Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Foreign language newspaper guild celebrates decade of progress

The Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea (FNA) marked its 10th anniversary Wednesday, recognizing journalists and staff who have helped share Korea's stories with the world in English and Chinese. Founded in 2015, the FNA brings together Korea's major daily foreign-language newspapers — The Korea Times, The Korea JoongAng Daily, The Korea Herald and The Aju Daily, which is the Chinese edition of Aju Business Daily. The association aims to boost cooperation among its members and expand Korean media's presence on the global stage. A ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul drew an audience of lawmakers, diplomats and journalists. Notable attendees included acting chair and floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Rep. Kim Byung-kee; emergency committee chair and floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party Rep. Song Eon-seog; acting chair and floor leader of the Reform Party Rep. Chun Ha-ram; and senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication Lee Kyu-youn. In his congratulatory remarks, FNA Chairman Choi Jin-young,

Jul 9, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

Foreign language newspaper guild celebrates decade of progress

Uzbek breaks ground by earning electrician certification via Korean training initiative

Before becoming the first person in Uzbekistan to earn an electrician certification, Dilmurodov Lazizbek made a living selling goods in his hometown of Shahrisabz. Now, after completing a year of vocational training supported by Korea’s development agency, he is stepping into a future that he once thought was unattainable. Lazizbek completed a training course at a center built by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and then passed a newly introduced national qualification exam. Held in May and June, the test attracted more than 200 applicants across three fields: automobile maintenance, welding and electrical work. Thirty candidates passed, with Lazizbek becoming the country’s first officially certified electrician. “I studied electrical systems through a KOICA program,” said Lazizbek during the certificate ceremony in Tashkent on June 26. “Now I have proof of my skills, and I believe this will open doors for me both in Uzbekistan and internationally.” The qualification exam forms part of a broader development initiative launched by KOICA in cooperation with U

Jul 9, 2025By Bahk Eun-ji

Uzbek breaks ground by earning electrician certification via Korean training initiative

BTS’ V, Suzy and Park Bo-gum dazzle in Paris, ending debate over ‘idol vs. actor’ visuals

The striking visuals of BTS’ V, singer-actor Suzy and actor Park Bo-gum have captivated global fans, reigniting praise for their star power and settling once and for all the debate over whether idols or actors shine brighter. On July 6, photos featuring the trio at a luxury brand event in Paris went viral across social media and online communities. A short video showing them posing side by side also spread quickly, drawing massive attention from fans around the world. Each star showcased a unique sense of style and charm. V embraced a bohemian aesthetic with a bold red-patterned top and wide-legged trousers. His wet-hair look, paired with gold accessories, lent a polished, artistic flair. Suzy wore a black two-piece outfit adorned with gold buttons, accessorized with a sleek mini shoulder bag, achieving a look that was both classic and elegant. Her long, straight hair and subtle makeup further emphasized her signature grace. Park Bo-gum opted for a dandy casual style, wearing a checkered jacket with a white shirt and denim jeans. His unbuttoned collar and soft waves gave him a relaxed

Jul 9, 2025By Xportsnews

BTS’ V, Suzy and Park Bo-gum dazzle in Paris, ending debate over ‘idol vs. actor’ visuals

Lee Si-young announces pregnancy after divorce, sparks debate over embryo use

Actor Lee Si-young revealed Tuesday that she is expecting her second child, just four months after her divorce from restaurateur Cho Seong-hyun. “My ex-husband did not agree, but I have decided to bear the full weight of this decision,” the 43-year-old wrote on her Instagram. “I could not bring myself to discard the embryo that was nearing the end of its storage period. My life as a mother has always been my greatest source of strength.” During her marriage, Lee and Cho underwent IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment. The fertilized embryo was not implanted at the time. As their relationship ended and the five-year storage period for the frozen embryo approached expiration, Lee decided to proceed with the implantation despite Cho’s opposition. “When I had my son eight years ago, it was before getting married and while I was filming a drama. Each year, I regretted and blamed myself for the moments I spent in anxiety. I always wanted children and I never wanted to repeat the regrets I felt with my first child,” she continued. Her case is very exceptional in Korea, as it is a

Jul 8, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

Lee Si-young announces pregnancy after divorce, sparks debate over embryo use

Cardinal You hopes President Lee Jae Myung will meet Pope Leo XIV this year

Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy at the Vatican, shared his special ties with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV and expressed hope that President Lee Jae Myung can visit the Vatican within the year for a meeting with the pontiff. “Before he became Pope, we lived on different floors of the same apartment building in the Vatican, so we often ran into each other,” You said during a press conference at Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea in Seoul, Thursday. “I’d joke about whether my footsteps were too loud and we’d laugh together.” The cardinal said the new Pope has visited Korea multiple times and has a high level of understanding of the country’s history and current affairs. “I have already conveyed to President Lee my hope that he visits the Vatican this year,” You said. “Pope Leo XIV has shown great interest in Korea and I believe he can contribute meaningfully to peace on the Korean Peninsula and dialogue between North Korea and the U.S.” The cardinal confirmed that he personally delivered two letters from President Lee — one

Jul 3, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

Cardinal You hopes President Lee Jae Myung will meet Pope Leo XIV this year

InterviewRev. Lee takes Pentecostal leadership with vision for global growth, Asian hub

Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, unveiled an ambitious vision for the Pentecostal World Fellowship (PWF) following his unanimous election as secretary-general. He aims to increase the global number of Pentecostal adherents to reach 1 billion by 2033, planning to achieve the goal through robust next-generation leadership training and stronger solidarity with Asian churches, positioning the region as a central hub for the global Holy Spirit movement. On June 3, Rev. Lee was named secretary-general of the PWF. Established in Switzerland in 1947, the PWF is the world’s largest Pentecostal church alliance, representing around 700 million members across more than 150 countries. The organization holds a World Pentecostal Conference every five years as a platform for leaders to exchange insights and forge common stances on missions and global issues. Rev. Lee views his new role as a continuation of his decades-long dedication to the mission of the late Rev. Cho Yong-gi, founder of Yoido Full Gospel Church, also known as David Yonggi Cho. "I believe this election is a

Jul 3, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

Rev. Lee takes Pentecostal leadership with vision for global growth, Asian hub

Detective who cracked vicious 1990s Korean murder ring dies at 76

Ko Byung-cheon, the detective who led the arrest of a seven-member gang behind a string of brutal murders that shocked Korea in the early 1990s, died last month. He was 76. The cause and location of his death were not disclosed. Born in 1949 in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Ko began his police career in 1976. He rose to national prominence in 1994 for leading the arrest of the Jijon gang, whose crimes included murder, cannibalism and the construction of a private incinerator to dispose of victims’ bodies. One of the most gruesome criminal cases in modern Korean history traces back to July 1993, when a group of men who met through gambling formed a gang led by ringleader Kim Gi-hwan. The gang members were mostly young men in their early 20s, raised in poverty and with little access to formal education. Their crimes were fueled by a deep resentment toward society — particularly its wealthy elite. The gang devised a set of rules that reflected their animosity toward the wealthy, adopting slogans such as “Curse the rich” and “Extort 1 billion won” — roughly $1.76 million today.

Jul 3, 2025By Park Ung

Detective who cracked vicious 1990s Korean murder ring dies at 76

Ex-KBO manager Lee Kwang-hwan dies at 77

Lee Kwang-hwan, who managed the LG Twins to the 1994 Korean Series title with a revolutionary use of his pitching staff, died Wednesday at age 77. Lee had been receiving treatment for lung issues on the southern island of Jeju in recent weeks. Lee managed four franchises for 11 seasons total in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), including two stints with the Twins. In 1994, he led the Seoul-based club to their second Korean Series championship. Lee was also the inaugural manager of the Woori (currently Kiwoom) Heroes in 2008, after they had taken the place of the cash-strapped Hyundai Unicorns. Lee lasted just one season there and it ended up being his final KBO managerial job. Lee had 608 wins as manager, the 11th-highest total in league history. After serving as a hitting coach for the OB (currently Doosan) Bears from 1982 to 1985, Lee received coaching training overseas, first with the Saitama Seibu Lions in 1986 and then with the St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball in 1987. He returned to Korea to begin his managerial career with the Bears in 1989. Lee is largely credited

Jul 2, 2025By Yonhap

Ex-KBO manager Lee Kwang-hwan dies at 77

Will Oasis face boycott? Liam Gallagher’s slur draws backlash in Korea, Japan

Liam Gallagher of the legendary British rock band Oasis, is facing backlash for a racially insensitive remark that angered many fans in Korea and beyond. On Tuesday, Gallagher posted the word “Chingchong” on X, formerly Twitter. The term is widely recognized as a racial slur originating from a mockery of East Asian accents, and is considered offensive toward people of Chinese, Korean, Japanese and other East Asian backgrounds. When a fan responded by warning him not to use the phrase, Gallagher replied, “Why.” Another fan commented he might be about to “offend his own fans." "Are you joking? Your fans will be upset,” to which he responded, “Chill out Birdy,” appearing to dismiss the concern. Despite continuing to argue with fans online, Gallagher eventually deleted the post. However, he initially showed little indication of understanding the severity of the issue. Following the deletion, he posted a short apology, writing, “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love.” The cont

Jul 2, 2025By Xportsnews

Will Oasis face boycott? Liam Gallagher’s slur draws backlash in Korea, Japan

Economic Essay Contest Dear Mirfayz: Result of my search for better financial system in Korea

These days, more and more people around us are going on overseas trips. But when they start preparing for the trip, they often face unexpected problems. One of the biggest issues is money. How much cash should they bring from Korea? Can they use their Korean card abroad? If so, how much are the fees? Even though it’s just a short trip, there are many things to think about. Of course, opening a local bank account in another country is nearly impossible. We often feel burdened by minor financial inconveniences during short trips abroad. So how much more complicated and challenging must it be for foreigners who have to manage their finances while living in Korea for an extended period? To show what kind of problems they face, I want to share the real story of my friend Mirfayz. He’s a student from Uzbekistan, and we became friends in a liberal arts class. One day, he sent me a text message in a panic. “20,000 won disappeared from my account to a bank I don’t know. I think I’ve been hacked. What should I do?” He also sent me a screenshot. It showed that the money had been trans

Jul 2, 2025By Kim Tae-young

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