just one day after its release, its agency said. The six-track album was dropped on Monday and debuted at the top position in the Philippines, India, Brazil and other countries as of 9:00 a.m., according to Belift Lab. It also made the top 10 list in 21 countries. The album's title track, "Fatal Trouble," was includ

May 14, 2024

Hospitals required to check patients' IDs to curb health insurance abuse

SEOUL, May 14 (AJU PRESS) - Starting next week, patients will be required to present their valid IDs to receive medical treatment at hospitals and clinics in Korea, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) said Tuesday. The stricter ID checks are part of measures to prevent foreigners or others from abusing the state health insurance coverage, amid concerns about the lavish use of medical insurance by some foreigners who exploit health benefits using aliases or forged identities

May 14, 2024

PHOTOS: Riverside park ablaze with yellow: The Hangang Seoraeseom Flower Festival

SEOUL, May 13 (AJU PRESS) - The vibrant Hangang Seoraeseom Flower Festival is in full swing, transforming Seorae Island within Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul, into a sea of yellow from May 10 to 19. This popular spring celebration, established in 2004, takes place on the artificial island. Beyond the sprawling fields of rapeseed flowers, the festival offers a variety of attractions for all ages. Visitors can capture memories at nine themed photo zones, including one featuring the giant air ballo

May 14, 2024

PHOTOS: Overtourism at Bukchon Hanok Village

SEOUL, May 13 (AJU PRESS) - Bukchon Hanok Village, nestled in the heart of Seoul, is a major tourist draw. This historic neighborhood, lined with traditional Korean houses (hanoks), offers visitors a glimpse into the country's past. However, while it thrives as a cultural destination, Bukchon remains a residential area. With the approaching summer picnic season, concerns are rising over the impact of increased tourism. Influxes of foreign visitors and student field trips have brought nois

May 14, 2024

Opinion: International Booker prize 2024: six expert reviews of shortlisted books

SEOUL, May 14 (AJU PRESS) - From a longlist of 12, six novels have been shortlisted for the 2023 International Booker prize. Our academics review the finalists ahead of the announcement of the winner on May 21. Not a River by Selva Almada, translated by Annie McDermott In Not a River, the final instalment in Selva Almada's "trilogy of men," past and present collide in a nightmarish sleepwalk towards inevitable violence. Two men take Tilo, the son of their friend E

May 14, 2024