[INTERVIEW] Romanian labor law expert advises S. Korea to rebuild work-life balance environment

SEOUL -- Corneliu Bente, the president of Romania's national labor law expert union, has urged that South Korean firms should create a work culture that places importance on work-life balance. The president, who is also a lecturer at Romania's labor relations expert training center "LexAcademy Romania," said low fertility rate will be maintained if citizens are excessively focused on their careers. Currently, South Korea's labor law allows 40 hours of regul

May 26, 2023

S. Korea to lead food safety policies in Asia-Pacific region through consultative body 'APFRAS'

SEOUL -- South Korea was selected to lead food policies through a consultative body for heads of food regulators in the Asia-Pacific region. The joint body was founded to establish a safe food distribution infrastructure and handle various problems in the global food sector. The consultative body called "Asia-Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit (APFRAS)" was launched to respond to rapidly changing food environments and issues in the Asia-Pacific region, the Ministry

May 26, 2023

[OPINION] "Memorial Day – Reflection and Renewal"

KENOSHA -- Memorial Day, celebrated on May 29, is cause for contemplation as well as ceremonies. Parades featuring people in uniform – those currently serving, those who

May 26, 2023

S. Korea succeeds in launching homemade rocket into space

SEOUL -- South Korea has successfully launched the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-2 (KSLV-2), known as "Nuri" rocket, putting satellites into orbit at an altitude of 550 kilometers (341 miles). A state-run research station in Antarctica has also communicated with the homegrown rocket's main satellite. The third Nuri carrying a commercial satellite started at a rocket launch site located in Goheung some 330 kilometers south of Seoul at 6:24 p.m. (0924 GMT) on May 25. The r

May 25, 2023

Big Hit to host festival in Seoul to celebrate BTS' 10th debut anniversary

SEOUL -- BTS' agency will greet fans through "2023 BTS FESTA," a festival that will be held in June to celebrate the group's 10th debut anniversary. The seven-member band debuted on June 13, 2013. Big Hit, the band's agency, uploaded a promotional video of BTS FESTA on Twitter to tell fans about the annual event, which will begin on June 12. Without disclosing specific information, the agency said the 14-day festival will take place at various attractions in t

May 25, 2023

​Court dismisses arrest warrant for actor Yoo Ah-in over drug use

SEOUL -- A South Korean court has dismissed an arrest warrant for Yoo Ah-in, a promising actor on charges of drug use. Prosecutors have requested the warrant on suspicion of five illegal drugs including cocaine, propofol, a powerful anesthetic, and zolpidem, a sedative primarily used for the treatment of insomnia. "It is difficult to conclude that there is apprehension for the suspect of destroying evidence or fleeing beyond the scope of his right to defend himself," Lee

May 25, 2023

BTS member J-Hope completes basic training at army boot camp

SEOUL -- BTS' main dancer J-Hope has completed his basic training at an army boot camp located in Wonju some 86.8 kilometers (53.9 miles) east of Seoul. After receiving a military occupational specialty, the 29-year-old will be assigned to his unit where he would spend the rest of his time with fellow soldiers for about 16 months and three weeks. In South Korea, all able-bodied males who are 18 and older must do their military service unless they have a valid reason for exempti

May 24, 2023

[OPINION] The G7 and the Framework for Peace

KENOSHA -- Government leaders of the influential Group of Seven (G7) met in Japan during May 19-21. Last June, they gathered at the elegant Schloss Elmau, in picturesque Bavari

May 24, 2023

S. Korea postpones launch of homemade rocket due to technical problems

SEOUL -- South Korea has postponed the launch of Korea Space Launch Vehicle-II, nicknamed "Nuri," due to technical problems found about two and a half hours before launch. The science ministry said that a communication problem occurred between a computer that controls the low-temperature helium supply valves and its counterpart computer installed at the launch facility. The first Nuri carrying a dummy satellite was fired into space in October 2021 but it failed to put the

May 24, 2023

Researchers find dramatic weight change could increase mortality risk for middle-aged and older people

SEOUL -- Researchers have found that dramatic weight change could increase the risk of death for people aged 40 and older. The research team said those experiencing such changes of more than three percent of their total weight during a two-year period without any clear reasons are required to visit a doctor and thoroughly check their body. A joint research team consisting of endocrinologists at Samsung Medical Center and Daegu Catholic University Medical Center has confirmed the re

May 24, 2023