South Korea - The Korea Times

No religion, but yes to fortune-tellers? Korea and Japan say yes

Despite having some of the lowest religious affiliation rates in the world, people in Korea and Japan remain surprisingly receptive to fortune-telling and prophetic guidance, according to new global survey results. The Pew Research Center released data Tuesday from a 36-country study conducted in 2023 and 2024. It found that while countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Tunisia reported a 100 percent rate of religious affiliation — all being nations where Buddhism or Islam is the state religion — the rates were notably lower in East Asia. Japan recorded the world’s lowest religious population rate at just 44 percent, with Korea not far behind at 51 percent, placing 32nd out of the 36 countries surveyed. India and Israel, where Hinduism and Judaism are dominant respectively, also reported near-universal levels of religious identity. When asked about religious practices, such as praying daily, Muslim-majority countries led the rankings: 95 percent of Indonesians said they pray almost every day, followed by 84 percent of respondents in Kenya and Nigeria and 8

Jul 2, 2025By Hankookilbo

No religion, but yes to fortune-tellers? Korea and Japan say yes

Labor group to stage large-scale strike this month

One of the nation's largest umbrella labor groups, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), said Wednesday it will stage a two-day, large-scale strike later this month to demand the government again push for a pro-labor act. Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the 1.2 million-strong KCTU, also called on the government to immediately scrap "anti-labor" policies by the previous Yoon Suk Yeol government. The KCTU said it will stage strike rallies nationwide on July 16, including in central Seoul, followed by another rally and march on July 19. The union also renewed its calls for revisions to Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union Act, also known as the "yellow envelope law," aimed at limiting companies from making claims for damages against legitimate labor union disputes. The legislation passed the National Assembly twice but was vetoed by Yoon amid opposition from business lobbies and the People Power Party.

Jul 2, 2025By Yonhap

Labor group to stage large-scale strike this month

Foreigners and the unclaimed left without end-of-life choices, denied dignified death

When a critically ill patient at the National Medical Center in Seoul recently entered the final stage of life, doctors were ready to shift to palliative care. The patient’s spouse and children had agreed to forgo resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatment, signing a formal consent document. But then came a problem: medical staff learned that the patient’s elderly parents were still alive. Under South Korean law, the decision to halt life-sustaining treatment requires full consent from all immediate family members, including the spouse, adult children and parents, if the patient has not previously made their wishes clear. In this case, the patient’s family had intentionally withheld the news from the parents, fearing it would be too much for them to bear. As a result, the patient was kept on life-sustaining treatment longer than the family desired. This is one of many cases that illustrate how the noble intent behind Korea’s 2018 law on dignified death, designed to allow patients to make end-of-life decisions, can be undermined by rigid procedures that fail to reflect the

Jul 2, 2025By Hankookilbo

Foreigners and the unclaimed left without end-of-life choices, denied dignified death

New law targeting delinquent parents comes into force

A new law targeting delinquent parents took effect Tuesday, as the government pledged to pursue child support evaders directly on behalf of those affected. The new law marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to a long-standing social issue. By stepping in to provide immediate financial support, the state aims to shield vulnerable children from the economic fallout of parental neglect. The measure not only strengthens the safety net for single-parent families, but also grants the Child Support Agency expanded authority to pursue delinquent parents — signaling a more assertive stance on enforcement and accountability. Under the revised Act on Enforcing and Supporting Child Support Payment, the state-run Child Support Agency will provide 200,000 won ($150) each month per child to parents who have not received legally mandated support from former partners, and will later seek to recover the overdue payments from the delinquent parent. Legal guardians of minor children become eligible for state support if they have gone without child support payments for three months or mo

Jul 2, 2025By Jung Min-ho

New law targeting delinquent parents comes into force

Handong Global University begins search for new president

Handong Global University has launched a search for a new president, seeking a leader to advance its Christian mission and global vision as the institution marks its 30th anniversary. The incoming president, the university’s eighth, will serve a four-year term beginning Feb. 1, 2026, and concluding Jan. 31, 2030. Founded in 1995 in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, the university has built a reputation as a small but strong institution with a global outlook and innovative academic programs. Over the past three decades, Handong Global University has produced more than 15,000 graduates now working in over 100 countries. Despite not operating a medical school, the university has trained over 300 medical doctors and more than 1,250 practicing lawyers in Korea and abroad, many of whom have carried out the school’s founding motto, "Learn to give." The university has been recognized for its pioneering approach in Korean higher education, introducing innovations such as a flexible major selection policy, mandatory double majors, team-based learning and its signature holistic education model

Jul 1, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Handong Global University begins search for new president

