The Korea Times

Calls intensify for further regulations on self-defense weapons

This photo, taken, July 24, shows self-defense products available to buy in a store in Seoul. YonhapBy Jung Da-hyunGrowing concerns over the possible criminal use of self-defense weapons are sparking calls for tougher regulations on the products. Fears come in the wake of a heinous crime involving a 30-year-old man who assaulted a woman, on a hiking trail in southern Seoul, with two brass knuckles, after which, he raped her, Thursday. The victim died, Saturday."It scared me because it is so easy to buy them online, and I also wonder if I can actually use brass knuckles in self-defense in an urgent situation," said Lee So-heon, 26, a university student who also lives in southern Seoul. The latest attack adds to a recent string of violent crimes that have alarmed the public. Ahead of the murder case, a knife-wielding rampage occurred near Sillim Station, July 21, followed by a similar incident at Seohyeon Station in Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 3, which sparked a surge in the sales of self-defense weapons.According to Interpark, an online shopping website, sales quadrupled as of July 22, on

Aug 22, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

Calls intensify for further regulations on self-defense weapons

Foreign Affairs

China flexes military muscle in response to Camp David summit

This photo grab from video footage broadcast by China's CCTV shows a Chinese warship conducting drills in waters near Taiwan, Saturday. AP-YonhapNorth Korea may vent anger through ICBM launchBy Jung Da-hyunChina flexed its military muscle by holding military drills in the vicinity of Taiwan, Saturday, just six hours after South Korea, the United States and Japan held a trilateral summit at Camp David, the U.S. presidential retreat, to discuss issues including Beijing's assertive behavior in the Taiwan Strait.According to the Taiwanese defense ministry, 42 Chinese aircraft and eight naval vessels participating in the drills were detected at waters near Taiwan Saturday morning. Also, 26 Chinese aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which for decades acted as an unofficial barrier between the respective military forces of China and Taiwan.These military drills are believed to reflect China's anger toward Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's recent visit to the United States. However, it is noteworthy that the drills also followed the summit at the U.S. presidential re

Aug 20, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

China flexes military muscle in response to Camp David summit

Law & Crime

Female rehabilitation center closure raises concerns over support for drug addicts

Getty Images BankSingle drug rehab facility for women shut down By Jung Da-hyunBaek Seung-un, a 27-year-old who had been seeking to overcome drug addiction at “Saebit-teo,” a drug addiction rehabilitation center (DARC), found herself devastated when the nation's first and only drug addiction center exclusively for women was closed last month ― just one month after its opening ― due to financial difficulties.“As the center had helped me stay away from drugs a lot, the closure of Saebit-teo gave me huge concerns over a possible relapse if I deal with addiction at home,” Baek told The Korea Times. Following the shutdown, she had to move to another DARC also located in Gyeonggi, where she is now staying and receiving treatment alongside 13 male addicts. After the closure, a fellow addict from the now-defunct women's only facility was sent back to prison for using drugs again. “No matter how well I get along with men, there is a psychological burden on me … I hope more rehab centers for female addicts will be established,” she added. As Baek sa

Aug 16, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

Female rehabilitation center closure raises concerns over support for drug addicts

Foreign Affairs

Seoul expresses regret over Japan's offerings to Yasukuni Shrine

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida walks away after offering a flower during a memorial service in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, marking the 78th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Reuters-YonhapBy Jung Da-hyunSeoul expressed regret, Tuesday, over Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sending offerings to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, a site known for glorifying Japan's wartime aggression, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.According to Japan's Kyodo News, Kishida sent a ritual offering to the shrine in Tokyo, while some other politicians and government officials visited the place in person on the occasion of the anniversary of the country's surrender in World War II. The site enshrines Japan's war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals from World War II. Visits and offerings by Japanese government officials often stoke tensions between Japan and neighboring countries, including Korea and China, which view such activities as a symbol of Japan's past imperialism. "The government expresses deep disappointment and regrets that responsible leaders of the Japane

Aug 15, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

Seoul expresses regret over Japan's offerings to Yasukuni Shrine

Defense

War hero wins KATUSA award

Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Choi Ho-jung, left, the nephew of Private First Class Choi Im-rak, receives the annual Eighth Army Distinguished Former KATUSA Award from Brig. Gen. Sean Crockett, center, Eighth Army deputy commanding general-operations at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday. The senior Choi, a former KATUSA, fought in the Korean War and died during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in December 1950 at the age of 19. His remains returned from Hawaii last month alongside those of six other South Korean soldiers killed in the three-year conflict. At right is Choi Jin-taek, chairman of the KATUSA Veterans Association. Courtesy of KATUSA Veterans Association

