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Jung Da-hyun

Korea Times Politics & City Reporter

Jung Da-hyun is a reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues in Korea, including foreign residents, education, environment and politics. Driven by a deep interest in people’s stories, she focuses on investigative and feature reporting through direct interviews and field coverage. She received the Amnesty International Korea Media Award for her “Deepfake Crisis at Schools” series. Reach her at dahyun08@koreatimes.co.kr. Always open to hearing your stories.

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Society

Seoul to launch 'Climate Card' unlimited transit pass next year

People pass through turnstiles at Jonggak Station on Subway Line No. 1 in Seoul, July 2. YonhapBy Jung Da-hyunSeoul is set to introduce an unlimited public transportation pass next year, the city government said Monday. This initiative aims to not only promote eco-friendly travel but also provide financial relief to residents grappling with increasing living costs, according to the city government.The transportation pass, named the “Climate Card,” will cover all subway routes in Seoul, including lines 1 to 9, as well as the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, the Bundang Line, the Gyeongchun Line, the Ui-Sinseol Light Rapid Transit (LRT) and the Sillim Line. However, the Shinbundang Line will not be included due to a different basic fare.The pass will also be available for bus routes in the capital and Seoul's public bike-sharing service Ttareungyi for a monthly fee of 65,000 won ($48.72).The pass will be also available for use on a commercial waterbus service, which is expected to begin next year connecting Gimpo in Gyeonggi Province to eastern Seoul's Jamsil. The card will be availa

Sep 12, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
Seoul to launch 'Climate Card' unlimited transit pass next year
Society

Justice minister calls for better protection of teachers' rights

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon speaks during a Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, Aug. 21. YonhapBy Jung Da-hyunJustice Minister Han Dong-hoon instructed prosecutors, Friday, to ensure that teachers' rights are sufficiently guaranteed in cases involving the disciplining of students. This move comes after five teachers took their own lives in less than two months. On Thursday, a teacher in her 40s died in Daejeon in an apparent suicide after reportedly suffering from complaints filed by parents. The minister emphasized that if it becomes evident that a complaint or accusation linked to a teacher's interactions with students does not constitute a criminal offense, it should be expeditiously dismissed.Furthermore, prosecutors have been urged to exercise careful judgment, taking into account various factors such as the context, timing and location of the disciplinary measures carried out by teachers, as well as the necessity and specific details of the punishment.Additionally, they should consider the impact of the disciplinary measur

Sep 8, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
Justice minister calls for better protection of teachers' rights
Society

Pet adoption event to take place in Seoul

A dog plays in a swimming pool. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentBy Jung Da-hyunSeoul will host an event to promote adopting abandoned pets, Sunday. The “festival” open to those who have adopted abandoned animals will be held on the rooftop of a building in Gangdong District, Eastern Seoul from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature a swimming pool and a playground for dogs, along with various programs, including a dog-themed quiz contest. Counseling sessions with professional trainers will also be available. In addition, there will be an adoption promotion booth set up to introduce abandoned animals currently under the care of the Seoul Animal Care Center through photos and videos. Through this initiative, the city government aims to encourage the adoption of abandoned animals.“Seoul has a variety of projects in place to create an environment where both people and animals can live together happily. We hope that the public will take an interest in abandoned pets waiting for a family to stay with,” said Lee Mi-sook the chief of the Animal Protection D

Sep 8, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
Pet adoption event to take place in Seoul
Society

Single-use plastics to be banned at Han River parks

Disposable plastic cups are stacked in a franchise coffee shop in Seoul, Thursday. YonhapBy Jung Da-hyunA poster promoting Seoul City's countermeasures to reduce disposable plastics / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentPlastic cups and containers will be banned from parks along the Han River in 2025, in an effort by Seoul City to reduce single-use plastics. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Thursday comprehensive countermeasures against the surge of single-use plastic containers, sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the measures, the city aims to curb plastic waste by 10 percent and increase the recycling rate by 10 percent. The current recycling rate stands at 69 percent, and the city aims to elevate it to 79 percent by 2026.“Growing environmental pollution is a massive problem that is directly connected to the survival of the city and people. So we can't delay responding to it,” Lee In-keun, the head of the city government's Climate and Environment Headquarters, said during a press conference.One of the measures is designating the various Han Riv

Sep 7, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
Single-use plastics to be banned at Han River parks
Society

10 months after tragedy, Itaewon's recovery inches along

A street in Itaewon, Seoul, bustles with people, Sept. 1. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyunSome stores see customers return, while others continue to struggle By Jung Da-hyunApproximately 10 months after the tragic Halloween crowd crush that claimed 159 lives, there are, once again, visible green shoots growing in Itaewon, one of the main nightlife districts in Seoul, which had been struggling to attract visitors. However, the extent of the recovery, boosted by various projects to revive the district, is a contrasting story, depending on the type of business.On a recent Friday night, the streets of Itaewon came alive with bar staff promoting their establishments in an alley behind the Hamilton Hotel, which is near the location of the deadly accident. The streets were filled with loud music and visitors, while foreign tourists could be seen walking around and capturing the lively scene on their phones.According to a report in July, by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, sales of Itaewon shops recovered to approximately 85 percent of pre-crowd-crush levels, signaling a positive shift.In

