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Lee Hae-rin

Korea Times K-Culture Reporter

Lee Hae-rin is a City Desk reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues, tourism and taekwondo. She is passionate about speaking up for the rights of minorities, including women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and animals as well as discovering the latest makgeolli trend in town. Feel free to reach her at lhr@koreatimes.co.kr.

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Environment & Animals

Korea’s 2035 emissions plan faces backlash from both environmentalists, industry groups

Korea’s newly announced greenhouse gas reduction targets, unveiled Thursday, are drawing criticism from both environmentalists and industry leaders. Activists argue that the plan represents a retreat from previous climate goals, while manufacturing representatives contend it places unrealistic demands on the sector. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment presented two options for the nation’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): a 50 to 60 percent cut in emissions from 2018 levels, or a slightly stronger range of 53 to 60 percent. The target will be finalized next week after review by the presidential 2050 Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Commission and the Cabinet. It will be announced at the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil. Minister Kim Sung-whan said the government sought a "balanced goal" that is both scientifically sound and economically feasible, reflecting sharply divided views: Civil society has demanded at least a 61 percent cut, while industries warn that even a 48 percent reduction is excessive. "President Lee Jae Myung promised

Nov 6, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Korea’s 2035 emissions plan faces backlash from both environmentalists, industry groups
Sports

An Se-young sets unmatched badminton record, eyes 95% win rate in historic season

An Se-young is carving her name into sports history as one of the world’s longest reigning No. 1 badminton players, maintaining a stranglehold on the women’s singles ranking for 55 consecutive weeks. While she has not yet surpassed the all-time record set by Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan, An’s dominance throughout this year has left traditional badminton powerhouses China and Taiwan in awe. Her supremacy is underscored by extraordinary statistics: An has clinched nine major singles titles in 2025 alone, including triumphs at the Malaysia Open, India Open, Orleans Masters, All England Open, Indonesia Open, Japan Open, China Masters, Denmark Open and French Open. Her victory at the French Open, along with its $66,500 prize, pushed her total season earnings past 1 billion won — a first for any Korean badminton star — while her career prize money now exceeds $2.2 million. An boasts a season record of 63 wins and just four losses, driving her win rate up to 90 percent — outperforming even her impressive earlier records. Chinese sports media and fans have lavished praise on her, with Ne

Nov 6, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
An Se-young sets unmatched badminton record, eyes 95% win rate in historic season
Health

Korea faces early flu surge, triggering medicine shortages as cases triple

Korea is grappling with an intense influenza season, with infections more than tripling from a year ago and showing pronounced peaks among school-aged children and adults over 50. Official data suggests a potentially severe season ahead. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the national outpatient influenza-like illness rate for the 43rd week of the year (Oct. 19-Oct. 25) climbed to 13.6 cases per 1,000 patients, a significant leap from the previous week’s 7.9 cases. The current rate decisively exceeds the national epidemic threshold of 9.1 cases and is nearly 3.5 times higher than the rate recorded during the same period 2024 (3.9 cases). The surge is most pronounced among younger age groups, with children aged 7 to 12 recording 31.6 cases per 1,000 outpatients and those aged 1 to 6 reporting 25.8 — the highest incidence rates this season. The dominant strain in circulation is influenza A (H3N2), the most prevalent and virulent type, known for its ability to infect both humans and animals and trigger global pandemics. By contrast, influenza B infects

Nov 5, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Korea faces early flu surge, triggering medicine shortages as cases triple
Education

Universities urged to rethink internationalization strategies, forge purposeful partnerships for Gen Z

Universities should overhaul their internationalization strategies to address the demands of a world rapidly changing due to political, social and technological shifts, Christopher Cripps, vice president of Europe and international affairs at Institut Polytechnique de Paris, said during a masterclass at the QS World University Rankings: Asia event at Korea University in Seoul, Tuesday. Cripps told academic leaders that higher education institutions must look beyond traditional, market-driven models and instead adopt focused, long-term partnerships built around shared values and mutual benefits. "The world is a messy place and will continue to be complex for the next several years," he said, emphasizing the need for strategies that directly address major global issues and anticipate future changes. He highlighted how the expectations of students and researchers are evolving, noting Gen Z’s growing demand for educational experiences with purpose and grounded in global citizenship. "Gen Z cares deeply about socially engaged and climate-aware mobility, and our strategies must align with th

Nov 4, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Universities urged to rethink internationalization strategies, forge purposeful partnerships for Gen Z
Education

Universities urged to pair AI innovation with human connection in student recruitment

Higher education experts speaking at the QS World University Rankings: Asia panel in Seoul urged universities to pair cutting-edge, AI-driven tools with a continued focus on human connection, stressing that the enduring value of personal interaction must remain central to their brand identity and communication. In a panel session moderated by Edward Harcourt, senior vice president of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, speakers stressed that while automation brings efficiency and personalization to the application and enrollment process, authentic human engagement and oversight are vital to maintaining institutional reputation and forging meaningful connections with prospective students. Panelists widely agreed that student expectations have dramatically changed over the past decade, especially in application speed and transparency. "Students in 2025 are totally different than students in 2015. They expect us to be very fast, very comprehensive, and to provide all the necessary information not only about the university, but even about their specified majors," said Prof. Sherine Farouk of Abu Dhabi

