Podcast: The anti-adultery law, NK nuke tests, and Bandai targets SK game market
Today on The Korea Times Podcast: The Constitutional Court strikes down Korea’s anti-adultery law and North Korea’s nuclear test might be coming in October. Plus Bandai unveils new games and Lotte has the best chef in the world.
Anti-adultery law passes into history
In a decisive seven-to-two vote, the nine-member Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that Article 241 of the Criminal Code which makes adultery a crime was no longer valid. The ruling took effect immediately. "Punishing people for committing adultery infringes on people's sexual self-determination and the freedom for privacy. So the clause is unconstitutional," the court said in the landmark ruling.
NK nuclear test likely in October
North Korea is likely to conduct its fourth nuclear test in October to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Workers' Party, according to analysts Thursday. "The ability to place a nuclear weapon on a missile will be a banner event for the North Korean leadership," said An Chan-il, head of the World Institute for North Korea Studies. "The Kim Jong-un regime will highly likely utilize the anniversary as a chance to show off its nuclear prowess to its people, as well as the world.”
Bandai targets mobile game market in Korea
Bandai Korea unveiled new online and mobile games using cartoon intellectual properties "Gundam" and "Digimon" in Korea, Thursday. During the event, Bandai Korea showcased three new titles, including an online game "SD Gundam Next Evolution," a mobile game "SD Gundam Shooter," as well as what is tentatively called "Digimon Soul Hunter." It also said it will allow users to synchronize game plays between online and mobile platforms. The "Gundam" games will be launched between March and May, while the Digimon title will be available this summer, the company said.
Lotte's Pierre Gagnaire chosen as world's best chef
Lotte Hotel announced Wednesday that Pierre Gagnaire of its French restaurant Pierre Gagnaire a Seoul was named best chef in the world for January by Le Chef magazine. The restaurant Pierre Gagnaire a Seoul is located on the 35th floor in the new wing of the hotel and is Gagnaire's only restaurant in Korea. He runs restaurants in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. According to the magazine, 512 chefs were reviewed for the recognition.
Subscribe to the podcast in
or
. It's free and when you do, the next episode is delivered to you automatically every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.