Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Thai student with brain hemorrhage to return home after major donation from actress Lee Young-ae

Korean actress Lee Young-ae is earning praise once again after it was revealed that she personally donated 10 million won ($7,700) to support a Thai student who has been in a coma for months — and said she was “more thankful” to the students who organized the fundraising. According to Chonnam National University on Nov. 14, Sirinya, a Thai national studying Korean at the university’s Language Education Center, was found unconscious in her dormitory room in July. She was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with subdural hemorrhage, remaining in a coma for more than three months. The university’s volunteer club “Rhythm of Hope” began raising funds after learning that Sirinya’s family was struggling financially and could not afford the cost of treatment or medical repatriation. The campaign quickly gained momentum on campus, with students, faculty, and local residents joining the effort. The initial goal of 9 million won was soon surpassed, with donations doubling as word spread throughout the community. Amid the grassroots fundraising, Lee learned of Sirinya’s situation

Nov 15, 2025By Xportsnews

Thai student with brain hemorrhage to return home after major donation from actress Lee Young-ae

Warm potluck marks Howdy Korea's Silver Button milestone

Inside a softly lit party room in Seoul's Mapo District on Thursday evening, steaming Korean dishes, bursts of laughter and a spirited chorus of "Howdy Korea!" set the tone for a warm celebration. Creators and contributors to The Korea Times' YouTube channel, Howdy Korea, gathered for what felt less like a formal event and more like a reunion, sharing homemade dishes, chatting in Korean and English and taking part in lighthearted activities to mark the channel's newest milestone: receiving YouTube's Silver Button award. Launched in July 2024, Howdy Korea has quickly built up a dedicated following by spotlighting Korean culture through approachable, fun and engaging storytelling. Its videos have introduced viewers from around the world to local topics and issues ranging from shamanism and traditional cuisine to face reading and multiculturalism, often featuring a rotating cast of scholars, expats and artists. Several episodes have gone viral, helping the channel surpass 100,000 subscribers earlier this year. That momentum paved the way for Thursday’s gathering, where the on-screen warmt

Nov 14, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

Warm potluck marks Howdy Korea's Silver Button milestone

Professors at Sejong University gain Korean citizenship

Two professors at Sejong University recently obtained Korean citizenship through the Ministry of Justice’s Multiple Citizenship for Outstanding Talent (MCOT) initiative, which grants citizenship under eased requirements to outstanding individuals in fields such as science, the arts, sports and research. The program aims to support world-class scholars in settling and working long-term in Korea by allowing dual citizenship, thereby helping them contribute to the country’s development and innovation landscape. Nguyen Xuan Mung, a Vietnamese-born professor in Sejong University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, has devoted more than a decade to advancing research and education in Korea. “This naturalization is more than just obtaining citizenship — it’s the moment I became certain that Korea is my second home,” he said. “It is a recognition of the challenges I faced and the efforts I made here.” Following his naturalization, Nguyen said he now feels a strong sense of responsibility to contribute directly to Korea’s scientific advancement as a citizen, not merely as a

Nov 13, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Professors at Sejong University gain Korean citizenship

Juice Seyeon, once spotted with HYBE chairman, makes $37,000 from birthday livestream

Internet personality and streamer Juice Seyeon has drawn attention after earning tens of millions of won during a single birthday livestream, marking another chapter in her headline-filled career. On Sunday, Seyeon posted photos from her AfreecaTV broadcast on her social media account, writing, “Thanks to friends who made me happy for 24 hours and fans who were always there — I wrapped it up well!” The images showed her celebrating her birthday while hosting a live session, surrounded by virtual gifts from fans. During the stream, fans sent Seyeon around 500,000 Star Balloons — a virtual currency used on AfreecaTV, each worth 100 won ($0.07). The total amounted to about 50 million won ($37,000) in donations. After fees and tax deductions, her earnings are estimated to be between 33 million and 38 million won. This is not the first time Seyeon’s earnings have made headlines. In July, she appeared on the YouTube channel “This Is the Real Final” and openly discussed her income, saying, “I once made 100 million won in a single day during my birthday broadcast,” and added t

Nov 12, 2025By Xportsnews

Juice Seyeon, once spotted with HYBE chairman, makes $37,000 from birthday livestream

Myongji Hospital chief elected as new leader of Int'l Hospital Federation

Lee Wang-jun, chairman of Myongji Hospital in northwestern Seoul, has been elected president of the International Hospital Federation (IHF), becoming the second Korean to lead the global organization, which represents hospitals and healthcare associations. The Korean Hospital Association announced Tuesday that Lee was chosen during the IHF’s 48th World Hospital Congress held in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday (local time). His two-year term will run from 2027 to 2029. Until then, he will serve in the federation’s six-year executive leadership cycle, a decision-making group consisting of current, former and incoming presidents. Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Geneva, the IHF is a nonprofit organization representing more than 30,000 hospitals and 70 national hospital associations worldwide. It also serves as an official partner of the World Health Organization. Korea joined the federation in 1966, and Kim Kwang-tae served as the first Korean to serve as IHF president from 2013 to 2015. Lee pledged to increase participation in Asia and Africa, stating that he wanted to make the federa