Aug 15, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

Society

Seoul to host concert to celebrate Liberation Day

A poster of "8.15 Seoul, My Soul" music festival / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentBy Jung Da-hyunOn the occasion of the 78th anniversary of National Liberation Day, Seoul City and Sejong Center will host a music concert titled “8.15 Seoul, My Soul” at Gwanghwamun Square, Tuesday.Under the theme of Korean music, the concert aims to foster the joy of liberation with citizens. It is offering various cultural attractions for international visitors exploring Seoul, including Jamboree Scouts who have extended their sojourn in Korea.The stage will resonate with the collaboration of traditional and modern musical genres, ranging from Korean traditional folk songs to pansori and the intriguing blend of gugak ― Korean traditional music ― with contemporary melodies.Renowned “Joseon pop” band Leenalchi, lauded for their combination of pansori with modern pop music, will perform. Audience members will be treated to a captivating rendition of the sensational 2021 hit "Tiger is Coming," brought to life by Leenalchi and the Ambiguous Dance Company.Anticipating an at

Aug 14, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

Seoul to host concert to celebrate Liberation Day

1919 vs 1948: Controversy rekindled over Korea's founding year

Law & Crime

'Terrorless' website grows popular by tracking random attacks

The website of terrorless / Screenshot from terrorlessBy Jung Da-hyunConcerns over a surge in deadly random attacks have made popular a website providing terror alerts and updates on suspect apprehensions, with more than 50,000 visiting the site one day after its launch.The website, named “Terrorless,” was launched, Sunday, and it was issuing over 95 alerts on Thursday morning. The website allows individuals to promptly access information about predicted terrorism locations as well as actual incidents like the recent stabbing attacks. The service includes links to media reports containing relevant details, while indicating whether the suspects connected to the cases have been arrested. 01ab, which operates the app, said it launched the service to ease escalating public concerns over random attacks in the wake of stabbings at Sillim Station in Seoul and Seohyeon Station in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. In addition, the emergence of copycat crime threats were also a reason for the website's launch. On July 21, a man wielding a knife went on a rampage near Sillim Station in s

Aug 10, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

'Terrorless' website grows popular by tracking random attacks

Companies

HD Hyundai's new headquarters provides glimpse into office of future

An aerial view of HD Hyundai's Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of HD HyundaiBy Jung Da-hyunHD Hyundai's new headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, resembles a futuristic city straight out of a science fiction film, with a greater focus on offering a convenient, eco-friendly workplace environment. HD Hyundai's Global R&D Center (GRC) can be described with three words: cube, grid and void. First, the exterior of the building takes the shape of a cube, which has now become a signature pattern for HD Hyundai Group. This cube symbolizes the unity of the group's 17 affiliated companies, displaying a vibrant mix of colors at the headquarters.The 20-story cube-shaped structure is surrounded by plaid columns, made of steel, which reflect well HD Hyundai's image. The main point of this unique building, known as the grid, is that the pillars are located outside. This not only maximizes the interior space but also minimizes light reflection ― an essential consideration given the presence of an apartment complex across the street from the building.Interna

Jul 7, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

HD Hyundai's new headquarters provides glimpse into office of future

K-pop

REVIEW SHINee takes stage by storm with new album 'HARD' after years of hiatus

K-pop boy group SHINee performs 'Dream Girl' at the KSPO Dome in southern Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM EntertainmentBy Jung Da-hyunK-pop sensation SHINee took the stage by storm, holding their electrifying sixth solo concert, “SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION],” at the KSPO Dome in southern Seoul's Olympic Park. From June 23 to 25, the venue pulsated with the energy of devoted fans who eagerly awaited the group's mesmerizing performance.The concert buzzed with excitement as SHINee offered a sneak peek of its upcoming album, “HARD.” SHINee presented six songs from the new album on the stage, including “HARD,” the title track of the band's eighth full-length album. The concert held even greater significance for SHINee, as it marked the band's return to the stage after a hiatus of more than six years and nine months since its last show in September 2016. A staggering 30,000 spectators gathered to witness the much-awaited reunion over the course of three days.While Onew, the leader of the group, was absent due to health concerns, the stage was gr

Jun 26, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

[REVIEW] SHINee takes stage by storm with new album 'HARD' after years of hiatus

Arts & Theater

Urban Break 2023 to spotlight AI technology, interactive events

The promotional image of a live graffiti battle, “The Wall Breaker,” which will unfold at Urban Break 2023 in July at COEX in southern Seoul / Courtesy of Urban Break CommitteeBy Jung Da-hyunThe main poster for Urban Break 2023 / Courtesy of Urban Break CommitteeUrban Break 2023, renowned as Asia's premier contemporary urban and street art fair, is set to make its highly anticipated return at COEX in southern Seoul this July, offering an array of captivating interactive exhibits.Since its inception in 2020, the art fair has evolved into a dynamic gathering that captivates Millennials and Gen Z, showcasing a fusion of subculture works, including art toys, webtoons, graffiti and tattoos. Last year, it attracted over 50,000 visitors.The fourth edition will run from July 13 to 16 under the theme of “Crazy Experience.”The event aims to provide visitors with engaging artist booths, immersive activities and live performances.“Our focus lies in creating an enjoyable art festival rather than a traditional exhibition,” Daniel Jang, CEO of the Urban Break Com

Jun 15, 2023By Jung Da-hyun

Jung Da-hyun

Read more