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Korea demands years of Google records over sex-crime victim data exposure

The Korean government said Friday it is reviewing Google’s potential legal liability over the exposure of sensitive personal information submitted in digital sex-crime content removal requests, while demanding that the tech firm disclose whether similar cases occurred dating back to 2018. Gender Equality and Family Minister Won Min-kyung said the ministry, along with the Korea Media and Communications Commission, is closely examining whether Google violated laws governing the punishment of sexual crimes, telecommunications services and information-and-communications networks. Separately on the same day, the Personal Information Protection Commission launched an investigation into the incident, requesting materials from Google to establish the facts about how the information was leaked and ended up on an external website. This comes after the ministry found on Aug. 25 that some information submitted to Google by victims of digital sex crimes and human rights organizations seeking the removal of illegal sexual content had been posted on a third-party website, whose name was not disclose

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KB Financial picks Lee Jae-keun as next chairman

KB Financial Group selected Vice Chairman Lee Jae-keun as its next chairman for a three-year term, the financial holding company said Friday. Lee was selected over incumbent Chairman Yang Jong-hee and former Woori Bank CEO Kwon Kwang-seok. His appointment is due to be finalized at a shareholder meeting on Nov. 20, when Yang's current term expires. "The group selected Lee to lead a bold transformation and generational shift as it seeks to strengthen its core competitiveness and secure new growth engines beyond its current strong performance," the group's chairman recommendation committee said in a statement.

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FM Cho tells Iran no decision made on possible Hormuz deployment during ministerial talks

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told his Iranian counterpart Friday that Seoul has made no decision on a possible deployment of military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, officials said, amid speculation over Seoul's possible military role in securing the strategic waterway. Cho made the remarks during phone talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi as Seoul is weighing options for contributing to efforts to secure the strait amid U.S. pressure. Iran has strongly opposed any foreign military involvement. During the talks, Cho expressed deep concern over the recent situation in the Middle East and voiced hope that sustainable peace and stability would be restored in the region, according to the ministry. On the Strait of Hormuz, Cho underscored Seoul's consistent position that the free and safe passage of all vessels must be guaranteed and reiterated South Korea's continued participation in international efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway. "Cho conveyed our position that no decision has been made regarding a possible deployment and stressed the

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Court acquits ex-President Yoon in power abuse case over envoy appointment

A Seoul court on Friday acquitted former President Yoon Suk Yeol of charges of helping a former defense minister evade a criminal investigation by naming him ambassador to Australia in 2023. The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon not guilty of multiple charges brought by special counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon's team, including aiding a criminal's flight and abuse of power. The team had sought a five-year prison term for Yoon, accusing him of ordering the appointment of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup as ambassador to Australia in November 2023 to help him evade an investigation into the alleged cover-up of a Marine's death earlier that year. The special counsel team said it would decide whether to appeal after reviewing the ruling, while Yoon's lawyers welcomed the acquittal as an "extremely obvious" conclusion. The special counsel team argued during the trial that Yoon had sent Lee, a key suspect in the alleged cover-up case, abroad in a clear attempt to obstruct the investigation targeting his administration. The suspected cover-up case faced intense public scrutiny at the time over

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More young workers start in nonregular jobs, widening regular employment gap: study

The gap between Korea's regular and nonregular workers is widening, with more young people starting their careers in nonregular jobs than in previous generations. According to a report by the National Assembly Futures Institute on Thursday, one in three people born between 1989 and 1998 started their careers in nonregular jobs, nearly twice the rate for those born between 1969 and 1978, who entered the labor market around the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The report analyzed the first jobs of 14,241 people born between 1962 and 1998. The share of those who started as nonregular workers rose steadily across generations. The rate stood at 12.7 percent for those born between 1962 and 1968, who experienced Korea's period of high economic growth. That share then climbed to 17.4 percent for the generation that lived through the financial crisis, born between 1969 and 1978, and 28.7 percent for the pre- and post- financial crisis generation, born between 1979 and 1988. It reached 33.5 percent for those born between 1989 and 1998, who came of age as Korea's economic growth slowed. Job stability a

