Author: Jae young
September 9, 2025SEOUL – The number of penalties imposed on foreigners for minor crimes has surged in recent years, National Police Agency data revealed Monday.A total of 2,697 penalties have been imposed on foreign nationals this year as of July, according to a report compiled by Rep. Park Jeong-hyeon of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, based on the NPA data. The accumulated amount of the fines stood at 91 million won ($65,300). Both figures surpassed those recorded for all of 2024, when 79 million won was imposed across 2,109 cases.Penalties refer to payments made to the state for violations…
September 9, 2025SEOUL – South Korea reported its first case of artificial intelligence being used to analyze security camera footage to locate a missing person within hours, local media said Sunday.According to the Anyang Dongan Police Station in Gyeonggi Province, police received a report at around 1:24 a.m. on June 25 that a man had disappeared after sending his girlfriend a text message and turning off his phone.Officers were dispatched to the last pinged location of the man’s phone and found him at home with his family. However, shortly after, the family reported that he had gone missing again.Police then…
September 9, 2025SEOUL – South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Japanese Minister Gen Nakatani met in Seoul on Monday, where they pledged to strengthen security cooperation and communication, as well as partnership in advanced science fields.The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Yongsan, marked the first visit to South Korea by a Japanese defense minister in a decade.In a joint press statement, both sides welcomed the timing of Monday’s meeting, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan.Both ministers reiterated…
September 8, 2025SEOUL – Song Joong-ki is trading his adrenaline-fueled roles in hits such as “A Werewolf Boy” and “Reborn Rich” for the more grounded, everyday persona of a florist in a new JTBC series.“My Youth” follows child actor-turned-florist Woo-hae (Song) and his first love Jae-yeon (Chun Woo-hee), a team leader at an entertainment company. The series tells the heartfelt story of two former sweethearts who meet again years later and rekindle their bond.Primarily known for action and fantasy projects such as “Vincenzo” and “Space Sweepers,” Song reflected on returning to melodrama for the first time in nearly a decade,…
September 8, 2025SEOUL – Children and adolescents suffering depression increased significantly from 2020 to 2024, with well over 80,000 being treated for the condition last year.A total of 86,254 children and teens were treated for depression in 2024, rising 72.6 percent from 49,983 in 2020, according to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. A substantial increase was seen across both genders, with the number of girls going from 31,149 to 55,199, and boys from 18,834 to 31,055.Most minors treated for depression were aged 10-19 — 83,520 — but 2,734 children under the age of 10 also received treatment. This…
September 5, 2025SEOUL – The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Thursday that the upcoming Hangang Drone Light Show is scheduled to take place on Sunday, featuring “KPop Demon Hunters.”A total of 1,200 drones will light up the capital’s night sky, showcasing iconic Soul landmarks featured in the film, such as Cheongdam Bridge and Bukchon Hanok Village, alongside its beloved characters.The multimedia extravaganza can be enjoyed for free anywhere near Ttukseom Hangang Park in Gwangjin-gu, northeastern Seoul.The drone light show starts at 8 p.m., with “KPop Demon Hunters”-themed dance cover programs and pop music performances taking place before and after. There will…
September 5, 2025SEOUL – South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik on Thursday called for stronger and more mature ties with China during a meeting in Beijing with Zhao Leji, head of the country’s top legislative body.The meeting was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, a day after Woo attended China’s Victory Day military parade in Tiananmen Square.Zhao serves as chair of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body.Woo congratulated the Chinese side on the successful hosting of the event, adding that his visit served as a valuable opportunity to revitalize…
September 5, 2025SEOUL – South Korea’s Defense Ministry on Thursday announced an ambitious initiative to cultivate half a million troops proficient in drone operations, underscoring the growing role of unmanned systems in modern warfare and the country’s drive to foster a domestic drone industry.Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back unveiled the plan at the Republic of Korea Army’s 36th Infantry Division base in Wonju, Gangwon Province, designating the unit as the military’s first dedicated training ground for drone operations.The initiative to foster “500,000 drone warriors” is built around two pillars: giving every soldier the chance to earn drone piloting credentials and practical…
September 4, 2025SEOUL – Starting at 10 a.m. on Sept. 8, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Film Council will begin distributing movie discount vouchers worth 6,000 won each.A total of 1.88 million vouchers will be distributed.Vouchers can be claimed via the websites and apps of major multiplex chains, including CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox and CineQ. They will also be available at independent and arthouse theaters, small cinemas and senior-focused venues across the country.Two vouchers will be automatically added to each member’s account and can be used when purchasing tickets.According to the Culture Ministry, the vouchers…
September 4, 2025SEOUL – When Huntrix, the fictional girl group in Netflix’s hit animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” sang “We’re goin’ up, up, up, it’s our moment,” they weren’t just hyping up a stage performance. The line has since turned into a real-life anthem as the show’s world leaps off the screen into everyday life.From cup noodles and cakes to crackers, local companies are rushing to join the ride.Limited-edition Huntrix cup noodle set. PHOTO: NONGSHIM/THE KOREA HERALDThe first and fastest to cash in has been Nongshim.On Aug. 29, the company released limited-edition Shin Ramyun instant cup noodles featuring the show’s…