Nov 12, 2025By Bahk Eun-ji

Myongji Hospital chief elected as new leader of Int'l Hospital Federation

Winners of 14th Global Korea Awards

The Korea Times has selected 14 students as winners of the 14th Global Korea Awards. Selma Naciri, a student at Bosung Girls’ High School in central Seoul's Yongsan District, won the grand prize, which will be presented by Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyong. Born to a Moroccan father who later became a naturalized Korean and a Korean mother, she drew on her multicultural background to study Arabic and other languages, cultivating an early sensitivity to global perspectives. Hoping to pursue a career in diplomacy, she has been active in her school’s Model United Nations program, reflecting a deep interest in international affairs. The Korea Times also recognized two outstanding students each from the elementary, middle and high school levels, along with two from the university category. The winners are Myeong Soo-min from Geumsan Elementary School, Shrestha Mondal from Gwangnam Elementary School, Kim Eun-woo from Jinsan Middle School, Ryu Seo-yeon from Lausanne Collegiate Incheon, Kim Hyun-jin from Kwangdong High School, and Park Si-yeun from Hansung Science High Sch

Nov 11, 2025By Park Ung

Beckham knighted to the tune of 'Golden'

British football icon David Beckham officially received his knighthood from King Charles III at a solemn investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday (British local time). However, the occasion drew unexpected attention for its choice of background music — a string quartet rendition of "Golden," the hit track from Netflix's global animated sensation "KPop Demon Hunters." The chart-topping hit was played as the former England captain stepped forward to receive the highest royal honor. The unconventional music selection immediately captured the attention of the media, breaking through the usual formality of the royal occasion. British tabloids, including the Daily Mail, quickly speculated on the deeper meaning of the K-pop genre song's inclusion. Many interpreted the choice of "Golden" as a playful, internal reference to Beckham's famous, affectionate nickname, "Goldenballs," which his wife, Victoria Beckham, a former member of the Spice Girls, had used during an interview in 2008. Beckham, who enjoyed a glittering career with clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, was recogn

Nov 7, 2025By Yonhap

Beckham knighted to the tune of 'Golden'

Novelist Hwang Sok-yong to receive nation's highest cultural honor

Prominent novelist Hwang Sok-yong has been named the recipient of the nation's highest cultural honor, the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the culture ministry said Friday. Hwang is among 33 recipients of the 2025 awards for contributors to the development of culture and the arts, including 17 honorees of the Order of Cultural Merit. The 82-year-old author of "Jang Gil-san," "Princess Bari" and "A Road to Sampo" was recognized for his profound insight into social realities and his contributions to social healing and reflection, having shaped the course of Korean literature for more than half a century, the ministry said. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place later in the day at the Modeu Art Theater in central Seoul. "I extend my sincere congratulations and respect to all 33 awardees," said Kim Young-soo, the ministry's first vice minister, vowing the government's continued support "to realize the vision of Korea as a cultural powerhouse."

Nov 7, 2025By Yonhap

Novelist Hwang Sok-yong to receive nation's highest cultural honor

Super Vibe Korea to bring global hip-hop, R&B acts to Incheon in December

Billing itself as Korea's "hottest" hip-hop and R&B festival, Super Vibe Korea will bring together leading artists from around the world for a concert at Inspire Arena on Incheon's Yeongjong Island on Dec. 6 and 7. Hosted by public broadcaster MBC, the two-day event will feature performances from international stars Trey Songz and Timbaland, who will both make their first appearances in Korea. Organizers said the festival aims to "close out 2025 with a showcase of talent spanning generations and genres" within the hip-hop and R&B scene. Trey Songz, known for his smooth R&B hits "Can't Help But Wait" and "Slow Motion," will headline alongside Timbaland, the Grammy-winning producer behind Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack" and Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks. Their performances are expected to highlight the event's international scope. The lineup also includes Korean rapper E SENS, winner of the Korean Music Awards Album of the Year in 2016, and American rapper Mims, who topped the Billboard Hot 100 with "This Is Why I'm Hot." Joining

Nov 4, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

Super Vibe Korea to bring global hip-hop, R&B acts to Incheon in December

High1 Resort hosts Asia Model Festival 2025 to promote models, fashion, industry

The High1 Resort hosted the Asia Model Festival 2025 from Oct. 25-31 to bring together Asia’s most influential fashion and beauty icons. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the event was the 20th of its kind. Under the theme of “Integration of Asian Fashion, Beauty and Culture,” the weeklong festival invited top models, designers and influencers from 26 countries, making it the largest edition in the festival’s history. The event programs included the Asia Senior Open Audition, Asia Open Collection, Face of Asia, Asia Beauty Awards and Asia Model Awards. The festival’s opening ceremony featured senior models walking the runway, showcasing their intergenerational talent. On Oct. 26 and 27, the Asia Open Collection highlighted models from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and China presenting fashion that combined tradition with contemporary design against the scenic backdrop of the High1 Resort in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province. The Face of Asia segment offered emerging models a platform to compete for recognition, with international modeling agencies and brand

Nov 1, 2025By Jhoo Dong-chan

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