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South Korean Parliamentary Speaker Cho Discusses Energy and Defense Cooperation with Croatian President

South Korean Parliamentary Speaker Cho Discusses Energy and Defense Cooperation with Croatian President

South Korean National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik recently concluded a series of meetings with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. The primary focus of these discussions was to enhance energy and defense cooperation between South Korea and Croatia. During his meeting with President Milanovic in Zagreb, Speaker Cho highlighted the friendly and cooperative relations that have existed since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, which were elevated to a comprehensive, future-oriented partnership in 2023. A significant aspect of the defense cooperation is the recent deal signed by South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace to export 18 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Croatia, valued at approximately 640 billion won (US$477 million). This marks the first major arms deal between the two countries and is expected to open avenues for broader partnership, including industrial cooperation and military logistics sup...
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South Korea Reviews Athlete Housing Perks Following Asian Games Backlash

South Korea Reviews Athlete Housing Perks Following Asian Games Backlash

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) is reviewing an overhaul of the system that grants special housing benefits to athletes who achieve outstanding results in international sports competitions. This review comes amid a fairness controversy that intensified after the recent Asian Games. The current MOLIT ordinance, the "Rules on the Supply of Dwellings," allows athletes who place within the top three in events like the Olympics, world championships, and Asian Games to apply for national and private dwellings of 85 square meters or less, once in a lifetime, provided they are homeowners. The controversy escalated due to public backlash, particularly when remarks by some men's national soccer team players regarding military service exemptions coincided with these housing benefits. Critics argue that these 'double benefits' are difficult to justify, especially given the rising challenges young people and newlyweds face in purchasing homes.
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Lee Joon Reveals Financial Struggles and Health Issues During MBLAQ Career

Lee Joon Reveals Financial Struggles and Health Issues During MBLAQ Career

Lee Joon Reveals Financial Struggles and Health Issues During MBLAQ Career
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K-Pop Idols: A Guide to Female Artists and Groups in the Korean Music Industry

K-Pop Idols: A Guide to Female Artists and Groups in the Korean Music Industry

K-Pop Idols: A Guide to Female Artists and Groups in the Korean Music Industry
ReutersReuters
Productivity gains from AI could help offset Asia's ageing population problem, IMF says

Productivity gains from AI could help offset Asia's ageing population problem, IMF says

By Rae Wee BANGKOK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Artificial intelligence could help offset Asia's shrinking workforce as some countries' populations age, provided its adoption is scaled evenly across the region instead of deepening existing disparities, the International Monetary Fund said on Monday.
AP NewsAP News
South Korea’s military says North Korea fired a projectile toward the sea

South Korea’s military says North Korea fired a projectile toward the sea

South Korea’s military says North Korea fired at least one projectile toward its eastern waters, adding to a recent streak in weapons demonstrations
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2026 Yeosu World Island Expo to Showcase Island Cultures and Experiences

2026 Yeosu World Island Expo to Showcase Island Cultures and Experiences

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, the first international exposition dedicated to islands, is scheduled to run for 61 days from September 5 to November 4, 2026, in Yeosu, South Korea. This event aims to highlight Yeosu's 365 islands and diverse island cultures from around the globe. Unlike traditional expos, this is an experiential, travel-oriented event encouraging visitors to explore actual islands. The main venue in Dolsan's Jinmo district will feature cutting-edge exhibitions, including a 3D media facade structure called Theme Island, showcasing the past, present, and future of islands. Future Island will display urban air mobility (UAM) aircraft and hydrogen-powered vessels, while Treasure Island will offer interactive missions and augmented reality adventures for families. Cultural performances from 16 countries will be held at an outdoor venue, and Restaurant & Market Island will offer diverse culinary experiences from various islands.
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Actor Jung Woo-sung Resigns as Internal Director of Artist Company

Actor Jung Woo-sung Resigns as Internal Director of Artist Company

Actor Jung Woo-sung Resigns as Internal Director of Artist Company
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Singer Steve Yoo Wins Third Appeal in South Korea Visa Denial Case

Singer Steve Yoo Wins Third Appeal in South Korea Visa Denial Case

Singer Steve Yoo has won his third appeal in a lawsuit against the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles regarding the denial of his visa to enter South Korea. The Seoul High Court’s Administrative Division 8-2 ruled in Yoo’s favor, upholding the lower court's decision. This marks another legal victory for Yoo, who has been barred from entering South Korea since 2002 after obtaining U.S. citizenship and avoiding mandatory military service. Despite previous Supreme Court rulings in his favor in two prior lawsuits, the Consulate General had continued to deny his visa applications, leading to this third legal challenge. Yoo expressed gratitude and regret on social media to his fans, acknowledging the passage of 24 years and his current status as a father of four nearing 50.
ReutersReuters
Trump says Norway has 'indelible stain' for not awarding him Nobel Peace Prize

Trump says Norway has 'indelible stain' for not awarding him Nobel Peace Prize

By Jacob Bogage SYRACUSE, New York, Oct 9 (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump reiterated his complaints on Friday about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, calling it a disgraceful and embarrassing decision that had left a stain on Norway, which hosts the Nobel committee.
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Dolomiti Region Experiences Overtourism Driven by Asian Tourists and Social Media Trends

Dolomiti Region Experiences Overtourism Driven by Asian Tourists and Social Media Trends

The Dolomiti region in Italy is currently facing significant overtourism, particularly during the autumn season. This surge is largely attributed to an influx of tourists from Southeast Asia, especially South Korea. Images of long queues on trails, such as those in Val di Funes, highlight the extent of the crowding. Expert Kim HyunJin notes that South Korean tourists, having saturated traditional European destinations like Rome and Venice, are now seeking 'hidden gems.' This trend is amplified by Asian media, including television programs and web formats dedicated to the Dolomites, which have elevated the region to a cult destination. Social media further fuels this phenomenon, as visitors compete to explore and share content from lesser-known locations, leading to constant crowds and challenges in small mountain villages and previously less-traveled paths.
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Werner Herzog Joins Voice Cast for Bong Joon Ho's Animated Film 'Ally'

Werner Herzog Joins Voice Cast for Bong Joon Ho's Animated Film 'Ally'

Werner Herzog Joins Voice Cast for Bong Joon Ho's Animated Film 'Ally'