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PM stresses profitability of $350 bil. US investment pledge, rejects discrimination claims against Coupang

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Friday that Korea’s $350 billion investment commitment to the United States must be commercially viable and deliver tangible benefits to both countries. During a meeting hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) in Seoul, she also said the Korean government does not discriminate against companies based on nationality. “Rather than benefiting only one side, it must bring substantive benefits to both countries while maintaining commercial viability,” Han said during the meeting at The Shilla Seoul hotel. “As this is an investment, discussions are also taking place on how to ensure profitability.” The prime minister added that negotiations were progressing smoothly and that establishing a successful model through the first project could pave the way for broader bilateral cooperation. Her remarks came in response to a question from AMCHAM Chairman James Kim, who said stakeholders he met during a recent visit to Washington repeatedly expressed concern that Korea’s investment pledge had yet to produce concrete results. Han’s co

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KOSPI falls on higher oil prices, global bond yields

The KOSPI edged lower Friday amid rising oil prices as renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East fueled concerns over inflation. The benchmark index opened 3.29 percent lower at 6,802.50 and pared some of its losses in afternoon trading before closing at 6,909.91, down 1.76 percent from the previous session. Foreign investors sold a net 2.29 trillion won ($1.70 billion) worth of shares, while institutional investors sold a net 1.22 trillion won. Retail investors were the net buyers, purchasing 1.87 trillion won worth of shares. Market bellwethers also fell. SK hynix fell 2.21 percent to close at 1.812 million won, while Samsung Electronics lost 3.35 percent to finish at 259,500 won. With little prospect of negotiations between Iran and the United States resuming in the near term, international oil prices continued to rise. West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude futures climbed above $100 per barrel, adding to concerns over inflation. Concerns over inflation were also heightened after the U.S. producer price index rose 5.4 percent in August from a year earlier, Thursday (local time

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Foreign victims shut out of Korea's 'jeonse' fraud relief efforts

At the start of 2022, Nan Ming-ji, a 40-year-old with Chinese citizenship, moved with his parents into a home in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. The family put down a 140 million won ($104,000) deposit — money his parents had saved since arriving in Korea two decades ago. It was no small sum. But under the country’s distinct “jeonse” system, such large upfront deposits have long been the norm. Instead of paying monthly rent, tenants put down a lump sum that is returned in full when the lease ends. For landlords, the deposits provide access to a large pool of capital they can invest or earn interest on. In October 2023, Nan’s father found a notice saying their home was being put up for auction. Just weeks later, the family learned that their landlord owned several other buildings in his wife’s and brother-in-law’s names. Those properties, too, had been flagged for auction. The family had fallen victim to a form of jeonse fraud that has spread rapidly across Korea over the past decade. Some landlords used deposits from multiple tenants to acquire properties with little of their ow

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Former BIGBANG members face police probe, concert cancellation

Amid news that former BIGBANG member Seungri faces a criminal complaint for aggravated assault, the cancellation of T.O.P's concert is also drawing attention to the contrasting fortunes of the former bandmates. The Seoul Gangnam Police Station said Thursday it received a criminal complaint on Aug. 26 seeking charges against Seungri for aggravated assault. The complaint alleges Seungri assaulted a man in his 30s at a restaurant in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. Police plan to question the accuser to investigate the allegations. "It is true that I picked up a liquor bottle while refusing to share a table, but I did not brandish it or make threats," Seungri said in an interview with Ilgan Sports. He expressed bewilderment over the accuser's sudden change in attitude, noting they subsequently shared a table, conversed amicably and exchanged texts after parting ways. "I will fully cooperate with the investigation to reveal the truth," he said. Separately that same day, T.O.P announced his concert scheduled for Sept. 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia, was canceled due to local conditions. Representative

