Stories from South Korea

A former investment banking track student discovered Korean cinema in 2004, specifically the film 'Old Boy' by director Park Jong-ok. This experience led them to explore deeper cinematic interests and abandon their previous career path.

A listener has accumulated multiple insurance policies, including comprehensive, medical, cancer, and driver's insurance, with approximately 500,000 won paid monthly. These policies were acquired through phone calls, home shopping channels, and a taxi driver's insurance agent. In 2023, men aged 81 were reportedly confused about insurance. The speaker advised prioritizing insurance for major illnesses and diseases like cancer, stroke, and heart conditions. They also suggested considering insurance that allows for daily spending within a set budget. A listener in South Korea is advised to purchase insurance policies that cover diagnostic fees. The recommendation suggests buying policies that provide coverage for necessary medical expenses. Family insurance premiums in South Korea have reached 2.25 million won, with a couple's insurance alone costing 2 million won.

The song 'You're My Heart, You're My Soul' by Modern Talking was played.

IS Dongseo is promoting ESG management, focusing on eco-friendly construction, waste-to-electric vehicle initiatives, and creating a hopeful future for children. The company said the importance of safety shoes for worker well-being and family peace of mind. Woori Construction Consortium is promoting cooling solutions for construction sites. The company offers portable air conditioners designed to provide cooling in hot weather. These units are available for deployment at desired locations.

In a surprising turn of events, the AI program AlphaGo lost one of five games played against a human champion in Seoul. This marks the only time a human has defeated AlphaGo in a competitive match. The match was part of a competition that also recalled the 1997 chess match between Deep Blue and Garry Kasparov.

South Korea's largest webtoon and web novel piracy site, Newtoki, has voluntarily shut down. This action comes two weeks before the implementation of an emergency blocking system for illegal distribution sites that infringe copyright. The operator of Newtoki announced the service termination via a notice. The Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency stated that demolition work for the factory building where 74 casualties occurred will begin on the 28th. A special investigation team has lifted the work suspension order conditionally for the fire investigation, and a company selected by Safety Industry will carry out the demolition. The demolition will proceed after moving vehicles from the third floor and rooftop, and the investigation team will conduct fire analysis and secure personal belongings. The site was reportedly a major platform for sharing webtoons.

The Seoul Central District Court will deliver its verdict on the appeal case for Kim Keon-hee, the First Lady, on Tuesday. Both the prosecution and the defense have filed appeals regarding the case. The Seoul High Court held a second instance trial regarding Kim Keon-hee, the wife of the South Korean president. She faces prosecution regarding allegations of stock price manipulation and the improper receipt of gifts. The court found her partially guilty regarding charges of receiving expensive gifts, including luxury handbags and diamond necklaces. The prosecution is also appealing, citing insufficient sentencing. Both the defense and prosecution have expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling. The defense maintains her innocence and intends to appeal the decision. A court sentenced Kim Geon-hee to four years in prison and imposed a 50 million won fine.

A listener named Nurungji Cafe shared concerns about potential addiction to a radio program called 'Book Cafe'. The listener experiences anxiety and restlessness if they miss even a short segment, feeling compelled to listen daily. They question if this behavior constitutes an addiction.

A debate is occurring in South Korea regarding escalator safety, focusing on accidents caused by hurried users rather than mechanical issues. The machines wear out faster due to uneven weight distribution on the steps. This discussion is also gaining traction in Japan.

YTN Radio promoted a spring curry recipe featuring asparagus, suggesting it as a way to enjoy the seasonal flavors. The promotion was for Ottogi Curry.