Sep 6, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
10 months after tragedy, Itaewon's recovery inches along
Society

Seoul unveils hidden space beneath Seoul Plaza for first time in 40 years

The underground space beneath Seoul Plaza, which the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to open to the public / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentBy Jung Da-hyunA poster for a guided tour exploring the hidden space under Seoul Plaza / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentThe Seoul Metropolitan Government is set to unveil a hidden space beneath Seoul Plaza, Friday, to the public for the first time in 40 years. This concealed space, spanning 3,182 square meters, lies beneath the nation's first underground shopping area and alongside City Hall Station on Seoul Metro lines 1 and 2. The purpose and origin of this space remain unknown. According to the city government, the space's appearance has not been altered since its original construction 40 years ago, thereby making it easier to open to the public. The semiweekly guided tours ― available only on Fridays and Saturdays ― will run until Sept. 23, and will take place four times a day. Additionally, Seoul will be collecting ideas from citizens on how to utilize the hidden space. Based on the suggestions, the city government wi

Sep 5, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
Seoul unveils hidden space beneath Seoul Plaza for first time in 40 years
Society

Seoul to host various sports events this fall

The 7979 Seoul Running Crew runs along Han River Park, Seoul. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentBy Jung Da-hyunA variety of sports events will take place across Seoul this fall, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Monday. The 2023 Seoul Race, scheduled for Oct. 8, is the leadoff event, which will draw approximately 11,000 participants. Featuring a half course and an 11-kilometer course, runners will pass Seoul's iconic landmarks such as Gwanghwamun Square, Cheong Wa Dae, Cheonggye Stream and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The International Ultra Trail Running event named Seoul 100K will also unfold on Nov. 21 and 22. Participants will traverse places highlighting Seoul's natural, historical and cultural attractions, including Mount Inwang, Mount Bukhan, Seoul Dulle-gil and the Han River.The 2023 JTBC Seoul Marathon will take place on Nov. 5, inviting participants including disabled individuals. The marathon course stretches across Seoul, starting from Seoul World Cup Stadium in northwestern Seoul to Seoul Student Gymnasium in southeastern Seoul. A separate half-course wi

Sep 4, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
Seoul to host various sports events this fall
Law & Crime

'Less-lethal' handgun introduction sparks debate as crime rates rise

In the aftermath of a series of shocking violent crimes committed against strangers in public, Korea is considering equipping police officers with "less-lethal" handguns starting next year, a move which has sparked public debate over the police's use of force in subduing criminal suspects.

Sep 1, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
'Less-lethal' handgun introduction sparks debate as crime rates rise
Politics

Korea struggles to shift immigration policies amid demographic changes

Getty Images BankBy Jung Da-hyunKorea's demographic challenges, marked by the lowest birth rate in the world and an aging population, are fueling discussions on the need for more comprehensive immigration policies.The National Assembly Research Service released, Monday, a report titled “Relationships with Foreigners in Korean Society: Exploring Directions of Immigration Policy.”In light of the increasing societal interest in immigration policies, the report aims to provide an overview of the status of foreigners residing in Korea and the need for a unified strategy on immigration.As of December 2021, foreign nationals made up approximately 3.8 percent of Korea's population, totaling around 1.96 million residents, according to the report. Statistics Korea predicts the number to rise to 3.23 million, or 6.4 percent of the population, by 2040.These statistics highlight the urgency for formulating an inclusive immigration policy.Front page of the report, titled “Relationships with foreigners in Korean society: exploring directions of immigration policy”, released

Aug 28, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
Korea struggles to shift immigration policies amid demographic changes
Society

Fears over Fukushima wastewater release weigh on local seafood markets

Some fish seller stalls at Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market in western Seoul are closed even at 5 p.m., Tuesday, as few customers have been visiting. Korea Times Photo by Jung Da-hyunMerchants worried about citizens' reluctance toward marine productsBy Jung Da-hyunOn Wednesday evening, hordes of people were relishing raw fish at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market ― a rare scene of late due to growing fears over Japan's release of radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.Some of those who ventured to the nation's largest fish market in southern Seoul were there with a common sentiment, wondering when or if they would next visit because of concerns about the safety of seafood.“I abruptly decided to visit with my friend after hearing news about the upcoming water discharge," Lee Na-yeon, 26, told The Korea Times, referring to Japan's plan to begin dumping wastewater on Thursday. Lee Jung-sook, 26, accompanied by her friend, also said, “I like raw fish, so I'm a regular visitor here. But now, amid concerns over the radioactive wast

Aug 24, 2023By Jung Da-hyun
Fears over Fukushima wastewater release weigh on local seafood markets
  • Japan begins release of treated radioactive water from Fukushima plant
  • Korea calls on Japan to transparently disclose info on Fukushima water release over next 30 years: PM
  • Korea to toughen tests on farmed seafood amid Fukushima woes
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