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Lee's approval rating dips to record low of 38%: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since he took office, a poll showed Friday, amid growing criticism over his recent Cabinet reshuffle. In a Gallup Korea survey of 1,000 people aged 18 and older conducted from Tuesday through Thursday, 38 percent positively assessed Lee's handling of state affairs, down 2 percentage points from the previous week, while 51 percent gave a negative assessment. The approval rating marked the lowest level in a Gallup poll since Lee took office in June last year. Among those who negatively assessed Lee's performance, 24 percent cited his real estate policies, followed by personnel appointments at 16 percent and economic and livelihood issues at 10 percent. The pollster said the increase in respondents citing personnel appointments appears to reflect the controversy surrounding Lee's Cabinet picks ahead of their confirmation hearings. On Lee's nomination of Rep. Kim Seung-won as justice minister, 43 percent said the nominee was unfit to serve the post, compared with 22 percent who considered him fit for the job. For Rep. Yon

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Korea sends 2nd disaster relief team to Nepal for flood recovery efforts

Korea sent its second contingent of an overseas relief team to Nepal on Friday to support reconstruction and recovery efforts following last month's devastating floods, the foreign ministry said. The eight-member contingent of the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) arrived in Kathmandu aboard a KC-330 military transport aircraft at around 8:44 a.m. (local time), according to the ministry. The aircraft also carried about 4 tons of relief supplies worth 180 million won ($134,200), including tents, blankets and clothing. The supplies were donated by Korean companies and other entities. The team consists of officials from the foreign ministry, the National Fire Agency, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the National Medical Center. It will focus on reconstruction and recovery efforts during its seven-day mission, the ministry said. The first 44-member KDRT contingent, dispatched to Nepal on Sept. 2 for a 10-day search-and-rescue mission, is scheduled to return home on Saturday morning. Nine Koreans — six employees of Doosan Enerbility Co. and three of Korea South-East Powe

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ReviewSeoul dance troupe's contemporary take on shamanic rituals

Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre’s new work, “Gut: Whispering Steps,” turned little-known shamanic rituals in Korea into a contemporary meditation on suffering, pain and the difficult work of saving oneself. Known as "gut," shamanic ritual was a communication tool between the living and the deceased. A shaman served as a helper in the communication. Usually, descendants sought health, luck and suffering-free life from their ancestors. Gut from Seoul and neighboring regions, in particular, offers a unique session called "mugamseogi," during which a client gets dressed like a shaman and performs a spontaneous dance. The premise was simple but forceful: Blessings were not merely granted to those who wait for them. They must be pursued through one’s body and will. That became the source of inspiration for the dance production. The new work, created by Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre's artistic director Yun Hea-joung, unfolds the pain, memories, healing and liberation of human life through five variations of tears, each tied to “obangsaek,” the five cardinal colors in Korean trad

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Korean Air, Asiana to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi services

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are set to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi using SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, becoming the first East Asian full-service carriers to adopt the system. Korean Air said Friday it will roll out the service starting Tuesday on four retrofitted aircraft — three Airbus A350-900s and one Boeing 777-300ER. These planes will be deployed first on long-haul routes to the Americas, Europe and Southeast Asia, with some also assigned to short-haul routes. Korean Air will offer the service free of charge across all seating classes and plans to expand it to most of its operating fleet by the end of 2027. Asiana Airlines, which is set to merge with Korean Air, will also offer free Starlink-based in-flight Wi-Fi on select flights. The service will first apply to nine A350-900s and one A330-300 that completed installation of the communication equipment this month, with the remaining aircraft to follow gradually. To use the service, passengers must switch their devices to airplane mode and connect to the in-flight network. They then enter the passenger name and s

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Chicken dishes give wings to Chuncheon tourism, fuel local economy

