Confusion, disbelief, outrage spread across Korea after martial law declaration

The declaration of emergency martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol has left citizens grappling with disbelief, fear and anger. The unprecedented move, announced late Tuesday night, has plunged the nation into a state of uncertainty, evoking painful memories of some of South Korea’s authoritarian past and sparking concerns about the future of the country’s democracy. As the news spread early Wednesday morning, commuters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, gathered in the bustling City Hall area to

Dec. 4, 2024

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung calls martial law declaration 'unconstitutional'

Main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung issued a stern warning to those who comply with the President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law orders. Lee harshly criticized President Yoon’s decision to declare martial law, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional, with no practical prerequisites to justify such an extreme measure.” He further addressed the military and police, stating, “From this moment on, the president’s orders stemming from the illegal martial law declarat

Dec. 4, 2024

Schools to operate normally despite martial law declaration: ministry

Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of emergency martial law on Dec. 3, the Ministry of Education has officially confirmed that schools will operate as usual on Wednesday. In a statement issued late this evening, a Ministry of Education spokesperson clarified, “Despite the declaration of martial law, there are currently no directives or restrictions that would necessitate school closures. Classes will proceed as scheduled tomorrow.” This announcement comes amid a wa

Dec. 4, 2024

'Is this happening in 2024?' South Koreans in panic, disbelief

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law Tuesday night, sending shock waves through the nation. Made near at 10:25 p.m., the announcement has left citizens and experts alike scrambling to understand its implications. According to South Korea’s Constitution and the Martial Law Act, emergency martial law can be declared during wartime, in cases of a major national emergency akin to war, or when public order is severely disrupted, rendering administrative and judici

Dec. 3, 2024

AI textbook in classrooms: Timely, or too early?

SEJONG -- Starting in March next year, classrooms across South Korea will see a new digital transformation. Instead of opening up textbooks, third, fourth, and seventh graders, along with first-year high school students, will turn on their digital devices to participate in class. On Monday, the Ministry of Education unveiled 76 government-certified artificial intelligence-based digital textbooks, showcasing their capabilities through a demonstration to reporters. If successfully implemented, Sou

Dec. 3, 2024

Education Ministry firm on keeping medical quota expansion

The Ministry of Education said Monday that it regretted the suspension of operations by the medical standoff consultation body, adding that the government is open to talks for the school year 2026, not 2025. Koo Yeon-hee, a ministry spokesperson, made the remarks at a briefing at the Sejong Complex, responding to the medical community's decision to cease the council on Sunday. The ministry also reiterated its stance on keeping the increased quota and noted that the 2025 quota for medical sc

Dec. 2, 2024

Number of older inmates rising sharply

A severe decline in birthrate pushing Korea to the verge of becoming super-aged society, the number of elderly inmates in correctional facilities is also increasing rapidly, with 1 in 6 inmates aged 60 years or older. According to the Ministry of Justice's corrections statistics on Monday, the the number of inmates aged 60 and above surged from 2,350 in 2013 to 6,504 in 2023, and now makes up 17.1 percent of the total prison population. This demographic shift leaves behind significant chall

Dec. 2, 2024

4-way body on medical standoff pauses over differences

A consultative body involving the ruling People Power Party, the government, and representatives from the medical community suspended its activities after just 20 days of operation. The group was established to find a resolution to the prolonged standoff over health care reform, including contentious plans to increase medical school quotas. The decision to pause discussions indefinitely was announced Sunday, following the body’s fourth plenary meeting. “The medical community has cons

Dec. 1, 2024

Labor Ministry rejects E-9 visas for foreign bus drivers

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has declined Seoul’s request to expand the E-9 visa program to allow foreign bus drivers on local community routes. The ministry stated that the proposal is incompatible with current laws and will be treated as a long-term issue requiring further consideration. According to the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, the E-9 visa program excludes professional occupations that require qualifications or experience. Bus driving, classified as a

Dec. 1, 2024

Lawmaker calls for larger scope of 'family'

Mentioning actor Jung Woo-sung and model Moon Ga-bi having a child while not marrying each other, People Power Party Rep. Na Kyung-won proposed introducing a policy similar to France’s "Pacte Civil de Solidarite" to offer legal protection for children born to unmarried parents. The PACS, a form of civil union in France, provides legal status to unmarried couples --both same-sex and opposite-sex -- granting some of the rights of marriage. Citing recent statistics, she wrote on Fac

Dec. 1, 2024