Heat wave set to grip Korea this week

Korea’s weather agency issued heat wave watches for much of the country this week, including Seoul, warning of scorching daytime temperatures, tropical nights and increased risk of heat-related illnesses as the nation faces its first major hot spell of the summer. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Monday that daytime highs ranged from 27 to 35 degrees Celsius across the country, with temperatures in most areas feeling like 33 degrees or higher due to humidity. Seoul recorded its first tropical night of the year between Sunday and Monday, with temperatures dipping only to 25.6 degrees Celsius. A tropical night refers to conditions in which the lows remain above 25 degrees between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. the next day. This year’s first tropical night in the capital came eight days later than last year’s. As of Monday, heat wave warnings were in effect for parts of North and South Jeolla provinces as well as South Gyeongsang Province, while most other regions, including Seoul, remained under heat wave advisories. A heat wave advisory is issued when temperatures are expected

Jun 30, 2025By Lee Hae-rin

Seoul slashes Cheonggye Stream busking zones over noise complaints

From July 1 onwards, amateur street performers will only be permitted to perform at one designated location — down from five — along Seoul’s iconic Cheonggye Stream. This decision follows a surge in noise complaints and safety concerns from nearby residents. The move highlights the ongoing tension between the vibrant urban culture of one of Seoul’s busiest public spaces and the quality of life of its residents. The Seoul Metropolitan Facilities Management Corp. announced Sunday that the number of official busking zones would be reduced to just the Samil Bridge, from the previous spots of Mojeon, Gwangtong, Gwanggyo, Ogansu and Samil bridges. The decision has been made at a time when the city is dealing with a significant increase in reports of noise pollution associated with street performances and alcohol-related incidents. “We had no choice but to reduce the number of busking zones, given the increase in noise complaints and police reports related to alcohol-related incidents. This latest decision was made to ensure the safety of visitors and performers alike,” the corporat

Jun 30, 2025By Lee Hae-rin

Seoul slashes Cheonggye Stream busking zones over noise complaints

Late French veteran named as Korean War hero for July

Msg. Roland Gavriloff, a fallen French soldier who served in the 1950-53 Korean War, has been designated as the Korean War hero for July in recognition of his contributions during the conflict, South Korea's veterans ministry said Monday. Born in 1926, Gavriloff joined the French Army in 1944 and volunteered to serve in the Korean War after taking part in operations in the Indochina war. Upon arriving in South Korea in 1952 as a member of the French battalion under the U.N. Command, he fought alongside the U.S. 2nd Infantry in Cheorwon but died during a battle at Arrowhead Ridge. The French government has honored his devotion by posthumously presenting him with the Legion of Honour, the highest national award, and naming a road after Gavriloff in his hometown of Amneville. In 2023, the War Memorial of Korea presented a certificate of donation to the French ambassador, thanking his government for the donation of items, including Gavriloff's reconstructed uniform.

Jun 30, 2025By Yonhap

Late French veteran named as Korean War hero for July

'Squid Game' parade at Seoul’s city center sparks concerns over children’s exposure to adult content

A large-scale “Squid Game”-themed parade held at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday evening has sparked debate among parents and educators over the appropriateness of exposing children to content inspired by the adult-rated Netflix series. Baek, a 34-year-old Seoul resident, was strolling through the square with her husband, 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter when she was surprised to encounter the event. The parade, organized to celebrate the release of the final season of Squid Game on Friday, resulted in traffic controls and drew thousands of fans. “I just can’t understand it,” Baek said. “The show is rated for adults. Should something like this really be held in an open square, not a restricted venue? Adults shouldn’t expose children and teens to content meant for mature audiences. Is money and popularity all that matters? This kind of marketing makes me uncomfortable.” She added that “Squid Game”-branded snacks and children’s merchandise are now common in stores, further blurring the lines between adult and child-appropriate content. Jung, a 28-year-old kinderg

Jun 29, 2025By Lee Hae-rin

'Squid Game' parade at Seoul’s city center sparks concerns over children’s exposure to adult content

Korea closes its last state-run coal mine, marking end of an era

“Even the dogs carried 10,000-won bills in their mouths.” So went a popular saying that captured the heady days of Gangwon Province’s mining towns at their peak. In the 1960s and '70s, these coal communities thrived amid a boom that transformed the region into a symbol of working-class prosperity. The coal industry’s golden age began with a 1961 law that paved the way for large-scale mine development. By 1966, coal supplied 45.7 percent of Korea’s primary energy, making it the nation's dominant energy source. Money flowed fast. Expensive bars set up shop in mining towns, and there are stories of customers leaving tips by switching on electric fans and tossing handfuls of cash from burlap sacks into the air. Another saying that captures the era’s excess: “If you work at a Korea Coal Corp. mine, you’ll get a bride without even being seen first.” Even in Gangwon Province mining hubs like Samcheok and Taebaek, which had dozens of mines, those under the state-run Korea Coal Corp. held unmatched prestige. This week marks the end of an era. The Dogye Coal Mine in Samcheok, Gangw

Jun 28, 2025By Park Ung

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