CHUNCHEON, Gangwon Province — Famous for its stir-fried and grilled chicken dish, known in Korean as dakgalbi, Chuncheon has long drawn visitors from across the country to its local eateries. The city is now putting that culinary appeal at the center of the government’s fledgling initiative to revitalize domestic tourism by linking local food with popular tourist attractions. In June, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced "K-Chicken Belt," a vetted list of 552 restaurants and venues in 30 cities known for chicken dishes. As the city representing dakgalbi in the program, Chuncheon and KORAIL Tourism Development have jointly launched a tourism package featuring the city’s famed foods, traditional liquors, sightseeing destinations and local experience spots. The Korea Food Promotion Institute under the ministry is organizing the program. The package, available for a limited period in October through KORAIL's tourism package online sale platform, includes meals of dakgalbi, grilled barbecue chicken, makguksu (buckwheat noodles), fine-dining restaurants and a p

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Korean retail investors in US stocks suffer as won strengthens

Hong, a woman in her 30s living in Seoul, is having second thoughts about her U.S. stock investments. "I increased the share of U.S. stocks in my portfolio about two months ago because the Korean market was doing poorly. But the stronger won has left my returns below expectations. I'm not sure whether to sell or just hold the stocks for the long term," she said. Hong is not alone. The won's recent strengthening against the dollar has cut returns for many Korean retail investors holding U.S. stocks, as currency losses offset stock gains. The won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1,339.2 won per dollar on Thursday, down sharply from the 1,550-won range seen two months ago after several weeks of declines. The won's strengthening can significantly reduce returns even when U.S. stocks rise. For example, a 20 percent gain on a U.S. stock would translate into a return of only about 4 percent for a Korean investor if the won-dollar exchange rate falls by around 14 percent. The recent currency move has led some investors to consider selling their U.S. stocks as the won continues to strengthen. However

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Why Mediheal bets heavily on golf?

This is the second in a series of interview stories and feature stories about L&P Cosmetic, a company behind the globally popular facial sheet mask brand Mediheal, introducing the philosophies, insights and future strategies of leaders of the K-beauty company. — ED Bae So-hyun, a 33-year-old Mediheal-sponsored golfer on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, was touched when she had dinner last year with Kwon Oh-sub, chairman of L&P Cosmetic, which operates the beauty brand. The timing was not ideal for her. Shortly before the dinner, she missed the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open in Wisconsin in May after shooting 7 over par. After winning three titles in 2024, the most among KLPGA players that year, her hunger for another victory had only grown, but a fourth win remained out of reach. Her cutoff in the United States, combined with her prolonged winless stretch, left her in a deeper emotional slump. But Kwon neither criticized her nor suggested ending the sponsorship. Instead, he offered words of encouragement. “He told me I didn't have to win. He told me to just

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Why expecting parents are flying to Japan for baby products

The trend among expectant parents taking so-called “babymoon” trips before childbirth is changing. While destinations such as Guam and Southeast Asia were once popular choices, Japanese cities such as Tokyo and Osaka are increasingly emerging as preferred destinations. Japan has long been favored for babymoons because of its relatively short travel time from Korea and food that tends to suit Korean tastes. But the recent trend is notably different from the past, when Okinawa, a resort destination, was the Japanese destination most sought after by expectant parents. According to a review by Hankook Ilbo on Wednesday, posts and videos featuring successful purchases of baby products in Japan are increasingly easy to find on Korean online portals and social media. Akachan Honpo, Japan’s best-known specialty retailer for baby and childcare products, has long been considered a “must-visit” destination among Korean expectant parents. Some shoppers even share tips on how to transport their purchases safely. These include buying cushioning materials at stores in Japan to protect the pr

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Korean comedy films face box office slump

Proving that comedy has failed to work its usual summer magic, the Korean film "Okay! Madam 2" is nearing the end of its theatrical run with disappointing box-office results. As most domestic comedy films released this year have struggled commercially, the slump is raising deeper questions about the genre's theatrical viability. "Okay! Madam 2" is nearing its exit without drawing 500,000 moviegoers. Released six years after the original, it was the only Korean comedy slated for the summer box office, but the audience response was lukewarm. While competition from major foreign releases like "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey" may have hurt its performance, the film failed to regain momentum through reviews from verified ticket buyers and ultimately fell well short of expectations. This failure extends beyond "Okay! Madam 2." "Heartman," which opened earlier this year and reunited the team behind the "Hitman" franchise that succeeded even during the COVID-19 pandemic, also underperformed. "Audition 109," a spiritual successor to the 2009 cult film "Wish," featuring the returning

