Number of students at high risk of suicide rises for second straight year: survey

SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - The number of Korean students at high risk of suicide has increased for two consecutive years, according to data from the Ministry of Education submitted to the National Assembly Research Service (NARS) on Wednesday. The survey, conducted annually, shows a worrying trend among elementary, middle, and high school students. South Korea's youth suicide rate stood at 25.2 per 100,000 people in 2022, more than double the OECD average of 10.7 per 100,000. Go

August 28, 2024

Street in New York to be renamed in honor of Otto Warmbier

SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - A stretch of road in front of the North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York is expected to be renamed in honor of Otto Warmbier, an American college student. Warmbier, a student of the University of Virginia, was imprisoned and tortured in North Korea in 2016 on an unclear charge of subversion. He died shortly after being released in a vegetative state in 2017. The Manhattan Community Board 6, a New York city community board, said on Tuesday

August 28, 2024

Foreign Ministry warns Korean religious group to evacuate from Israel amid escalating tensions

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Amid rising conflicts between Israel and militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Tuesday issued an urgent evacuation warning for a religious group of 180 Koreans currently in Israel. Israel is a key pilgrimage destination for Korean Christians, who visit holy sites such as Jerusalem, believed to be the location of Jesus' crucifixion and tomb, and Bethlehem, regarded as His birthplace. The country attracts around t

August 27, 2024

South Korea to increase financial aid for North Korean defectors

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - South Korea will boost financial assistance for North Korean defectors, as part of its budget plans for next year. The Unification Ministry said Tuesday that its proposed budget stands at 1.55 trillion Korean won (US$1.17 billion), down 3.7 percent from this year. However, the proposal includes a 50-percent increase in the initial lump-sum payment given to North Korean defectors to help them settle and adapt to their new life in South Korea. The proposal,

August 27, 2024

Jeju's popularity wanes among Korean travelers: survey

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Once a top destination for those seeking scenic beauty, gourmet food, and outdoor activities, the southern resort island of Jeju is losing its luster among Korean vacationers, according to a survey released Tuesday. Jeju, a favorite getaway for decades due to its proximity to Seoul and reputation as a tranquil retreat, is now struggling to maintain its allure. Rising costs have made it more expensive to visit Jeju than destinations in Southeast Asia, like Vi

August 27, 2024

Korea swiftly secures COVID-19 treatments amid rising cases

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Amid a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, Korea has swiftly secured some 177,000 doses of treatments, according to health authorities. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said earlier this week that shipments totaling 262,000 doses have been arriving in phases since mid-August, with approximately 5,000 doses being administered daily. The number of COVID-19 cases has surged recently, increasing from 226 in the thir

August 27, 2024

About 80 Korean athletes gear up for Paris Paralympics

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - This year's Summer Paralympics in Paris are set to begin with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, about two weeks after the Olympics in the French capital. The ceremony is taking place on the Champs-Élysées, near the Triumphal Arch, where the Paralympic symbol, known as the Agitos, is already proudly displayed for the quadrennial global sporting event. About 4,400 physically-challenged athletes from 184 countries will compete in some 23 di

August 27, 2024

Burger chains in Korea spice up menus with local flavors

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Hamburgers, a staple of American fast food, are creatively evolving in Korea with traditional condiments and authentic local ingredients. Last month, Korean burger franchises Lotteria and No Brand Burger added new menus along with varied versions of their previous offerings, featuring bulgogi (Korean-style marinated beef) and kimchi (Korea's traditional fermented cabbage), either blended into the patty or used as toppings. "Intrigued by its hefty

August 27, 2024

Korea enhances security reviews for foreign investments

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - The Korean government will tighten control over foreign investments deemed to pose national security risks and involve cutting-edge domestic technologies, officials said Monday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that a revised enforcement ordinance of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act will take effect Tuesday to better protect national security and domestic tech companies. Under the new rule, authorities can conduct ex officio

August 26, 2024

Senior employment in Korea hits all-time high amid aging population

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - Elderly people aged 60 and over accounted for a record high of 22.4 percent of the total workforce in South Korea this year, government data showed Monday. According to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and Statistics Korea, the average monthly number of employed individuals in the 60-plus age group during the first seven months totaled about 6.4 million. Both their number and proportion in the total workforce were the highest on record. The perce

August 26, 2024