Can Yoon be suspended without impeachment?

South Korea is facing unprecedented political turmoil as the ruling People Power Party, led by its chair Han Dong-hoon, grapples with the exit strategy that would otherwise determine the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Amid the opposition Democratic Party of Korea's persistent push for Yoon's impeachment following allegations of insurrection, the conservative ruling bloc has now strategically shifted toward calls for Yoon's “orderly resignation,” arguing that this pat

Dec. 8, 2024

Does cross atop Christmas tree at Seoul Plaza reflect religious bias?

Seoul faces the same controversy every Christmas: Should the Christmas tree at Seoul Plaza have a Christian cross at the top? The debate has resurfaced once again this year. The 19-meter tree, adorned with an illuminating cross, red ribbons and gift-shaped ornaments, will remain illuminated until Dec. 31, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. On Nov. 18, the lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree took place at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall. The event was attended by key figures i

Dec. 2, 2024

[From the Scene] Seoul's self-driving bus: What to know

In the dark, early hours of Friday, as temperatures in Seoul dipped below freezing, a few passengers stood bundled in padded jackets, hands buried in their pockets. They were waiting for bus No. A160, the latest autonomous addition to Seoul's mass transportation system. Operating exclusively in the early morning hours, the bus leaves Dobongsan Station Metropolitan Transfer Center in northern Seoul at 3:30 a.m. to head for Yeongdeungpo Station. Still in the pilot phase, it makes the 50-kilom

Dec. 2, 2024

[Weekender] Comic book cafes: Korea's nostalgic escape for all ages

Comic book cafes in Korea hold a cherished spot in many hearts, offering a nostalgic escape to the imaginative simplicity of childhood and a retreat from the stresses of adult life. Until the 1990s, before the advent of smartphones, comic book cafes were a haven for teenagers seeking entertainment and stress relief. While attention has shifted to multimedia on mobile devices, these cafes remain a haven for many and have evolved to cater to diverse interests. For some, comic book cafes offer esca

Nov. 30, 2024

Which surname will Moon and Jung give their child?

The revelation that actor Jung Woo-sung and model Moon Ga-bi, who are not married, have welcomed a child has captured widespread public attention, sparking speculation about whether the child will be given Jung’s or Moon’s surname and highlighting the legal intricacies involved. Jung confirmed on Nov. 24 that he is the father of Moon’s child, two days after Moon announced the birth on social media. While Jung pledged to "fulfill his responsibilities" as a father, he h

Nov. 30, 2024

SNU professors join growing movement calling for Yoon's resignation

Seoul National University, South Korea's top university and the alma mater of President Yoon Suk Yeol, has joined a growing wave of calls for his resignation on Thursday, a movement that has been spreading across universities and the religious sector nationwide since late October. A total of 525 SNU professors held a press conference at the university's museum in Seoul on Thursday, announcing their participation in the movement of institutions issuing declaration spreading across the c

Nov. 29, 2024

Korea to ease visa rules for skilled foreign workers

The South Korean government will ease visa requirements for skilled workers, and partially lift hiring limits for foreign national workers in the construction industry, according to the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday. Under what it has dubbed its “New Immigration Policy,” industries can propose bringing in foreign workers for specific needs, with requests assessed by government ministries and a committee of experts deciding on adjustments like workforce quotas. Changes will be made

Nov. 27, 2024

Seoul city opens emergency care centers

Seoul City announced Monday that it has launched two urgent care clinics and four specialized clinics to address the challenges patients requiring urgent care for non-severe conditions face during nights and holidays. The centers are expected to alleviate patients' challenges accessing medical care after a prolonged standoff between the government and trainee doctors, according to city officials. The two urgent care clinics, one in Yangcheon-gu and the other one in Songpa-gu, are to treat n

Nov. 25, 2024

Opposition leader awaits perjury trial ruling

The Seoul Central District Court is set to rule Monday on perjury subornation charges against Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party. The ruling of the first trial comes just 10 days after Lee received a suspended prison sentence in a separate trial for violating the Public Official Election Act, further compounding the legal challenges that could cost him his parliamentary seat and jeopardize his presidential aspirations. Prosecutors filed the perjury subornation case aga

Nov. 24, 2024

Nationwide rail disruptions feared as union plans strike from Dec. 5

Concerns over possible nationwide rail disruption grew as unionized workers announced Thursday that they would go on an indefinite general strike on Dec. 5 to demand a wage increase and a bigger workforce. If implemented, the strike is expected to affect the operations of high-speed KTX and other regular train services nationwide, as well as subway services in the capital area, including the operation of Subway Line Nos. 1, 3 and 4 and the Suin-Bundang line. The Korean Railway Workers' Unio

Nov. 21, 2024