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Nuveen sees growing institutional opportunity in Korea's rental housing

Global asset manager Nuveen sees Korea's housing market becoming increasingly accessible to institutional capital as the country's traditional lump-sum deposit system gradually gives way to monthly rents. "It's becoming more of an institutional market ... more akin to what you see in the U.S., with monthly rental payments," Chad Phillips, global head of Nuveen Real Estate, said at a press conference at Conrad Seoul on Friday. "We've recently invested in a residential asset here in Seoul, which will open early next year." In May, Nuveen acquired a property near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station in Seoul for about 22.5 billion won ($16.72 million). In partnership with Korean startup Weave Living, the property is being converted into a 62-unit serviced apartment, scheduled to open in January. The investment marks Nuveen's first move into Korea's residential sector. Nuveen first entered Korea's real estate market in 2019 through a logistics investment in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, and later expanded into logistics facilities in Uiwang and Ilsan. The asset manager remains positive

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BTS brings 'ARIRANG' tour to cinemas worldwide

BTS will bring two South American concerts from its "ARIRANG" world tour to movie theaters worldwide, giving fans a chance to watch performances on large screens across more than 80 countries and regions. The live viewing events will feature BTS' Oct. 24 concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and its Oct. 30 concert in São Paulo, Brazil, according to BigHit Music. Tickets for the screenings will go on sale Thursday, with sales in Korea opening sequentially from 10 a.m. and global sales beginning at 10 p.m. that day. The screenings will be presented live or on a delayed basis depending on local time zones, with audiences in Korea, other parts of Asia and Australia expected to watch the concerts one to two days after the performances. The screenings will use large screens and enhanced sound systems to recreate the concert experience for audiences gathered in cinemas. BTS has previously held live viewing events in Goyang and Busan in Korea and in Tokyo, drawing strong interest from music fans. The South American screenings are expected to take place at about 3,800 theaters across more than 80 c

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Editor's Pick

[COVER STORY] Marathons at city centers inconvenience residents

COVER STORY Marathons at city centers inconvenience residents

Approximately 40,000 runners participated in the Seoul DongA Marathon on March 15. The race began on a Sunday morning at 5 a.m., starting from Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul and stretching to Jamsil Sports Complex in the city's southeastern Songpa District. The annual marathon was hosted by a major newspaper company together with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency approved the race and its path. Police took charge of traffic control during the race, deploying forces from Jongno District, Hyehwa-dong, Namdaemun Market, Jung District, Dongdaemun Market, Seongdong District, Gwangjin District, Songpa District and Suseo-dong. Traffic controls were imposed and lifted at different times to allow for the passage of runners through each area. Controls around the Jamsil section were lifted at 2:30 p.m., nearly 10 hours after the first were imposed at the start of the race. While the participants were running across the city to cheers from onlookers, others were complaining. The event caused massive traffic issues across the city as vehicles were forc

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Life in Korea

Half Local magazine brings fresh perspective on Seoul through 1st print issue

Half Local magazine brings fresh perspective on Seoul through 1st print issue

It can often feel overwhelming to look up social media recommendations for things to do in Seoul. There are aesthetic cafes tucked away in Seongsu-dong, where visitors might wait 40 minutes for a seat, or the latest “must-visit” Korean beauty store that has taken over Instagram. But for those who live in Seoul, those sites aren't necessarily part of the city they know and love. Enter Half Local, a media project exploring Seoul’s communities, neighborhoods and creative stories, offering a glimpse of the city beyond the trends that dominate social media. After initially sharing its stories online, Half Local is now entering the world of print with the release of its first physical magazine. Created by longtime British foreign resident Ella Kaill alongside Korean photographer Harry Heo, the first issue brings together a collection of stories built around a simple idea: being close enough to understand Korea, but far enough away to still see it with fresh eyes. After studying Korean in university, Kaill moved to the country in 2019 and gradually became immersed in its culture and ever

