Stories from South Korea

The Seoul International Garden Show will open this Friday in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Organizers aim to extend the garden concept beyond park boundaries to include surrounding areas like the Han River, Seongsu-dong, and Konkuk University area. Last year's event at Boramhae Park attracted over 700,000 visitors. installations include 'Garden Flowing Under the Forest' by French landscape artist Akmi Baba, located at the entrance of Seoul Forest. Participants include corporations, various institutions, individual artists, students, and citizens. Renowned artist Hwang Jae-hee, a three-time winner of the 70th PLA Show, is participating with a work titled 'Wan-gan-ui Su-su-bun'. The event provides guidance systems in nine different languages via audio and text. A mobile treasure hunt game called 'Adhentos' is available for children to use within virtual reality garden settings.

The National Health Insurance Service announced that 16.71 million workplace subscribers will pay an average of 218,000 KRW more in premiums. Conversely, 3.55 million subscribers with reduced compensation will receive an average refund of 115,000 KRW. The total adjustment amount is estimated at 3.07 trillion KRW, representing a roughly 10 percent increase. Starting this year, the system will automatically process year-end tax settlements for all workplaces using National Tax Service income statements. The National Health Insurance Service reports that the need for additional year-end settlements arises because companies often report changes in employee wages once a year rather than immediately. The service stated that if workplaces reported wage changes as they occurred, the year-end settlement process would be unnecessary.

Approximately 5% of the 128,000 total workforce have requested to continue normal operations during the ongoing labor dispute. The first court hearing is scheduled for April 29. The dispute involves personnel specifically related to safety facilities and raw material product prevention tasks. Samsung Electronics employees have filed for an injunction to prevent the company from labeling their bonus demands as illegal strike actions. The outcome remains uncertain due to judicial discretion and the burden of proof on Samsung.

Political pressure is mounting for party leader Jang Dong-hyeok to resign following a trip to the United States. Critics question the timing of the trip ahead of local elections and allege he misrepresented meetings with U.S. officials. Reports indicate the Chosun Ilbo has called for his resignation for five consecutive days. Jang has stated he will do everything to ensure victory in local elections except resign. The controversy involves allegations of lying regarding whether he met with a U.S. Under Secretary. Political commentators are discussing the role of Jang Dong-hyeok in the current political landscape, suggesting his actions may be contributing to the framing of Han Dong-hoon as a victim of oppression. The discussion posits that Jang's leadership style is shaping the perception of party leadership dynamics.

A new mobile application in South Korea has gained popularity among students and workers. The app has reached nearly 1 million users and specifically targets meals under 10,000 KRW due to rising dining costs and stagnant wages. South Korea's dining service price index has increased by approximately 2.4 percent over the last five years. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has established an AI Government Technical Advisory Group. A Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket successfully launched the Starlink Group 17-16 satellite constellation.

The South Korean Coast Guard has launched a search operation for a missing diver and captain. Health officials in Thailand have issued warnings regarding Hepatitis A risks from consuming raw or undercooked shellfish.

An AI priest has reportedly provided emotional support to individuals during difficult periods. The AI priest has also begun issuing its own marriage certificates. These certificates currently hold no legal validity. The practice was noted in recent reports regarding AI integration in spiritual roles. Critics suggest the priest is operating within a fantasy, but the AI priest maintains that love does not always follow established rules. The practice remains a non-legal social phenomenon.

A wildfire in the mountains of Bonghwa County, Gyeongsangbuk-do, re-ignited approximately one day after being suppressed. Firefighting authorities deployed 34 personnel and 57 pieces of equipment to control the blaze. The fire was brought under control within 1 hour and 10 minutes. No casualties were reported from the wildfire.

Choo Kyung-ho has been confirmed as the People Power Party's candidate for mayor of Daegu, facing off against Kim Bu-gyeom of the Democratic Party. Choo, a former economic minister, vowed to demonstrate the conservative party's competence. The Democratic Party's Jeong Cheong-rae is actively campaigning for Kim, visiting various regions to garner support. The People Power Party's nomination process for the Daegu mayoral race has concluded, with Choo Kyung-ho securing the candidacy. The election features a contest between former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum and former Deputy Prime Minister Choo Kyung-ho. The Democratic Party is mobilizing full support for Kim Boo-kyum, said his individual appeal over the party's name to attract centrist and some People Power Party voters.

South Korean automaker Hyundai plans to ramp up vehicle production within the United States. The company aims to avoid extra costs associated with tariffs that impact profits. This move follows global industry challenges including supply disruptions and uneven demand for electric vehicles. Currently, approximately half of Hyundai's vehicles are sold in the U.S. market. CEO Jose Munoz announced a $26 billion investment plan for the next four years to ramp up US production and mitigate 15% import tariffs.