Nov 4, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Universities urged to pair AI innovation with human connection in student recruitment
Travel & Food

Korea offers half-price templestay programs to boost autumn travel

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Monday that it will offer a 50 percent discount on templestay programs nationwide throughout November, encouraging domestic and international travelers to experience Buddhist temple life as part of a fall travel campaign. The initiative, dubbed "Double Happiness Temple Stay," is the key feature of the "Autumn Travel for All 2025" campaign, a public tourism drive connected to the Korea Grand Festival — a large-scale government-led shopping and cultural event that runs both online and offline through Sunday. Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Dae-hyun visited Magok Temple in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, Monday to inspect templestay facilities and gather feedback from staff ahead of the expected rise in visitors. Magok Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2018, is among 158 temples across the country currently offering the overnight experience. A templestay is a cultural immersion program that invites participants to explore monastic life through meditation, tea ceremonies with monks, temple cuisine

Nov 3, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Korea offers half-price templestay programs to boost autumn travel
Travel & Food

Lotte Hotels showcases Korean hospitality for APEC leaders in Gyeongju

Lotte Hotels & Resorts showcased the elegance of Korean hospitality on the global stage at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, providing high-level reception and catering services for world leaders and their delegations. Over 300 hospitality specialists from Lotte’s nationwide network were dispatched to handle accommodations and culinary operations. Each staff member underwent extensive training in international service etiquette, diplomatic protocol and scenario-based simulations. The hotel’s APEC VIP protocol team, led by veteran concierges recognized with the Golden Key from the international concierge association Les Clefs d’Or, oversaw the event’s hospitality operations. Lotte also held preparatory service workshops in Gyeongju, reinforcing the team’s commitment to delivering excellence grounded in traditional Korean values. Culinary preparations reflected both local flavor and symbolic harmony. Under the direction of master chef Kim Song-gi, the culinary team sourced ingredients directly from Gyeongju and devel

Nov 3, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Lotte Hotels showcases Korean hospitality for APEC leaders in Gyeongju
Society

US commentary over Silla crown gift to Trump draws backlash in Korea

A wave of satire on American late-night television over President Lee Jae Myung’s gift of a replica Silla-era gold crown to U.S. President Donald Trump has provoked strong reactions in Korea, highlighting lingering sensitivities amid recent strains in the alliance over tariffs and labor issues. The ornate replica crown, presented during the Korea-U.S. summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, quickly attracted attention from American comedy and talk show hosts. Desi Lydic, one of the hosts of "The Daily Show," said, "We have been trying real hard over here to gently steer our president away from the whole king thing. And then you come along, hey President Trump, check out this cool crown. Try it on. Take it home with you. Not helping!" On ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live," host Kimmel said, "I guess they saw millions of us marching to say 'We didn’t want a king!' and thought, 'Hey, great idea for a gift, a bejeweled crown.' It’s so embarrassing how easy he is to manipulate. Maybe he could just stay there and be king of South Korea." These jokes, which were clipped as shorts for soci

Nov 3, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
US commentary over Silla crown gift to Trump draws backlash in Korea
Others

Safety officials block sale of N. Korean liquor despite unification ministry approval

Efforts to sell North Korean-made liquor in South Korea have stalled after regulators rejected an import registration over missing safety documents. The unidentified importer brought in about 3,500 bottles of Goryeo doenjang (soybean paste) liquor and deuljjuk (bog bilberry) liquor through Incheon Port in September, after receiving prior approval from the Ministry of Unification. But the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety later denied registration for the products, citing the importer’s failure to provide documentation verifying the overseas manufacturing site, the unification ministry said Sunday. The decision was made under the Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control, enacted in 2016, which requires importers to register detailed information about foreign production facilities before filing import notifications. The system ensures that imported goods come from safety-regulated plants and allows South Korean authorities to conduct onsite inspections if potential risks are found. The ministry said the deal with North Korea’s Sangmyong Trading did not violate international sanctions

Nov 2, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Safety officials block sale of N. Korean liquor despite unification ministry approval
Travel & Food

Guide to Seoul’s trendiest autumn fashion districts: Seongsu, Itaewon, Hongdae

As the leaves change color and clothing turns warm, fashion-forward travelers are invited to experience a stylish Seoul autumn in the most iconic fashion neighborhoods, selected by the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO). From industrial chic in Seongsu to cosmopolitan flair in Itaewon and creative innovation in Hongdae, these neighborhoods offer a fresh look at Korea’s evolving urban landscape. Seongsu, Korea’s hipster haven Once filled with light industrial shops and manufacturing, Seongsu — often dubbed "Korea’s Brooklyn" — now sits at the cutting edge of Seoul’s creative fashion scene. Factories and repair shops from the 80s and 90s have been transformed into pop-up stores, avant-garde cafes and exhibition spaces. Local flagship stores introducing new domestic brands and global fashion houses like Dior both have a strong presence in the neighborhood, creating a cosmopolitan energy amid the area's red-brick buildings. Iconic spaces, including Daelim Changgo and the converted printed shop cafe Zagmach, invite visitors to enjoy an industrial-meets-arts-vibe. A stroll starting fr

Oct 31, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Guide to Seoul’s trendiest autumn fashion districts: Seongsu, Itaewon, Hongdae
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