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Lifestyle

From vitamin C to fiber: Nutritional benefits of fresh jujubes

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Fresh jujubes are now in season, offering a brief taste of early fall. Unlike dried jujubes, fresh ones contain plenty of water and have a crisp, apple-like texture, making them an easy snack to enjoy. They are also rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, making them a good choice for an early-autumn snack that combines flavor and nutrition. Fresh jujubes are known for containing considerably more vitamin C than apples. Vitamin C is an antioxidant nutrient that helps maintain normal immune function and protect cells from oxidative damage. It is also essential for collagen production, which helps maintain healthy skin, gums and blood vessels. The skin contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, while the dietary fiber in the flesh can support bowel movements and regularity. Jujubes also provide potassium, which can help the body excrete excess sodium and support healthy blood pressure. Because fresh jujubes are typically eaten with their skin on, they can provide a wider range of nutrients. The easiest way to enjoy fresh jujubes is t

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From vitamin C to fiber: Nutritional benefits of fresh jujubes

K-Culture

Jung Ho-yeon, Ryu Jun-yeol cast in new Netflix series 'Outback'

Actors Jung Ho-yeon and Ryu Jun-yeol have been cast in Netflix's new Korean series, tentatively titled "Outback," the streaming platform said Friday. The series, based on the thriller webtoon "G'day," also stars Hong Kyung, Won Ji-an and Justin Min, according to Netflix. As the title suggests, the series is set in Australia. It follows Zion (Hong), who heads to the country upon hearing about his sister's abrupt death in search for the truth. Ryu appears as Min-hyuk, a mysterious figure in the center of the case, while Won portrays Zion's sister Si-young. Jung and Min appear as streamer Smiley and Korean Australian police officer Scott, respectively. Han Jun-hee, who helmed the popular Netflix series "D.P.," serves as executive producer. The release date for the new series has yet to be confirmed.

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Jung Ho-yeon, Ryu Jun-yeol cast in new Netflix series 'Outback'

Celebrities

Tom Cruise to return to Korea Oct. 2 for 13th visit

Hollywood actor Tom Cruise is set to return to Korea, marking his 13th visit to the country. Warner Bros. Korea announced Wednesday that Cruise and director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, a five-time Academy Award winner, will visit Korea on Oct. 2 to promote their upcoming film “Digger.” During their visit, Cruise and Iñárritu will hold a press conference with local media, where they will discuss the film in depth. They will also meet Korean movie fans in person at a red-carpet event. “Digger” follows Digger Rockwell (Cruise), an eccentric billionaire and self-styled contrarian, whose drilling facility on the Greenland ice sheet is rocked by a small crack that triggers a catastrophic chain of events threatening the entire world. Cruise’s 13th visit to Korea has drawn particular attention. The actor made his 12th trip to the country last year to promote “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” setting a record for the most visits to Korea by a Hollywood actor. Iñárritu is returning to Korea for the first time since his visit in 2009. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, th

1 MIN READ
Tom Cruise to return to Korea Oct. 2 for 13th visit

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. Foreign victims shut out of Korea's 'jeonse' fraud relief efforts

  2. EXPLAINER Jeonse: How Korea's homeownership shortcut turned into breeding ground for fraud

  3. Death penalty sought for YouTuber over alleged murder of own daughter

  4. Affairs, family secrets in 1-minute episodes: Chinese microdramas hook Southeast Asia

  5. Lee's approval rating dips to record low of 38%: poll

  6. Why is N. Korea sending bigger-than-expected team to Asian Games in Japan?

  7. ContributionKorea's next global advantage: Universities must become indispensable to society

  8. Korea Eximbank steps up financial diplomacy with 10 African nations

  9. FM Cho tells Iran no decision made on possible Hormuz deployment during ministerial talks

  10. Trump administration proposes ending H-1B grace period after job loss

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